Lap Band Surgery: Cost Considerations
Before going for a surgery, you must find out whether you are a candidate for lap banding and for this, consult your physician. Check your Body Mass Index and if you are 100 pounds over normal weight, you may be a candidate for lap band surgery.
The cost of a lap band procedure vary from state to state and even from city to city and it is difficult to predict what your actual cost will be. There isnt an established cost or price for lap band surgery. The variations also depend on the type of health plan you have, the doctor you choose and on the individuals specific condition. It is extremely difficult to find out all related costs and consider all financial issues before the surgery takes place.
The procedure involves facility in the hospital, surgeon and anesthesiologists fees and staying in the hospital. Generally speaking, the cost of the procedure can be as much as $12,000 to $18,000 in the US. In Mexico the cost is around $7000. Check if you are covered with your health insurance policy.
While discussing the costs, you must inquire about all costs of the lap band procedure from start to finish. Many factors can affect the total price of Lap band surgery including the surgeon you choose, the place where you choose to have it performed, pre-operation tests and the other fees like travel expenses, follow-up appointments, anesthesia fee and any other post-surgery related expenses. Follow-up care and band adjustments are also an important part of Lap band procedure. Many surgeons include band adjustments within their price quote.
Many things can affect the actual cost of the lap band procedure like where you live, the type of insurance you have, whether doing the procedure locally or you would have to travel outside to get it done. You may have gone through various diagnostic tests before surgery like blood tests, sleep apnea study, x-ray and other tests. Be sure to ask your surgeon about what is included in the cost of the surgery, so you can know what to expect and make the best decision for a successful outcome.
Those that travel abroad find that lap band surgery is very cost effective. Mexico is a nearby country that has a great deal of experience with lap band surgery. The standards and equipments used are also same as in the United States. But the cost of travel and the time needed should taken into account when scheduling the procedure done outside.
Losing excess weight simply makes your life fruitful. But before you go under the process of lap band surgery, it is important to know the cost and what it covers.