Question:
LAP BAND

Can anyone tell me different ways to finance lapband. I work for a hospital and they refuse to cover any wls. I am a poor nursing student. HELP    — danosteve (posted on March 19, 2007)

March 19, 2007
The surgeon's office should have info on different financial companies offering financing...some people get a home equity loan....I used a credit card for now...
   — JudyAz

March 19, 2007
I just had my surgery and mine was financed through Capital One. My doctor had two different credit companies that he works with and that just happened to be the one that I chose based on the APR and such. I have heard of lots of people taking out a second mortgage on their home or refinancing, but I do not think you would have a home to borrow against if you are a "poor nursing student". I'm sure others will be able to help you out more along these lines.
   — fluphystuph

March 20, 2007
Capital One finances medical procedures. If flex spending is offered at your job; you might want to sign up for that to help offset any out of pocket expenses you might incur.
   — the7thdean

March 29, 2007
If you have a home, the home equity loan/line of credit is definitely the way to go! I was unfamiliar with the specifics of this kind of loan, but how it works is that you get pre-approved for a line of credit. The more credit you ask for, the lower your interest rate is. You won't pay anything til you actually pull some of the money out. For instance, if you need $9,000 for your procedure, you could actually ask for them to approve the line of credit for the highest amount that you qualify for. If you qualify for a $25,000 line of credit, but only take out $9,000, you will get a great rate. You can also vary your payments. All you are obligated to pay each month is the interest on the loan. (maybe $25-$35). The extra you pay each month then comes off the principal. You could decide to pay the interest only during tight months, such as December or January. The advatage of asking for the highest line is the lower interest rate. The bank, however, is "banking" that you will be tempted to keep pulling out more money, as time goes by. This method is so much more preferable to the medical finance companies. Their rates can be criminal.
   — karentherese

March 29, 2007
If you are considering going to one of the fine Mexican Surgeons, such as Dr. Kuri (who has performed over 3,000 lap-band procedures--incluing mine), your price for surgery will be roughly half of what you would pay in the states. Also, lap-band surgery in the states now is usually a day surgery; you are sent home to recover on the afternoon of your surgery. Dr. Kuri's price includes two nights in a modern and beautiful hospital, and then a follow-up stay of two nights (or whatever you and your companion need) in a lovely hotel, complete with a business center with internet service, and room service that delivers clear liquids, jello, and delicious broth right to your door. Also included is a chauffer who meets you at the airport and delivers you back again. One word of caution about using a flex-saving medical plan, however. Most companies will not allow you to apply your dollars to surgery outside the U.S. You could bank enough, however, to cover the cost of fills. Remember, the costs of your procedure and fills and all associated costs (travel, additional lodging, etc.) are all tax-deductible, whether or not your surgery is in our out of the U.S. Good luck to you! Remember, this surgery seems expensive but when you think of it as being roughly the same price of a moderate used car, it puts it in a different light. If your car gave out tomorrow, you would find a way to get a new one. You deserve your own new chassis. ;-)
   — karentherese