Money issues

[=^..^=Meow]

I have known I want to be banded for a couple of years now, but I just can't seem to get the money together without huge interest penaltys. I work with people with disabilities (which pays nothing) and I am back in school. I do not own a house nor have credit... which I have noticed people think is odd, but I pay everything in cash, so if I dont have the money to buy it I wait... ok I have a huge fear of DEBT!!! lol have a Tauras that will need a new transmition soon..... LMAO I swear that my car knows when I have a few thousand dollars saved!!! AGGGGHHHH it is just sooooo frustrating... And I am shocked that at 34, 400 lbs, Hypertension med taking rear end that all of the insurances I have had I could not get the banding done....INSURANCE SUCKS!!!! lol ok I am a little bitter...... Anywhooooo, anyone have any suggestions???????

[housecatgirl]

Hi, I know you're worried about debt but I would be more worried about health. If I were you I would try to get a credit card. Then just put a little on the card each month and pay it off each month to show the creditor that you are good for it. It may still not be enough since your first one proabably won't have a high enough limit but if you start building your credit you can ask for an increase within a few months. You sound like the type of person that will be careful not to get yourself in debt. Just remember that your goal is to get banded and that should be enough will power not to let yourself get in debt. If you don't want to do that...what about close family or friends. I know alot of people including myself that have a family member willing to help. Good luck,

[Chelley]

I agree that your health is more important than fears of incurring debt. There are some medical loans available out there, but the monthly payments are very high. Carolyn, with Dr. Ortiz's office can give you some information about financing companies. I found that my credit card company offered a fixed rate loan at 5% interest that was much better than any rate I could find on a medical loan or personal loan. Even a gas credit card could help you establish a credit history if you pay it off monthly as Laura suggested.

Another thing you need to consider is that the surgery price is only a portion of the cost of having the lap band... depending on where you decide to have your surgery, fills can be free all the way up to $450 per fill from estimates I've obtained.......... Not to mention airfare to and from the location which is skyrocketing due to gasoline prices.

I would choose to have my surgery done again in Mexico in a heartbeat. I priced lap band surgery in my area of the USA at $17,000-$36,000. One month post op and my estimated expeditures are still less than $10,000 including airfare. Not to mention Dr. Ortiz is an expert in the field and I had the very best of care!