Insurance--Gastric Bypass NOT Lapband covered ?

[Cate18 0]

I'm in a strange circumstance where, as a grad student, only procedures done at the university health center are covered. Therefore, even though "weight loss surgery" is covered, only gastric bypass is done at my hospital, so I can't have a lapband done. I even appealed and the doctor in charge of insurance appeals said, "Lap band and gastric bypass show the same long term results, we aren't going to cover lapband simply because you prefer it" (that made me want to slap him, incidentally).

But I guess my question is, in the off chance anyone else has had this situation come up, did you consider gastric bypass ? I think I feel like at 25, I'm just not ready for bypass. Don't misunderstand me. I realize the lapband is a big commitment, but I'm just not sure I want to have my insides rerouted for the rest of my life.

Anyone else have this happen ? What were your thoughts ? Were you willing to consider gastric bypass ? Did you talk to a bypass doc ? What did you ultimately do ?

Just want to hear some other opinions. Trying not to rule out the dreaded self-pay quite yet, but as a grad student my options are limited.

Thanks in advance !

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Personally I'd wait until I could have the lap band, or finance it. GBS has too many potential ill effects.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

You should've told that Doctor "I won't have gastric bypass just because you're too backwards to offer a better alternative"...but then I am a cheeky Restless Monkey! the fool! (some people are just TOO full of themselves, aren't they?)

[crzytchr 3]

You didn't say whether you were female or not (avatar looks it), but at your young age, I would feel as you do no matter what sex. It is too young to have your insides "rerouted". If female, you risk a pregnancy later down the line. I don't know if you could get enough nutrition to a baby with bypass surgery. I know you can with the lapband. I would wait until you are finished with college and have group insurance that would hopefully cover it, or try to self pay.