Anthem? St Vincent? Lap Band.

Ok, i got my info from my work today. We will be switching to Anthem on 01-01-07 and the book said they will pay $10,000 max out ($100 deductable). Anyone know how much St V charges for Lap Band? Cleveland Clinic is out of network,UH doesnt do lap so St V is my only hope in the Cleveland area. ANy help would be great. Thanks John

John, i am not sure if St. V's does lapband do they? I don't remember any of the docs in the ccbs network talking about lapband. Doesn't mean they don't, i just haven't heard them. Let me know what you find out. Sorry i can't help much

Yes, St. V's does the lap band. There are several banders-to-be in my readiness classes. They were waiting until they saw good statistics for long range weight loss with them and for all of the "kinks" being worked out. By the way.....I hope that you realize each time you get your band adjusted that there is a charge. I heard approximately $250 for each. You might want to check and see if your insurance is going to pay for those or do you have to pay for them on your own. It was something I wasn't aware of when I started investigating. Good Luck.

Thanks for the replys. Winner Girl. What is that Protein Sparing Modified Fast? What mds did you see in the Geneva area? I live and work out your way. Thanks John

The Protein Sparing Modified Fast is a diet from Hell! It consists of 8 oz of protein (eggs, lean meat), 1 cup vegetables, lots of water. Dr visits every other week to monitor your bloodwork because you can throw your electrolytes out of whack. You supplement it with potassium and vitamins. You can only have 2 diet pop drinks per day, 1 Splenda packet per day, and that's about it. You are in ketosis during this time and so you are not supposed to feel hungry. Hubby and I were on it for nine long months. The weight came off....but as soon as you stop following it the carb cravings really come at you! All of my doctors are in Cleveland at the clinic or at University Hospital. I hate to sound snobby, but I've had too many near misses with small town doctors and prefer to have the big city ones look after my needs.

Hi John, I really do not know how much the surgery cost.... but I had my lap band placed by Dr. Ben-Meir at St. V's... Give them a call and ask... everyone has been helpful when I have called.... I wish I could be of more help... also - as of mow - my insurance is still covering my fills... so do not let a fill cost deter you from having lap band... once again... call and ask about the cost.... I am so happy that I had this surgery done! It has been a true life saver/changer... give me a holler if you need anything! ~Starr~

Hi John, I know that my surgeon does lap band. He is at Akron General. www.obesehelp.org is his website. I think he has a support meeting next week. Hope this helps...

Ladie's. Thank's for the reply's. I sure wish my new insurance did not have that $10,000 cap. There is no way in the world i can come up with any more $. All my $ support has dried up. Darn $ tree died.. Never give up i know.. John

Sorry John I have no advice. I just wanted to welcome you to the board! Best of luck- I hope you find a way!