Self Pay for Lap Band in Louisville

Hi, I'm new to this board and was wondering who was self pay for the lap band in Louisville, how much you paid, and who is your Dr.?   Thanks ahead of time for any and all replies!!!!                                                 

Hi Amy, My husband and I were both self-pay for our lapbands.  We used the Norton's Bariatric group and selected Dr. Larson as our surgeon.  He's also done my mother's band 3+ years ago and will do my father's on this Thursday!!  Needless to say we kinda like him! I believe our costs topped out at about $16,400 a piece.  (LOL......so much for having equity on our house!!)  That includes 90 days post op coverage and the first 4 fills.  All fills after that are $100. We considered the Mexico option for the hubby but to find a band doctor to follow you locally is a bit difficult when they weren't the one to do the surgery.  The group of MD's that my doc is a part of charges $1000 up front for transfer patients!!  There may be cheaper options locally but I'm not aware of them.  I know the group of surgeons over at Saints Mary and Elizabeth charge more.  I've been told they are starting a program at Baptist East but don't know anything about it. Good luck on your research!

Thank you for your help.  I have contacted my insurance, and though they will pay for the surgery, I have to have medical documentation of being morbid obesity for at least 5 years.  I have been in the severely obese category for longer than that, but not morbidly.  I do have acid reflux and am on medication for it, and have high cholesterol...also joint pain, but have not been diagnosed with arthritis.  I don't know whether to try to go ahead with the insurance, or just plan on self pay?  I will have to have the 6 month diet before proceeding with the insurance, but don't want to be out the money for the diet if they're just going to turn me down.  Any advice?  Thanks again!                                                       Amy