No health fund but desperately want to be sleeved this year

Hi everyone.. This is my first post here.
I went to my GP yesterday to get another prescription for duromine, the appetite suppressant that I hv been on for almost a year now. It's an expensive drug n does work but the moment u get off it, the weight piles on again n quick!!
So my GP suggested I consider sleeve.
Now I don't hv a private health fund and can't afford the waiting period for health funds as this year end I have to go overseas for my brothers and sisters wedding within 2 months frame. I want to look my best n being so fat I'll only be focusing on what to wear and who's looking at my tyres and what's showing in my dress... Rather than enjoying my only siblings wedding.
So my question is can anyone suggest my options? I contacted oclinic n was excited that it will be under 10000 to go without health fund but because I don't have a BMI of 40 they said concord will not accept my case n thus the cost will be around 18000. Sooo heartbroken.
Can anyone suggest anything? Has anyone gone for it without private fund? Medical finance? Plzzzz help people. Thanks for ur time.

Hello,

I am going through Oclinic in June. Are you sure about the BMI of 40? On their website and when I booked I was asked if I was over 35? I am 39 so no problem for me.

Hi

If you have life threating health problems you can ask your super fund thats what I did only took a few months and I was sleeved.Just need your doctor to write a letter and your specialist and fill out the paper work .

Good luck on your adventure its worth it.

Hi pippimoo yes I m sure cos received this mail today from oclinic :

Costs for patients without private health insurance for the Gastric Sleeve:
Program Fee: $7094 (Surgeon, assistant surgeon, 8 dietitian visits, 2 psychology visits, lifelong follow up)
Anesthetist: $1000 ($250 rebate from Medicare)
Concord Hospital: $939 (as a self-funded private patient in Concord hospital based on a 3 night stay)
Total Cost: $9033

Approximate waiting period for surgery is March or April 2013.

(Please note that the hospital fee quoted above includes all of the equipment used in your procedure including the Band prosthesis, accommodation costs, and theatre fees, and represents a substantial discount compared to other hospitals). However there are strict criteria that must be met in order to be approved by the Medical Director to undergo bariatric surgery at Concord hospital. You will need to have a body mass index of at least 40+ if you have already been diagnosed by your doctor with one or more of the following obesity-related medical conditions: High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome, or sleep apnoea. Concord will only accept patients that live in NSW.

N I double checked about eligibility with concord hosp. if I don't have a BMI over 40 n the lady said m not eligible so hv to to the other hospital which will cost over 18000. :o( so depressed!!

N thnx debrobdan but hv no life threatening issues to get funded

Meenababuta wrote:

Hi everyone.. This is my first post here.
I went to my GP yesterday to get another prescription for duromine, the appetite suppressant that I hv been on for almost a year now. It's an expensive drug n does work but the moment u get off it, the weight piles on again n quick!!
So my GP suggested I consider sleeve.
Now I don't hv a private health fund and can't afford the waiting period for health funds as this year end I have to go overseas for my brothers and sisters wedding within 2 months frame. I want to look my best n being so fat I'll only be focusing on what to wear and who's looking at my tyres and what's showing in my dress... Rather than enjoying my only siblings wedding.
So my question is can anyone suggest my options? I contacted oclinic n was excited that it will be under 10000 to go without health fund but because I don't have a BMI of 40 they said concord will not accept my case n thus the cost will be around 18000. Sooo heartbroken.
Can anyone suggest anything? Has anyone gone for it without private fund? Medical finance? Plzzzz help people. Thanks for ur time.

Speak to a doctor and he can give you information so you can take it from your super xx

Sara

There is the option of taking an Early Release on some of your super for Medical Reasons. I believe there is a fair bit of paperwork and you will need to be very accurate with the information, or they will send it back.

I am not sure about Medical Finance, but my friend got a $10K Loan for a boob job and my husband was offered finance for his Laser Eye Surgery.

Maybe try another Dr or Clinic, other surgeons may operate on patients with a lower BMI.

Do your homework, if you really want the surgery you should be able to.

Stace

Hello Again

Try MAC Credit, just google them.
It is an option here in WA with one of the Surgeons, have a read it may be AUS wide.

Hi

Just putting my two cents worth in.

Have u rang around other Bariatric Surgeons in your area. ???????? I would be ring around and getting quotes over the phone. Every Surgeon has different opinions and ideas.

Also u can apply for early release of your superannuation.

Good luck with your Journey.

Val

Holy moly? Under 10 000 with no private health? What is this Oclinic?!