What should I do?

chilipepper · August 26, 2007

The cost for the lapband with nwwls in everett wa is 17000. This is the center that I want to go to. I've looked into Dr, K in Colorado and I've looked into Mexico. Yes, it's cheaper but all of the flying, hotel and not to mention paying for fills in addition to the surgery didn't appeal to me. Well, should I max out one credit card ($11,500) and then cash out a life insurance policy ($100,000 policy) that I have for cash value of a bit over $5000? Should I even cash out my life insurane or should I put the rest of the balance (from 11,500) on another credit card, and then try to do a balance transfer down the road. We don't qualify for financing because I'm in school and I don't work, so it would have to go through my DH's credit which isn't as good as mine (plus collections from 5-10 years ago). So what do you guys think? Can you tell I'm desperate for the lapband? :help:

WASaBubbleButt · August 26, 2007

Even with airfare, hotels and fills (really, no hotel needed) you are still better off with CO or Mexico. If you get a loan and credit is an issue that is more money on top of everything else.

No way would I pay $17K. Let the doc pay for his own pool.

kleta · August 26, 2007

Dr Fox is Tacoma does it for 12,500. I had mine in Mexico and see Dr Fox for follow up here in Tacoma. I paid 8400.00 plus air fare at 400.00 and so less then 9k. Fills are 224.00 here in Tacoma.

I think 17k is pretty high. But it also depends on where are happy and confident.

skyeblu79 · August 26, 2007

I don't think I would cash out the life insurance. I notice that you said you are a student. I ended up borrowing extra money from my student loans and saving up the rest. Not sure if this is an option for you, but since I was a grad student I could borrow a lot more money.

I did end up going to doctor Kirshenbaum b/c it was the least expensive option that I found for a good doc and being able to stay in the U.S. Since I finally have a fillcenterusa location to use, it really helps to still keep costs down.

Good luck!!

gurlygirl · August 26, 2007

Hi Chilipepper ~ I am from British Columbia. I will be flying next month to Dr. K in Colorado $9950. To save on flying back down to Dr. K for fills I will be getting my fills done at North West Fills in Arlington WA. Their web site is northwestfills.com and they charge $150 for the initial fill/visit and $125 for every fill after that. Which is quite reasonable. Most people that have been to them on LBT have been pleased with their fills and service.

My husband and I will be flying out of Seatac for $197 return to Denver. Flying out of Vancouver is twice this much because of the taxes and airport fees.

I would weigh all your options before you make your final decision.

Good luck to you I hope everything works out.

GayleTX · August 27, 2007

Whatever you do, if you go out of state/country, please be sure you have a local doctor lined up in advance who is willing to do the fills for another doctor. Many people have gotten themselves in a bind by just 'assuming' a local doctors would do their aftercare.

There are companies who specialize in medical loans and many of them don't charge interest for the first year or so. I've seen a number of people post that they had used them. If you will start a new thread with the subject matter in the title, I'm sure you can get some feedback on that topic.