I am BEYOND excited to find out today that I was approved by my credit union for a loan in the amount of $11,725! The surgeon that I wanted in Jacksonville, FL charges $14,000 so I knew that meant I would need to find another surgeon. Anyways, http://weightlossjax.com/ offers the surgery for $10,000 but when I called to ask about it she said that with my BMI I would have to have the surgery in the hospital which would drive the cost up to $15,000.

I am just really bummed. I asked if it is cut and dry and no exceptions on the BMI. I asked this because though my BMI is high other then that I have no other health problems at all. My sugar is on the low end, normal BP, all of my blood work is always right in the margins of where it should be. I have even had an EKG before and everything was fine with that. She said she was going to have someone else in the office call me to see what could be done if anything. Praying that they can do it in the surgery center.

The only other hope that I have is True Results in TX. I have contacted them and I am hoping that they can perform the surgery for the lower cost even with my high BMI. I am 5'3 and weigh 360lbs which would put me right near 60 for a BMI I believe.

Anyone else run into this problem? Any suggestions?

Unfortunately, the higher the BMI the higher the risk of going under general anesthesia for surgery. I started with a BMI of 72 so I understand completely.

I know it's extra money but try to remember it is for your own good. They want you to be in the hospital because they are doing what is in your best interest. And, reality is, you can't put a price tag on your health. I would be concerned about using any surgeon that jeopardized your quality of care just to save money.

Talk to the hospital, because the extra $5k cost is coming from them. Very often they'll take a percentage up front and accept payment arrangements for the rest.

Best wishes.

Thanks for the advise! I will check with the doctor/hospital to see if they can do that. I don't mind paying for it ... just that I can't come up with the extra money without a loan.

Thanks for the advise! I will check with the doctor/hospital to see if they can do that. I don't mind paying for it ... just that I can't come up with the extra money without a loan.

No I completely understand, it's a lot of money!

Also, there is something called Care Credit. It's like a line of credit specifically for medical procedures. Maybe you could apply with them as a last resort?

http://www.carecredit.com/