Did ANYONE else self pay?

I was on a teleconference today for leader training and noticed that several of them had self paid for their WLS.  Honestly, this is about the first I have seen of that other than me.  Has anyone else on here self paid?  If so, how if you don't mind and how do you feel about it?  I am working some stuff up for my first support group.

Marilyn I didn't self pay and if it had come down to that I probably wouldn't have. What a shame that would have been. I could not really see the "Big Picture", I didn't think that WLS was really going to turn all my health issues around. I knew it would help and if I knew then what I know now I would have paid in a minute. Sorry to change direction of your post. C'ya Bob

I DID SELF PAY.. feel free to email/pm me. my brother in law also self pay and he has great insurance. they just don't cover surgery for weight loss. 
Rebecca

I was self pay.  Wasnt really happy about it, but needed to be done.  I dont understand why BCBS offers discounts on massages, fitness centers and other things in the name of health, but you as a subscriber  you dont rec the BCBS discount  for WLS even if you pay yourself.  My plan is a high deductible, and even prior to me revieving benefits (the portion where I pay everything up front) I recieve the BCBS discount.  Why not extend this to WLS.    I also thought of the option of spending about half of that on CRACK, and then having the employer and BCBS pay for the rehab and the time off work .  LOL!   But realy, why cover rehab for drugs & alcohol and not food adictions.  The surgery has to be less than they spend on the average lifetime of multiple visits to rehab and related services.  And the cost savings for improved health and less Dr. Visits has to be a money saver. 

I also have never been able to qualify for insurance unless I want to pay $6000 a year, so I look at this as a way to ensure I can get insurance in a year or two to make sure my family is taken care of in the event of my death.  I have no health problems, the weight was prohibitive.  

I also look at as I think nothing of financing a $40,000 car, so wouldn't I be happier if I used a portion of that to pay for me to be happy and ensure I am around for my kids graduations, weddings and grandchildren.  It all comes down to how much my weight has cost me in missed memories with my children and spouse, so for me it really want a question. 

I also thought of the savings in food bills, clothing costs ect.  

 The one good thing is that you can deduct cost from taxes, if medical costs exceed 7% of AGI (check this number).  The way I understand it is that if you make $100,000 and the cost of the surgery is $20,000 and the 7% = $7000, then you can reduce your Ajusted Gross Income by $20,000-$7000= $13,000.  Dont quote me on this, I havent done my taxes yet, but I am close on this if not correct. 

Isn't there a self pay forum? I think it is under Forums "Weight Loss Related", then to "Insurance, Cash Pay, Financing" .

Hope this helps....