One of the latest trends in weight loss surgery seems to be going abroad to save money. Mexico, for example, appears to be a popular destination for surgery with the LAP-BAND® System. We blogged about LAP-BAND surgery in Mexico previously, so I won’t belabor that same point. I only offer the following advice.

Regardless of where you decide to go for bariatric weight-loss surgery (LAP-BAND or otherwise), you should put the skill and experience of the surgeon above the cost of the procedure. I mean seriously, let’s keep our priorities straight here. This is you health and well-being we are talking about. Do you really want to bargain shop with those things on the line?

Case in point, I stumbled across a website today (that prompted this blog post) that was using price positioning techniques you’d recognize from a used car commercial. It proclaimed in big bold letters: “Lap Band Surgery … Starting at $7,250!” Of course, to obtain information from this website you have to agree to a legal form that says you will hold the owner harmless in the event of surgery problems. Really? Just to request info? Now that’s scary.

I think you see my point. I do not recommend for or against weight loss surgery. I do not recommend the U.S. over Mexico or vice-versa. We are neutral here, as you know. I’m simply recommending that you use common sense and good judgment when choosing a bariatric surgery provider, and that you put experience over price. After all, this isn’t a Hyundai you’re buying.

Related article: Going Abroad for Bariatric Surgery

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In the past, we have written some articles on diet after bariatric surgery. Along those same lines, I wanted to share a forum thread with you. It’s from LapBandTalk.com, and it’s about the foods you can eat after LAP-BAND System® surgery. Specifically, the thread starter wants to know if you can eat bread or pasta after LAP-BAND surgery.

As with any forum, you have to remember that the information is provided is from different folks with different experience and knowledge levels. With that disclaimer aside, there are some people joining this forum discussion who had LAP-BAND surgery months ago, so they are a fairly reliable source if you ask me.

Visit this forum thread to learn more about foods after LAP-BAND surgery.

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When you hear someone refer to Lap Band surgery, they are usually referring to a surgery involving the LAP-BAND® System. This is an FDA-approved gastric banding device that is placed around the stomach to create a small pouch, thus reducing the patient’s stomach capacity (as with other types of weight loss surgery).

The difference with LAP-BAND® surgery, and part of the reason for its current popularity, is the fact that it’s adjustable, and even removable. This is obviously an advantage over other forms of bariatric weight loss surgery.

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If you’d like to learn more about surgery with the LAP-BAND® System, please refer to our article on the subject — Overview of Lap Band Surgery.

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Before considering the cost of surgery with the LAP-BAND® System, you may want to read our overview of Lap Band surgery.

For most people who consider Lap Band surgery (or any type of weight loss surgery for that matter), the cost of the procedure is a top factor in their decision-making. The cost of Lap Band surgery is obviously important, but it should only be considered after more important questions have been answered:

Is Lap Band surgery right for me? Am I a candidate for such a procedure? Do I understand the risks versus the reward, the lifestyle changes and aftercare?

Once these important questions have been answered, the prospective patient will logically want to know, “How much does Lap Band surgery cost?” Here’s an overview to answer that question:

Lap Band Surgery Cost

At the time of this writing, the cost of Lap Band surgery (worldwide) ranges from around $8,000 to upwards of $25,000, depending on where you have the surgery and who performs it. Some people travel to Mexico for banding procedures, because of the lower surgery cost involved. Of course, you have to factor in airfare and other travel expenses. You also have to ask yourself how comfortable you are having Lap Band surgery abroad. In the United States, the cost of Lap Band surgery ranges from around $13,000 to $25,000 or more.

Insurance Coverage?

Insurance companies have been slow to accept the cost of Lap Band surgery into their coverage area. In the past, few companies insured this type of procedure. But the number of insurance companies who cover Lap Band surgery costs seems to be increasing with each passing year, possibly due to pressure from the medical community, frequent requests from the insured, and other factors.

Related article: Overview of Lap Band Surgery | Cost of Bariatric Surgery

The cost of refinancing

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I just stumbled across an online article that does a good job explaining surgery with the LAP-BAND ® System. This article talks about bariatric surgery in general, which paved the way for the LAP-BAND ® device and surgical procedure.

It also explains, although briefly, how the procedure works toward reducing a patient’s appetite and weight.

Read the article here

And don’t forget, we have dozens of similar articles on weight-loss surgery (including an informative piece about the LAP-BAND®).

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