Hi there!

I have been thinking about getting the lap band for a couple months now. I weigh 205 pounds however I don't have any health problems that I have been treated for. I'm concerned that my insurance won't cover the procedure (pacific care). Does anyone have any advice or information? I'd like to lose about 65 pounds. I have no idea how much the lap band costs if I were to finance it. Thanks to all who respond!

Hey there- I would call your insurance company and just ask if they cover weight loss surgery...if so, what are the criteria you have to meet. They should tell you- possibly give you a website where you can download information. I would also find out what your BMI is (you can find BMI calculators online). Usually, your BMI has to be 38 and have some co-morbidities or a BMI of 40 with some other stipulations.

I have just recently done all of this in hopes of getting the surgery. I have started my 3 month dr. supervised diet that my insurance requires.

I wish you the best of luck in your decision!!! I know it's an important one. Let me know if I can help with any other questions.

You will definitely find this site/blog to be very helpful and the people to be very supportive.

Talk to you soon!!

.....oh and I think the procedure costs about $12-14,000 if you self pay.

Hey guys! Yea, I just attended my first seminar yesterday and I am trying to make my mind up too. Like you Egala, I am 250 punds and the surgeon said he does not think that I look "heavy enough" to want to have the banding procedure done. However, my height and bmi qualifies me, so I think I am going to go for it! Was anyone required to pay a program fee before you got your surgery done?

Hey folks!

I am at the end of my pre-op stuff (one more nutritionist appt left) and then I am looking at surgery. The one thing I can tell you is to take your time and really research the procedure. I have been doing just that for almost a year. It is not something to go into lightly. My PCP insisted that I know as much or more than the surgeon about the lap band before he would sign off on it. This is for a very important reason: this procedure is a life altering event. As you will see on this website, a lot of people have been very successful but they will probably tell you that it has been a lot of work. Know what you are getting into before you have the surgery and you will be one of the successful ones too.

Good luck in your journey!

Elgrad

Hello to all! I've done the whole research on lapband and the gastric bypass and I know for sure that the lapband is for me. I also know after reading all the posts that it's going to be a long and bumpy road and that I can come on here if I'm struggling or have questions. Oh yeah and my Consultation is this Sunday at 9:00am. It's days away but I'm kind of scared. I'll keep ya'll posted. :smile2:

Hi everyone, I was in the same boots just a few months ago. No insurance ect... You do have options. Be sure to have a free consultation with atleast 3 surgeons directly because it is important that you feel totally comfortable with the team you choose to work with as it is a journey that you will be taking together.

I chose Dr. Ramos Kelly because of his great track record and I knew I wanted to go into mexico because I am self pay. Here is what it coste me to get started on my lapband journey......

Airfare- $307

Surgery-$5500

Spending Money-$50

and future expenses....

Fill with fluro in TJ- $200 (they say it takes 3-6 to find a persons "SWEET SPOT" but this changes alot between the people)

Air fare- $300 TO TJ

or in the USA

fill- $165 ($349 first consult) no fluro

fluro- $350

Fluro is like a live exray so the Dr. can se exactly what he is doing and check out the lapband system to make sure everything is working as expected.

I hope this helps, there are alot of options. Just be sure you do what you need not what others assume.