Question:
How Does Someone Get Gastric Bypass Without Insurance Or The Funds?

My name is Nikki, I'm 21 years old. I need and want the Gastric Bypass surgery so bad. I just don't got the insurane or the money to cover the surgery? What does someone do in that situation? Is there any hope for me :\    — Nikki Reich (posted on October 22, 2005)

October 22, 2005
I am not sure how you could, but if I were you, I would start doing something like this: See a county/city doctor, which is usually a no-pay situation. Talk to him/her about your weight and see if there is something this doctor can do about getting you into a program for those people without any insurance. The other alternative might be to seek out a research/ teaching hospital, like UCLA, and see if there is something that can be done for you. Many years ago a doctor suggested LAPBAND to me with a group of doctors who were developing their practice and starting out at a major hospital (for FREE). By the time I "decided" (what a dummy) they were no longer taking patients (silly me). It would have been a freebie for me, but instead I had to co-pay with insurance on a RNY, which was a pretty penny for me. Good luck to you, and don't give up. Do lots of research and talk to anyone who will listen, I am sure there is someone out there that can help.
   — Missy H.

October 22, 2005
Hi, I had RNY 3 yrs ago next month. I also had no insurance and was very low income. I found this website, searched for profiles in my state and area. Then I found a woman whom had the surgery who was also self pay and at a hospital right in front of my neighborhood. I seen the surgeon, they sent me to the financial department of the hospital and they signed me up for a program in our state for people like myself, and it covered my hospital stay. I payed the surgeon out of my own pocket, which is a lessor amount than what they charge insurance companies. I made arrangements to pay the anestesiologist monthly payments of $25, which I am still paying 3 yrs later, they also gave me a "professional curtesy" a few hundred off there fee since I was self pay...I had got to the point where I cried thinking I could never have this surgery because I had no insurance or the finances for one,,, but if theres a will theres a way,, you have to search, and dont ever give up,, you will find your means... ..... oh I also had a triple hernia repair with a complete abdominal plasty done for free last year..... just keep searching...it will happen.... Good Luck to you,,,,,
   — Amy Hoffman

October 22, 2005
Do you have state funded Medicaid or Medicare? Get a job at Walmart or a part time job that does have medical coverage. Borrow from family, research having the WLS out of the country, I am told alot of people have it done in Costa Rica and even with the airfare and hotel cost it is about half the cost of the US. Start having garage sales, again take on a second job, put away every penny. Maybe carpool, and cut your own hair, for example to help save for the surgery.
   — cindy

October 22, 2005
Do you have state funded Medicaid or Medicare? Get a job at Walmart or a part time job that does have medical coverage. Borrow from family, research having the WLS out of the country, I am told alot of people have it done in Costa Rica and even with the airfare and hotel cost it is about half the cost of the US. Start having garage sales, again take on a second job, put away every penny. Maybe carpool, and cut your own hair, for example to help save for the surgery.
   — cindy

October 22, 2005
Also check into your particular states "Vocational Rehabilitation" program. Some states Voc-Rehabs are assisting obese persons in attaining surgery if their obesity and related issues are infringing on their ability to work. Don't give up, and good luck! Someone mentioned Walmart, but their insurance does not cover gastric bypass. I've heard Home Depot does. Maybe look at some different employers who have insurance plans that do cover it. Good luck and don't give up.
   — Shayna T.

October 25, 2005
www.obesitylaw.com Walter Lindstrum is an attorney who has devoted his life to helping wls patients .. another way is through the Catholic church ... sometimes they will help.. another idea is through the human resorces. You are very pretty Nikki dont give up my daughter is 19 and over weight somewhat and I love her just the same and she does not want this surgery... please read up on it and get all the info you can as it is not a walk in the park... Just want the best for you... Age plays a part on how it goes with each person also. I am 45.... write me anytime you want to ask a question I am on most everyday...good luck hun Flo [email protected]
   — Flo