Question:
Not to be nosy, but how do people self-pay for WLS? I already have two mortgages.

Are you saving up for it? Getting a loan from a bank? Selling your home and buying a smaller one? Cashing in retirement? My biggest worry is that I would have complications from surgery, end up in the hospital for months, and go bankrupt trying to pay for it.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on November 14, 2007)

November 14, 2007
I am self pay. I was very fortunate and had no complications. I took out a loan with my bank. My monthly payment is actually higher then my house payment. Also worth every penny.
   — cathy41tired

November 14, 2007
I don't know how anyone could. I suggest changing jobs and making sure it has insurance that will pay. If you don't have a job you might think about getting one.
   — Nurse343

November 14, 2007
I know hundreds of self-pay patients and virtually all of their stories are truly individual and unique. There is nothing quite so amazing as hearing how miraculous circumstances came together to make a surgery happen for someone! I know a woman whose husband sold his antique car collection to pay for her surgery. I know some retirement-aged parents who got a home equity loan on their home to pay for their daughter's surgery. I know a gentleman who was in a car accident several years prior to his decision to pursue WLS and drawn out legal battles for a settlement had all but been given up on - when whammo - just EXACTLY the right enough money came through for surgery expenses. I know people who have used their retirement accounts - which typically can be used for medical expenses without penalty. I know people who have had community fund raisers - who have held a fish fry, or a community bake sale, or community garage sale, or the like. I know a lady who sold her Barbie collection to pay for surgery. I know a man who had a friend who desperately needed/wanted surgery - who sat the friend down and asked him to please allow him to pay for his surgery with the understanding that one day - if he could, or was so inclined - he could pay him back - but no strings attached. For my surgery - someone anonymously donated the money into my bank account one day - totally without my knowing about it. For my husband's surgery - there were a series of little miracles, and literally the day of his surgery someone offered (without our asking or even knowing why we needed it) to loan us the last bit of money we needed - interest free. There are so many stories... I could go on and on. But suffice it to say - miracles abound! Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

November 14, 2007
For half of it we cashed in an IRA. Although there will be taxes on it it is also a medical tax deduction so they will offset each other. For the other half my Mother gave me an interest free loan. We will be paying it off for a long time but we already agree that it has been worth it. Christine
   — Christine M.

November 14, 2007
I was self-pay and could afford the $10,500 that the Mexican doctor wanted. Had my choices been limited to US doctors, I'd be SOL. Tom
   — Tom Y.

November 14, 2007
I spoke to my husband about having this surgery, he was very supportive and helped me to save the money for the surgery by skipping holidays and cutting our monthly budget. Two years have gone by and we are still skipping gifts for birthdays, mothers day, christmas, etc. I could go a lifetime without gifts knowing that this man loves me becaue he gave me the best gift he could--to have my life back. Cathy T
   — caddyhill

November 14, 2007
I was self pay, my doctor recomended Care Credit, it is a line of credit for medical procedures, you can make monthly payments interest free for a year, it was the best decision for me. I paid half in cash and half credit. You can apply on their website. Best of luck!
   — PattiFitz

November 14, 2007
I am a self pay patient and was denied by my insurance company because WLS is an exclusion. I am also blessed to have the ability to pay for it myself. I am a REALTOR and strongly advise against a home loan to pay for surgery. If you can take a loan from a credit card/bank/friend/family member it is better than risking your home (or retirement savings). The way that saving accounts (retirement accounts) build interest it is a smarter financial decision to take a loan. This is my opition and I know others will tell you to do whatever you can to improve your health - but don't trade one problem for another. Pray/Wish/Dream every single day for what you want and it will always find its way to you.
   — KristyJain

November 14, 2007
I was a self pay. I had a little bit of money in an annuity. But this $$$ was no where enough to pay for the surgery. I was desperate and started searching. I found a doctor in Mexico and had enough saved to pay for it there. I now make payments back to myself so the interest I pay also goes to me. I did tons of research. My doctor was doctor Aguirre and he was wonderful. I would send my dearest friend or family member to him in a heartbeat. My care was wonderful. This is truly a blessing. I am 5 months out, no complications and have lost over 70 lbs. I only have about 40 more to go. I wish you the best and would be happy to share more with you if you are interested. You also might check out my profile. Best Wishes, Neisha
   — neisha =.

November 14, 2007
I am not self pay, but I know many surgeon's office and wieght loss clinics have a financing program. Mine does, but insuracne covered mine, What was not covered was affordable for me, for the most part.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 14, 2007
I was self pay. We owed the IRS $20,000 last year. I had the money and needed the operation so the government charged me penalties and interest but hey, I am now alive and doing well and paid Uncle Sam late. Don't recommend it but it was worth it to me. Pat
   — catcat

November 16, 2007
I haven't had surgery yet but will be scheduling soon. My hospital is going to be paid for by my insurance but my doctor does not take my insurance so I'm paying him cash. They offered to do payment plans but I am fortunate that I have access to the money. Believe me, it isn't extra money just hanging around, but I am willing to sacrifice it for my health. I am thinking about how much money I'll save in the future in prescriptions alone! Also possible future medical problems. Many hospitals will cut deals with you if you are a cash payer because they don't get as much money as you think from insurance companies. i.e. for my mother's intensive care hospitalization last year, the hospital billed $675,000 (6 weeks in the hospital, on a respirator, intensive care etc) but medicare's rate for that was only $98,000. The rest is written off because they have a contract. No one is billed for the balance. So that give you an idea of what you might be able to do. Call around and find out what they charge. But make sure you find a good surgeon, don't settle for less. I would have to say that most of the weight loss surgeons, good and bad alike, make arrangements with people.
   — Nanci H.

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