Who is currently performing the operation in New Zealand?
There are currently two surgeons offering Lapband surgery in New Zealand.
Mr Robert L Cable
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180 Eleventh Ave
P O Box 866
TAURANGA
Tel: (07) 578-0823
Fax: (07) 578-0822
Mobile: (025) 935-272
E-mail: Robert.Cable@xtra.co.nz
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Mr Cable began performing the procedure in 1997 and has been involved in obesity surgery since the mid-1980s.
Mr Cable is currently installing the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB).
Mr Robert J Fris
Mr Fris began performing the procedure in 1998.
Mr Fris is currently installing the LAP-BANDŽ system.
Patients are required to have one pre-operative consultation with the clinic's dietitian, and undergo a pre-operative psychological assessment with a registered psychologist.
NOTE: From 2004, Mr Fris is planning to offer the Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass in addition to the Lapband.
Mr Stephen Kyle
How much does the operation cost?
The prices quoted for the operation vary between the different surgeons and hospitals.
The costs are made up of the Surgeons fee, Anaesthetists fee, Hospital costs, Lapband, and Pre-op consultations.
The total prices currently being quoted vary around and $12,000 to $14,000.
The price may increase if there are any surgical complications or if a patient requires extended post-operative care for any reason.
Will my insurance company cover the costs?
Unfortunately the operation is not currently covered by all of the health insurance companies in New Zealand.
Southern Cross is currently the only insurance company prepared to cover the cost of the procedure. As long as your policy does not have an obesity exclusion clause, Southern Cross will cover up to $5000 of the cost of the surgery depending upon your policy type.
The Aetna Insurance Group and AXA New Zealand currently have an obesity exclusion and will not cover the costs of the surgery.
