Thank you Pat for the wonderful post on money and surgery. This was a big part of my concern when I began researching surgery, as I am on disability with limited income. You know for one, *I* have certain issues about money, that is part of what is holding me back from going across the state to have surgery, to the tune of $5-6,000 out-of-pocket surgeons fee's.
<p>But yanno what? I *used* to afford a 2-pack a day cig habit,(quit 11/16/02) now how much was I spending on that? TOO MUCH!! Letseeherenow, name brand smokes, $3 a pack, x's 2 a day =$6. Ok OK I can still do math, but my point here is, that we not only eat healthier, but MOST of us have stopped the nasty smoking habit to regain our health also. So, I know that *I* figure *I* can afford the protein and vitamins. Perhaps all cannot, YOU made a very valid and important point in your post.
<p>Thank you my dear friend for bringing this subject to the table. Some people might never have thought of this aspect of the surgery w/o your post!