Hi, Question about Lap-Band surgery

Hi everyone,

I found this forum while I was looking into lap-band surgery - I was wondering
how did you choose your lap-band surgeon? and what was the procedure and overall process like?
If you dont mind disclosing what was the approximate cost?  - Is it even covered by MSP?

Any help/info would be appreciated greatly!

Thanks
Heather

I had VSG, and it was covered by MSP.

As far as I know Lap Band is not covered.

Hi Heather,
I had the lap-band done here a few years ago, and I paid $14,000.  At the time I was only able to find one surgeon who did it in my area (I didn't want to have to keep going over to Vancouver Island).  So I went with him.  I didn't apply through MSP because 1) I didn't want to wait, and 2) I didn't think I'd be approved anyway, given my relatively low BMI. 

By the way, I didn't lose any weight with the band and I did end up with a hiatial hernia (very common - also common is erosion of the stomach - not fun!).  I found it very uncomfortable and I had it out in June of this year, in Mexico, and had a VSG.  I have since lost 51 lbs. and am still losing (29 lbs to go to goal).  That's just my two cents about the band!
-raingal