Going to have gastric bypass done.....

I am paying for my bypass privately. What I want to know is if you all think it is totally stupid to do this. Yes I need to have the surgery but I am afraid of complications that may rack up the bill. Also I am afraid of later in life if something happens to me (due to the bypass) will the insurance I have at that time say it is pre-existing and not cover it. Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this?

Heather I dout if you pay for it if your INS will pay for any thing later with it. How come you can not turn it in on INS now and have thm pay for it? Then if something does happen it will be covered with your INS

Hi Heather the questions you have certainly are real concerns, as I know some people have faced alot of the same questions. I would suggest you do your homework and thoroughly check out all the options...make sure the surgeon and hospital you chose has a good reputation..chosing a surgeon that is "bariatric" and not just a general surgeon is very important, they will give you detailed information on the options that are best suited for you and your life style. also using one that specializes in laparoscopic (minimally invasive techniques) helps in the healing process, down time and infection rates, find out about their after care program as being compliant is also important, if they have a good program they will walk you through the hard times. Read the comments under the surgeons name..email folks that have used the surgeon you are thinking of using.. One thing I do suggest is to visit a few info sessions with different surgeons.. Take the opportunity to ask them your questions and make sure you understand the answers they give, if they don't answer your question to your satisfaction I would wonder if they would answer them or help you with the answers "if" later you had a problem.. As a consumer you have the right to investigate the surgeon you so chose.. do a google search with his or her name..along with the centers name..it's a good way to see what type of articles...good or bad have been written about them. YOu can also go to a state site under the medical association to see if any complaints have been made against that surgeon himself.. This is the one time where it is so very important to take charge of your health..making an educated decision is the best thing you can do for yourself. I have been priveleged to work with some of the best surgeons around..I have my own rate scale for them..and the hospital where they practice..I believe every person seeking this surgery should do that same.. Brenda Patient Advocate.