Help - I need to find a US surgeon for under $15K

I am totally frustrated with trying to have the lapband surgery. I have been overweight my whole life. Like everyone else I've lost weight only to gain it back. I started researching the lapband and for once I felt hope until I checked my insurance coverage. I have United Health Care but they have an exclusionary statement that excludes weight loss surgery even for morbid obesity. I found out that my wonderful employer - a medical school - put that in there. You would think that a medical school, especially one that is associated with a hospital that performs these surgeries would cover the surgery. I am also a college student and I can get insurance through school but I just found out that insurance company - Mercy - won't cover it either. I live in St. Louis and have contacted New Start and DePaul Hospital and they both want over $20K for selfpay. That seems rediculous to me since I know insurance companies probably won't remburse that much. So basically I am looking for a physician somewhere in Missouri or Illinois that will do the lapband and fills for less than $15,000. Does anyone have any suggestions? Does anyone know a physician around here that will do fills for Mexico patient? Thanks, Kerry

I think I just seen some thing was it on the main board off to the side lapband for 10 some thing but I think it was in TX Good Luck to you..

The link... http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/wish_center_lapband_special.html

the wish center in chicago has a crazy low price...like 11 g? if price is the issue, don't limit yourself to missouri....start making calls all over the states. i had mine in houston tx for 12g. there is an excellent doc in chatanooga for 13...ponce is his name i believe. but please don't just shop for price...make sure your doc has done at least 50 bands. there is a doc that will do fills in st louis for 200 i think--but i don't recommend it--he has a very strict fill schedule, and it might take forever before you get good restriction. i use a doc in nashville--i believe his self pay is around 15. some doc's might give free fills for a year, but i have never heard of one including the completely. good luck!

Mine wasnt under $15K but was only $16K in Kansas City, KS and it does include appointments and fills for 1 year. If you want more info just let me know. Feel free to email me also. Carrey W.