How did you finance your surgery?

[Chunkysoup 75]

My insurance does not cover weight loss surgery so I am looking into self pay options. I have found a local surgeon and hospital that will do the sleeve for $10,000. I will either need to finance some of that or figure out a way to come up with about $5,000. What route did you go? Did any of you find creative ways to generate extra income? If you took out a loan, which company did you use? Thank you all for your input!

[JazmaniaRNY 80]

My insurance does not cover weight loss surgery so I am looking into self pay options. I have found a local surgeon and hospital that will do the sleeve for $10,000. I will either need to finance some of that or figure out a way to come up with about $5,000. What route did you go? Did any of you find creative ways to generate extra income? If you took out a loan, which company did you use? Thank you all for your input!

I am having my insurance cover it, but depending on your credit you could get a personal loan at your bank. If your credit isn’t the best, try One Main Financial, family, saving up little by little, or the surgeons office should have care credit. You could also look into a hospital and see the financial department and see what they can do. If you really need this surgery, they might be willing to help you. If you own a home, you could take out a home equity loan. I am sure there is a way. In the mean time, keep your head up high, keep dieting, and keep trying.

[Grammylulu 6]

I cashed out a 401k to pay for my revision. I figure I am preparing for my future a different way plus my hubby has a great retirement package for us to live on when were old!

[ItsJustMeToo 42]

Took a loan from my 401K, every bit of my savings, and a bit on my credit card.

[HamZam 2]

I cashed out a 401k to pay for my revision. I figure I am preparing for my future a different way plus my hubby has a great retirement package for us to live on when were old!

Was thinking of cashing out some of my 401k as well. What’s the penalty and fees? And if you don’t mind, approximately how much did you cash out? We too have a pension for retirement.

[Grammylulu 6]

1 hour ago, HamZam said:

Was thinking of cashing out some of my 401k as well. What’s the penalty and fees? And if you don’t mind, approximately how much did you cash out? We too have a pension for retirement.

Ham, honestly I am not comfortable sharing the amount I cashed out but I can tell you they take 20% off the top and send in for income taxes in AZ state tax is voluntary so we are going to send those in separately and there is a 10% fee that might be waived for medical expenses but we need to talk to a tax specialist to see if we qualify for that one. Hope that helps. You can always call who holds your 401k and talk to them about it they are really the ones who can give you all of your options because not sure if other states have different penalties, I called first and they were so nice.

[HamZam 2]

Was thinking of cashing out some of my 401k as well. What’s the penalty and fees? And if you don’t mind, approximately how much did you cash out? We too have a pension for retirement.

Thanks so much GrammyLulu for the info. I planned on calling my 401k and getting more information but it’s nice to be somewhat prepared before hand! Again, truly appreciate it!

[Overcomer2food 3]

Sounds like you already have $5k? We paid $3,999 for surgery through Trinity Medical at hospital Guadalajara with Dr. Pasten. My flight was only $325. I chose them because I flew in Wednesday morning at 8:45 am and was picked up at the airport and taken straight to the hospital where I filled out paperwork and they did blood work. Then I was taken straight to my room and they gave me iv fluids and an EKG in my room. My surgery was after 3:00 pm that same day.

Then I flew home Friday afternoon. All the other places sent their patients to a hotel and I came home to my family. I choose them because I have toddlers and only could be away 2 nights. By Friday night I did not need any pain meds.

I researched several US hospitals/clinics and most have the surgery as outpatient so I felt comfortable with two nights and flying home.

Also, brought a cashiers check with me and paid the coordinator after I was in my room.

Edited January 20, 2018 by Overcomer2food

[Chunkysoup 75]

Yes I already have the 5k. I’ve thought about Mexico but honestly I’m too chicken to go that route. I would want someone to go with me and nobody in my family would. They would think I was nuts. I would think that too if I hadn’t been following on this forum and seen that so many people have good quality services there. My husband is already not supportive of the surgery so Mexico is really out. I can save the other 5k in the next year was just trying to see what everyone else did. Thank you for your response!

[BirchTex18 5]

I got a personal loan at 5.99% through Discover which covered my flight, 2 nights at a hotel, 2 nights at a hospital, and and an amazing surgeon, Dr. Rodriguez through Mexico Bariatrics. I am 3 days out and had the most amazing experience! Worth every penny (:

Sent from my SM-G930P using BariatricPal mobile app

[shelly420 59]

A 401K loan. I know thats not the best thing to do, but the way i see it is that i wont need my 401K if im dead from obesity, so i did it. Best decision ever!

[shelly420 59]

On 1/20/2018 at 5:35 AM, HamZam said:

Was thinking of cashing out some of my 401k as well. What’s the penalty and fees? And if you don’t mind, approximately how much did you cash out? We too have a pension for retirement.

I paid a $150.00 fee to borrow from my 401k, thats it. I pay interest but the interest pmts go right back in to my 401k, so back to myself.