How Much Does Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost?
Gastric bypass is certainly another breakthrough when it comes to weight loss procedures. It is a type of bariatric surgery and was first developed during the 60’s. The most common type is termed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In this process, a medical expert reduces the size of the person’s stomach. After that, a tube of intestine is attached to the pouch. By decreasing the size of the stomach, it can contain lesser amount of food, thus resulting to loss of weight. It also restrains the absorption of certain calories. Clinical studies have also shown that this procedure can lower the risk of getting heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Sleep apnea, as well reflux diseases are also treated by undergoing this type of surgery. It was also reported that people who have gone through gastric bypass became more confident, mobile and happy.
Besides being risky and complicated, this procedure is also expensive. How much does gastric bypass cost? The price usually varies but at an average it ranges from around $15,000 up to a whopping $35,000. The geographic region where the operation will be performed as well the fee for the surgeons greatly affect the price of the procedure. Of course, it will cost higher if you want gastric bypass surgery to be done in urban areas, most especially on the East or West coasts. Patients who want the surgery to be done by the experts in the field have to pay a little more than the usual doctor’s fee as well. It is a common misconception that health insurances don’t cover this type of surgery. However, before deciding on undergoing gastric bypass, it is best to confer with your insurance company first, most especially because weigh loss surgeries are often excluded in the policy. The geographic location, the patient’s health condition and history are some key factors that affect the decision of insurance companies. Medicare may cover the expenses if the individual or patient can prove that he or she had a series of unsuccessful weight loss attempts, has a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or higher and if he or she has another pre-existing health problem which is related to obesity.
Before the procedure, the patient will undergo a screening process, which includes various laboratory examinations. However these are already included in the abovementioned price. Those that are excluded from the price quotation are the expenses for a nutritionist and a psychologist before and after the surgery. Complications would also mean additional charges. It is also good to take note that some patients might need to undergo plastic surgery after gastric bypass to remove loose skin. Breast augmentation and liposuction might also be needed.
Although there are several benefits recorded after gastric bypass surgery, it is still very risky. So before deciding it is best to seek advice from the experts first. Discuss and understand the risks and the effects of this type of weight loss treatment. Consider all possibilities, because aside from the threats that might arise because of the surgery, $15,000 is certainly a large amount to squander.
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