Bariatric Surgery

This is something that crosses every fat person's mind from time to time...gastric bypass (roux en y), lap band, gastric sleeve, etc.  Two years ago, I contacted a bariatric surgeon in my area to get more info and go to a seminar.  Unfortunately, at the time, my insurance had a complete veto on all bariatric services (and infertility treatments, but that's another painful story).  I always thought this was crap. I had co-workers who had facial plastic surgeries which were covered under our insurance (under the guise of vision and nasal problems) but I couldn't get evaluated or treated for obesity.  Not even nutritionist services were covered well (our in-house nutritionist at the clinic I worked for, for example, was covered at 60% unless I appealed and had my physician document months of failed weight loss attempts). 
I've been doing Weight Watchers on and off for two years.  This last year, I really buckled down and had some great success.  However, since moving in February, I've not lost any additional weight because I've gotten lazy about it.  The good news is, I've also not gained any weight.  So several weeks ago, I started strictly following the program again (aside from my sister's wedding weekend, which was gluttonous and lazy and delicious).
I've also considered contacting my new insurance company to see if bariatric services are covered.  I've ruled this out at the current time.  Jeffers and I are $15,000 in medical debt from previous procedures (not related to obesity).  A bariatric procedure would add our $1,500 deductible plus at least 20% of the surgical cost (another $3,000 to $7,000) on to these medical bills.  It's just not feasible for us.  Also, until I get my mentality, emotions, habits, and desires on the same page, the surgery would be a waste of money. 
For those who do pursue surgery, more power to you.  There is a stigma on weight loss surgery that it is the "easy way out."  Not at all.  Post op, the patient has to work REALLY hard to maintain a diet that won't make them sick, but also won't make them malnourished.  It's a tricky balancing act.  They may lose their hair, develop thyroid and gallbladder problems, and have pounds upon pounds of excess skin in their way that will likely require further surgeries.  It's no picnic, and I salute anyone who chooses bariatric surgery (and to be honest, would love to hear more about your experiences as it's an area in which I have almost no knowledge).  But almost all of them say it is 100% worth it.

It may not be the answer for me at this point, I'm not sure I know what is just yet.

***Disclaimer: Again, I will say, I am lovely and am not trying to lose weight for my appearance. I would like to never have to take a Metoprolol again and am really looking forward to beating my C-Pap machine with a bat like in Office Space.