The short answer is no — having gastric bypass surgery is not considered a “pre-existing condition” that would prevent you from obtaining health insurance or cause permanent coverage issues. Under current U.S. law, particularly since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect, health insurance companies cannot deny coverage or increase premiums based on pre-existing conditions, including a history of bariatric surgery. This protection applies whether your surgery was self-pay or covered by insurance. That said, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Some insurance plans have specific policies regarding coverage for complications or revision surgeries after a self-paid procedure, especially if it was done outside the United States or at a non-accredited center. In those cases, your new insurer might not automatically cover related care until a waiting period or review is completed. In general, though, once you are past the immediate post-operative period, most healthcare visits — including labs, nutritional follow-up, and treatment of unrelated conditions — are covered like any other medical need. It is always a good idea to disclose your surgical history to future providers so that your care can be properly coordinated. In summary, gastric bypass surgery does not make you uninsurable or label you with a permanent pre-existing condition. As long as you have a standard health plan compliant with current federal law, your access to medical care should not be affected.