Hello?

Does anyone come here --- Just was going to see if anyone had any information abuot costs etc close to home. and wanted to see if anyone had self paid here is South Dakota. I have a consultation on October 10th Dr O'Brien and wanted to see experiences. Wanted to just talk to some locals-- Thank you -- Mandy

hi hun.. you an hit me up.. my e-mail is [email protected]

I had RNY with Dr. Graham on June 8. If you'd like, email me at [email protected] and we can talk. I work at Terry Redlin, first grade teacher, and have really appreciated the surgery...hair loss, troubles and all. What kind of surgery are you looking at? Is insurance paying - or are you having to do it yourself?

Hi, I am looking into the doctors in Sioux Falls also and I know my insurance company will not cover the surgery due to a rider. Wondering if you have found out how much it costs out of pocket yet. Any help anyone has I would be interested in this. Thanks, Mindy

Hi.. in my opinion Sioux Valley Hospital/Sioux Falls Surgical LTD would be the best place. IF you are going to go out of pocket its i about 12,000 for the lap band and more for RNY... I am anxiously waiting my insurance companies decision.. 14 more business days!!

Thanks Melanie, are you go with the lap band or the RNY? I was leaning Lap band but a relative of mine had the RNY and she thinks thats the way to go so now I'm not sure which but if I'm going to payout of pocket I'm leaning towards the lap band. I really highly doubt that my insurance company would pay for it. I wish they would even part but don't think so. Mindy

I am going with Lap Band. I want to lose the weight slower and much more controlled. This gives your body the time to absorb some of the extra skin and so forth. Also just think. If I have a baby.. gain weight, when I want that baby weight to go away. I can get a fill. You don't have that option with RNY. What insurance company do you have? Also are you here in Sioux Falls?

I had LAP BAND 8/21/06 from Dr. Thaemert at the Surgical Institute from Avera McKennen. Dr. Thaemert was a personal recommendatin from one of his patients/my friend. I went to a LAP BAND seminar with Dr. OBrien in the fall of 2005, and I was not impressed. I have also heard stories of poor bedside manner. Tharemert was and is excellent!