How to Successfully Navigate Self-Pay Surgery Options for Weight Loss Surgery

Researching self-pay weight loss surgery can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some guidelines to help you find an option that will work best for you.

Self-pay weight loss surgery is more common than you may think. Often, those that choose self-pay weight loss surgery are individuals who meet the criteria for surgery, yet discover weight loss surgery is not a covered benefit with their insurance provider. Some other frequently cited reasons include:

• You have the benefit but prefer to pay for the surgery out of pocket due to a lengthy insurance approval process for surgery.
• You desire a specific experienced surgeon and your provider network limits your choice.
• Comprehensive affordable pricing in the United States may be the same or less than your policy deductible.
• Reasonable financing options are often readily available.
• You want to see a bariatric surgeon sooner.
• Or some other specific reason.

No matter the reason you may be seeking self-pay weight loss surgery, careful navigation of your various available options is critical for your short and long-term success.

Steps to Successfully Navigating Self-Pay Surgery Options

1. Research Your Options: Begin by researching and comparing your options for self-pay weight loss surgery. Look for reputable and experienced providers with a proven track record of success. Compare their credentials, experience, patient reviews, and pricing. Be sure to also evaluate the program they offer for ongoing support before, during, and after surgery. It is also important to ensure that the surgeon and medical facility are accredited and licensed. Choose a surgeon with the necessary qualifications and expertise to ensure a safe and successful surgery.
2. Understand Your Costs: Clarify the costs associated with weight loss surgery such as surgical fees, hospital fees, anesthesia fees, and any additional pre-operative testing costs or post-operative follow-up. Ensure that the cost estimates are inclusive without unknown expenses.
3. Evaluate Financing Options: Commonly patients explore financing options that are available for self-pay surgery such as personal loans, medical credit cards, or payment plans offered by the provider and/or health system. Gain an understanding of the terms and interest rates associated with your various financing options, and choose the one that best fits your situation and budget.
4. Plan for Your Care: Ensure that your selected provider has a comprehensive pre and post-operative plan of care for you to follow. This includes dietary requirements, lifestyle modifications, possible medication modifications, and regular visits before and after surgery to optimize your outcome and make sure you have the support you need for optimal success.
5. Review Your Risks & Benefits of Surgery: Review the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery with your surgeon to ensure you are making an informed decision that is best for you.
6. Ask Questions: All questions are important and relevant. Be sure to write your questions down and ask them throughout your research process and all phases before and after surgery.
7. Make a Commitment: Weight loss surgery can be an amazing tool to improve your health by losing a significant amount of weight. However, it is not a quick fix and does require healthy lifestyle changes for long-term success. Commit to maximizing the use of your new tool and making the recommended changes. Take it one step at a time and celebrate your success along the way.
8. Follow Instructions: Your surgeon and his/her team want you to be successful. They have created specific instructions for you to follow before and after surgery. Be sure to diligently follow their instructions and seek help as needed for clarification or if you find yourself struggling in any way.
9. Seek Support: Your decision to have self-pay weight loss surgery is a personal one. However, you do not have to go it alone. Maximize the use of various support people and groups recommended by your surgeon and his/her team. Involve your significant other and/or family if possible or find another person who has successfully navigated their own weight loss surgery experience.

Following these 9 steps can help turn an overwhelming self-pay weight loss surgery search into a rewarding experience. If you are interested in learning more about affordable, self-pay weight loss surgery in Florida, please reach out to our caring and experienced team!

Related Topics:

• Getting Started with Self-Pay Surgery
• What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Weight Loss Surgery?
• Is Treatment Covered?