Paying for the lapband

[Tropicana 0]

Next year i will be graduating from school. I plan to pay for lapband out of pocket. My yearly salary starting out will be ~$40,000. I don't know what my take home will be. I'm not married, no kids, my only debt is my college loans (in excess of $100K but can and will be deferred). Is it reasonable to think that I can afford the average monthly payments?

Should I wait a few years, save up money instead of getting a $10000 loan (and pray the economy is better?)

[Missy0224 6]

The way I did it was I put it on two interest free credit cards. The total of my surgery was $12,750, $10,000 of it went on one and the remainder on another. When interest free expires transfer to another interest free credit card.

[stI24nger 1]

That's a pretty good idea - but be careful! Those interest free credit cards are getting a little bit harder to come by every day. AND, expect to pay a 3% balance transfer fee, which can charge you an unlimited amount (up to $300 on a $10000 balance transfer), or be capped at $99. In this economy, just be cautious with your expectations.

Otherwise, your plan is decent. However, you need to make sure you know what your housing payments, bills, and spending habits will be. You'll be bringing home about $1200 a paycheck after taxes, so factor that in.

If you're working, do you not anticipate having an insurance option that will cover all or most of the surgery? I had much of mine covered, and only had to put about $1300 on my credit card....

[di1138 8]

It sounds like you are starting a new job. Any chance their insurance will cover some or most of it? Make sure your insurance coverage has started before you look into it. Good luck!

[Tropicana 0]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE QUICK REPLY!

My BMI currently is 37.3. and I have no comorbidities. I don't think many insurance plans will approve me with that.

Is take home really $1200 on a $40,000 a year salary? That is only $24K. That's AWFUL. :tongue_smilie:

[Tropicana 0]

That credit card transfer idea is a great idea. I'm wondering, though, how easy it is for me to get a credit card with a $10000 limit, considering this is my first real job and I haven't built a credit history yet.

[Songstress 0]

Hi There,

I just saw your posting. I make $40,000 a year and I'm single with no kids. I bring home 2,400 a month and that's after taxes and a hefty retirement taken out. So, just to let you know what your take home will probably be.

I got banded in Mexico and took out a surgery loan for $7000. Because my credit wasn't the best I pay $250 a month. I also pay on my student loans--$150 a month for a 33,000 loan (the financial aide people make you think that your payments arent a big deal, but they are!) So, that's my story! I don't regret doing the surgery because I was so miserable before...worrying about my weight constantly. But I am stuck in a job I really dont care for until the debt is paid off--so that kind of stinks....but, it's just a matter of what will make you happy and you are so young--you will pay off that debt and be comfortable with your body while still in your twenties which is super cool. Feel free to email with any more questions!

[Tropicana 0]

thank you so much for your reply. that gives me a more accuratet picture on what i have to look "forward" to.

[stI24nger 1]

Just for the record...when I said $1200 a paycheck......most people get paid twice a month. So that equals $2400 a month...

[Tropicana 0]

Oh! Makes sense. I had a mini heart attack...

[Teresa57 0]

My BMI was 38.8. My ins company didn't recognize high cholestrol as a co-morbidity. I am pre-hypertensive and that doesn't count as well. Strong family history of diabetes, hypertension, heart attacks and strokes and I was denied twice. If you have a BMI of 40 + you don't have to prove any disease related comorbidity. 35 - 40 you have to have at least one. Basically they told me I am a healthy, obese woman. I will be a self pay and will be getting this scheduled in the next wk or so. Hoping for surgery by mid-Sept.

Good luck to you, its so frustrating.

Teresa57

[RfishN 0]

Well I am planning my lap band for Sept 5th. I work at a hospital and the insurance does not cover at all. I have enough criteria, but my insurance excludes bariatric surgeries. I justify the $14,100 out-of- pocket cost by the amount of food I will not be eating. My husband and I work together and we will share a meal once I can eat regular meals. I will save at least $100/month by doing this. We spend a tremendous amount of money at food stores. Also I will save alot on meds and bi-pap costs ($150/month at least). Just not buying a soda a day at work will save me $25/month. Tightening food spending in other areas such as take outs, eating out, Snacks will save at least another $50-75/mo. The most important thing is that I am investing in myself, something I have seldom done in the past. I have the extra revenue because of selling some property so now is the right time to do this. I think I may also be able to claim this under medical expenses when doing my taxes. I thought about doing Mexico but feel the aftercare and fills are very important. My doctor does not do fills for Mexico banders.