Question:
Are there any other post ops WITHOUT health insurance?

I quit my job of 5 years last september and have been without health insurance since then. My surgery was June 4th of last year (2003). When I had my follow up visit with PCP and Surgeon in Aug, all my levels and health was great. My previous employer really messed up my Cobra and I never went with it(long story). Now that I'm working again, I resently applyed for insurance, and got denied.(new employer doesn't offer group insurance. We are responsible for getting it indivdually and they pay towards it.) I'm in the process of appealing.. I wanted to know if there are some healthy post ops out there who don't have insurance? I feel and look great (down 110lbs/ 25 away from goal). Although I'd like peace of mind from a doctor my insides aren't rotting away! Any help/advice is appreciated. Cheers! Aimee    — chickiewickie (posted on July 23, 2004)

July 23, 2004
I am one year out and lost my job and health insurance. I am trying to find another job that has group health insurance. I did check into private health insurance and found one that would not accept me and one that would. I would say keep trying different companies until you find one that will cover you.
   — judyc7

July 24, 2004
I do not presently have health insurance like yourself. I had my Lap RNY about 15 months ago(loss of 170#) and I too lost my health insurance late last fall. The state of AZ discontinued my plan I was paying for so I was forced into looking for private pay health insurance. My current employer does not offer a health plan through work so I thought it wouldn't be a big deal looking for my own. I was so wrong. I have been turned down by approx. 9 insurance companies. I may be able to get insurance through BCBS right now, for a hefty price, but they said they will put a waiver on my policy and if there are any troubles even remotely tied to the gastric by-pass, they will not cover it. It worries me that they might deny any claim I have then and blame the problem on the by pass. It is frustrating to me that I have lost so much weight, and am within 30 pounds of goal and in the best health of my entire life and because I had the life saving surgery to drop the weight that was killing me, no one wants to insure me. Crazy huh? I recently paid a small fortune for my follow up blood work and seen my surgeon and he assures me too that I am in great shape and not to worry. Easier said than done though huh? If I can find another job with benefits, I will definately change my job. I know this decision I made last year to have this surgery is a life long commitment and I just want to make sure I do all I can to stay healthy. It sounds like your doing really great. Your weight loss is wonderful and like you said, you feel good and the doctor says your doing great too. Maybe as time passes, the insurance companies will change their policies. I won;t hold my breathe tho.... Take care of yourself and stay positive. Life is so much better now. Cheryl
   — cherby56

July 24, 2004
My mom had her surgery 2 1/2 years ago. She recently lost her job and insurance. She does fine without it, and the biggest thing with her is the B-12 injections. Even that isn't huge for us. Good luck with your insurance though and congrats on the weight loss.
   — LinzyJJ

July 26, 2004
Thank you all for your responses... now I'm wondering if anyone has got denied and approved on appeal? Hmmmm Thanks again.. Aimee
   — chickiewickie