with NO insurance, what does this thing actually cost???

MissBS · 08-23-2008, 12:21 AM

mdargen.... since you are going somewhere else to have your surgery, will you have to fly for your follow up visits and fills like I am going to have to do?

mdargen · 08-23-2008, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBS

mdargen.... since you are going somewhere else to have your surgery, will you have to fly for your follow up visits and fills like I am going to have to do?

There is a local hospital here in Vancouver where I could go but I will go back to Denver. Dr. K only charges 15.00 for fills! Woo-hoo!!

I am really lucky that my family lives in Denver. The fills give me a good excuse to see them for a few days.

Where are you flying from?

MissBS · 08-23-2008, 12:40 AM

I am flying from Albuquerque to Houston - it's about 750 miles. I flew there for my initial consultation and will have the procedure done there and then 5 follow-up visits... PLUS fills if they don't coincide with the follow-ups. All but the procedure are just day trips - but flying is expensive. Just figure... I'm worth it. I do feel good about the place I am having it done.

MissBS · 08-23-2008, 12:42 AM

My mom is going with me and she loves the slots. She said, "If you have to fly somewhere to have it done, why didn't you pick Vegas." Silly me.

mdargen · 08-23-2008, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBS

My mom is going with me and she loves the slots. She said, "If you have to fly somewhere to have it done, why didn't you pick Vegas." Silly me.

LOL Your mom is so cute! You are lucky to have someone so supportive to go with you. I feel very blessed that my family is behind this decision 100%.

We are both lucky we have found doctors that we like, trust, and respect. It is such a hard decision to make when it is self-pay. It sucks because it is self-pay but I think it is better than insurance because then we can pick who we want to do the procedure.

You are getting banded in Sept. right? You should come over to the September Month Support Group. Great bunch of future bandsters over there. Loads and loads of support!!

Maribelle · 08-23-2008, 03:03 AM

Mine was $400 for the initial consultation (includes my physical and my 2 weeks of Medifast), $100 for the psych evaluation, and $12,999 for the surgery. This includes 2 years of follow up visits and fills. So $13,500 total.

Michee · 08-23-2008, 07:32 AM

I paid 16k Canadian (Ontario)

The price is inclusive of fills/defills/aftercare

food expert · 08-24-2008, 04:55 AM

I was told it would be $14,500. But then I had to pay $500 for the physch exam, $500 to become a "member", around $2,000 for the gas man, $600 for lab tests and a physical, and then the surpise you had a hernia that wasn't detected on the barrium swallow that we weren't able to get insurance approval ahead of time which cost another $2,700. So over $20,000 was my cost.

Donna113 · 08-24-2008, 11:12 PM

Miss B, which doctor in Houston is doing your surgery?

RestlessMonkey · 08-24-2008, 11:24 PM

I just attended the seminar 7/10 and my surgeon charges 15k for the lap band (free fills for 1 year) and 19k for GBS. They ARE all different;
but don't go on price alone. Pick a good one; you're worth it.
So far I just love Dr. Cavazos. He's very approachable but very skilled.

jmegirl · 08-24-2008, 11:28 PM

This message board has been SO great these past few days. At first, I thought it would take months of begging to convince my husband to do this for me. Now, I think he's willing to do it this year! I think we've decided that Dr. K is where it's at. My husband is willing to spend a few thousand more to stay in the US, as he doesn't feel comfortable getting any kind of surgery outside the country - and I can't really argue with him there. I'm waiting for a call back from Dr. K's office and hopefully I can get an appointment before year's end. I'm a self-pay, so there really isn't much to do but make an appointment and book some flights/hotels. I'm so excited!!!

MissBS · 08-24-2008, 11:29 PM

Dr. Hollis at True Results is doing mine. Who did yours?? Everything turn out ok?? Fun things to do in Houston while we are there before surgery??? Thanks!!!

BubblyBandit · 08-25-2008, 06:55 AM

My surgery is going to cost $15,200 and that includes unlimted doctors visits and fills for the first year and then they are $75 a fill after the first year.....better than a new car!

srknepler · 08-25-2008, 10:40 AM

I'm going to Lap Band Solutions in Dallas (richardson) Texas. There are 3 surgeons there, but Dr Benavides will do my surgery.
Their price is $15,000 for self-pay. It includes 2 years of after care/up to 10 fills.
I like the office because it isn't crowded and busy. they don't overbook, so you don't have to wait a long time to be seen.

I looked at a few other options in my area and this price was about in the middle...

Donna113 · 08-25-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBS

Dr. Hollis at True Results is doing mine. Who did yours?? Everything turn out ok?? Fun things to do in Houston while we are there before surgery??? Thanks!!!

I chose Dr. Spivak. He also performs surgeries at True Results Center but I went to him directly rather than through True Results. Sounds like the pricing is the same. He also performs surgeries in San Antonio as well but is based in Houston.

Houston is hot and humid this time of year so pick an indoor activity. I am married with children without reliable babysitters so my DH and I don't get out much by ourselves. We all do love to shop and take short day trips so we generally drive around "exploring".