Private Pay Questions??

Hello all, I am new to these boards, and I am very happy to have found you! I have been told by three Md's  to do the Lap Band. Absolutely excluded on my insurance and my hubby...so it is private pay for me.   I have been to a local seminar in Brunswick and the docs here say it will cost just under $18 K.  (plus about $1800 of up front expenses)  I know that I do not want to go the medical tourism route, and obviously need a doc for fills and follow up. My question(s) is (are) - Does that sound like a reasonable cost (it includes hosp)?  Should I pursue looking in Savannah or Jacksonville?  I do not want to save money up front just to eat it up in gas going back and forth, either! OH and anyone had good experience with surgery in Coastal Georgia area??? Sorry for the rant, but I would appreciate any advice you may have Patt

Patt,  I'm not really sure of the cost of LAP-BAND in Alabama. But I use Dr. Bryan Freeman and I had RNY and it was 18,000.00. So I would think that to be BANDED the cost would be less. I really liked him! Mainly because he is a Weight loss patent himself. For more information on him CHECK OUT THE ALABLMA BOARD. I was a cash pay too! Hug's Jeannie

Hello Pat,  First of all don't let anyone tell you which surgery is right for you.....you need to be well educated on both to decide which was is the right one for you.  I had the RNY and I know the lap-band would not have worked for me......it is because of the way I used to eat.  I loved sweets and anything that melts will pass down through the lap-band.  It is really better for a meat and potatoes kind of eater.  It is also a slower weight lose.  I had so much weight to lose it would have depressed me.  With the lap-band you have to be very, compliant.  Unlike the RNY if you eat something sweet or high in fat you do not dump.....I need to know if I eat something sweet or high in fat I will dump.  (Although not everyone with the RNY will dump)  It keeps me from eating it.  I am almost 7 years out now.....I have not and will not eat for example a candy bar.....I want to think that if I do I will dump.  Because if I ate it and did not dump, I might eat one everyday.   Kind of a head game I guess, but it works for me.  So, find out everything you can about both and make an educated decision for yourself which is better because you are going to be the one living with it and doing all the work.  Take care,  Ginger

Hi there Ginger, I appreciate your reply.  I really think that the previous poster was just comparing prices (since RNY is indeed more expensive) so I feel she was saying that my cost locally might be higher than I can find elsewhere. You are right about having to know what is right for yourself.  I might choose RNY but the cost is just prohibitive for me, and it is too important that I take a step - now.  Luckily for me, newer research is showing that although the weight loss is quicker initially for the RNY, that at about 4 years out the loss is about the same! By the way... were you able to get insurance coverage, or did you have to finance.  Personal question, I know, but I am desperate for good info about financing.   Thanks a million Patt

Good Morning Pat,  I had insurance coverage for my surgery.  I wish you much success in getting your surgery.  Take care,  Ginger

Hey-I am in Birmingham,AL & I just had my Lap Band last week and the total was $13,350. That includes 1 night hospital stay, surgeons fee (plus fills) & anesthesia. I was at Trinity Hospital with Dr Pennington. It is a Center of Excellence. I know B'ham would be a haul for you, but maybe you should shop around. My surgeon also does the surgery at Carraway Hospital for around $11 K, but it is not a COE. $18 K, plus $1800 sounds like a lot! I just had to pay $140 for my initial visit.

Hi, I too am new to this OH board. I had lap band put in March 2, 2007 at Memorial Health Bariatrics in Savannah, Ga. I highly recommend their services. I too was a self pay. It was not offered thur my insurance. The cost for everything, was roughly $15,000. that included my up front fees, hospital, drs, etc.  The memorial health Bariatrics has an information session every Weds at 6pm. there are support groups on the 2 and 3 weds nights at 7pm. iT IS  a requirement to attend the information session and two support groups.  Hope this was helpful.  I too am starting a support group for the liberty county, Hinesville area. Barbara Bailey

Barbara, Thanks so much.  Because of your reply I emailed a friend of mine in Savannah who is an MD at Memorial and he gave me glowing reviews of both Dr. Angstadt and Dr. Whipple.   Tomorrow my hubby and I are going to the informational seminar and, hopefully, I will be on my way! Thanks again Patt

Patt,

How did you like the information session?

I had my lap band done by Dr. A. and I have had fills done by Dr. Wipple.

both are very good. Their Pa Jody is wonderful.

Good Luck,

Let me know if you have any questions or I can help with something.

Barbara

Hi Barbara, Well, I just got back from the informational session AND my first of two required support group sessions. I got to the hospital a few minutes late, but didn't miss much.  I had been to an information session in Brunswick that had been a more professional presentation (and had been given by on of the Md's too) but this was news for my hubby who went with me.  The cute young nurse (emphasis on y o u n g) was not a very polished presenter, and at the support group she gave out a handout and proceeded to read it to us (a pet peeve of mine) but the conversation between post-op folks was interesting. The information was good, but the best news was the price difference - and I think for more services!  The Memorial team has a wonderful record and is in the process of becoming a center of excellence - as you know. This, with the recommendation of my MD friend really makes me comfortable. I am going to do it! thanks for your help in finding me a surgeon!! Pat