What is gal to do?

Dahlia · February 16, 2007

I have no health insurance, and have been checking into surgery in Mexico. I would totally do it as I have been researching forever. Problem is I am waiting for SSI to approve or deny my claim *this could take up to 2 years! In the meantime I cannot work not only because of my health but because if I bring in any money I will be disqualified for SSI! I cannot so far get financing as my hubby and I are one year out from a bankcruptcy.

So my question is...what is someone like me to do? I know people think this surgery is just plastic surgery or really not needed. But, without going into long details I have 2 medical disorders that have caused this weight gain to begin with...and this is just about my only option according to Doctors. I am soooooo frustrated I could just die!

Dahlia

lapband4meNOW · February 25, 2007

Dahlia,

I have heard of some weightloss centers offer financing options. Some, even with credit issues. Hopefully SSI will approve your claim quicker. I have read some people had to wait a year before approval. However, it would be good if you start your preop diet ways as soon as you can. You know, trying to make small changes every day. This is what my weightloss center told me to do. At my weightloss clinic, you can take the preop classes by phone for about $250. Perhaps you can get some of the steps required done. Just an idea.

You should try Cashcall.com They give money to everyone who has a check coming in, regardless of credit (from what I understand). Ask them about the BK, how long after can you apply? That could be $10,000 right there.

Just an idea.

My_o_My · February 25, 2007

Insurance would not approve me. I sold my car, and drove around a pile of junk so that I could have the band.

I would have sold anything - I wasn't even at the point you are where my health was adversely affected to the degree I could not work - but I know the burning I had to get it done, because I could feel my health fraying at the edges, beginning to unravel.

So keep plugging away, and stay positive, I know you want it YESTERDAY, I sure did. But I started doing all the little things I needed to do, working all the little angles.

I agree that weight loss will help many physical conditions, and health care companies should look at it that way - I wonder why they don't.

I have GREAT insurance - and they absolutely would not do it for ANY of us with the policy - NONE. It was mind boggling.

vintagehound · February 26, 2007

I went to mexico and got it done for $8000.00

It was a great experience. We went through a bankruptcy too and had no insurance. We sold a car, garage sale, ebay sales and any cash we stashed plus a little help from family and I was able to pay for it. Don't be afraid of Mexico, it is a option......If it is what you want then do all you can and make it happen, you will be be so glad!

Good luck!

Betsyjane · February 26, 2007

Just s thought.... If you are disabled and have gotten into financial problems because of it, you may have to wait until that stuff gets straightened out before you can self pay for the band. That just may be the reality. Disability can definitely take several years to get, and it may partly be based on the illnesses that you are hoping to correct after you are banded. I hate to say it, but maybe things are happening in the order they are going to happen....... The band is expensive and necessary, and so is getting things righted for your family financially. Maybe your plan should include what you want to do in the interim until the band is a reality for you.

Dahlia · February 26, 2007

Thanks for all the great suggestions

Boo Boo Kitty · February 26, 2007

I have no health insurance, and have been checking into surgery in Mexico. I would totally do it as I have been researching forever. Problem is I am waiting for SSI to approve or deny my claim *this could take up to 2 years! In the meantime I cannot work not only because of my health but because if I bring in any money I will be disqualified for SSI! I cannot so far get financing as my hubby and I are one year out from a bankcruptcy.
So my question is...what is someone like me to do? I know people think this surgery is just plastic surgery or really not needed. But, without going into long details I have 2 medical disorders that have caused this weight gain to begin with...and this is just about my only option according to Doctors. I am soooooo frustrated I could just die!

Dahlia

Dahlia

Because of your age can tell you it will be a b*tch for you to get SSI, I went through it with my husband! If you want some help with it please let me know. I went in front of the judge when we were told by EVERY lawyer we could find that there was no way a man of 28 was getting disability and I got it for him. The judge actually asked me when I was graduating from law school. (I am not in law school...lol...)

PM your email, I would be more than happy to help you!