Obesity and morbid obesity has become a major concern for public safety here in the US. Excessive accumulation of fat can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Despite attempts at prevention through diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, some people find themselves helpless to their biology.
Even the hugely popular Ozempic can fail people purely based on their genetics and how their body functions. That’s why bariatric surgery still stands as one of the most effictive solutions to major weight loss. For example, with a lap band, patience will experience a reduction in appetite and physical inability to eat and digest the same amount of food.
This article will guide you through the average bariatric surgery cost factors influencing the expenses, and other essential information needed when considering this as a weight loss solution.
Essential Details about Bariatric Surgery and Its Types
Surgical options for weight loss are determined by various factors, including desired weight reduction, likelihood of weight regain, commitment to pre- and post-operative lifestyle changes, ability to cope with eating challenges, and suitability based on individual health conditions.
● Gastric bypass is a prevalent procedure that involves significant stomach reduction, limiting food intake, and altering hunger-related hormone levels.
● Sleeve gastrectomy, while familiar, may lead to greater weight regain. This procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach, reducing it to about one-fifth of its original size, affecting food quantity and nutritional absorption.
● Duodenal switch surgery bears some resemblance to gastric sleeve surgery. However, it involves a secondary step where the small intestine is separated into two pathways, diverting food away from most of the small intestine, thereby decreasing calorie and nutrient absorption.
Despite being the least frequently performed procedure, it carries the highest complication rate. Patients typically experience significant and sustained weight loss, although it necessitates the most rigorous adjustments in lifestyle and nutrition.
● Another option, the Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S), is a newer procedure akin to BPD-DS (Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch). It is suitable for individuals who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy and seek further weight loss.
How Much Bariatric Surgery Cost?
The cost of bariatric surgery can significantly differ based on factors such as geographical location, medical requirements, and insurance coverage, generally falling between $7,500 and over $30,000 before insurance adjustments.
Typically, the complexity of the procedure correlates with its cost; for instance, a lap band surgery, which carries less risk, tends to be less expensive compared to the more intricate Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch. Weight-loss surgery expenses typically span from $7,400 to $33,000 before insurance coverage, with the total cost determined by the specific surgical procedure chosen.
Weight loss surgery is indeed a costly medical intervention. The precise cost of the procedure can vary significantly, including but not limited to:
1. Hospital Infrastructure and Technological Resources:
Cutting-edge hospitals furnished with advanced technology play a significant role in determining the cost of bariatric surgery. Numerous hospitals with top-notch infrastructure provide various surgical choices at different price levels.
2. Surgeon’s Fee:
The fee charged by the surgeon can fluctuate based on factors such as your geographical location, the proficiency of the selected surgeon, and the intricacy of the intended procedure.
3. Surgeon’s Skill and Experience:
The surgeon’s level of experience and proficiency can impact the overall cost. Surgeons with extensive expertise may command higher fees due to their track record of success.
4. Postoperative Care:
The significance of aftercare is often underestimated by many individuals who view surgery as the conclusion of their weight loss journey. However, to attain optimal and sustained results, patients undergoing weight loss surgery must undergo various forms of support, including nutritional guidance, psychological counseling, follow-up visits, and ongoing care.
Many individuals undergo a bariatric procedure because bariatric surgery is included as a covered benefit within their health insurance plan. Here are additional crucial points to consider regarding your insurance coverage and bariatric surgery:
● Even if bariatric surgery is covered by insurance, patients must meet particular criteria before they are approved for the procedure.
● Certain services, like psychological screenings, are mandatory but may not be included in your insurance coverage. Consequently, you will need to cover the costs for these services personally, out-of-pocket.
Conclusion
Bariatric surgery represents a single phase of an ongoing journey toward a healthy lifestyle. This surgical intervention works by modifying the structure or positioning of the stomach and small intestines.
Therefore, it impacts hunger levels, satiety, and metabolic rate. Undertaking surgery earlier by not only focusing on bariatric surgery cost to address obesity-related illnesses offers a significant survival advantage, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.
