Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Self-pay and post-op problems



Recommended Posts

Good evening!

As I get closer and closer to submitting everything to my insurance (Aetna), I fear I'll be denied. However, my husband has agreed for us to pay for the surgery regardless because he knows it means the world to me. I was very happy about the decision until this morning. My best friend, a doctor of general medicine, called and told me to make certain my insurance would cover me in the event there were post-op problems related to the surgery. Anyone have any advice/experience in this matter?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have Aetna and was approved. I also had a co-worker who had the bypass and had major complications and insurance covered that and her skin removal, lift, or whatever she had done with it. She was my go-to person when I decided to take my first steps to do this a year ago. I asked her a lot since I knew she had the same insurance and everything. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have Aetna and was approved. I also had a co-worker who had the bypass and had major complications and insurance covered that and her skin removal' date=' lift, or whatever she had done with it. She was my go-to person when I decided to take my first steps to do this a year ago. I asked her a lot since I knew she had the same insurance and everything. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about![/quote']

Thanks for the response, Corky! I'm crossing my fingers for approval, but I have no comorbids. It's a long story. Some of my other posts explain my situation. :) I'm just praying that whoever reviews my case is in a really good mood that day!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Confirm with your insurance but if they deny your surgery, post op complications are also not covered.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am self paid and needed blood work done post op and once went to the ER for dehydration. My insurance covered it but I paid the co pay. I have straight medicaid in michigan. there is a potential of getting a leak or embolism post op. These are the most feared issues post op. Depending on your doc the percent of them happening is pretty low. Follow your doctors rules. at around a month post -op if your taking medications they will need to be adjusted according to your new weight and lifestyle, so youll need a doctors visit for that and blood work done anually to make sure your getting your Vitamins in. Good luck I love my sleeve

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the response' date=' Corky! I'm crossing my fingers for approval, but I have no comorbids. It's a long story. Some of my other posts explain my situation. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> I'm just praying that whoever reviews my case is in a really good mood that day![/quote']

Good luck! Mine I guess was my age and BMI, other than that, I didn't either, which I was TOTALLY shocked by!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good luck! Mine I guess was my age and BMI' date=' other than that, I didn't either, which I was TOTALLY shocked by![/quote']

Corky, my current BMI is almost 43. I have a 3-month-old baby. The weight I have for 2010 is while pregnant, my 2011 weight is at my 6-week postpartum checkup, and my weight for 2012 is while pregnant. Since my insurance paid for my pregnancies, they'll know the submitted weights are while pregnant. You catch my drift? Those weights all put me at a BMI of well over 40. My no pregnancy weight in 2010 and 2012 put me at a BMI of 35 and 37, respectively. My insurance requires a comorbidity if you have a BMI of less than 40. I have none. Looks like I'm screwed either way - unless, of course, the person reviewing my file doesn't pay attention to the fact I was pregnant in '10 and '12 or at least doesn't care...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Gotcha! I hope everything works out! I'll send some good vibes your way!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Gotcha! I hope everything works out! I'll send some good vibes your way!

Thanks! I appreciate that more than you know. I want this so bad. Like many of us, I've tried everything, had great success and gained all the weight back plus some.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You're very welcome and I understand! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My insurance had the same requirement and I didn't qualify either. Hopefully, they won't catch the pregnancy weights!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have Aetna and was approved. I also had a co-worker who had the bypass and had major complications and insurance covered that and her skin removal' date=' lift, or whatever she had done with it. She was my go-to person when I decided to take my first steps to do this a year ago. I asked her a lot since I knew she had the same insurance and everything. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about![/quote']

I have Aetna also great news

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

:D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My insurance specifically excludes WLS. I am going to Mexico - if, god forbid, I should have any problems - I will go to my family Dr. - am hoping that nothing will go wrong - but my Dr. will take care of my post-op testing etc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Most self pay physicians build BLIS insurance into the cost which covers a few months after surgery just in case.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×