My bypass surgery is scheduled for July 26th and I am inches away from calling my doc and cancelling the whole thing. I am 100% self-pay and am terrified of all the complications that I see and hear about. It took a lot for me to save the 22k for the surgery. I worry that complications could send me to the poor house.

I am 5'5 240 and wonder if it's worth it. Is anyone else out there getting a full bypass via self-pay?

I'm not self pay but most people that I have read with complications still would have the surgery all over again. Also note that the people with completely smooth sailing don't really post how easy it has been. I'm only three weeks out from my bypass so I can't say if something won't pop up, but my experience so far has been very typical surgery recovery. However you need to look at everything that has lead you to consider having surgery, weigh all your options, and make the choice that is best for you. You can always call the person that did your psych evaluation and discuss your worries with them.



HW-292 • SW (6/29/17) 256.6 • CW 243.2

I am sorry to hear you had to pay for everything yourself. I have looked into bypass multiple times over the years. I will tell you my doctor made all the difference and the support groups he offers. Listening to others who don't regret anything really made me finally take the next step. I am 8 days post op no real pain other then minor I was surprised the little pain I felt. I did get thrush but am being treated and am feeling much better. I have be dealing with hunger but the intake helps and I lost 15 pounds week 1. I hope you become more comfortable with your choice! Best wishes

Barbara I haven't had the bypass done yet but hoping to really soon. Just have to get my sugar levels in check first.

I also am self-pay. Insurers in Canada won't cover WLS because it's funded through each province (state) but there's a 7 year waiting list for those over a BMI of 45-50!

$21,000 Canadian = $30,000 American roughly and I keep telling myself lord I can use that to pay off some bills!!!

But you know what? The bills and everything will always be there. My health, not necessarily.

We have the same height and I'm at 220 lbs and I can see this being the only way of getting my health back and myself back at this point.

Hang in there and be strong! You got this girl!

Keep in mind, everyone gets cold feet the last few weeks, so what you are feeling is normal nerves. BUT there are people that get the surgery and regret it long term, so use this time to weigh all your options.

Option 1. Get the surgery as planned.

2. If you are a candidate, go with a sleeve instead.. fewer complications (but if they do happen, they'll be just as expensive as the bypass ones).

3. Cancel the surgery, with the understanding that you may reschedule when you are comfortable.

4. Reschedule the surgery for January.

5. Have the surgery in Mexico, and that would leave quite a bit of money in your bank account to help with any complications. (I went to Mexico with Dr. Illan, and have no problem recommending that option to others. It was a very good experience.. and Dr. Illan is willing to help with any future issues, you just have to be able to fly down for the care).

Complications from surgery would be expensive, but so are complications from morbid obesity. Diet and exercise programs are a bargain, so if you haven't tried them, that may be a great thing to do if you choose options 3 or 4.