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Overview
A Lap-Band is a device that restricts intake of food into the stomach. It is implanted through a process known as bariatric surgery and is commonly used as a weight-loss solution. To be eligible for the procedure, you typically must have a body mass index of greater than 40 and be older than 18. Most doctors will also not approve the procedure unless previous and significant attempts to lose weight were unsuccessful.
Identification
If you are considering having the Lap-Band procedure done, cost plays a natural factor in your decision. Unfortunately, a wide variety of factors, including where you have the procedure performed and level of pre- and post-op care, make it difficult to estimate the exact cost of the procedure. When comparing prices, it is important to understand what comes with the price quote and what does not. Expenses related to medical exams, doctor consultations, post-operative care, travel and the procedure itself should all be taken into account when calculating the total cost of the Lap-Band surgery.
Total Cost
When all is said and done, a Lap-Band procedure performed in the United States can cost anywhere between $13,000 and $30,000. The doctor often justifies higher costs if she offers superior medical experience or additional patient care. If your health care provider covers Lap-Band surgery, then the actual out-of-pocket cost to you may be considerably less.
Insurance Coverage
More insurance companies are accepting the Lap-Band surgery as a covered procedure. To understand your particular program requirements, it is necessary to review the portion of your policy labeled, "Surgery for the treatment of obesity" (or similar). Often times, if the surgery is determined to be a medical necessity, then it will be covered by insurance.
Considerations
In instances where Lap-Band surgery is not covered by insurance, it may be cost-effective to have the procedure performed outside of the country. In places such as Mexico and Canada, the surgery can cost as little as $8,000. However, it is important to factor in additional costs associated with travel when calculating the total cost of an out-of-country surgery.
Warning
Pursuing a Lap-Band surgery outside of the United States may make sense financially, but it is important to note that additional risks do come with such a decision. Most importantly, your legal protection against an improperly performed surgery is greatly reduced if not performed in your home country. Therefore, if this is an avenue you are considering, then it is important to do considerable research in finding a legitimate, experienced physician to perform your procedure.
