any self-payees out there?

I went in for my psych evaluation today. When I got home I was informed that my husband lost his job. That means our health insurance goes with it (effective midnight tonight), since we definitely will not be able to afford COBRA. While the surgery is put on the back burner, I ask... have any of you self-paid for your surgeries be it lap-band (wchih is what i am having) or bypass? Did the whole consult/surgery phase go faster? Are there financial planning options if you can't shell out the money up front? Is it still worth it? I am 5'7" and 290 pounds, so I'm pretty miserable, but since I am young and with a young baby, I am unsure of the self-pay situation. Any comments would be much appreciated!

GO with the COBRA for just you. I know it leaves him and kids out in the open for now, but you CAN (as an eligible dependant) select coverage for yourself only and not have to pay the $1500 a mo for a family price (I couldn't afford family rate). I was on COBRA for my surgery and it worked!! I'm 7 days postop Lap RNY, as of today!! My COBRA ran about $375/mo but it was worth it. EVERYTHING would go faster for self pay (my surgeon's self pay price was $23,000) and that was not including the testing preop. Many loan companies are now willing to lend money for medical procedures too, so don't give up... but IMO COBRA rocks.

I have to ask though if your insurance had good coverage for your surgery... mine did, it was a 100% pay after I did a large copay, so it was worth it.

hi, my insurance doesn't pay for this type of surgery so i had to finace it through capitol one, i was approve for the bypass, i will be paying for 5 years, i'm having my surgery April 3 i wish you all the best and i prayed that your husband gets another job soon

So sorry to hear about your husband losing his job. I don't know about the insurance but I am self-pay. My self-pay covers doctor's appointments for a year afterward and the fills and it covers the filter he has put in to trap clots. I was lucky and already had a heart cath done just before the decision for the lapband and the only thing I really needed was the psych consult - really wonderful person did that and I will continue to follow up with her in the future too. Now the total price that covers one night in hospital stay is $23738 for me. And yes it has gone much faster than some of the ladies who have insurance on here with the same doctor. Hope that helps out some. I wish you luck with your journey and will pray that your husband gets another job soon. God Bless and Keep You and Your Family! Carolyn Miller

I also have to pay. I was Quoted these prices. 50% for self pay hospital $9500. Doctor $2310. Angsthesiogist $950. This my Doctor: Joseph Colella, M.D. 320 East North Avenue,Allegheny General Hospital Fifth Floor, South Tower Pittsburgh, PA 15212-4772 Map It Phone: (412) 359-8630 Fax: (412) 359-8646 Good Luck Laureen

I am so sorry your hubby lost his job. I am a self pay pre op lap bander I paid $15.000 I know there are many who paid less and some paid more. If you post this on the lap band forum there may be someone in your area that recommends a good doc for a good price. I know there are some financing options with Capital One Healthcare, Caredredit, and a few others. There are many diffrent ways to finance. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck I have very similar #'s as you with 2 small kiddos so I can relate. Godd luck - Amanda