Lap Band Surgery

[Abacus]

So, after too many years of battling my weight I'm looking at getting a Lap Band installed. Anybody done it?

I've got about 50kg to lose.

I'd be interested in getting some idea of how much other people have been charged for the procedure. I look like being out of pocket about $4,500-$5,500 or so after Medicare and private health insurance rebates, depending on who does the work.

Most of this is in the surgeon and anaethetist's fees. For instance, one quack says he'll charge $4,000, Medicare rebates $575.40, Health Fund gives back $191.80, so out of pocket is $3,232.80. His anaethetist charges $1,200, Medicare rebates $134.25, Health Fund gives back $44.75, so out of pocket is $1,021.00.

Most other costs, including theatre fees, disposables, hospital room, prosthesis, etc look like they'll be fully covered by Medicare and the health fund.