How to Raise Money for Lap-Band Surgery

Lap-band surgery is often a last-ditch effort for people at least 100 pounds overweight who have been unable to lose weight through traditional means. It is a big commitment with several risks, including infection and internal bleeding. The surgery may also require plastic surgery later, as many people who receive the lap-band procedure are unable to tighten the skin that has become saggy due to rapid weight loss after receiving the surgery. At about $20,000 for the lap-band surgery alone, with many insurance companies refusing to pay, it's worth looking into ways to raise money for your weight-loss goals.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about financing options. This is probably your best bet, as he or she may have some ideas on how to go about paying for your surgery. Your hospital may also offer some sort of payment plan to make the surgery more affordable.

• 2

  Contact several universities with medical schools. Ask the receptionist at the medical school if he or she knows of any trials the school may be conducting on weight loss. You may just be able to get a free lap-band surgery out of it.

• 3

  Set up a website (weebly.com and moonfruit.com both offer easy-to-design sites with cheap domains), and collect funds through paypal.com. Post pictures of yourself and tell your story. Explain why it is so important for your health that you have the surgery. Advertise your site to friends, family, your church, message boards and social-networking sites.

• 4

  Write a letter to family, friends and local organizations detailing why you need this surgery and how difficult or impossible it is for you to pay for it on your own. Ask them for any help they can give and refer them to your website.

• 5

  Organize a fundraiser in your local community. Hold an event such as a silent auction (approach local companies and ask if they will donate things for people to bid on) or a charity dinner. Get together with several of your friends and make something simple like spaghetti or pancakes. Ask everyone to pay $10 to partake. Make it known that you will accept larger donations if people are willing.