Broken Record...

I have been on these boards for a couple of years, mostly reading what everyone has to say and silently sharing the excitment when I see someone finally losing weight and starting a new life. Every once in a while I post something and for the most part someone answers me with something encouraging. Last time I posted I found a doctor that would do the lap band for $14,000 in Louisiana if I had my primary care doc do the lab work. Well that fell through and I am back at square one. I just need some encouragement. I have spent a long time looking for a way to have this surgery with no results. With nursing school starting in January 06 my biggest fear is not fitting the uniforms needed to do the job. Our insurance sucks = contractual exclusion, and I am just posting to see if anyone can point me in the right direction. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Raja, Hang in there. I know I know easier said then done. I have been right where you are and I know exactly what you are going through. Is there a family member that could possibly loan you the money or could you take out a loan to have surgery? I was fortunate that after 3 years of denials and exclusions, my sister and her husband offered to give me half and I pay them back half at 4% interest. The total cost for my surgery lap gastric bypass (not sure if you are interested in that) was $19.5K. Hope this helps. Hang in there it will happen. Just promise yourself to never give up. I never did and I am now one week post-op. If you want to talk feel free to email me. Gina

Thank you... I can't get approved for loans and my family, well how can I say this, we aren't close. They don't approve of the surgery so will not support me. I will be 30 years old soon and I will not lose steam on this.

Raja, I just had gastric segmentaion non adjustable band surgery with Dr. Oria in Houston. He is a wonderful and caring Dr. I had this surgery on Wed April 15, 2005 and in a week I am down 25 pounds. The total cost of this surgery is $10,414.37 and that includes the surgeon the hospital, the pre-op testing every thing. the surgery is almost the same as lap band surgery except it is with a non adjustable band. E-mail me if you would like to hear more. we could set up a chat or talk on the phone. Stan

FYI Raja, I've seen 5X uniforms at ackley uniforms (online). I personally wear the 4X Landau scrubs. G'luck.

I bought a 5x Dickie scrub set and it fits everywhere but the stomach. I have to lose at least 20 pounds to fit those.

hi, who were you going to get to do it for 14 grand? in covington, la it is around 12 grand i think, why not work at a hospital that carrys insurance that covers it.. bayou uniforms carrys big uniforms up to a 5x i think.. which is what i wear. in shirt

Have you contacted Dr. Lavin's group? Dr. Lavin did my surgery. I would not have had any other doctor in the United States touch me. It's a good thing he was right here 6 blocks from my home! whyweight.com (www.) Phone Number 985-234-3000 They work with one or more finance companies that may be able to lend you the money. They also do self-pay. We don't think anything about financing our house or car, so why don't we finance our LIFE? I hope things work out for you! ~Vanessa

Dr. Lavin's group is who I want to perform the surgery. My biggest problem is paying for it because of my insurance. I cannot find a job, my credit will not allow me to finance, I cannot borrow, I really can't work if I find a job (working on MBA/HCM and prenursing at the same time). It sounds like a whole bunch of excuses, but the reality is that I have exhausted all possible choices from my end. Sometimes it may take a fresh perspective (ya'll) to help come up with something I haven't thought of.

I'm assuming that your husband's income is too high to qualify for state paid insurance (medicaid)? Have you considered filing for disability (which often will pay for the surgery)?