Lap Band Surgery w/o Insurance?

Hi all.. very new here.. so pardon me if this question has already been answered. I contacted my insurance company (Aetna) and they said that bariatric surgery is not covered. I also contacted my HR dept (because our plan is paid by our company) and they are no longer paying for bariatric surgery. So my question is: Has anyone in the Ohio area had Lap Band surgery without the help of insurance? I am just looking for a ball park figure of what it might cost to do this. I am attending a seminar for St. Vincent Charity in two weeks.. and have filled out the packet for the Cleveland Clinic.. All this before finding out it wasn't covered. Any advice would be greatly appreaciated. Thanks Amanda

Another bonus if you self-pay is that whatever out of pocket expense you incur is tax-deductible. This can yield a savings of a couple thousand bucks on your taxes. Dr. C

I used the "Carlton Sheets road to WLS" -- Have you ever seen him on infomercials? He sells a guide to buying real estate with no money down. We bought a run down house on contract for no money down. We then spent all our spare time and money fixing it up. We sold it last fall, and paid for my surgery out of pocket...Things worked out so well, that we now have other homes in rehab. ("Carlton" will also be paying for any reconstructive surgery down the road.") My surgery was 13,950. at Barix in Groveport. This included everything plus fill for the first year.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I was really bummed when I got the email back from the insurance company. I have a year to come up with the money. I am finishing college and working full time and part time and do not currently have the 3 weeks to take to make life changes. July 2007 here I come!!! :dance: In the meantime I will be trying to widdle down the weight and try not get too upset when it doens't happen. :) Any additional info people had would be most appreciated. Thanks again and ya'll have a nice weekend! Amanda