Legacy Self-pay Costs

Hi everyone... I normally am on the Lapband board, but I thought I would come and ask some locals for a little information. Has anyone been a self-pay for lapband surgery at Legacy? I was just wondering what the cost would be like for a self-pay there.... I have cigna insurance, but they require 6 months of medically supervised diet and I'm awefully impatient... Thanks in advance!

I was in the same boat. I was looking at a RNY and the cash price was approximately $20K. I opted for surgery in Brazil. Everything went great. It was $8500 including all the pre-op tests. Good luck with your decision. I don't have any regrets....RNY on 4/18/06....237/182 today/150. Betsy

I know they billed my insurance about $30,000 total. The largest chunk actually went for the operating room (I think it was $17,000) which I don't think they'd be as able to discount for cash but I could be wrong. Now, I have a concern. If you can't do the 6 month supervised diet, how do you expect WLS of any type to be a success? If you've got insurance that will pay, I can't see why you'd bypass (no pun intended) that option. 6 months is minute compared to where you've been and where you're going. Legacy might also take a hard look at you (for your potential failure rate) if you don't have the 6 month diet under your belt. Also, if you're impatient, lap band ISN'T the way to go because the weight loss is so slow. I've only lost 20 pounds since October and started at 426 pounds! That aside, the doctors and psychologist are great. I would go with any recommendation that they have. Sorry to be so honest but I question your commitment. Lori

Hey Marie, I don't have any answers to your question, but just wanted to say Hey and give you a little positive support. I understand your impatience, as I too am an impatient person and want things NOW! I say, if you have the money and don't need to wait the six months then GO FOR IT; however, if money is an issue then I would let your insurance help pick up some of the charges. Six months isn't really that long when you're talking about the rest of your life. I am waiting longer than I wanted to for my surgery--at first I was really upset, but now I'm taking it in stride. I wanted my surgery before I went on vacation (was hurry hurry about it). Well long story short--it isn't happening. So--I've taken a big breath and looking at the other side (I'll be able to enjoy some of the taboo foods that I wouldn't if I'd had surgery and obviously be physically more comfortable and mobile) Anyways--I know I didn't answer your questions, but I just wanted to give you some positive advice. Bottom line is the decisions yours--so if you don't want to wait then don't! Good luck on what ever you decide.