self paying WLS newbie looking for finacing tips

Hello.  I am a new member. My insurance excludes all weight loss related surgery. I am contemplating paying for vsg surgery myself.  I would appreciate any tips, suggestions, etc. on finding a facility in the DC/Baltimore area who performs bariatric surgery for less than $15,000.
 
I have consulted with 3 hosptials in the past couple of months and all of them charge between $18,000 -$20,000+ for self pay weight loss surgery. All of them also wanted the entire payment for the suregery up front.  Does anyone know of any hospitals/facilities that offer a payment plan (50% down, etc.)?  I'm considering going to Mexico as a last resort. I would prefer to have the surgery in the US.

Welcome to the MD forum!

Can you try to get a medical loan. Like for example I had done that long time ago with MBNA who is now Bank of America.  You can aleast finance the part that you don't have.  I would really try that instead.  I just couldn't see myself going to mexico for such a life altering surgery.   You know what I mean?

At any rate I want to wish you all the best in your journey.

Keep us posted on how things go.

Cira

Hi Cira.  Thanks for your suggestion. I will look into doing a medical loan.  I am planning on taking a 401k loan to finance part of the surgery.

Congrats on your decision!

I was self pay for my band. I paid $5k cask and the rest was a personal loan from my credit union. I believe my original surgeon had a cash pay discount, so you should ask about that.

Good luck!

Thank you Mary B.  I am determined to have the surgery this year.  I will not be deterred :-)