thank you Dina and Trish, any infor on Tricare?

I want to thank Trisha, and Dina for the encouragement, I have spent a few days frustrated with this road block, the words that the two of you so graciously poured out to me keep repeating themselves. Dina you are right I cant get that time back, I really wanted the bybass but maybe the band is the way for me to go if I cannot get financial help. My poor husband is so mad at his insurance Co, and his employeer found out Cigna dose offer obesity help but his employer just didnt have it written in. We may be able to get on tricare as my husband is in the air force reserves but it is kinda expensive for us but if they cover it might be worth it. Dose anyone know about Tricare thru the united states Military? OK time to stop drooling over that cake for my big pitty party and keep moving forward. I know one thing I cannot and will not live like this for the rest of my life. for now guess ill start weigh****chers and try to figure out how to get this done. Dina how much was mexico? was the travel hard? sorry about the spelling its early and running to work,, wish this board had spell check

Hi Kelly, I know that Mexico runs about $4000 for the lap band. I think I would feel comfortable going there as long as the Dr. was trained in the US and the hospital standards were good. Hey, if you need anyone to come with you who speaks spanish...call me!! Puedo hablar mas o menos bien--bastante por me trabajo! {{{{hugs}}}} Trisha

Trish, You are so sweet, Wow 4000 that is alot cheaper,, I think I can swing that,,, I have sent a message to the Dr that Dina had referd me to that she used and read everyhing I could find on him,, my so sweet husband is behind e 100% and that makes me feel so much better, I belive for the first time I truly belive this is what I have to do, I know that this body was not intended for me and I have to do what ever I have to do to get better. you are all so helpful I am so glad I found you, I have been contemplating this for years but just didnt know who to talk to about it,,, ok im rambling on and on,, well catch up me no hablo espanio or spell it eather

Sorry it took so long to respond. I've been "out to lunch" on the boards lately. I actually don't think the lap bands are that cheap in Mexico. At least the places I've heard of the are around $10,000. I'm not sure though - I don't spend much time thinking about the lap band. I went in 2004 and Dr. Aguirre charged $8500 at the time, lock stock and barrel. It was a great experience and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I'm not sure what the price is now but I think it was $10,500 or $11,500. I do know Dr. Tersigni in North Bend has that special going on - and the travel wouldn't be hard. If you were to do a lap band, I would recommend it being done locally for the simple reason that it is hard to find a local doctor who will do fills when they know you went to Mexico for the band. There is also a doctor in MI I think that is doing RNY's for I think around $12,500 or something. That's not bad at all....and I guess he's got a great following. I am already into this post or I'd go see if I posted the link here before or on the South of the Border site. I can't remember if one or both. And I don't have my glasses on or my contacts in so I'm a bit bleary eyed....feeling my way through the dark right now. Good luck - I hope some of this helps. I hope you find your answer soon! Dina

Okay - here is the link for the doctor in MI: http://laparoscopy.com/pleatman/ Check out the prices there and research this doc out. Might be easier on the pocketbook in the long run... Dina