where for REASONABLE prices

I would like to get a lap band but at a reasonable price (self pay) In Canada it is $18,000

How far are you willing to travel for surgery and for follow-up care (fills, unfills,etc.)?

Where in Canada are you - which province?

Jean

London Ontario close to Michigan

If you self pay for the actual procedure, will your follow-up care be covered (fills, unfills, secondary surgeries for repair/replacement/removal) in Canada?

Probably not so I would like to be close to home for follow up

I wasn't self pay, so I can't tell you where to go for a reasonable price, but I did want to respond because the band seems like a particularly poor choice for a self pay.

The band has a high rate of post-op complications and not only have I heard some outrageous charges for adjustments, but secondary surgeries for repair, replacement, or removal are quite common.

Even some of the most successful bandsters on this forum have had numerous adjustments or have undergone follow-up surgeries for leak or slip repairs.

There is really nothing more heartbreaking that to read posts here from self-pays who cannot afford the follow-up care they need to treat painful and even potentially life-threatening conditions caused by a band problem.

Have you considered a surgery that offers better stats regarding maintenance, excess weight loss, and less post-op complications?

Whatever you decide, I hope it all works out for you and that we hear about all of your success! If you decide the self-pay band route is the way to go for you, I would advise maintaining a emergency fund for your band should unexpected costs pop up down the road.

Best,
Lindsey

I agree with Lindsey that the band is not a good choice for someone who has to pay for aftercare and the related travel expenses.

As far as where in the USA to look for a bariatric surgery clinic with reasonable prices, I suggest that you post a question about it on the Michigan state forum.

Good luck!
Jean

 Lindsey's advice is good. Over my almost  six  years of bring banded, I have only had about 6 fills but that is still 6 lots of £75, and also a minor repair op. Minor maybe, but it still cost over £2000 (UK £s). 

I don't have to pay any more as our  national health service has taken me on. Thankfully!

Kate

Buckeye Girl has an excellent point.....have you thought of the cost for follow-up care and fills? Also, you need think about costs of repair and/or removal of the band since the chance of having problems is very high.  It can quickly add up if you are self pay.  I had a band which slipped requiring emergency surgery and I revised to RnY.  Luckily I've always had excellent insurance.  Total bills to date are approximately $70,000.  Please think about another surgery.  I highly recommend it!

I will also chime in, as much as I love my band, I wouldn't have chosen it if I had to self pay.  Without insurance covering it, not only do you have the surgery but hundreds of dollars every time you want an adjustment and heaven forbid there is any complication from it, requiring removal or further surgeries that won't be covered as well. 

Best of luck! Lots of people say great things about getting the sleeve in Mexico and apparently no follow up is needed once you leave a few weeks after the surgery.