Hello, I'm new here...

Hello, I just signed up today and thought I would introduce myself.  I'm TL and I'm 33 years old living in Ft. Thomas.  I have finally decided to start looking into weight loss surgery.  I have many health issues that I honestly think is caused by my weight.  As a new person, I have many questions you all probably heard or seen before.  I'll just type them down and let you all answer them if you all willing. 1)  Even though I do work, I don't have any insurance and can't afford any either.  How does one go about getting weight loss surgery if they don't have insurance? 2)  What are the pro and cons of having weight loss surgery? 3)  Can you all point me to a great website with information on weight loss surgery information? TL

Welcome TL, I think this is the website for the different surgeries. You can go to the dfferent boards and read and ask questions, pros and cons (band, RNy, DS). As far as paying, it is my understanding that if you have no insurance you would self-pay. I don't haveany idea how much you would be looking at.  Good Luck. Even if you haven't had surgery this is a great site just to connect and talk to people about your struggles. We all have em.  Glad to have ya!! Dannyell

Welcme to the board.  Any of the weight loss surgeries will be pretty costly if you are going to pay without insurance.  This site has info on the different types of surgery that are available.   I just had my surgery Monday so I can really list any pros or cons yet.  Good luck with this.

TL, The doctor I went to is in Mayfield, KY and you can check with that office and they will give you the information on what it cost for self pay.  I have insurance but I know some self-pay patients and they thought it was a good deal.  I don't know where you live to justify it being cost effective but look up Bariatrics and Jackson Purchase Medical Center or contact Petra Crutchfield at 270-251-4LAP.  I hope this is helpful. Z

Thank you everybody that replied.  I spent basically all day on the phone with my company and it turns out that I'm eligible for insurance.  All I have to do is go out and get insurance and then fax my company back information that I have insurance and they will reimburse me for the insurance.  So, that's a plus in the right direction.  Now, I just have to pick the right insurance.  So, I'll be researching insurances now. TL

Hi TL

If you get the choice of what insurance company to go with check out Aetna.  Depending on your place of employment and how they pay will make a difference.  Aetna also has different plans.  I had RNY on Jan.14 '08 and I just today got my EOBs.  I have Aetna.  The total hospital, drs., anesthesiologist and all the little stuff they charge for in the hospital  came to a little over $37,000.00.  I didn't have to pay a penny.  The only money I've been out since I started the 3 month program required by Aetna is $30 for copays.  I have to say that I have some good insurance.  I hope this helps

Melissa