MSP Coverage in BC

Hello Everyone,

I am new to the site and have a question. 

I am looking into getting the lap-band surgery, and wondered if any of you know if MSP or Pacific Blue Cross will cover the lap band surgery in BC? 

Thanks so much :)

Sorry...don`t know.  But i would suggest you also research a little more.  Most physicians are NOT doing, nor recommending the lap bands anymore.  There are too many problems and not very good results from them........

What's wrong with them? 

Thank you for the heads up, I will do more

research :)

Most people don't lose nearly what they expect to lose.  The cost of the fills, as you have to get the band refilled regularly with saline.   Then they can over or under fill which will cause problems and another trip to correct it.  There should be a lap band forum on here somewhere.  You will hear from some about great successes but not for most.  And I don't believe the cost is much less than a bypass surgery in the first place, and a lot of people end up getting a revision to a bypass of some type in the end.  So twice the cost.....

lap-bands are NOT covered my MSP in BC.  only the permanent surgeries are (i.e. VSG, RNY).

Yes, there is a lower percentage of people with long term weight loss with the lap band, and no, MSP does not cover it. However, when I met with my surgeon for the first time, I was quoted 3 years for the RNY or 6 weeks if I paid for lap band. I have been on the wait list since 2010. It's really a pro-con; are you willing to risk lower success rates and high out of pocket expenses in exchange for a shorter wait time?

Hi, I had to pay for my lapband $13,000 in 2006. I started at 260lbs., current weight 177lbs. 

Hi

I just had my surgery paid for by msp.  My surgery was done by DR Sampath in Richmond.  There are only a few Dr's that do this surgery so you need to get on someone's wait list.  MSP only pays for the sleeve or bi pass.  There are huge wait lists and lots and lots of hoops to jump through but it's worth it.  I am post op 7 days and have lost 14 pounds and am not hungry.  Good luck with your process!

Hi Jodyjetson, 

Just wondering how long you had to wait for the surgery after your referral from GP?  

How long did you have to wait from your referral to your surgery? I too am in the wait list for Dr Nguyen. I heard its 18 months before pre-op.