Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Self payers....financing options?



Recommended Posts

I am probably fortunate that I had the moneyn savings. I had worked real estate in addition to my regular job for about 5 years so I saved a little enst egg. Having said that, I have no regrets in spending the money even though there are layoffs at my job and I will give you my reasons.

A. I feel better than I have in 10 years!

B. I had the first NORMAL blood sugar reading I have had in over 10 years! WOW!

C. Everyone says how great I look and I know it is true.

D. If I have to look for a new job employers will look at me a bit more favorably,(though I am still fat) just not as fat and just overall look better!

E. I am spending a bit less on medications.

F. You can't put a price on your health.

If you have to use all your credit cards to do it and you know you can pay it back even if little by little, DO IT! If you have ahome see if you can get a 2nd mortgage ( i know not easy. ) If you have a 401K or 403B take a loan out against it. FInd all the crap in your house you don't use and sell in on e-bay or Craigs List. I mean EVERYTHING! Have a yard sale and out the money away. STart cooking more and don't go out to eat and save that money. Turn off your cell phone or cable or Netflix for afew months and start saving $$.

JUst my 2 cents. :thumbup:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm one year out, I'm self paid. I used CareCredit. My question to others, what did you do about office visit and fills after your one year was over? I feel like I'm been left out in the wind to dry. It's like you can't even go in for a weigh in without even being charged. It's very upsetting. So, how do you handle it?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgery will be $15,000. I have $2000 and the balance I am borrowing from my boss at a 3.5% interest rate which is very generous! I am doing a 2 year payoff which is very aggressive but I do not want this to linger any longer than necessary.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I got a personal loan from y bank with a 7% interest rate. I had my surgery through True Results and since I paid in full up front it covered my surgery and a year of aftercare and fills.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just a quick note for those who HAVE NOT had your surgery yet.....ask how much it will cost to remove it should the need arise. I know it is not something you like to talk about and figure "that will not happen to me" but I am now in the position just over a year after paying nearly $18,000 to have it put in! I have been having issues that never came up as a possible problem that will possibly require removal. Espophagitis/gastritis for the past 6 months. I had a good 6 months of the band then had to have my gallbladder removed. It has been problematic every since! I am not convinced it is my band and will see the doc tomorrow about it (his office called me to come in and discuss removal ~ that is not a fun call to get!) Here I sit feeling like I made a bad investment. I worry about weight gain (glad I did not get rid of all my clothes!) I will not opt for any other surgery. WE will see what he has to say tomorrow.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My dr. Dr. Spivac does not charge. The hospital bill is around 3400.00 out of pocket for removal. If needed. Good point, I did ask.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was lucky and got a bank loan with reasonable interest. I looked into the medical loans but the interest was staggering

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgery cost $14,500 and this included hospital stay, anesthesiologist fees, any x-rays they ran at the hospital, 2 fluro's, free fills for the first year, and a 90 day "warranty" if you will. I had $2,000 in savings that I used. Then I used a credit card that has 0% and wrote a check from it bc my surgeon's office charges 4.6% on the amt you charge to credit. I then opened another credit card to charge the remaining amount. This card has 0% 24 months, so in my mind, it's kind of like paying same as cash. I am very careful with money and put all of my extra on these cards. I had surgery on April 25th and I've paid back about $1,500 so far. Mind you I'm in my early 20's still working 3 part time jobs, so if I can afford it, I'm sure you can find a way to do it on a salary! Good luck!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgery was before the changes in the credit market. But, for what it is worth:

I was self-pay. I used care credit. My total cost was about $14,000.00. I asked a lot of questions at the hospital and asked to be released at 23 hours so I was not charged for an overnight. I think I checked in for surgery at 7 am, stayed that night, and then they "checked me out" at 6:30 a.m. but let me stay until 10 am or so until my doctor made his rounds. My doctor was at the Wish Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, but it closed a few years ago :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did mysurgeyloans.com as well, great customer service but I agree...very expensive. I do however have a word of advice for anyone using dr.gonzalez in TJ his assistant or U.S contact (dr. Serrano) can be super shady when it comes to money! All I have to say is if you use this particular dr go with cash or credit so they don't play games with you otherwise you'll end up paying in the end and I mean that littereally!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm one year out, I'm self paid. I used CareCredit. My question to others, what did you do about office visit and fills after your one year was over? I feel like I'm been left out in the wind to dry. It's like you can't even go in for a weigh in without even being charged. It's very upsetting. So, how do you handle it?

I know exactly what you mean. My year is up and I went in for just a weigh-in and was sent a bill for $115. I haven't addressed it with the doctor yet. I didn't even get a fill!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×