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Weight Loss Surgery Cost: Going under the Knife to Slim Down
If you are considering bariatric surgery or a comparable procedure, then you have no doubt given much thought to weight loss surgery costs and its impact on your pocketbook. Although your health and self-esteem are, of course, priceless, it is still a good idea to be well-informed with regard to the various surgery options available to you and their cost before making a decision.
Gastric Bypass Procedure
The cost of a gastric bypass procedure can vary widely, depending on a
range of factors including location and surgeon of choice, but in most
cases, such an operation would cost anywhere between $18,000 and $35,000.
This amount covers pre-operative consultations, anesthesia, the surgeon’s
fee, and the cost of the facility. If you live in a highly populated area,
your cost will be typically higher than for those who live in the suburbs.
Any complications that arise during the surgery, as well as the length
of your recovery in the hospital, will also impact your overall weight
loss surgery costs. Know the full facts before undergoing gastric bypass surgery.
Adjustable Gastric Banding
An adjustable gastric banding procedure is usually slightly less expensive
than gastric bypass surgery, ranging from around $17,000 to $30,000. Like
gastric bypass surgeries, these procedures vary widely in cost, mostly
due to geographical considerations. That is, the price you pay for your
surgery will depend largely upon where you live. Unlike gastric bypass
surgery, however, adjustable gastric banding can sometimes be conducted
on an outpatient basis, which renders the weight loss surgery cost significantly
less than for procedures requiring an overnight hospital stay.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is a relatively new medical weight loss procedure
recommended for obese individuals. Since the procedure is less complex
than some other weight loss procedures, it is also considerably less expensive.
It can usually be performed in one to two hours on an outpatient basis
for less than $10,000. In addition, insurance companies are more likely
to pay for gastric sleeve surgery as it keeps their future medical claim
reimbursements low as well. However, if there are any complications during
the procedure, or recovery does not go as planned and you require an overnight
hospital stay, the cost of your gastric sleeve surgery will be substantially
higher than what you expected it to be.
Additional Costs to Consider
The cost of weight loss surgery is not the only expense to consider. The
operation usually entails post-surgery expenses including a dietary plan,
post-operative counseling, and other procedures that may be necessary
to remove unwanted and excess skin following weight loss. You should talk
to your plastic surgeon about any potential additional costs related to
your particular case in order to better organize your financial budget.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Plans
Although bariatric surgery and other weight loss procedures were once
considered an elective and primarily cosmetic procedure, more and more
insurance companies are beginning to realize the positive health effects
of such surgeries; consequently, an increasing number of insurance providers
are willing to foot at least a portion of weight loss surgery costs. Consult
with your health insurance provider for more information about what percentage
of the bill, if any, your plan specifically covers.
Some surgeons offer their own financing plans to patients who need weight loss surgery but cannot come up with the full payment all at once. These financing options can help you make an investment in your physical and emotional health without emptying your bank account. Like any other loan, you will be required to make monthly installments until the entire cost of the surgery has been paid.
Although the cost of weight loss surgery is definitely an important consideration, it is certainly not the only one. There are many other factors involved, all of which should be examined thoroughly. Since you cannot put a price on your health, any risks, concerns or advice that your doctor conveys to you should take precedence over saving money.
Talk to your surgeon about the general risks of each type of bariatric
surgery, as well as other specific risks related to your individual health
condition before making a decision. Most importantly, remember that whatever
the cost of your weight loss surgery, it has the potential of being a
wise long-term investment in your health.
Written by Julia Greening: Julia is the weight loss consultant for www.weight-loss-surgery-info.com.
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