Pay or Insurance

[Papa Jack 86]

I am going for my first meeting July 5th. I know my insurance covers Gatric Bypass, but not sure about the sleeve.

Now the question is; Would you get the Gastric Bypass because Insrance covers it or would you take out a loan for the Sleeve?

[DivaDee84 12]

It's personal preference...do your homework on each procedure and make your decision...look at risk involved & complication rates as well as long term effects.

[Nancy Rivers 24]

I would also call your insurance to see if they do cover the sleeve or not. Just because they cover one, doesn't mean they will cover the other - and they will tell you what they will cover as well as any requirements they have for you to complete so they will cover it.

Research them both thoroughly because only you can make this decision.

For me, I did not want my digestive system re-routed and the malabsorbtion issues associated with it. There also seemed to be a higher complication rate with bypass than with VSG which also factored into my decision.

[SmokyMtnGal2011 10]

Since the gastric sleeve is the first part of the Gastic Bypass, most insurance companies will cover the procedure as it is less expensive that the Bypass. I too, did not want my colon re-routed and not have to deal with the malabsorbtion or high Vitamin regime required after the Bypass. It is your decision - research, research and ask lots of questions from your surgeon and your insurance company. You will make the right decision for you. Best of luck!!!!!

[Rootman 1,101]

Mine did NOT cover the sleeve despite being the first part of a DS bypass - which they will not cover either unless medically indicated for some reason. They stick almost exclusively with the RNY type bypass.

I didn't even pursue insurance although I have excellent coverage. I wanted the procedure *I* wanted and not a bypass. I also did not want to wait 4 to 6 months for approval and their tight schedule. I was fortunate and had some cash left from my mothers estate. I went to Tijuana MX and self paid, it was fast, about a month from initial contact to the surgery. I had no problems besides the uncomfortable flight home and the typical nausea and malaise from surgery - which I would have regardless of where I went. I would do it again if I had to.

[kellyw74 258]

I would never get a bypass. That was the biggest reason I did not have WLS years ago because that was the only procedure out there!

Kelly

[GreginMI 76]

I work for one of the big 3 and I have BCBS of Michigan. After reading that most insurance companies don't cover the sleeve because they consider it an experimental surgery I wasn't even thinking about getting it and was resigned to the Gastric Bypass. When I went to the surgeon's office and talked to them they ran my insurance and said it covered all the procedures. Then the surgeon actually said he thought the sleeve was right for me so I was pleasantly surprised! You never know until you find out! Good luck!

[Wheetsin 714]

I would do what it took to get the procedure I wanted/felt was best for me. If my insurance did not cover the procedure I had decided on, then I would not get it just because it was covered.

If it was loan or nothing or bypass, I'd go loan (gah, I'm a fiscal nut and actually kinda struggled with something that sounded like advocating debt... but in the long run I think it would be the right thing to do... and what's debt compared to health - mental and physical...).

[Papa Jack 86]

Thanks everyone. Most of you think like I am starting too. My health first than Insurance or payments.

[1tracy 1]

Hi, my insurance would also only cover the bypass (VSG was considered experimental) I knew from knowing people who have had bypass surgery- it just was not the wls choice for me. So I am a self pay (bummer, I think insurance should cover it ) and looked around for a surgeon I felt comfortable with and by the end of next month I will be sleeved. I know it will be the best money spent!

Best wishes to you on your journey!