Well, my insurance originally and incorrectly told me they would cover 100% of WLS after my deductible and maxiums. I found out oficially, that is not the case. They only cover 50% and that is after my deductible with no maxium out of pocket. The WLS center told me I'm better off going with the cash price than the insurance price as it would be cheaper. There is just no way in heck I can pay 10,000 or even make the monthyly payments if I were to finance it, so I guess that means I'm done! :-(

Amy,

I understand how disappointed you must be. If I were you, I would talk to my primary care doctor who might have some suggestions; mine asked if I had considered going to a foreign country (and offered to help me find a good surgeon and lodging). You might want to check into about the various financing plans that are available. At one point, I considered additional emplyment. Others here at LBT will probably have some ideas.

BUMMER!

Their financing may be very costly and more than you can afford to pay monthly. With interest payments so low these days, you could look for a non-profit credit union that would give you a lower-interest loan and a much longer time to pay it off than the surgeon and the hospital. Don't give up yet!

There is always Mexico. I paid $5K for everything.... best decision I ever made. No fear. They pick you up at the nearest border airport or parking shuttle on the US side and take you in and bring you home. I'm still alive. I didn't get kidnapped by the drug cartels and I've lost 25 pounds since feb 9th.obesitycontrolcenter.com

There is creditcare a card that doesn't charge interst for medical procedures? And there are a lot of places that offer lower prices. Regroup check out other options. Sooooo sorry! Good luck

I've calmed down a bit since the intial post which I made right after my talk with the insurance company when my emotions were more raw. I still have hope. If I pretty much empty my savings, I can finance the rest and be able to afford those monthly payments. It just scares me to empty out my savings. I keep telling myself it is worth it, I am worth it, but it is hard to do. I'm going to go to a seminar on Tuesday and will proceed from there. I have time to decide and make my decision. I'm mostly scared to put out that much money and be without a back up in savings!

Thanks to everyone who responded and gave me advice. I really appreciate the support here!

Sorry girl. That really sux. I would consider looking into dr Ortiz in Mexico. He is a world renown bariatruc surgeon, he teaches other surgeons a over the country. There are a ton of people on this forum that have gone to him and it's a lot cheaper there. It's definatly something to consider. I'm self pay as well. Its alot of money, but for me it's now or never.

I went to Dr Ortiz in mexico too. can't say enough about his presentation and professionalism. Im a registered nurse and I know when a surgy-center is messed up!!! He has a pretty nice set up down there.. and you never see much of mexico.. its border to center into an underground garage,, up an elevator to the center.. his or suite is clean and clearly has up to date equipment. his staff use good nursing technique and aside from the nurses limited english.. everyone else is fluent.I healed perfectly, my incisions are small and clean...im headed there is a few more days for my first fill. I would spend more than 5K to buy a car... why not to buy back my life????

Thanks for the suggestions to check out Dr. Ortiz. While I'm not opposed to having surgery in Mexico, I am opposed to being so far away from my doctor. For me, I just cannot let go of that feeling. I wish I could though, because it is so much cheaper. And, Dr. Oritz is on the California side of Mexico, correct? Over the long run, I think I'd end up spending more just to travel to see him. I just need to come to grips with depleting my savings and financing some and all this will be possible! To tell you the truth, the thought of not having to jump through the hoops of an insurance company to get their approval sounds like the big advantage of cash pay and it is sounding more and more appealing!

Be aware, too, that band after-care is not cheap. The band is not a set it and forget it process. Fills cost money. Some places charge upwards of $300 for a fill. Banding has a higher rate of re-operation than bypass or sleeve. Any time you have an implanted medical device, there's a risk of it having a complication.

Many surgeons include fills for the first year in their fees. That will take care of most of them. But I've had 2 fills and am considering a slight unfill since my 1 year mark.

I don't say this to discourage you from being banded. I love my band, but to give you what you need to make an informed decision.

Thanks Denise. The topic you speak of is one of the reasons I'm looking into the doctor I am. All office visitis and fills are free for life. That is a huge benefit to me as I haven't found anyone else who offers that. It's usally just the first year like you said.

Now THAT'S the spirit!! Look how far you've come in less than a day! Better to borrow a little more and not deplete your savings completely. The anxiety of having no financial backup isn't worth it.

fills are $99 with dr ortiz.. and he does them under fluroscopy with barium.. which is the more sophisticated method of judging the efficacy of the band. 2 or 3 fills and its usually a done deal. I'll keep you posted.. going for my first fill this week.

Bev---Yeah, I made the post right after the news from my insurance company. I regrouped and that, along with some time, gave me a new perspective. I am worth this and it is worth spending my money on! I do have credit cards in the event something major comes up while I rebuild my savings. And, I have family I could borrow from if need be. One has already told me so! Actually, she told me I could borrow from her and my brother-in-law if I needed/wanted to for the actual procedure. Love my sister! She and my mother are my two biggest supporters in life and are both always there for me.

LadyFromIrvine--thats a great price for fills. For me, it is the airfare that would add up. It isn't cheap to fly out there! Thanks for the info. though. Ya never know when I need to pass it on to someone else.