I am from south central Ga, Valdosta. Had my surgery in September, but had only lost about 20 lbs total. Had a fill last week that I think will make a lot of difference. I can tell a major difference in how much I can eat. Here's hoping I will be able to tell a big difference soon. I want to be able to play with the grandchildren without getting completely exhausted. Good luck and let me know how you are doing.
I got a call from my Doctor. I am in Gainesville. My insurance does not cover it. So far I have an appointment for an education seminar and then I will have to pay 200.00$ for a consultation with the doctor. I am on the hunt for a good loan.
So far I want to go trough with it. I am looking forward to the class.
If you call the Dr.'s office they can put you in touch with a loan company that specializes in medical procedures. The surgery is much cheaper by any of the Doctors in Mexico and the procedure is the same. I flew to Mexico, had the surgery, and stayed a night in a nice hotel for about half what the doctors I had contacted here in Ga charge. It is deductible on income taxes; there is a nurse practitioner, in Moultrie, who does the fills. She is excellent. Let me know if you need any more info. If you want to contact me directly, my e-mail address is bjrjames@yahoo.com
As I have written to you before, I am in Gwinnett. I will banded on Wed 2-14 at Emory Johns Creek (in Suwanee) by Dr. Hart. BTW, I asked his office what the self-pay is for lap band at this hospital and they said $18,475 for hospital, anesthesia, and Dr fees. This does not include preop testing or post op fills.:ermm
I've contacted Dr. Titus Duncan's office and was quoted $16,300 for surgery, anesth, hosp, 6 fills and insurance up to $250,000 for one year in case I should need surgery for complications due to the band. This quote does not include pre-op testing.
I also got a good rate with capitalonehealthcarefinance.com.
I paid less than $9,000 for everything - flight, Dr.'s visit before the surgery, chest x-ray, (my sister had to have a stress test and that was included, also) 2 nights in hospital, one night in nice hotel, transportation to and from the airport (through border and all). That would have included all fills if I had chosen to go back there for them. We found someone in Moultrie to do those. Problem with that is I had to have a floroscope both times so far which totals $355 for each fill. None of this would have been covered by my insurance so this was definitely the best way to go for me. My sister and friend live in the Gwinnett County area and would be glad to talk pros and cons with you. I'll ask my friend to contact you through this forum. She has done a lot of research and talking about the surgery in the September Bandsters area, if you would like to look her up.