Question:
Are there any grants or other resourses out there to help.

My wife needs this surgery to relieve her pain in legs and feet. Our ins. BMI- Ozarks Medical Center and they DO NOT cover this surgery and we would have to pay for it out of pocket and there is NO WAY we can afford it. I hate to see her in so much pain.    — DaveCCormier (posted on March 13, 2006)

March 13, 2006

   — Kasey

March 13, 2006
I noticed on your profile yu mentioned banding. Does the insurance cover RNY?
   — HeidiXOXO

March 13, 2006
I was a self pay as well. I went to Europe and found it to be affordable and really great care. It was under 10k for the cost of the surgery (I had a gastric bypass) including airfare! They also have a bank they work with if you need to make payments... :) Email if you want more info....
   — Katpts

March 13, 2006
If you can't find a way to get this surgery and do have to self-pay, please check the overseas possibilities. Many people find excellent, affordable services in Mexico, Brazil, and Europe. Dr Ungston in Mexico is very affordable and I have heard excellent reports about him. Good luck and bless you for caring so much about your wifes health.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 14, 2006
David, my insurance, says it does not cover obesity surgery, but on down it says that it does cover morbid obesity. From my experience and what I've seen, if you have had previous stomach surgeries, its more safe to have an open surgery. The dr can see exactly what he's doing without having to look thru a microscope and use the robot. I was going to have band surgery lap, and ended up with perforated colon and had to have colostomy. It would be quicker, also. 1 hour opposed to 2 or 3. My colostomy was repaired and I now have date of April 20, this year.
   — geneswife

March 14, 2006
It is nice to hear a husband concerned about his wife. That is very refreshing. When my surgeon sent me my paperwork, he said to make sure when inquiring about surgery to my insurance to ask about treatment for morbid obesity( not just obesity) Also I think my insurance will only cover the rny. Good luck to you and your wife. Tracy
   — Tracy LeAnn