Financial Help With Bariatric Surgery?
543731
Everyone else gave you basically the same advice I would.\nYour surgeon's office should be able to help you with getting insurance approval. If they can't/won't, think about switching surgeons.  Or insurance companies. \nMy husband's companies insurance guy had originally said there was a "rider" which his boss would have to purchase for the whole company that would cover the surgery. We were willing to pay for that rider if it was just a few thousand dollars, and then the offer was withdrawn (probably because they didn't think we'd actually volunteer to pay!).  So find about that option. Even if it's $5,000, that's $19,000 less than the surgery. Look into supplemental insurance that you buy on your own that might pick up some of the costs.\nAs a last-ditch attempt, you can ask for donations from friends and co-workers.   If you work for a big company, try to get them to donate some money to you by saying how much healthier you will be after your weight loss.  Have a party to raise money--I've done it for other people (not for surgery)--have poker tournaments where the winner gets half the pot and you get the other half.  Find massage therapists and palm readers who will donate half or all their proceeds for treatments during the party.  Combine it with a Body Shop or Tupperware party and ask everyone to round up their payment and give it to you, and have the consultant donate part of the profits to your cause (you must have a friend who sells SOMETHING like this).\nYou'd be surprised how your friends and loved ones will rally around you if you show that you are determined to raise this money.
323198
Yes most will give you a payment plan and there are many companies that finance plastic surgery. Ask your Dr at a consultation and he will provide a list of companies for you to apply with.\n\n*just to add, my girlfriend did a tummy tuck, boob lift, and eye lift at once. She said the tummy tuck was the most painful thing she ever went through. Just know what your getting into! \nGood Luck
958785
Please go to the website http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nThey have all the insurance companies and what they cover listed.\n\nI had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005.  I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding, after  1 year and 7 months.  These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or  not.  I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes.  The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away.  I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer  have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure.  I’m down to 2 pills a day.  I went from a  size 26-28 to a 16-18.\nMost people struggle with paying for  the surgery.  Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass.  Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378\nVitamins I take…  you have to be very faithful about taking them after surgery, because you can become very sick if you don’t.  There were recommended by my surgeon and nutritionist.\nhttp://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359\nThere is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White.  He’s a govt. worker and a comedian.  He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well.\nhttp://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/\nSome other helpful links…\nhttp://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/\nhttp://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htm\nhttp://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337\nhttp://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508\nhttp://www.mygastricbypass.com/\nhttp://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.html\nGood luck with your surgery and new life!
1050722
as far as getting the money together I'm not sure how to help you, but there is a site i visit from time to time called walkers.org, it is a site for ppl that suffer from various mental disorders, its basically a bunch of ppl that have problems get together and talk about them and help each other through whatever they need. they have forums as well as a chat room, if you would like any more information about it feel free to msg me with any questions you might have, or if you would just like to talk.
1149579
As far as the medicine goes there are allot of companies out there willing to help on the pills part, I use ldsmedcare i pay $20 a month for my $800 worth of medicine i use and need, so on the pills side there is plenty of help. I am sure that there are companies able to help with gas too just never thought to look into it i don't know for sure but pills can be bought cheap.
378140
Hope this helps, Mr. Bob.\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/GastricBypassSurgerySupportGroup
177897
Expensive Painful Life threatening Surgery!\nFind SOMETHING to do that gets you exercise and replaces food or get the surgery.
593804
The best way to go about finding that plastic surgeon willing to help would be to ask directly, and ask many! If it is truly something they would view as a charity situation,I'd imagine a few would do it out of kindness(and/or publicity). If it's something cosmetic to improve self-image for the patient, some offer to line up payment plans usually through local places, interest rate im sure based on the patient's credit rating. my guess would be 12% as a good example. if they wont let you ask for referrals from former patients, i would have trouble trusting them. And if it is for you personally, make sure it's important enough to you to go through a good bit of pain and recovery time before you make that decision. there are some things i could consider changing about myself, but i realize that people like me for who i am a great deal more than my appearance. whether for you or someone else, i hope I've been helpful,and have a great weekend!
