Question:
I do not have insurence how can i pay for this
and is there any help i can get? Good suggestions appreciated. — melissa R. (posted on November 6, 2003)
November 5, 2003
How about getting a job somewhere that does include insurance? I don't
think WalMart covers WLS but Home Depot I think does. With the holidays
coming up, getting work shouldn't be too bad if you are able to work. If
not able to work, how about public assistance? Do you have a 401K or other
savings that you could draw from? Loan from a family member or bank or the
surgeon who would do your surgery? Remember if you are self-pay, if you run
into complications, your expenses could skyrocket. Good luck to you.
— Yolanda J.
November 5, 2003
Try your state rehab dept. I know of several people in arkansas who had
wls paid for by ark rehab, Their goal is to get you healthy enough to go
to work. I believe each state has a rehab program. Check with your county
social service agency for more info.
— bransonboy
November 6, 2003
I know of a woman who had the guts to push the limits and got vocational
rehab to pay for her surgery and was not on disability. She wanted to keep
her job but the truth is she was close to not being able to work anymore.
She told them they could help her now or help her later. They helped by
covering a lot or all of the hospital costs and she scrimped and borrowed
for the balance. She's was successful because she was creative and
determined. This was in WI. Her profile is under Lori Danielson I
believe.
— zoedogcbr
November 6, 2003
Hi Melissa!
I was a self-pay patient - and I know HUNDREDS of them. It takes
determination and imagination, but it's so worth it!
I went to Spain for my surgery. Because of my high BMI and co-morbidities,
I was being quoted $120,000 for my surgery. However, I heard about Dr.
Baltasar (www.bodybybaltasar.com) and met some of his post-ops, and was
amazed at how GREAT they were all faring - the vast majority of them lose
ALL of their excess weight, and keep it off! I did a lot of research on
him and found out that he's one the the best bariatric surgeons in the
world. In fact, he was just at the American College of Surgeons conference
in Chicago in October where he was presented a special award for his work
in the field! On top of that, his patients seem to recover so quickly
after surgery - and part of that is due to the fact that the surgery is so
fast - he's got it down to an art form. Anyway, including travel, staying
a week on the Mediterranean, surgery, everything! - it cost us $15,800.
I know people who have sold homes, collections, taken out loans, had family
members take out loans for them, used their retirement money, or savings,
or the like. For me - it took a miracle. Someone anonymously donated
$15,000 to my surgery bank account.
I'm 16 months post-op and I've lost 183 lbs, my wheelchair, and all of my
co-morbidities.
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
November 6, 2003
If you own a home, you can take out a 2nd mortage or a home equity line.
Thats preferable over using your retirement savings or taking out a regular
loan....
— Cindy R.
November 6, 2003
The easiest is just getting a job w/ good benefits. I saw your BMI (37),
and you might want to check with your PCP and or surgeon to see if you
qualify before you make any life changing decisions.
— mrsmyranow
November 6, 2003
I HAVE TO SELF PAY TOO. I HAVE DECIDED TO GO TO MEXICO AND HAVE WLS WITH
DR AQUIRRE. HE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS. YOU CAN
VISIT LATISHA NICKLE'S PROFILE FOR DETAILS. SHE HAD WLS IN MEXICO. IF YOU
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL. I HAVE A DATE!!!!!
— PATRICE T.
November 6, 2003
Hi Melissa, have you tried getting on medicaid, because I know that some
states with medicaid cover the surgery, if you are not able to work right
now. I had the surgery 9 mths ago and am on medicaid, and they covered
everything since I was not able to work, so check that out-k! Good luck to
you!
— Melodee S.
November 6, 2003
Melissa....I went to Mexico and had my surgery by Dr Aguirre. I had an
excellent recovery from open-rny, and went back to work full time as a
nurse 10 days post-op. Total I paid under $7500.00 you can check my
profile for a breakdown of my costs!!!!
— jennap
November 10, 2003
You can have wls surgery financed (and even more companies will finance
cosmetic surgery like tummy tucks, breast implants, etc.). Yes, your
monthly payment will be about the size of a car payment, but let's face
it... you get a better trunk in the end. Try this site:
http://www.carecredit.com/patients/whatis.htm or call them at
1-800-333-1071. You may need to ask if there are any bariatric doctors in
your state that participate in the program, then go from there. Good luck
to you!
— Goldilauxx B.
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