New to the Iowa Forum

Hello All

 I am from Vinton and I have been researching for the last few years the lap-band procedure and just recently came across this website. I do not have insurance so I am wondering if anyone here has paid out of pocket or loan for the procedure and if they could tell me roughly what it was. I am 23, 350 lbs, I have one son and am to the point I have a hard time walking up a single flight of stairs. I do not know how I am going to be able to pay for this but I have been dieting and everything for 5 years and now I do not know what to do. Any advice??

Hi Steph8604!

I say talk to your primary care physician about this and get the process started.  I think you'll have the best chance of getting into a surgeon with a referral from your PCP.  I think that is where I'd start..........it is where I started when I began the process before I had my surgery.  

Keep posting and let us know how things are going for you!

Carol

Your best bet would be to go to the individual surgery forum and ask questions- I know many Lap Banders who were self pay- I am sure they will be able to help

Iowa Health - Des Moines' Bariatric Surgery Program
Phone: (515) 241-2250
Toll Free: (877) 220-9727

When I went to the seminar last month they said out-of-pocket surgery is $17,500.  Then you would also have to pay each time you had a fill or unfill.  Not cheap!

I'm from Iowa originally and I decided to check out this forum. ;o)

If you are self pay please think long and hard about a band.  The initial cost is not the only cost you will have.  Many studies are showing you will need a 2nd surgery about 30% of the time within the first 5 years to correct a slip, erosion, flipped port, kinked tubing, leaks, etc.  I could never suggest the band for self pay.

I would seriously look at a sleeve.  The weight loss is better than banding, the long term risks and complications are MUCH less than that of a band, there is no maintenance whatsoever, and it's a much easier journey long term.

If you are self pay consider Mexico.  It's about half the price for 3x the hospitalization time.

Please, read this link:

www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ASMBS/14954