Curious if anyone else decided to self-pay to avoid the wait period and hoops the insurance company makes you jump through? My insurance company wanted a 12 month wait and I would have need to gain and maintain 10 extra pounds because the wouldn't recognize my pre-diabetes as a comorbidity. So I've opted to pay $11,000 in MI and have the surgery done 6/7. I've gotten a lot of mixed reviews from friends and family for bypassing insurance and taking the financial burden but I have no regrets! (Yet!) Curious if any one else made a similar decision?

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would if I had to. Although it sucks your insurance is giving you the runaround.

Totally self-paying since my insurance won't cover it. No regrets and much easier if you can afford to do it.

I chose self pay because my insurance didn't cover the surgery. I ended up going to Mexico for the surgery and had a great experience. If I would have self payed at a nearby hospital it would have been a lot more money and still an extensive preop process. I had my surgery 2-3 weeks after I called the doctor in Mexico.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I did the same. My insurance wouldn't even consider me. I ended up doing the surgery in the Dominican Republic and payed 8500 out of pocket. The surgery was scheduled 2 months after I contacted my doctor and the only reason it took that long was because of my work schedule.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

I think the decision to self-pay is based on your financial situation... If paying isn't going to financially devast you, go for it... I too thought of self paying but decided I'd rather just wait out the insurance and spend any extra money on getting a personal trainer and buying new clothes... In addition if I were to need any plastic treatments there's no way insurance is covering that... I'm waiting out the insurance to give myself a financial cushion for things I know insurance isn't going to pay for... Good luck with your decision

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them"

Einstein

I would if I had to but, I'm going to go through my insurance & praying for a smooth process

Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

I am trying the insurance route but if for some reason it gets denied (surgeon is confident it will be approved) then I would definitely self pay.

My insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery however during my endoscopy they discovered a hiatal hernia & gastric polyps so hoping my insurance will approve. Also I'm border line to having sleep apnea at 4.2 with 5.0 being the mark.

Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

I am self pay. Surgery date June 16. Didn't want to jump through hoops for a year.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I originally had the band so they are calling my bypass a revision. Had the band 6-11 to 6-13 and then had complications. Now having gastric bypass June 16

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

100% self pay here, too.

Was saving funds for a new car.......said screw it, dude......you need a new YOU more than you need a new ride.

I have zero regrets about cutting that check for my sleeve. Best damn money I've ever spent in my life.

Curious if anyone else decided to self-pay to avoid the wait period and hoops the insurance company makes you jump through? My insurance company wanted a 12 month wait and I would have need to gain and maintain 10 extra pounds because the wouldn't recognize my pre-diabetes as a comorbidity. So I've opted to pay $11,000 in MI and have the surgery done 6/7. I've gotten a lot of mixed reviews from friends and family for bypassing insurance and taking the financial burden but I have no regrets! (Yet!) Curious if any one else made a similar decision?

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello,

How did your surgery go ?? I am considering Dr pleatman but can only find old threads about him !

Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am 100% self pay because my husbands insurance does not cover ANY bariatric services. Although we are having to take a loan out, I can book my surgery in 2 weeks! I am going to Mexico and couldn't be happier with my decision. Financially, it will be a struggle but my health will only deteriorate the longer I have to wait. Best wishes to you!

I am 100% self pay because my husbands insurance does not cover ANY bariatric services. Although we are having to take a loan out, I can book my surgery in 2 weeks! I am going to Mexico and couldn't be happier with my decision. Financially, it will be a struggle but my health will only deteriorate the longer I have to wait. Best wishes to you!

Hi! Where in Mexico are you going & who did you use for the loan? Im approved at tijuanabariatrics.com w/ Dr Vazquez.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My insurance has a 12-month pre-approval requirement that I am choosing to bypass and self-pay. While I don't have any co-morbidities, I have significant problems with my knees at 4' 10 1/2" and 260 lbs. At the recommendation of my PCP and Orthopedic Specialist, I'm investing $20,000 in myself. I received the recommendation right before Thanksgiving and will be sleeved in mid-February.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App