Are you sure that you are covered?
It is highly advisable to have private insurance before embarking on this surgery, as unexpected prolongations of inpatient stay and unplanned further surgery (although uncommon) can greatly inflate the costs, which would otherwise be absorbed by your insurer.
The hospital costs associated with gastric banding surgery are usually covered by most levels of private health insurance. Some of the more basic levels of cover such as extras-only cover may not include weight loss surgery.
A 12-month waiting period usually applies if you have recently joined a health fund. Gastric banding is NOT considered cosmetic surgery. It has a Medicare item number and is recognised by all the major health funds.
To find out if you are covered, contact your health fund and quote the following Medicare item number:
Gastric Banding: Item no. 30511