U_go_gurl68 0 Posted June 27, 2008 (edited) does anyone know how good your credit has to be through care credit or one of the other finance companies I am not sure how good your credit has to be, but the payments were sure going to be expensive and depending on your credit score, they could even be higher than the amounts given on these finance companies websites. I chose to borrow against my 401k. The payments were going to be much lower and I would basically be paying myself back and also not have the penalties as with early withdrawal. Although weight loss programs aren't tax deductible, surgery is because it is for the treatment of a disease--obesity. Found that bit of info on the IRS website. Oh, by the way, I am also using TLCEdge as mentioned in earlier posts. The current cost is $11,990 which includes 6 months of aftercare and fills. Psych exam not done there but they do have someone available for $250.00 if you can't get one using your private insurance. Also if you are required to get a sleep study or upper gi, that will also have to be done through your private physician. The people there are very nice and some of them have also been banded with awesome results. Good luck with your journey. I will be banded on Monday (6/30). Sincerely, Stephanie Edited June 27, 2008 by smarquezrn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacheez71 0 Posted July 9, 2008 thank you for the info. I just read your message and you now have you lap band, congradulations. I hope things are going well for you. I just started a 401k two years ago so I don't have much there yet but I pray I can come up with a way to get a lap band before the year is up. I am not sure how good your credit has to be, but the payments were sure going to be expensive and depending on your credit score, they could even be higher than the amounts given on these finance companies websites. I chose to borrow against my 401k. The payments were going to be much lower and I would basically be paying myself back and also not have the penalties as with early withdrawal. Although weight loss programs aren't tax deductible, surgery is because it is for the treatment of a disease--obesity. Found that bit of info on the IRS website. Oh, by the way, I am also using TLCEdge as mentioned in earlier posts. The current cost is $11,990 which includes 6 months of aftercare and fills. Psych exam not done there but they do have someone available for $250.00 if you can't get one using your private insurance. Also if you are required to get a sleep study or upper gi, that will also have to be done through your private physician. The people there are very nice and some of them have also been banded with awesome results. Good luck with your journey. I will be banded on Monday (6/30). Sincerely, Stephanie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ImGonnaLose 0 Posted July 9, 2008 I was just banded by Dr. Nick Nicholson (nicholsonclinic.com). It's $15k for self-pay, which includes aftercare and fills for life. -Marianne Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
U_go_gurl68 0 Posted July 10, 2008 thank you for the info. I just read your message and you now have you lap band, congradulations. I hope things are going well for you. I just started a 401k two years ago so I don't have much there yet but I pray I can come up with a way to get a lap band before the year is up. Hi Peacheez, I had my surgery on June 30th and doing well. Still have a little swelling but not much discomfort at this point. I went for my follow-up appt yesterday and I am down 13 lbs. I am so happy I did this and you will be too. I will pray for you and hope that you find the way to get it done. The best investment you could ever make is the one you make in yourself. I wish you all the best and please keep in touch. Sincerely, Stephanie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
conniecasino 0 Posted July 12, 2008 I totally agree with txjanaa1. I used Dr. Benavides too, its been over a year and I have had NO problems at all. He is awesome and his staff is too. The cost is 15,000 with a year of fills. After a year you will probably not need anymore fills. His staff can help with financing or whatever you need. Remember, you get what you pay for! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
conniecasino 0 Posted July 12, 2008 At first the weight loss is good, then it will slow down a bit. It depends on how much you exercise. If you get your fills like you are suppose to, there is no way you will not lose weight. You can't cram a pizza or cheeseburger in that pouch anymore (I promise you). The main thing is that you will not be hungry and looking for food anymore. If that happens, just get a fill and it will be over! After a while you will look at something and say to yourself, I can't eat that and it will be ok. If it will keep me of Mexican food, it is a gift from God. If you are basically healthy, there is no need to be fat anymore with this surgery. It will be the best thing you can do for yourself, if you bought a car with this money, in 4 to 5 years it will be wore out. In 4 to 5 years your body will be awesome!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacheez71 0 Posted July 13, 2008 Thank you so much for the support and prayers. My boyfriend applied for a VA loan 3 weeks ago and didn't tell me. They emailed him asking for his bank info. I pray he is approved. I can wait. I had my surgery on June 30th and doing well. Still have a little swelling but not much discomfort at this point. I went for my follow-up appt yesterday and I am down 13 lbs. I am so happy I did this and you will be too. I will pray for you and hope that you find the way to get it done. The best investment you could ever make is the one you make in yourself. I wish you all the best and please keep in touch. Sincerely, Stephanie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaL 0 Posted July 15, 2008 Dr. Richard Carter is in Arlington and wonderful. I was not self pay but many of his patients are....... He is caring and you are in and out of his office in minutes for appointments......Great doctor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ch4251 0 Posted September 11, 2008 i had dr carter and no pre op diet, which caused me no problems...he is awesome, conservative with fills, which feels frustrating but is really best for you, i have nothing but good things to say about him.....feel free to contact me for support or answers to any questions about dr carter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacheez71 0 Posted September 15, 2008 How much is his self pay price? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaL 0 Posted September 18, 2008 Did you go to Dr. Richard Carter in Arlington at UMSD? He did my surgery and I love him. I owe my life to Dr. Carter. He is so nice and sweet and he knows what he is doing. I have never gotten sick...no problems and have lost 65 pounds in 7 months! Wow! I'd do it again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites