Questions re: gastric bypass vs. banding

I am just starting the process of having my surgery, but am committed to having it done. I made my consult appt today and found out from the dr. office that if I have the gastric bypass, there is a $4500 fee that is NOT covered by ins, but this fee is not applied if I have the band. Has anyone else encountered this type of fee? I am going to be calling the other dr's tomorrow to see if they charge this and when they could get me in, but I don't want to make a decision based on this charge. In the long run the $4500 isn't a big deal. Has anyone here had the banding procedure? What were your experiences? Most of the profiles I have seen had the bypass and the ones who had banding don't have detailed profiles/journals. Thanks! Julie Leavitt Dixon

I agree with you for not making your decision based on the cost. You need the best thing for you, whatever will work best with your eating type, and body. I have heard that the band is easier to cheat, easier to stretch, but I don't know for sure. Hope everything goes great. God Bless, Tiffany.

Which doctor are you seeing? The charge that my doctor has is for a "FOBI" pouch - it's not just and "extra fee". I know there is a doctor that charges this fee supposedly to cover "future" charges. I don't think all doctor's charge this fee..... I don't know anything about the banding.....but I know I chose not to have the FOBI for me....just my thought.

Welcome to the group Julie. I wish I could help you with this but I didn't have to pay my surgeon anything. My insurance paid it all. I only had to pay the hospital $300. I ahve also heard that the band has the problem stretching, plus you have the thing in your side for expanding it and deflating it. If I had to have it done again, I would have the bypass in a heart beat. I wish you the best of luck and have you in my prayers. If you need anything, just let me know and I will do my best to help. Hugs, Debra =^..^=