Hi everyone - Hope this gives you a little laugh, or at least a smirk. First a quick bio - I'm a newbie, hoping to talk my husband into agreeing to my much needed VSG. He's not against the surgery, just the cost as our INS (Aetna) doesn't cover it. We're on a serious "paying down debt" deal right now which is great of course but kind of counter-productive to my evil scheme of persuading DH to part with thousands. But I WILL win !!

Anyway, here's what happened yesterday. I was reading our local paper and saw a big ad for a hospital that was beginning a physician assisted weight loss program. My interest was piqued so I called. A young girl (receptionist - sounded skinny !!) answered and I asked her to tell me all about it. She said it's $275.00 initially, then the cost of lab work etc. then the cost of Vitamins, supplements, yada yada yada. So far all I had gotten was costs - no information, so I stopped her and said, tell me exactly what this program is ? she said well the doctor weighs you, determines your BMI, takes your measurements and then calculates the amount of weight you must lose and then he puts together an eating program for you to achieve your ideal weight.

I heard myself say to her "And you think I don't already know all that" ? I mean seriously ???? - speaking for myself here, I could author a book on what to eat and what NOT to eat, what exercise I SHOULD be doing and what my goal weight should be. Holy cow, I could be on TV as a world authority (along with several million of my overweight friends) who have tried every diet, fad, exercise craze, pill, powder, potion and "As Seen On TV" wonder.

Anyway, that's my vent - hows your day going !!

You contact the company who holds your 401k. Its a loan so you have to pay it back within 5 years.

I've borrowed from my 401k before...they take money from your check to pay it back, it's easy, within 1 week I had a check in hand. I remember $205 (I think) use to come out of my check to go into the 401k account but when I had the loan the $205 instead of going into the 401k went towards the loan so I didn't "feel it" as much. There's no tax on the amount borrowed if you use it for medical reasons (in ny) anyway and it's like you're paying yourself back!

You just can't contribute to your 401k while you are paying back the loan. But it is a very good way to fund this surgery if you are out of other options. I hope this helps!

You just can't contribute to your 401k while you are paying back the loan. But it is a very good way to fund this surgery if you are out of other options. I hope this helps!

I have a 401k loan (not for the surgery, as my insurance covered it). I can contribute to my 401k while paying back my loan. I think it's up to your employer's plan.

My parents do financial stuff for a living and it has tax ramifications if you do. It also varies by state. Its best to check with a tax person or financial advisor. Employers don't always know the rules. For example they let my hubby overcontribute to three seperate funds and his previous tax person didn't tell him legally you can't do that and now he has a big tax penalty.

Remember the payroll dept typically are just clerks with highschool educations. They will let you send your money anywhere you like no questions asked.

You contact the company who holds your 401k. Its a loan so you have to pay it back within 5 years.

Principal (401K) will let you do a hardship withdraw so that you won't have to repay.

Thanks for this post. My date is 9/10 with Dr. GARCIA in TJ. Are you sore?

Sorry it took me so long to respond to your post. Not really sore unless I went down a bumpy road in the car or turning over in bed. I'm feeling great. Trying to walk daily, twice if I my schedule allows it. That is the main thing to remember after surgery (for gas) is walk, walk and walk some more. Bring gas-x strips and chapstick to the hospital.

I know you will like Dr. Garcia and his staff they were awesome. Good luck to you on your journey.

Sorry it took me so long to respond to your post. Not really sore unless I went down a bumpy road in the car or turning over in bed. I'm feeling great. Trying to walk daily' date=' twice if I my schedule allows it. That is the main thing to remember after surgery (for gas) is walk, walk and walk some more. Bring gas-x strips and chapstick to the hospital.

I know you will like Dr. Garcia and his staff they were awesome. Good luck to you on your journey.[/quote']

Thanks. Im so excited yet nervous. Everything is falling into place. I started buying sf Jello, cases of Water, gatorade,etc. Lol...Ive already packed my bag to travel.

I'm a professional dieter I can always lose weight, thing is that it always finds its way back.. Who knew it lived in the refrigerator

Thanks. Im so excited yet nervous. Everything is falling into place. I started buying sf jello, cases of water, gatorade,etc. Lol...Ive already packed my bag to travel.

Tastes tend to change after surgery so don't over do it on before surgery purchases. Also, pack lightly. No need to bring lots of clothing. I didn't use 3/4 of the stuff I packed. I do recommend pajama bottoms or a pair of shorts to wear with your hospital gown. (keeps the drafts on the backside to a minimum). Popsicles are awesome. Oh, speaking of popsicles... are you staying at the Marriott? If so, DO NOT EAT THE POPSICLES THEY PROVIDE!!! They taste horrible. Instead spend the money for the ones at the store in the lobby.

Bring small bills for tips if you plan on tipping the drivers or waiters. Not everyone has change for the dollar.

Yes, I bought stuff for my pre-op and a little so when I get home. We are only taking 1 carry on bag with necessities. Hubby will carry everything. Im just scared of protein shakes...lactose intolerant.

Hey, my (former) primary care doc suggested that I just needed to buy the right cookbooks... surely i could drop that pesky extra 150# that I was lugging around if i just had the right cookbook. yeah