Insurance Companies & Gastric Bypass

In the beginning my main concern was the financial cost associated with bariatric surgery. A reputable surgeon will cost anywhere between $15,000 - $30,000 depending on the type of surgery you choose. Many insurance companies cover bariatric procedures but require that you provide loads of documentation from multiple sources verifying the medical need for your surgery. For example, my insurance company required a BMI of at least 40, a medically documented five year weight issue, a six month physician approved diet plan documented and signed by the doctor monthly for six months, a six month physician approved exercise program documented and signed monthly for six months, as well as submission of any needs as seen by the primary physician.

The hardest part of the six months has been knowing that in the end everything will be very different. For me, the first month I packed on a few pounds because every time I ate I would think about all the things I would no longer be able to eat after the surgery. I have never been a snack eater or a binge eater - but with the bypass surgery hanging over my head I began to have horrible eating habits. The monthly walk of shame at the doctor's office has helped control this problem. I am now in month four and I am eating a normal somewhat healthier diet in preparation for the big day.

In the end, for my insurance company to accept my request for gastric bypass I have to provide very good documentation and an effort on my part, knowing that I can do all of the "hoop jumping" and then be declined by insurance has helped me get on track.