Question for anyone who can answer

 ok ive been trying for weight loss surgery for years now and have always had issues with my insurance well finally i have found out my insurance will pay for the lap-band so thats great but heres my hang up i have to pay for the program which is $475 my first appointment and $475 by the day of surgery and this is becoming quite aggrivateing  since the fact im on disability and it takes every sent i get just to make my bills.  i applied with care credit and was denied so now im just thinking what do i do im trying my best to lose on my own i was 613 and am now down to 500 but i still believe that i need this extra help and have already been changeing my life style if anyone has any advice can you please let me know i would so greatly appreciate it 

thank you 
and god bless you all 

Hi Sugar24
Are you on Medicare? I am and it pays 80% and you pay 20%. They cover the band and bypass.
I pay the balance that Medicare didn't pay in payments. I hope this helps.

Surgery always carries risk and must be the last resort. If you do have surgery at some point, the lower your weight, the less risk.

However, You're doing just great losing without surgery! Keep on doing exactly what you are doing!

In the meantime, keep saving and exploring options for the time when you might still want to proceed with one or another of the types of WLS. As time goes on, reimbursement may be better, new types of WLS will  become available, still better bands may be wiser choices, and  safer procedures will be developed.

Look at all the advances in WLS and the Band just in the last 2 yrs - the AP bands were developed and released,  the Realize band became FDA approved, and the Gastric Sleeve became a very good option for many. The Gastric Balloon is also in US trials now, and has been used for years in one form or another in Europe.

You're doing wonderfully already, even without surgery ! There is plenty of time to make a decision.

Sandy r

 

Are you on Medicare?  I know that they will pay most of the cost, there is usually a co pay, I have Medicare and Medicaid and for me what Medicare doesn't pay Medicaid pays.  The only out of pocket that I had was (before I found out Medicaid would pay for my travel) was travel and the nut appt.    I hope this helps. 

Johanna

Have you talked to family and friends or even your local church? Maybe they can help. Sometimes doctors will let you do payment plans.

Please make sure that you fully understand what is covered and what is not.
The Band cannot be successful without pretty aggressive follow-up care (fills and office visits).

If you are on a fixed income, it is important that you make sure that you will be able to afford the followup care (or that it is covered) so you can be as successful as possible.

I wish you good luck and I congratulate you on the changes you have made so far.

 yes ive checked with my medicaid and they cover everything but the cost of the program they cover surgery and all follow up visits

hello, I see you are in Laurel, De.....I'm in Millsboro, are you trying for Delmarva Bariatric??? I know the program fee is not covered by medicare although is allowed as a medical deduction on your taxes. Which really doesn't help you up front.

 im going through dr.zarif he takes my medicaid he has an office in berlin and in rehobeth and medicaid said they will cover the surgery and all follow up visits