Self Pay Cost for LapBand?

Can anyone please tell me what the average self-pay cost is for LapBand Surgery in Arkansas? I have QualChoice insurance and they won't pay anything on WLS but I'm wondering if they will cover any of the preliminary tests that are required BEFORE and up to the surgery. Does anyone have any ideas? It definitely looks like I will be paying the cost of my surgery out of pocket, but I've been huge for 50 years and I don't want to spend the next 50 years in this shape so I'll do it if I have to.

I had the rny so I don't know about the lap band but if you call a few of the surgeons' offices, they will let you know what it cost.

I live in Marion, just outside of Memphis, TN. I had my surgery in Memphis and the cost was right at $19,000. It seems as though surgeons vary in extreme in their pricing, however, I knew exactly what surgeon I wanted to use. Shop around a bit but ask lots of questions also. My insurance is Cigna and my employer has a Weight Loss Exclusion in our policy, so my insurance did not cover either, however, if you have the surgeon's office advise your PCP on the exact testing needed (physical, blood work, etc), I am sure that your insurance will cover that (mine did anyway). There have been a few additional things that my insurance has covered, but not much (anything helps though). I felt like you, I am knocking 40 and finally got fed up with being overweight and decided to do something about it. OH, and I must tell you - I LOVE MY BAND !!! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Cathy

I am having Lapband surgery tomorrow in Little Rock and it is costing me $16,000. My insurance would not pay. My doctor's office has been wonderful and helping me with financial assistance. I got two medical loans through their office and a medical visa card. This is my Christmas present to myself! Merry Christmas and good luck getting your surgery! Crystal