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Hello Guys I've been researching the lapband for about 6 months and now ready to begin!!Has anyone had this done how painful is it??Second I know my insurance wont cover it even though my bmi is 41.3 and 100pds overweight so I'm going to try to self-pay what is the average cost for the lapband in Va????Thanks

Tina . Welcome to the VA Board ! And the best to you on your resesrch ! I have several in my support group that are Lap Band patients . One was even a self pay . I believe she told me it was @ 17,000 $ . There are many forums here for each different type of surgery . If you go to the tool bar - and look in for Lap Band .. there is a forum there for that . Best of Luck to you .. and again Welcome ! Natalie http://groups.myspace.com/LIFESTARTSWLS

Welcome, Tina...you have found the most wonderful and caring board there is. I didn't have lapband but the complete gastric bypass about 2 weeks ago. I had to have open and am doing really well. I dont' know much about the lapband but I am sure there are alot here with all the information you will need. Good luck and welcome.. hugs, BEtsy

Hi Tina, Welcome. Ditto what Betsy said. My insurance will not pay for lap-band, but does pay for RNY, thank goodness. Glad to meet you, Tina.

Hello Tina and welcome. I had RNY so I am not sure about lap band. I am right down the road from you. There is a support group tonite @ 7 pm in the Wyndhurst YMCA if you are interested. Some had lapband some RNY. You could get some info. There is another one in same place 2nd Saturday of the month. I can email you the info. Shannon

Welcome Tina, I dont know much about the lapband but i will be having RNY on the 24th of this month. This board is great, the people here are all a great support group and loving bunch of people. Good luck on your journey. yvette

Hello Tina! I had RNY on 11/17/04, so I'm sorry that I don't have any info regarding Lapband. I was a private pay too and my RNY, including hospital, pre & post-op care, was $15,000. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I hope you find the info you need. Donna At goal down 116 pds.

G'morning Tina - Welcome to the board! I know there are a few lapbanders from VA that post - but with the Holidays, coming and going, they might miss your question. Not sure if you know how to get to the LAPBAND FORUM here on OH - but maybe if you also post your question there, either locals or surrounding state(s) peeps can help you with a ballpark price. Here's the link: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/posts.html Good luck to you on your journey - Lei

HI Tina you are from around my neck of the woods I am from Lynchburg. Did you go to Glass in 93 I know a Tina then? Anyway I had the lapband and i love it. my recovery time was really fast. I had it done day before thanksgiving. By the time monday rolled around I was able to drive my little one to school. I did look into self pay I didn't think my insurance would cover it. i am in No VA up here I was told 25,000. But I think if you find a good surgeon that knows you are self pay she or he might be willing to work with you on the price. If you have questions email me also he la[band forum is awesome, everyone is very helpful there as well as here be blessed on your Journey which ever procedure you decide on is worth it later H