Bariatric surgery is a life changing procedure that sets you up for success in your weight loss surgery. Both doctors and patients prefer that it is a one-time procedure that helps you lose all the unhealthy weight. However, circumstances can make it so that you need a second, or revision, bariatric surgery. It is important to know weight loss surgery insurance secrets so you can have the procedure when you need it.
Reasons for Revision Obesity Surgery
There are two main reasons a revision bariatric surgery is done. The first is complications arising from the original procedure, like slippage of your gastric band. The second and most common reason is unsuccessful weight loss attempts after the first surgery. It is possible to gain unhealthy weight after the first surgery due to things like illness, giving birth, or changes in your lifestyle that force you to stop exercising or eating well.
A revision procedure can be similar to the first one or can be a new procedure that targets a different part of your digestive system. Doctors will x-ray your digestive tract to see which changes can be made to aid your weight loss. A new procedure can include inserting a gastric sleeve if you did not have one before, or fitting a new one if the previous one was not effective.
When Does Insurance Cover Revision Bariatric Surgery?
A bariatric procedure is not something most people can afford out of their own pockets. At the same time, insurance that covers bariatric surgery may not always be willing to dish out more money when you need a revision. So how can you get revision bariatric surgery insurance coverage?
Insurance companies need one or more of the following boxes checked before they consider covering a revision surgery:
● the presence of a medical complication caused by the first surgery, or
● a BMI of over 35 and a complicating health condition despite a 50% weight loss after the original surgery, or
● a BMI over 40 regardless of the 50% excess weight loss after the first surgery.
Your insurance company takes into consideration the actual surgery and gastric bypass revision recovery time before they agree to cover the procedure. Since these costs can run quite high, they will always require proof that the first procedure did not work. Bar any detectable health complications, your agency may documentation of your diet history from the day after the first procedure, no matter how long ago it was. If your diet and exercise history shows that you were negligent and overindulged, then you will have a hard time convincing the company to cover a revision.
Getting funding for a revision that incorporates a new procedure different from the first is more difficult even if the procedure you now want was not available at first time you got your original bariatric surgery. Collaborate with your medical team so that they can run tests and provide proof that the new procedure will improve your life. Make sure to file all the tests and approvals from your doctors as this will make it easier to convince your insurance company to cover the revision procedure. If all else fails, learn how to pay for weight loss surgery without insurance.
Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana
Bariatric surgery in Tijuana, Mexico is high-quality and affordable. If you are wondering how to pay for weight loss surgery without insurance, consider joining thousands who cross the border for their revision surgery. The qualified doctors who do bariatric surgery in Tijuana, will ensure that the procedure goes smoothly so you can get back on track for your weight loss journey.
