looking for more info

I am wondering if anyone here has had the lap band done as private pay ?? if so does the provincial health plan cover ANY of the costs , and does it involve the same amount of waiting for approval, like the approval process for the gastric bypass?? just curious !! thanks vicki

Hi Vicki When I had my lap-band done there was a man in our group who paid privately. He paid $10,000. and I paid $4500. He was quicker because he didn't have to wait for approval etc. I can claim the $4500. on my income tax (4500. pays for the device and medicare covers the surgery). Have a great day - Carolyn

Vicki ... I have a reply from Dr B last November that stated that if I wanted to go private pay all the way it would cost about $9,600. If you get approval from your provincial health plan , they may cover all costs except the band itself as they do in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The cost of the band is $4,500 , and is payable to the hospital in Moncton and can be paid by visa/mastercard or cash/cheque. The sooner you get any type of approval from your health care plan , the sooner you will get in to see Dr B . I sent you a copy of his e-mail last week ... but you may not have received it . It is a process that can be sometimes long if you are in a great hurry ... but the sooner you get the ball rolling the quicker it will come. I would get your family Dr to write a letter to the health care system on your behalf . Hope this helps

Hi there, I am from Halifax and I paid privately. The waiting time was zero. Money talks. The Province of NS repaid me about 1200.oo of the 10000.00 I paid. Disgusting. They did everyrhing in the world to make excuses not to pay. Expect to cover the costs yourself. I saw Dr Beausoleil in Dec/04 had it done in March/05 to meet my schedule.