July 15, 2004

Answers to questions:

Excerpt from an email I received today...

I would like to have a procedure like this done, but I have no insurance sooooo I can't. But I would still like for you to tell me what it was like and how much I would have to save to have it done! THANK YOU for taking the time to read this! You look beautiful and congrats!

Not many people know that Medicare will pay for weight loss surgery. So if you don't have insurance, and are eligible, please consider applying.

As far as cost, I've been unable to find anything definite online. Many people without insurance choose to have the laproscopic mini gastric bypass because it is so affordable. When I had my procedure over three years ago, Dr Rutledge accepted insurance. He no longer does. I believe that it runs about $18,000, and that includes everything.

I have heard that an RNY runs about $40,000. I can't be certain what that includes. It would be more if a longer hospital stay was necessary.

I don't know how much a lap band costs, but perhaps it's less because it is less invasive and the hospital stay isn't as long. My advice would to be call surgeons and ask. I don't know if anyone out there finances for WLS, but I'm sure that one day, someone will.

Posted by Manda on July 15, 2004 01:15 PM