Louisiana Newbie here.....

I am going to my consult appointment tomorrow and I am very excited and nervous as hell all at the same time. I am self pay so I am hoping that I do not have to wait sooooo long for a surgery date. Anyone have any experience with this process not involving insurance????? :help:

I don't have any self pay experience, But I do have experience with your surgeon. He is the best! (doesn't hurt that he is handsome as all get out too) Lol.... Good luck to you on your journey. Cindee

Hi Stacey, I'm also a patient in the MISI practice. I had to do all the insurance "hoop jumping," but from start to fini**** was two months. I mean from the time I first heard about lap band surgery-consult to having lap band surgery was two months. You should be equally surprised. I've seen your surgeon on occassion because he's my doctor's partner. They are skilled and compassionate surgeons and awesome human beings. Our support group, New U, meets on Thursday. Ms. Luvin Life and I will be there. Maybe we can all get coffee or some other non-calorie drink afterwards. Please let me know if there's ever anything I can do to help. Frances

HIJACK---Frances,I love your new photo.Looking Good Girl!!!

Thank you, Leslie. You are too kind. How's life in North La?

Good luck, Stacey! You shouldn't have to wait too long. Keep on keepin' on! Frances! You look awesome!!! I didn't recognize you, girl. Peggy B.

Looking awesomely good yourself!

Hey stacie, I was self pay...We have the same insurance with the same exclusion policys. The total cost for lap RNY runs around 21,800.00.. I'm not sure about the lap band..Research both and chose the best surgery for you. I went to my doctor just wanting lap band , but after much research I chose the lap RNY for me. Don't let the price difference sway you and chose the best procedure for you... Good luck vanessa

I was a self-pay patient with Dr. Thomas Lavin in Covington. Had it not been for Katrina, it would have been exactly 44 days from my 1st appt. that I had surgery (I was originally scheduled for August 31st.). However, my actual surgery date was September 16th. Tricia 274/188/160

Stacey, I was a self-pay patient also. I tried to get both of my insurances to pay for surgery, but that didn't work. (if you have alot of free time and want to read about my ordeal check out my profile). My husband and I finally decided to pay out-of-pocket. I was shocked at how quickly the process took. I fought for almost 2 years with insurance companies, but once I decided to pay ca**** took 2 months from my initial consult to surgery date. (As they say...Money Talks!) I would have had my surgery sooner than 2 months, but I ran into some bloodwork problems. I am now 4 months post-op lap-band surgery and have never been happier. It was worth every penny spent! Good luck... Lisa