Question:
I really want to get a lap RNY this year, but I already have alot of debt!

I'm 21 and I'm living from paycheck to paycheck now. I'm worried about taking off from work (STD is 50%) and not making payments on time. I can probaly get another loan from the bank, but I could only go maybe another $2000. I don't have any savings and I already owe my parents a couple thousand dollars from college, so I can't borrow anything from them. I have nothing to value to sell and I owe too much on my truck to sell it! The money issue alone is the only thing keeping me from scheduling my consulation with the surgen. Any suggestions?    — HeidiMc (posted on February 20, 2003)

February 20, 2003
Is it possible to get a different job, that has good health insurance, Even if you have to work at that job 6 months before the insurance kicks in. Do you have a relative that would lend you the money, or co-sign a loan. And if you are a full time college, do not know your age, but could you get put on your parents insurance, some insurance companies let grown children that are full time students on insurance plans. Because WLS is expensive, I have heard alot of amounts $20,000 to $30,000. Hope this helps
   — cindy

February 20, 2003
I agree with the other poster. Get a job with good benefits (my husband is a manager for Kinko's and the benefits are awesome). I only had to pay $250 for my surgery (the bill was $30,000). The best way to get out of debt is to work more and spend less.. and get the benefits while you are at it!)
   — SarahC

February 20, 2003
If it were me, I would get a second job& work it until the health benefits kick in. I read on another post that Home Depot had good insurance. In my mind, my weekends & nights would be well spent. Best wishes in your process.
   — Heather N.

February 21, 2003
I have excellent health benefits at Frito. I have a deductable and after that I only have to pay 10%. I have no intention of leaving. You can't find an entry level job that pays as much as they do in this area. I work 3pm-11pm, tuesday-saturday. I've tried a second job but Frito's hours are unpredictable with all the shifts in the economy. I've already pulled in 30 hours with three more days to go this week. I was thinking with the surgery and with summer coming up that I'll have MORE energy to work enough overtime to catch up with anything I get behind on. Maybe?
   — HeidiMc

February 21, 2003
I am not sure, but are you saying your health benefits will cover surgery but you are worried about the income you will lose while off work. If so, you might consider purchasing a disability policy that would pay you while you are off work. I did this several years ago when I was considering getting pregnant. It cost about $50 a month but is taken out before I get my check. It paid me to be off work 8 weeks when my daughter was born, several weeks with the RNY, and 6 weeks last summer when I had a TT/thigh lift. Now I am being forced to have a kidney surgery and thank goodness I have it, because I may be out as much as 6 weeks. I agree with other posters though, if your health insurance doesn't cover it and you are a struggling young person, consider a second job or changing jobs to something you know that the health insurance will pay for surgery before you consider self pay. I'm not sure why more people don't consider that option, since many of them end up working two jobs for years to pay off the debt. It would make more sense to work two jobs for a few months, let insurance kick in, and then have surgery.
   — cindy Q.

February 21, 2003
I forgot to say the disablility policy is through UNUM.
   — cindy Q.

February 22, 2003
some disability policies exclude preexisting conditions for a period of time. make sure you know all the facts before you buy into a policy that may or may not pay out. A second job for a short time might be a great idea.
   — **willow**