Question:
Surgery Date, Mandatory stay in San Diego Rule, no $$$ (YIKES!!!)

I need assistance in figuring out how to stay in San Diego with no or very little money after RNY in December. Pacific Bariatrics has a rule that states that all post-op patients must stay in town until their first post-op appointment. I have three kids and live on a limited income (SSI, CalWORKS, and I work.) Everything has gone smoothly until now. I just can't figure out how to fit this into an already stretched budget. Any ideas would be helpful. Lisa    — Lisa P. (posted on October 6, 2002)

October 6, 2002
Just an idea maybe the Red Cross will help with your stay, also If I were you I would call local churches! They may help! If I had to I would call the city hall and see if there is any help groups of any kind in the area! Pray and in time God will give you the answer! But do your part and search for the answer! Maybe one of the members here live in San Diego and can help! GOOD LUCK!!!
   — CYNDI B.

October 6, 2002
Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I had my surgery with Pacific Bariatrics and was thrilled with their professionalism as well as with the staff at Scripps Mercy hospital in San Diego. I was able to stay at Days Inn, Hotel Circle South, just two minutes from the hospital at a rate of $55.00 per day. You get a discount by telling them you are a Scripps Mercy patient. For $10.00 more per day you get a kitchenette, but the regular rooms have refrigerators too, so you can get by without a kitchenette if you have to. There is free shuttle service to and from the airport as well as to the hospital if you do not have a car or do not want to rent a car. They provided me with extra pillows to prop myself up. It was clean, comfortable, safe, and a very nice place. My surgeon bent over backwards to see that his out of town patients only have to stay in the area for about three days after surgery. I had surgery one a Wednesday, was discharged Saturday morning, stayed in the hotel Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. On Wednesday I got the all-clear to go home after seeing my surgeon at the clinic. Perhaps if you still need financial assistance you could get a small loan from a family member, from selling something on e-bay, having a garage sale, or by doing a carwash or bazaar at your local church or synagogue to raise money ... just some random thoughts. Good luck to you!
   — C. C.

October 6, 2002
Try calling the hospital and speaking to the social worker ... explain your situation ... they often have programs available that can help out. Best of luck to you. Lisa
   — Lisa D.