Sounds like a good deal.  I am going to try to attend their seminar in October or November.

I was also very impressed with iabs in Lenexa.  http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/index.html.  Dr. "K" seems outstanding and they too are a center of excellence.  Decisions, decisions. Jim 

Yes, that's what they told me initially too.  When I seemed surprised by my actual cost, they said they always quote the maximum.  Apparently, depending on your particular health issues, some people have to have some additional tests, etc. before banding.  They also are including the cost of the psych eval in that figure even though you have to go through another avenue to get it and often times, insurance does cover that.  By the time I count everything (including my psych eval) mine is going to end up costing about  $12,500.   I have been researching since April - it does take awhile.  In addition to attending the required seminar, they also require that you read a book, obtain a psych evaluation with a recommendation for surgery, have a consultation, complete an on-line education program, and then a pre-op appointment before the surgery.  It's a lot to get in!!   I don't know if my time from beginning to surgery is typical, that's just what it took me to get everything done around my schedule.  Crystal

I too would like to know if they use the AP band.  Have you decide for sure on lap band instead of the bypass.  And why???

Cool- thanks.  The AP band is becoming very popular from what I understand.  Here's a link if you want to read about it. http://bariatrictimes.com/2007/06/02/the-lap-band-ap%e2%84%a 2-system-the-platform-advances/ Jim