190373
If you are looking for an online support group you could always check yahoo groups.  Here is a listing of groups for Obesity Surgery.\n\nhttp://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=obesity%2Bsurgery
831160
You can try any or all of the following:\n\n1.  Get a part-time job to help with expenses;\n2.  Go to the drug company's website and research their patient assistance programs---you might qualify;\n3.  Visit your local free clinic and ask about any programs that can help.\n4.  Check with your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association.  I'm sure they can refer you.\n\nGood luck!
221909
Is there no way at all to come up with the money for the ceramic or metal hips?  You're only 33, and your plastic hips will need to be replaced not just once but probably twice.  I'm sorry to sound a negative note, I just wonder if you have a church community or equity in your house or any way to raise more funds.\n\nAnd as hard as it would be, you could even create a website, set up a Pay Pal account, and ask people to charge 10 cents on their credit cards and deposit to your account.  I feel bad suggesting this, actually, but it's an option.\n\nOK, on the bright side - the surgery itself WILL go fine!  My grandfather and mother both had it (guess I will one day too), and you'll not be in pain for at least the next several years!\n\nJust pay attention to your physical therapist and do the exercises you need to.  If you are overweight, take this as the start of your NEW NUTRITIONAL LIFE and make the changes you need to make - there's lots of support out there for that.\n\nGood luck!
814790
Here's some links that will help you find your answer. :)\n\nI had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005.  I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding, after  1 year and 7 months.  These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or  not.  I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes.  The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away.  I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer  have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure.  I’m down to 2 pills a day.  I went from a  size 26-28 to a 16-18.\nMost people struggle with paying for  the surgery.  Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass.  Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378\nVitamins I take…  you have to be very faithful about taking them after surgery, because you can become very sick if you don’t.  There were recommended by my surgeon and nutritionist.\nhttp://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359\nThere is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White.  He’s a govt. worker and a comedian.  He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well.\nhttp://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/\nSome other helpful links…\nhttp://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/\nhttp://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htm\nhttp://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337\nhttp://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508\nhttp://www.mygastricbypass.com/\nhttp://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.html\nGood luck with your surgery and new life!
921960
1. ask the doctor whether they accept credit card or not.\n2. Check to see whether your surgery cost is less than your available credit limit.\n3. If you cannot pay your balance in full by the end of the cycle, you should also check whether the your credit card interest is lower than your loan interest.
1103298
Gastric Bypass Surgery /gastrectomy/stomach stapling /lapband (all types of weight loss surgery) is very safe nowadays.It is very cheap in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges obesity surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.\n\nI have also read that they arrange financing for american and canadian patients as obesity surgery is not covered by insurance.They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website.The cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your lobesity surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.\n\nMy cousin got her obesity surgery after delivery in India through the forerunners healthcare .She is more than very happy with the results.She has lost 65lbs in 5 months.She just paid 25% of the amount she was quoted in USA and is all praise for this forerunners healthcare company.hope this helps \n\nhttp://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
522960
I went through this when my husband had open heart surgery.  Contact your local community services, they  have emergency family care and they will help you financially.  Also check your local charities.  Ours helped with the light bills during this time of need.  We donated back to them when he got able to go back to work.  Good luck to you and your husband, I know this is a scarey and trying time for you both.  You are both in my thoughts.
750477
Let me help you with this. I was once in your shoes. Take your paystub & a copy of monthly bills to the hospital billing office. Meet with a billing supervisor. Show them your financial statis. Tell them you are trying to pay them as fast as you can. They can help you with a payment schedule. If they get obnoxius or refuse to help. Go to an attorney & file medical bankruptcy. The hospital will usually try to help you rather than loose everything you owe them in bankruptcy procedings. Cheer up it's always darkest before dawn. Good Luck!
833695
Gastric bypass: Is this weight-loss surgery for you?\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378\n\nI had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005.  I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding, after  1 year and 7 months.  These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or not.  I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes.  The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away.  I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure.  I’m down to 2 pills a day.  I went from a size 26-28 to a 16-18.\nMost people struggle with paying for the surgery.  Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass.  Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nThere is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White.  He’s a govt. worker and a comedian.  He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well.\nhttp://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/\nSome other helpful links…\nhttp://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/\n\nhttp://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htm\nhttp://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337\nhttp://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508\nhttp://www.mygastricbypass.com/\nhttp://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.html\nGood luck with your surgery and new life!