New & Wanting Lap Bank Surjury

I am hoping to have lap band surjury.  My Local dr recommended Dr. Sayeed Ikramuddin at the U of M.  Has anyone had him do their surjury (doesn't just have to be lap band) and do you like him as a doctor.   Secondly, I will have to go self pay and am wondering the cost for self pay - can you get in a study, or financial help.  When I was inquiring when I thought my insurance (Cigna) would cover it they said the approx cost was 17,000.   I am 60 and don't want to wait much longer to have this done.  Any thoughts would be appreciated

Hey Welcome!!

I did not have Dr.  Ikramuddin, but have heard good things.  Park Nicollet Clinic is where I went and they have a really good support system for LapBanders. If you don't get surgery through them, you can at least go to the LapBand support group every first Wed. of the month.

As for self pay, I would hit the LapBand forum and ask there. There are tons of self-payers there.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/a,messageboard/board_id,5359/

First things first...Welcome to the MN Board.

Secondly, I'll ask the standard questions.

What is your BMI and do you have any comorbidities? This information is helpful to assess which surgery is best suitable for you.

Have you contacted your insurance company directly to find out what the benefits are regarding weight loss surgery? If not, start there!

Dr. Ikrammudin is a highly skilled surgeon and it would also be in your best interest to contact his office to find out when his next information seminar is so that you can get on the schedule to be in attendance.
http://www.surg.umn.edu/surgery/Divisions/General/Bariatric/ contact_bariatric.html

There are also patient reviews on this website.
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+r eviews+Sayeed+Ikramuddin+crm.html?page=10

 

I would call the U of M/Fairview and ask to speak with someone probably in the finance dept to find out the costs associated.  It can be risky as you would have to pay out of pocket if there were any complications as well you have to pay for fills and post op appointments, but i am sure you aware of that.

There aren't any band studies going on, but I know they have a randomized RNY or medical managment if you have Diabetes type 2 as well they have the EMPOWER study which you could call his office about.  http://www.empowerstudy.com/

Good luck

I don't know much about Lapband....I just want to say WELCOME!!

Hugs, connie d