The video answers frequently asked questions. After watching the video please use the “Contact Us” button on our web site to let us know if you have additional questions. CLICK HERE to read more details and access resources to help you apply for a grant.
The video answers questions like:
- Who qualifies to apply for a grant?
- My insurance does not cover the surgery I need can I apply?
- I do not have insurance can I apply?
- When can I apply? What is the deadline?
- Where do I get an application to apply?
- How do I submit an application?
- My doctor is not on your list can I still apply?
- How long does it take to be approved for a grant?
- If I apply will I get a grant?
The Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America ~ WLSFA.ORG is a 501 (c )3 Charity Contact us at info@wlsfa.org or call 503-847-9843 9 AM- 5 PM PST
I have insurance but I don’t have the funds to pay the 20% co insurance am I still applicable
Please visit https://www.wlsfa.org/grants
I have no insurance ans I need help getting this surgery or will improve my health so much i have a lot of health issues
Hi Betty,
Please write to info@wlsfa and give us more information. Thank You.
Can you please tell me when you will be accepting applications in 2020?
Thank you
Hello! Please visit our grant page where you can stay up to date on when grant applications will be accepted. You can sign up to be the first notified 🙂 https://www.wlsfa.org/grants/
Is there a grant program for skin removal surgery after losing over 300 lbs from gastric sleeve? My insurance covered the gastric surgery but not the skin removal.
Unfortunately we do not have a grant program for skin removal.
I have no insurance I have had past bariatric surgury that failed do I qualify
Will the grant process be opening soon. It was delayed from July 1st to August 1st due to the pandemic. It is now August 2nd, will it open or be delayed again?
I’m 32 years old 277 only 5’4. Two small kids diabetes need insulin my insurance is currently being approved for my insulin. The grant would allow to me get the surgery and get my health better.
I have insurance but it does not cover weight loss surgery or medication to help with weight loss. I had COVID in April 2020, lost my daughter on April 15 2020, care for my elderly mom & 4 year old granddaughter and was diagnosed with Anklyosing Spondylitis. I have severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, breathing and heart issues from COVID. I need help.
Please email us at info@wlsfa.org and explain your situation in detail.
My i surance wont cover bariatric surgery how can i apply for a grant
Thank you for your interest in our grant process. Please visit https://www.wlsfa.org/grants/ to get started.
Hi
I paid for my weight loss surgery out of pocket. When will you be accepting applications for excessive skin removal surgery?
Thanks
I am sorry, we do not offer grants for skin removal at this time.
I don’t have medical insurance but I in need of weight loss surgery
Please visit https://www.wlsfa.org/grants
I hopei can get on waiting list it will be a blessing.
Help my doctor says I need this surgery or I going to died…my legs can’t hold my weight…. My insurance says it cosmic…. I’m a diabetic…
Please visit https://www.wlsfa.org/grants
I had weight loss surgery in 2016 and made it to my goal weight but am not happy with lose skin in some areas would like to know if I could qualify for plastic surgery ?
Unfortunately, the WLSFA no longer funds plastic surgeries.
My insurance does not cover the weight loss surgery… where can I get the application
Thank you for your interest in our grant process. Please visit https://www.wlsfa.org/grants/ to get started.
I have a surgeon and my insurance doesn’t cover. I would love surgery to help improve myself and improve my health
I have insurance what have not been able to get approved just denials and I am working with a surgeon can I apply for a Grant
Please write to info@wlsfa.org and give us more details.
Does the grant cover needed skin removal as a result of successful weight loss surgery?
No I am sorry, we do not help with skin removal surgery any longer.
What is the reason for not covering skin removal surgery? I don’t understand that considering it’s part of the weight loss journey. Especially since most insurance only cover the panni but what if you need additional surgery like a lower and upper body lift. The plastic surgeons I consulted with don’t even consider you when you ask about insurance so for me everything would be out of pocket and since I’m on disability I don’t have that kind of money. I was hoping once I got this I would be able to get off disability if I found a job I can do without my skin getting in the way. Thank you.
At WLSFA our primary reason for fundraising is to help cover the cost of bariatric surgery, which is the most critical and life threatening. Most plastic surgery is considered elective, with the exception of the panni. In the future, with the help of our community we hope to be able to raise the funds necessary to help as many as we can.
I am in desperate need for weight loss surgery. I’ve done weight loss programs through physicians and nothing seem to work. I am employed in public safety and my weight has begun to cause other illnesses which is beginning to hinder me from working. I love my career and I don’t want to be on disability. I have insurance, but it doesn’t cover bariatric medicines or surgery. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Our grant process for 2020 grants closed on December 31, 2019. Please go to the link below to be notified when we will again begin to accept applications. This will take place on July 1, 2020.
https://www.wlsfa.org/grants/
How do I get help paying for the Gastric sleeve
Hi, I’m 47 and have several health issues, the main being diabetes. I’ve been dieting since the age of 12 on quite a few diets. Ballooned to 417 and was able to lose down to 355 and have been losing same 20 lbs for the last 7 years. Insurance does not cover. Looking for doctors in the GA/SC/AL area (I live near ATL) that are on your program? I will do what ever it takes! I have a disabled husband I take care of and realize I have to take care of me so I can take care of him (he’s an amputee -due to diabetes) Any direction I can get to move forward is greatly appreciated!
I have sent a couple of emails with questions and have not received a response. Please could someone answer my questions in the email?
