newdawnings

Does anyone have private insurance that has paid for some or all of the cost?

I was reading somewhere on this board that someone said they purchased their band directly from the manufacturer and then OHIP (I think they said OHIP) paid for the surgery. I can't remember who said it but I'm postive I read it somewhere. Maybe it wasn't even on this board (I've been doing so much research that I can't remember where I've been!!). Has anyone heard of this? I need to have this surgery and I am trying to find the most cost efficient way to get it done as we are a low income family. I know that money/cost is an issue for alot of people. I don't mind paying for it (provided we get the loan that we've requested) but if I can find a better way that I could afford it, that would be awesome! It just blows me away that the government won't pay for the lapband even though the risks are much lower than gastric bypass. What..is there no fat people in parliment that would understand why we need this covered on our provincial health plans? Nah, they can afford to pay for it...considering how well they can squander away our tax dollars. Sorry for the rant. Just in that kind of mood! Ticks me off!:girl_hug: ~Dawn~ :D

Hey Everyone, Thanks for all of the info. I can completely understand when the tables are turned and you look at it from the Dr.'s point of view. It makes perfect sense to do it privately BUT I think that with a much more safer alternative, that being the lapband, that more would be done if it were covered by OHIP. For those of us that are currently not banded yet, we can only hope that in the near future it will be covered! Speaking of that, we had another appointment at another bank for a line of credit and yet again were turned down. It's too bad that there isn't a way to have it paid for for those on a low-income! We just simply don't make enough to qualify for a loan of any sort, even with a co-signor. However we were approved by Medicard with a co-signor, but we know it would be a high interest rate (not even sure what it is) and fear we wouldn't be able to afford the payments. Go figure!! I can't think of any other way to pay for this other than that. I have never been much of a patient person (I want it, and I want it now!! LOL!!) so I am getting very frustrated. Maybe it is the universe's way of teaching me to be patient. Well, would it hurry up and get this lesson over with, I got things to do!! I'm not giving up, yet. I just don't know what to do now. ~Dawn~

Have you tried Mederma? I have never personally used it but I would assume it really does work! ~Dawn~

I have yet to be banded, but must say with all of my research I wouldn't choose any other WLS but the lapband. There are too many complications with all of the other surgeries. The death rate is way to high for my liking. I feel very comfortable with the idea of being banded. I know that when I do get my lapband that I will have made the right choice. Good luck with your decision! ~Dawn~

Hey everyone! I kind of wanted to bump this topic to the top of the list. I am in no way trying to be rude or cause any problems but I do find it frustrating when non-Canadians post in the Canadian thread. Like someone else said, we DO like our US friends! What I am talking about is when I have a question regarding something that only a Canadian can answer, I get responses from non-Canadians and then along comes a Canadian that has to set the record straight. Info from our US friends in invaluable, don't get me wrong. If questions are intended for only a Canadian response, posted on a Canadian thread it is frustrating when people don't realize what/where they are posting. ~Dawn~

Well, the bank denied us (I was expecting it anyway) even though we had a co-signer. Our co-signer (my Dad) lives in BC and the bank said that they couldn't do it because they didn't think that the loan would be secure enough between provinces. My Mom and Step-Dad co-signed for our van so they arn't prepared to co-sign anything else. Now, I am back to square one. We don't want to go with the finance company through the clinic because of the high interest rate. I don't what to do. I am kind of depressed now *sniff, sniff*. My Mom says not to give up hope but right now I feel hopeless!! ~Dawn~

I have decided that I want to go ahead and get banded. I am very nervous about the whole thing. I know I need to do this for my health. I have never been to fond of needles or any form of surgery (I had an appendectomy when I was 5 - maybe my fear stems from that??) I have also had 2 babies, naturally and no drugs so why am I so scared?? Maybe I'm just letting my nerves get the best of me. Any encouraging words..or even an idea of what happened when you got there on the day of your surgery would help. Then I can prepare myself for what will happen. Thanks (I'm such a wuss!). ~Dawn~

Well, my hubby and I have an appointment tomorrow at the bank to see about getting a loan for my WLS. I am keeping my fingers crossed as we haven't paid off our van yet. If approved then I will book my consult. Then reality will set in! In my research here and on other sites, I haven't come across too many deaths from this surgery. It puts my mind at ease that I am choosing the right WLS. I don't mind self-paying for something that is relatively safe. I would be hesitant on any other WLS. Thanks everyone for making me realize that I am doing the right thing. Let's just hope the bank thinks so!!:nervous ~Dawn~

Thanks Susan and Yasmina!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who is/was scared and nervous!! ~Dawn~

I've been wondering about the ticker as well. I've just made one and I hope that it works as well! If not I'll try again!!

I am in the considering stage right now and just doing my research. If and when I get banded it will be in Toronto (I only live about 2 hr n/e of Toronto). I was wondering how long it took from the time you made the initial phone call to the clinic to the time you had your surgery? Was there a waiting list? I am curious to know if I inquired now, would I have surgery before the summer or are we looking at into the fall sometime? Money is also an issue for me. We are a low income family and really couldn't afford a big debt like this. I know I am worth every penny and am willing to make some sacrifices to pay for this. I am also wondering if anyone knows of any Canadian insurance companies that cover the cost or at least cover a portion. I would be willing to get insurance and wait whatever the required waiting period would be, just to be able to reduce the cost of the surgery (and my family would have the benefits of the insurance too!). It would be nice to get banded as soon as possible! Thanks! ~Dawn~:cry

Hello Everyone, I am new to the site and considering being banded. I have done a little research so far but wanted to talk to others who have exerienced it first hand. I am a stay-at-home Mom who has finally hit her highest weight and have had enough. I have tried many different diets and have had no real success. I have many questions and concerns. Actually I am scared about the whole idea really (I hate surgery...period!!). I know it is a life changing experience and it will be my way of life forever. I want to make sure I am prepared for all that is involved. I know it is expensive which is a big concern for me. Is my life worth it? I think so. Hopefully I can navigate myself around this site and make some friends, find the support that I need and get some answers! ~Dawn~:rolleyes

I'm glad to find someone else in the same situation as me! When and if you are banded, will in be in Toronto as well? If you find out any info that you think I'll benefit from...please pass along and I'll do the same!! Like I said in my previous post, it's mostly a matter of paying for it!! Possibly considering selling my first born!! (LOL!!) ~Dawn~

From many post that I have read, it seems that you are giving up alot of freedom in regards to what you eat. Does it get easier? I understand at first that you must start out slowly and find the things that you are able to eat, but eventually does it become second nature and you almost forget you are banded? Are there certain foods that you will never be able to eat again? Do you miss any foods? I have always used food for comfort and I am afraid that I'd be giving up everything just to be thin. I want to be thin and I am willing to change but I am so scared that I may regret this and that being banded would be more of a hassle than anything. I am fed up with being fat and mostly what is holding me back is the cost and my fear of surgery. I have wanted to be thin my whole life and believe this would finally be the answer. Right now I am trying to find a way to pay for it. ~Dawn~:nervous