Totally bummed

I'm absolutely bummed this morning. All my research indicated that this banding was an out-patient procedure. Everyone I know personally had their sugery in the morning and went home in the afternoon. Reading my insurance package, I figured I needed the out patient copay. Wrong. The doctor I chose does LAP banding as an in-patient procedure. That means I have to meet the deductible for my insurance. I still have to save $1,100. I had to work to get what I have saved. I'm going through a divorce and still have bills "we" made. I guess I should count my blessing that I have insurance that *may* cover this and I don't have to be a self-pay. I'm also in good enough health that I can pick up a second job for a while to pay for this. Man, I hate it when you think you have a good plan and then the dump truck runs into it. All I can do is keep saving and keep eating right and exercising. We'll see where we are after I get approved. Dangit, Marianne

That's a huge deductible! My deductible was only $300, which I met; however, I had to pay the rest of my out of pocket maximum which was $1,006.69 and THEN the insurance company will cover 100%. It sure beats paying the whole $24,000 for the surgery. Maybe you can look into getting a small loan through your bank. I know capitalone.com has healthcare financing with low interest rates. Everything will work out for ya! Stay positive April

My co-pay is $300.00. The in-patient hospital deductible is the $1,550 and Dr. Houston's office requires some money up front. They subtract his fee from the deductible and then you have to have the balance the morning you show up for surgery. Oh, I'll find the money. I'm resourceful like that I just wasn't what I had planned. It just makes me prove that much more how bad I want it. I'll have yardsales, take a second job, clean houses, whatever I have to do. I'll make it happen.

Hi Marianne, I realize this is just a small issue, and things are rough when it comes to plans having to be changed. But stop and think, there may be a reason for this set back. You will make it, that I have no doubts. Just hang in there and all things will work out for you. A friend of mine had the lap band and was released within the 24 hour observation time. So you are still considered outpatient, just an over night, but you will most likely be released before 2 hours. Good luck, Kathy