schmidty42

I'm scheduled to have surgery on 7/14/11. My insurance is not covering the surgery so I'm self pay. I'm using all my money for the surgery so I'm worried something will go wrong (ie. port flip, band slip) and I will have to have surgery again and pay for it. Should I be having this surgery if I'm self pay with no money? The followup on fills/adjustments I'll be able to handle but if anything goes wrong, I'm probably screwed. Any suggestions or thoughts?

I am scheduled for surgery 7/14/11. It will be self pay. However, I just found out I have high cholesterol so my insurance MAY pay for it. Unfortunately, if I go the insurance route, I would need to fill out tons of paperwork and wait at least 6 months before having surgery. Do I put everything on hold and wait to see if insurance will cover it or do I go forward with my plan and have surgery 7/14/11? My cost is going to be $8500. I'm using my IRA money to pay for it.

Honestly, if I have to wait or go through a lot of insurance hassle, I'll probably not do it. Does that mean I shouldn't be doing this now? I had everything planned for having the surgery now. I'm having a tough time accepting that I might not have the surgery. I'm so confused -- and a ilttle sad. I really wanted this to happen now.

I'm scheduled to have my lap band in on 7/14/11. My family (two brothers mainly) don't want me to have the surgery. They think I should try working out and eating right for 6 months first then think about the band if that doesn't work. I've tried every diet possible and nothing has worked for the long term yet so why wait another 6 months. Also, I just started getting back on my feet financially and so they don't like the idea of me going in the hole $8500 -- I'm self pay. Any suggestions or thoughts?

I'm scheduled to have the Lap Band on 7/14/11. I'm self pay, 41 years old and BMI of 38. I'm looking forward to having the lap band as a tool for losing weight. However, my brothers are begging me not to do it right now and wait 6 months to see if I can do it on my own. They're even willing to give me $1000 if I lose 20 pounds in six months without surgery. Is it worth it to use all my saved money for the surgery? I think so but I'm getting a little nervous especially when you read of a few people not having success. I know diet programs usually work if you follow them exactly so is it worth it to put my body through surgery for a tool in weight loss. What are your thoughts as you come closer to your surgery date?

Hey everyone, I'm scheduled to be banded on 7/14/11. I'm wondering -- if we still need to journal and really watch what we eat, why not just do Weight Watchers or something. What does the band really do that it's worth putting all my money into it? Sorry, I'm just getting nervous and want to make sure I'm making the right choice to have surgery. Also, is it okay if I'm not working out right now? Should I be working out prior to surgery in case I could be losing weight on my own? So confused and nervous. Thanks.

I forgot to mention that they would give me $1000 as a reward if I were to lose 20 pounds in 6 months without surgery.

I'm using my IRA money for the surgery. Because it's such an investment, I do plan to do it right. Thanks.

Does it matter that I haven't been working out for the last year though? Do you think I should at least be working out before I get the surgery? I just can't get motivated. Of course, with the surgery, I know it will need to be a part of my life.

Thanks for your comment. I'm getting it done at Crittenton Hospital not Harper but I'm sure it will be a good hospital too. I'm glad you were happy with your experience. Hopefully, you're having good luck with your band. Thanks again!

I'm glad to read good things about Dr. G. I live in Minnesota but am flying to Michigan to have the surgery done by him. I found out about him from a company called BeLiteWeight.com. Has anyone dealt with BeLiteWeight? I was initially going to have surgery in Mexico because it was much cheaper but than decided to stay in the USA and Dr. G was recommended.

Thanks everyone for your comments (both for and against self-pay). It's been very helpful in making my decision. I'm going to continue on the path toward bandhood. Please feel free to continue responding since I truly enjoy reading everyone's comments.

I do need to trust in God. It just hard when you read about all the problems people have on this site. I get a bit nervous. I'll be doing some praying tonight. Thanks.

Yeah, there is quite a bit a maintenance. I really need to think about it. Thanks.

I appreciate your opinion. It definitely helps knowing someone else is/was in the same boat. Congratulations on your success so far!

Thanks for the idea. I'll definitey check into it.