I just came across a website that provides insurance for complications of bariatric surgery or plastic surgery. I'm going to be self pay and from my understanding my medical insurance will not cover complications since they exclude any weight loss surgery from my plan. Has anyone used this type of insurance? I can afford the surgery but I'm nervous about the cost of possibly having a complication. Thoughts?

I just had mine yesterday. Once I realized I'd be self pay, I found a doctor through the BLIS (insurance) website. I didn't want the added stress of worrying about a complication.

I would just double-check with your insurance to make sure they don't cover complications before you spring for it. If you can, do it in writing and make it very clear, i.e.,

"I see on page 32 of my plan booklet that you exclude bariatric surgery from coverage. If I elect to have bariatric surgery and pay for it myself, and develop a serious complication (leak, stricture, or blood clots, for example) as a result, will Acme Insurance cover treating the complication? Please respond in writing." etc.

My insurance paid for mine, so complications were obviously covered....but if I were a self pay, I would most likely have bought the back up insurance for the just in case option. I have heard of people being self pay, then having a complication and ending up with medical bills well over what it would have been to have the surgery here in the US. I'm not saying that going to Mexico is more dangerous.....by any means, I'm just saying I would rather have the piece of mind. Good luck!