Hi, I am new to this site - and have been looking around alot. It is very helpful with all the topics but - I am looking for something in particular that I am not finding.

Ok I am from South Western Pa. I do not have insurance, and I do not have great credit :eek: I am interested in seeing where everyone has gone to get their lap bands, what doctors are the best, and PAYMENT OPTIONS. I will be a self pay. Do I have a chance at getting a loan? or... Are there any hospitals that will allow me to make a payment to them directly.

I would really appreciate any information, or tips that you have. Thank You in advance. :thumbup:

I doubt that you will be able to get it done on a payment plan through the hospital. You will not owe all of your money to one place and will be charged individually (psych, anesthesiologist, surgeon, hospital) and especially with non-emergency surgery like this, they all usually want their money up front.

With my surgeon, self-pay patients have to pay their program fee, psych. fee, on the day of the each services. The surgeon fee is due 10 days before the surgery and the anesthesiologist bills you prior to surgery and it has to be paid before surgery day. The hospital collects their share when you are checking in on surgery day.

Most surgeons provide information on companies that provide credit options but you will need good credit for approval and a decent interest rate.