Can't afford my fills, help!

[sandyor1 0]

I really need some help. I had surgery over 4 years ago. I initially lost about 60 lbs. I lost my job in October of 2009, and had my last fill in Nov 2009. I started my weight loss surgery at 272lbs. I am back up to 243lbs. My lowest weight was 219lbs. I can not afford to pay for the fills, as they are about $250.00 and my doctor will not take credit cards. Can anyone please help me find a doctor that will help me by taking a credit card for a fill? I need to try to get back to losing weight instead of gaining. I am very depressed, and am at my wits end. I had to pay for my surgery, and that cost me $18000 cash. Please help!!!

[dylanmiles23 2,198]

Have you called the area hospital and asked for help? Sometimes teaching ones will help. I live in Boston and we are noted for having lots of teaching hospitals. Also, call the lap band manufacturer and ask for help and how to handle this.

Good luck.

[ladyd728 106]

That was the main reason why I didn't want the lap band. That's too much. I'm so sorry you are going through that, hopefully you will be able to find someone. Look on the web for other doctors in your area that does lap band surgeries. I'm sure someone will take a credit card.

Good luck

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

As one of the previous posters stated, start with one of the University Hospitals in your state. They are set up for helping people that can't pay. I wish you the best.

[dylanmiles23 2,198]

That was the main reason why I didn't want the lap band. That's too much. I'm so sorry you are going through that, hopefully you will be able to find someone. Look on the web for other doctors in your area that does lap band surgeries. I'm sure someone will take a credit card.

Good luck

I am from MA where Romneycare started and now there is Obarmacare. People may complain but because of Romneycare I have wonderful health insurance that pays for everything. My very sick husband maybe would be dead if not for this wonderful insurance. Look into Obarmacare.

[2muchfun 8,928]

Go to the top of this page and click on the "Surgeons" tab. Click on the "surgeons near you" link. Input your zip code and state and click on "Locate Surgeons". Start calling. Ask each one about support groups and attend one or two. Good luck.

Edited December 22, 2013 by 2muchfun

[2muchfun 8,928]

That was the main reason why I didn't want the lap band. That's too much. I'm so sorry you are going through that, hopefully you will be able to find someone. Look on the web for other doctors in your area that does lap band surgeries. I'm sure someone will take a credit card.

Good luck

I am from MA where Romneycare started and now there is Obarmacare. People may complain but because of Romneycare I have wonderful health insurance that pays for everything. My very sick husband maybe would be dead if not for this wonderful insurance. Look into Obarmacare.

Depends on what kind of insurance you have? Can you sign up for Obamacare? There's no guarantee the plan will offer bariatrics as many state plans don't, but it's certainly worth a try.

[terrydumont46 1,954]

i like the answers above. especially trying a teaching hospital or calling the lapband manu. pharmaceudical companies have a lot of programs we are just not aware of they might be of help. i also thought that since you wanted to pay with a credit card use one of the checks that usually come with your statement or go to the cc company website and get a cash advance on the amount of fills you think you will be getting. i don't endorse this but it is another avenue.

[kll724 3,055]

Best wishes, sorry that you have that problem. I know, many surgeon's offices take credit cards. Good advice above! Karen..aka.kll724

I had my surgery on Oct 30, 2009!

Edited December 22, 2013 by kll724

[skb123 308]

I guess the worse case would be taking a cash advance against your credit card. My doctor charges 250 also, if you have to pay for the appointment but they do take credit cards. I pay a 20. co pay and use my debit card all the time.

[A New New Dawn 1,695]

Since you had lost your job, do you have a new one now (hence, a new insurance plan)? Perhaps, if you do, your new insurance would cover this. I do like the idea of checking with a teaching hospital as well. Also, if you could find a Bariatric Clinic they seem to be less expensive than traditional surgeons through hospitals.