The National Institute of Health says obesity claims over 400,000 lives annually and is one of the most common causes of preventable death. The NIH adds that health care costs related to obesity are approximately $90 billion. Weight loss surgery can be an effective treatment for people who are excessively overweight, but the various procedures costs several thousand dollars.
How Weight Loss Surgery Works
When weight-loss (bariatric) surgery is performed, it alters the makeup of your digestive system to restrict the amount of food you are able to eat and digest.
is the most popular bariatric surgery in the U.S because of its relative safety and low risk of complications.
The surgery marks the beginning of a new lifestyle for a formerly obese person but to be successful it requires a strong commitment to change old habits.
Bariatric Surgery Risks
Although generally not dangerous, gastric bypass is a still major operation with potential risks and side effects.
According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects may include blood clots in the legs, incision hernias and possible nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and sweating.
The Mayo Clinic says there is generally one death per 200 to 300 bariatric surgeries.
Bariatric Surgery Options
There are four types of commonly performed bariatric operations. They include adjustable gastric band (AGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). The cost of each of these procedures range from $20,000 to $25,000.
AGB and RYBG
AGB works by restricting food intake placing a small bracelet-like band around the top of the stomach to produce a small pouch that is no larger than a thumb.
RYGB restricts food intake as well but it also works to decrease the absorption of food.
BPD-DS and VSG
BPD-DS is a more complicated operation that includes removing a large portion of the stomach to encourage smaller meals, redirecting the food to partially thwart the absorption of food and re-routing of the digestive juices which hamper digestion.
VSG has been traditionally used as the first stage of BPD-DS surgery for patients who may be more prone to complications from more involved surgeries.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Surgeons can perform this operation by using a laparoscope (a small, tube-like tool with a tiny camera) through small incisions in the abdomen. Laparoscopic procedures cost approximately $25,000. They generally involve a shorter hospital stay.
Insurance Coverage
Medical insurance coverage varies for bariatric surgery varies depending on the insurance company and the state in which the operation is being performed.
Insurance may help cover the cost of bariatric surgery if it is deemed a medically appropriate procedure to rectify an illness that is related to obesity.
According to the NIH, in 2004, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service loosened its restriction to allow Medicare coverage for obesity treatments.
Tags: absorption food, bariatric surgery, food intake, gastric bypass, Gastric Bypass