Question:
I AM ON THE END OF MY ROPE

HI IM 25 WITH A BMI OF 50.1, IM 5'1. I JUST FOUND A VOCATIONAL REHAB WORKER AND A SURGEON. I NEED THIS SURGERY IM AFRAID I WONT BE ABLE TO WALK MUCH LONGER THE WAY IM GOING OR TAKE CARE OF MY KIDS. IM PRETTY SURE VR WILL PAY FOR THE SURGERY BUT THE SURGEON CHARGES 250 DOLLARS FOR THE CONSULT. MY HUSBAND IS ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND THERES NO WAY I CAN COME UP WITH THAT. ANY ONE WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE LET ME KNOW..THIS SITE IS SO SUPPORTIVE. I WILL APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE GIVEN OR YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT [email protected].    — cinamoni (posted on April 23, 2003)

April 23, 2003
Talk to the surgeon's office and see if you can arrange a payment plan for the $250...JR
   — John Rushton

April 23, 2003
Sell the stuff you have laying around on Ebay.com
   — Carla M.

April 23, 2003
Borrow it from a good friend or family member. Save $2.50 a week for 10 weeks. Get the docs office to put you on a pay plan. Get rid of cable TV (if you have it). Get rid of the extra features on your phone (if you have those) like call waiting etc., Put some of your "fat" clothes on consignment (since you will soon not need them after the surgery). Swap something you can do (watch someone's kids for a couple weeks or cook for someone for $250). Get rid of your internet connection for a while and use the library internet for free. Gather up all the loose change around the house. Save cans and other recyclables and return them for money. Donate blood or plasma for cash. Pawn some stuff for cash. Sell some CDs or books to a store that buys them used. Use coupons at the grocery store. Get rid of your cell phone (if you have one). Have your hubby do some handy work (painting, lawns etc.). Do a search on the net for how to save up for things.
   — Kimberly L.

April 23, 2003
Amy, the other posters do have great ideas. I've also read your post. I believe I may have a resource to start with and may be interested in, please email me. It'll all work out to your good. I felt the same way as far as my pre-op finances were concerned. Check out my profile~I've jumped through a few hoops myself *smiles*, but don't give up...Help is on the way!!!Have a great day!! LAP RNY 9/3/02 265/161/115...
   — yourdivaness

April 25, 2003
Wow. I got the same fee with my doctor. Insurance won't cover it. We were depending on my dh over time, but that got cancelled. They will not do a payment schedule with us. I'm getting rid of my expensive cable internet connection any day now (that will save us 40 a month)...so hopefully I can save it up before its due on June 1st.
   — Renee B.