Question:
I don't have insurance or medicaid is there any suggestions for what to do?

   — ms.betty (posted on August 3, 2007)

August 3, 2007
Hi I see your new here! Welcome! You might try getting a job or part time job that has insurance to cover WLS, if unable to work state vocational rehab often covers surgery to get you working and paying taxes. some self pay if they have the bucks, it can be expensive.
   — bob-haller

August 3, 2007
I am also a self pay patient first do your research on different hospitals and different surgeons I have found some of them dont want self pay patients so they jack up the price. I paid about 25,000.00 for my rny and took out a home equiaty loan this is about your health. If your car broke down most people would find a way to buy another. Also check into medical loans if that is a option.
   — danosteve

August 4, 2007
Hi Betty thanks for writing. Insurance is such a precious thing. You don't say why you are not covered. To say you have no insurance AND no Medicaid to me implies that you are working but don't have coverage for wls? If you were disabled or indigent, then you would have medicaid. You are in a tough situation, but if you really want surgery, then if you own a home you might be able to get a home equity loan or a medical loan. If it is already too much to consider doing that you might want to change jobs. Even Wal Mart (I think) has good insurance for their people that may include wls. Maybe changing jobs to get what you need will help. My husband had to change carriers so that I could get a surgery that was not covered by our primary provider. Sometimes you need a change. Take care Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

August 10, 2007
Hey there. I knew I had to do something. I'm 5'7" and almost 400lbs. I checked into medical financing, but the payments were high. I talked to my Mom and she took out a home equity loan. I'm having my gastric bypass done in Miami. The total cost is going to be in the area of $18,000. But the payments are very reasonable.
   — dragontears

August 10, 2007
I just had my lap band put on August 7th 2007, in MEXICO...Dr Aceves...the experience was wonderful..the hospital was unlike any I have ever seen in the US..THe care was unbelievable..It cost me 7800.00 in US dollars, that was for 1 night stay in a beautiful hotel, picked up from San Deigo Ca. All test, 2 days care in a beautiful hospital, with wonderful care. I am home now and feeling great, I would recommend Dr. Aceves and his staff again and again. Good Luck..
   — thankulord

August 10, 2007
Before I start, please dont take this as a negative, just a warning from a friend of mine. She went to Mexico to get the Lap band (dont know the name of the doctor) When she got home, she could not get any of the local surgeons to do her fills. It seems as though they assume liablility if something goes wrong, so they quoted a price tag of $3,000 per fill. She did not feel she could afford this price and has since regained her weight. I dont know if this is an isolated case or not, but, I would recommend you are sure you can find a doctor in your local area to do the fills that you feel is affordable and professional.
   — shrinker