Have any of the unbanded here had to pay for their removal surgeries themselves? I desperately want mine out, but I'm pretty sure I have no complications that would get insurance to cover it. I was wondering how much a removal could potentially cost out-of pocket.

Thanks

Why do you want yours out

Well, not something I'm interested in doing BUT I would imagine it would be close to the cost of banding, minus the cost of the band itself, which isn't terribly expensive.

Surgery center, surgeon's fees, anesthesiologist, drugs for anesthesia, other medical supplies like sponges, sutures, etc. are going to cost about the same as putting your band in.

My insurance covered the removal due to reflux and the fact it wasn't working as intended.

Although I'm still looking for itemized bills I do believe the actual cost of a lap band is quite expensive. Especially since each of my "fills" were charged as $445.00 a pop I'm pretty sure the band itself was thousands of dollars. I just found it listed as "implant - $19,125.00" which is a lot of money. My bill to have it removed just from the hospital was $7,598.32, that doesn't include the surgeon's fee and was done as out-patient. Good luck and hope you can get it covered under insurance if possible, Nancy.

I sent you an email...

I had the band put in 1/14 and I have been sick everyday..did I make a huge mistake? I want to take it out. Am I a whoose?? I have to go back to work and cant even fathom how I can do it.

I had the band put in 1/14 and I have been sick everyday..did I make a huge mistake? I want to take it out. Am I a whoose?? I have to go back to work and cant even fathom how I can do it.

Sorry to highjack - I'll make it quick!

Kay, hang in there. I had mine in on the 13th. I too was sick every day until Saturday when I went to the ER. Apparently I was allergic to the anti-nausea meds. I am very very sore now and lack energy, but I'm doing SO much better than I was. Hang in there. It has to get better!

Ok, highjack over.