Went to Seminar

I went to a seminar in Memphis, TN today. It was pretty informative I guess, however it didnt tell me much that I didnt know. I made an appt with Dr. Woodman of the Midsouth Bariatrics for March 4. However, as I was making the appt, I was informed that Medicare doesnt like to pay for the lap band procedure. She told me that it only pays for the gastric bypass. I dont want the bypass, I had made up my mind for the lap band. Also, she told me that they wouldnt know if Medicare would pay on it until After my surgery. In the meantime I have to sign a waiver stating that I will pay for it myself if Medicare doesnt. Does this sound right? Has anyone been told this? I dont know what to do. I cant possibly come up with the nearly $20,000 to pay for this, not even setting up a payment plan. I am so depressed right now. Lisa

Sorry med. will only pay for open. I also had to sign a waiver even though I was self pay. Figure that out. I have also had to sign waivers with treatment even though i have insurance. They are just trying to cover all bases. I know someone who had med. and it didn't pay afterwards, she couldn't pay for the surgery. They took her to court, the judge reduced the amount she owed, she ended up only owing $3500 and the judge set up her payments at $35 monthly. The hosp. didn't like it, but there was nothing they could do.

Did you get the Lap or RNY? Can I ask how much it cost you, since you were self-pay?

HI there, I went with self pay here in Little Rock, and total cost out of pocket around 14,000.00 you should look into the ST. Vincents Bariatric center in Little Rock. I hope this helps. Angie

Please ignore my last post. No doctors that I know of at St. Vincent's does the lap band, they all do rny, sorry, my error, I spoke before I read the whole thread....