self pay lap band surgery

I live in Pittsburgh, PA but I have a brother who lives in Concord, MA. My insurance will pay for bypass but not lap band and I want to do lap band. I'm considering paying for it myself. The surgeons in Pittsburgh want $28,000 and I'm wondering if any of you had lap band surgery and paid for it yourself and how much was it? Maybe I should visit my brother and have the surgery done in MA.

Hi Peggy--Mira got a great price at Tufts_NEMC. One of the best hospitals and a leader in WLS. However, I must caution you....will you be able to come to Mass everytime you need a check up or a fill. What if you get a fill...and 4 days later it is too tight. Aftercare is extremely as important as the actual surgery....and many Surgeons don't want to touch another Surgeon's patient. You would need to call around in PA to see if a surgeon would take you before you venture into Mass. Joan

hi Peggy, Joan has good points, Unless you have a doctor agreeing to assume responsibility after the surgery is done the travel could become expensive and tiresum! Concord is a nice area and Emerson Hospital which is in Concord, MA. If you research this site you can read results from some patients. here is the link for Emerson's weight loss program http://www.emersonhospital.org/medical/surgery/bariatric_surgery/default.aspx good luck!