Will the grant process be opening soon. It was delayed from July 1st to August 1st due to the pandemic. It is now August 2nd, will it open or be delayed again?
Unfortunately we had to delay it due to Covid-19. At this point, we do not have a date for the new application process.
My insurance will not pay for the gastric sleeve because it consider it a cosmetic surgery. I can not afford the whole price for the sleeve.
I am a 52 year old female that has battled obesity all my life. Morbid obesity, heart disease and Diabetes run in my family, as my mother was over 450 lbs when she died of a massive heart attack at the age of 47. I have a BMI of 44 and many of the health complications associated with morbid obesity. I had to have spinal fusion surgery 3.5 years ago due to severe back pain and nerve impingement which has affected my ability to be as physically active and has been financially crippling. I am currently paying a third of my income a month on medical expenses and medical debt. I have Obamacare and it’s not required in Missouri for weight loss surgery to be covered here like it is in 23 other states and I’m in no shape financially to afford to pay out of pocket or finance yet another medical bill. You are my last hope of getting the surgery. I watched your 9 minute video on how to apply for your grant and tried to locate the link for “bariatric surgeons in my area” and after going through every single link on your website and have been unable to locate the link. I know the grant application acceptance date has been postponed, but since the first step is finding a surgeon to work with and refer me. I can at least get that going while waiting for grant applications to begin being accepted. Do you know of any bariatric surgeons in or around the St. Louis, Missouri area?
Hello, I think it’s great what this organization does and is about. I wanted to know If y’all are helping with skin removal surgery at this time??
Thank you for your time,
Ms. R. Speaks
I am sorry, we do not offer grants for plastic surgery.
I have insurance but it does not cover weight loss surgery or medication to help with weight loss. I had COVID in April 2020, lost my daughter on April 15 2020, care for my elderly mom & 4 year old granddaughter and was diagnosed with Anklyosing Spondylitis. I have severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, breathing and heart issues from COVID. I need help.
I had a gastric bypass my highest weight was 346 and now I’m 213 with a lot of excess skin. My insurance doesn’t cover skin removal surgery I was wondering would I qualify for a grant for this operation?
I am sorry, we do not offer grants for plastic surgery.
Your video states that our surgeon has to refer us to you for the grant process to begin. However, my insurance will not cover ANYTHING to do with bariatric or weight loss. Therefore, my insurance will not cover me to even establish a relationship with a bariatric surgeon. My insurance doesn’t cover anything to do with weight loss. It will not cover a nutritionist or anything that can remotely be tied to weight loss. So how can I possibly begin this process if I cannot establish a relationship with a surgeon?
Most weightloss centers offer free seminars for those that are interested. That would be the best time to speak with a surgeon or representative. Ypu could also print off all the info you can for the surgeon and walk in their office. That’s what I’m doing Monday morning!
Hi , I am about to be 56 years old. I have tried just about every diet you can think of. I am 5″ 1 and have struggled to get under 240 pounds for several years. I have dealt with a lot of stressful situations over my life time, and have several health issues. I have been going to a weight doctor, but not making much progress. My doctors feel i would benefit from the Gastric Sleeve, And it is something I have truly been trying to figure out for years. But the situation I am running into is my insurance plan through my job excludes it. I also along with working long hours, am a caregiver to my husband 24 7. I want to be around for my kids and grandkids, but also I just want to feel healthy again and make huge changes to better my life. I have field out the email to receive updates as they change.
I am on medicaid and struggling Im at least 100lbs overweight. I have breathing issues and chest pain. Ice tried dieting etc and i never loose. I need help. How do i apply and what’s the rate of approval
I have insurance but it will not pay for my surgery I have also been Diagnosed with MS and I have gained weight due to not being able to do a lot of walking because my feet & legs swell because of the obesity I would really appreciate if I’m a candidate for this surgery
I have been successful in losing weight and now have so much extra skin my insurance won’t pay for. Can I get a grant for skin removal?
I am sorry, but we do not offer reconstruction (plastic) surgery grants at this time.
Hello,
My name is Janika Boyd, and I’m contacting for information on a grant for assistance with Bariatric
Surgery. I called the number listed above, and although applications are closed at this time, I was still encouraged in the voicemail to enter my contact information. Thank you very much for your time!
(706)-767-3555
My weight loss journey began several years ago when I decided to take control of my life. I am happy to say that I have lost 300 pounds naturally without surgery , however my body is in desperate need of excess skin removal. I have worked very hard for both losing weight and saving money. Still I am searching for some help so I can finally achieve my goal. Is there a program that can help me towards reaching my goal ?
I am sorry, but we no longer offer reconstruction (plastic) surgery grants.
Hi, I am a 56-year-old woman with a current BMI of 58.4. I have had weight problems my whole life. I had a lap band placed in 2008 and lost 60 pounds with it, however, I then lost my job, insurance, and ability to continue going to my surgeon for follow-up care. I have tried at different times to lose weight again, but they never seem to continue working. I have gained about 85 pounds in the past 4 years (since my mother died), 50 of which was since November 2020 when I had Covid, I still suffer from Long Covid issues, especially breathing problems. My respiratory doctor is encouraging weight loss to help with my Long Covid issues. I do work full time and have insurance, however, my insurance won’t cover any type of weight loss, not even removal of my lap band if it was causing issues.
We request that you attend a ZOOM informational meeting for the specifics of our grant program. Please send a request to attend a ZOOM meeting to: info@wlsfa.org