I joined this forum 4 or 5 years ago, because I wanted to get the lap band. Unfortunately, I never got it because of insurance problems, so I gave up. My health and mobility has deteriorated since then and I really do feel the affects of being morbidly obese. Also, I'm a one of the many of Americans whose incomes has decreased over the past few years and I only work part time and have no insurance. Anyway, I'm back on here with a new plan to raise money to get the procedure. So I'm here to learn and stay motivated about finding a way to get the lap band.

Good luck to you Michael. I can't imagine if I had to pay for my surgery.... no way could I have afforded it. I was fortunate, my husband works at the hospital and gets the scoop on everything. He found out about a study going on by the bariatric surgeon. Within 3-4 weeks of hearing of the study, I was banded. I have been so blessed.

You might try calling a few surgeons in your area to see if they are conducting any studies... Good Luck!

I wish you luck raising funds or finding a way to get it done .. i was self pay in the UK it was worth every penny

Im trying to raise funds through a crowd funding website named gofundme.com. I hope it works because I'm out of ideas.

Michael, have you considered surgery out of the country? Even though you have to travel you can often have it done much cheaper than in the United States. Mexico or Costa Rica are good options. When I thought I was going to have to self pay I looked into it.

There are also forums on here for people who got banded in Mexico.Good luck

Goodluck Michael hope it all works put for you.

I ran across an article today and thought of your post: http://wlsfa.org/4157/wlsfa-funds-its-6th-grant-surgery-is-this-week/

The Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America is apparently awarding grants for WLS. Not sure what the specifications are or how you can qualify, but I thought I'd pass it along so you can take a look.

I've looked into the Mexico thing and decided against it due to having to travel there. My main concern are the cost of the fills and aftercare. Some docs have said the cost of fills is more expensive if you don't go to the doc who performed the surgery. Going back and forth to Mexico would be cost prohibitive for me.

Also, at least here in Texas, the Department of Health and Human Services, who manage medicaid, say I'm not eligible because I'm a single male and have no children. If I was on disability, then I would have a chance. The thinking is that if you are a single male you should be able to take care of yourself if you're under the age of 65. Still, I'm not giving up. That's why I started a fundraising campaign on www.gofundme.com/saving-Michael

I ran across an article today and thought of your post: http://wlsfa.org/415...y-is-this-week/

The Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America is apparently awarding grants for WLS. Not sure what the specifications are or how you can qualify, but I thought I'd pass it along so you can take a look.

It's kinda like a competition and registration starts in June for the grant. They only award one grant.

Would the department of health preclude women because they were single and no children ?, if its only men it seems very discriminatory, you should ask for a written copy of their criteria so u can see it in writing and not over the phone ..

Have u applied for things like biggest loser, Obese, a year to save my life ? .. or some of the tv companies might be willing to sponser you in exchange for doing a film of your WLS journey.

i would also apporach your local church/community centre for help financially or ask them for help to do some fund raising for you like a ( we call them jumble sales here ) i think you may call them rummage sales ? where u sell peoples cast offs etc .. I am sure a lot of people in the US including some here could donate some big clothing to sell as against give money in this economic climate .. You got to get creative in this day and age where money is tight and people cant afford any spare cash to help others