Gastric Bypass Surgery: How much does it Cost?

Are you considering gastric bypass surgery to get rid of excess weight? Perhaps, you are wondering how much the procedure would cost you and if it is covered by insurance.

Prepare to spend much to be able to lose weight. Nowadays, weight loss or bariatric surgery costs around $20,000 to $35,000. In fact, the cost of weight loss surgery has gone down significantly in the past years. It varies depending on the quality of procedure itself, the experience of the surgeon, the medical team that will help in the operation, and the additional post-surgery services that a patient availed of.

Insurance Coverage for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

Is the cost of weight loss surgery covered by insurance companies? If a patient has insurance, he may pay part of the cost or nothing at all. A lot of health insurance companies have considered obesity as a serious health problem, so they cover part of or all the expenses incurred in weight loss surgery. This is because weight loss surgery can actually save them money in the long term. Insurance coverage for weight loss surgery depends on the insurance firm itself, the particular insurance policy, and the state where the patient is located (since there is no insurance coverage in some states). Also, insurance coverage is given only to qualified candidates or those who meet specific criteria set by an insurance company.

The following are the criteria that a weight loss surgery patient must meet to qualify for insurance coverage:

• Obesity for at least five years before the surgery

• Minimum of 100 lbs. of excess weight

• Showed serious efforts to lose weight through diet and exercise but to no avail

• No history of alcoholism

• No history of depression or other mental disorders

To be able to enjoy the insurance benefits, the patient (with the help of the surgeon or clinic) is required to file some forms to the insurance company. One of the necessary forms include a Letter of Medical Necessity that usually indicates the patient’s weight or body mass index, obesity-related diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, etc.), and the duration of the patient’s obesity, among others.

On the other hand, weight loss surgery patients who are not covered by insurance must shoulder the costs themselves. These self-pay patients may apply for personal loans to be able to pay for the surgery, but this payment option involves interest rates.

Post-Surgery Costs

The cost of weight loss surgery must also include the expenses following the procedure. A change in lifestyle after the surgery results in certain expenses such as gym membership for the exercises and new sets of clothes, which will need to be replaced several times during the year.

Besides the financial costs, there are emotional and physical costs involved as well in the weight loss surgery. For one, the patient will need to adjust to the new lifestyle and the changes in his body, which can trigger high levels of stress and anxiety especially in the few weeks following the surgery. The physical cost of gastric bypass surgery involves being committed to the recommended diet plan to avoid serious complications and weight gain.

In particular, it means the patient must stay away from foods rich in fat and sugar, as well as avoid unhealthy habits such as skipping meals and overeating. Sticking to a regular exercise program is also part of the surgery’s physical cost.

Gastric Bypass’ Downside

Gastric bypass surgeries are the most common bariatric surgical procedures performed, nowadays.  Bariatric surgical procedures is the term used to refer to weight-loss surgeries.   There are more and more people who are choosing to have the procedure to avoid the risks brought by morbid obesity.

There are numerous benefits by getting a gastric bypass surgery.  Those who have undergone the surgery were expected to lose about 50 to 60% of their weight.  Most of the patients would say that they reached the lowest point of their weight two years after their surgery.

In addition to weight loss, gastric bypass surgery could also resolve health issues associated to obesity.  They could improve or lessen the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, sleep apnea, asthma, arthritis, joint pain, and even heart disease and cancer.

Those who have undergone gastric bypass surgical procedures are also exposed to risks and complications just like in any other surgery.  When considering getting this kind of weight-loss procedure, it is not only the benefits that you would have to know but also its risks and dangers.

• Pulmonary Embolism is a condition where blood clots developing in the legs which can get carried off to the lungs.  There are techniques which can be performed to prevent this kind of condition to happen like using surgical compression stockings.

• Peritonitis is also another condition when stomach fluid leaks into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected.  There is a need to immediately seal the leak before it becomes a serious condition.

• Ulcers can develop among patients, 5 to 15 percent of the time.

• It could also result to hernia or incision hernia which is a weakness in the incision.  It would often require surgical repair.

• There are situations when the stomach moves too fast for the small intestine.  This is often referred to as the dumping syndrome.  It is often accompanied with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and sweating.

• Vitamin and mineral deficiency are also possible complications of the surgery like anemia and vitamin D deficiency.

• It could also cause problems in the kidney like kidney stones.

• Gallstones could also be a result of this operation.

• Stomach ulcers could also develop but this could be managed by the usual treatments used for ulcers.

Women who went through the procedure are recommended to avoid pregnancy for at least two years after the surgery.  Pregnant women are required to take nutritional supplements like vitamins and minerals to get the proper nutrients for her and the baby.

Gastric bypass surgeries are not recommended for everybody.  It is often recommended to those who have a BMI of  40 or those who weigh more than a hundred pounds.  Everybody who would be undergoing the procedure would have to take a mental exam, for those who eat due to emotional problems are likely to fail in losing weight.

Gastric bypass surgeries have 2% of fatalities, one percent due to complications and the other one percent would brought by the failure of the patients to follow the dietary restrictions following the surgery.  Before undergoing the procedure, it is important to understand these consequences and be prepared to change our lifestyle.

Gastric Bypass And Diabetes

Gastric bypass and other bariatric medical procedures are primarily performed to resolve issues of morbid obesity.  Not only does gastric bypass help in weight-loss, but studies show that it has dramatic effects on diseases associated with obesity like heart diseases, hypertension, cancer and diabetes.  There are significant studies showing that gastric bypass surgery was able to reduce or force the remission of Type 2 diabetes.

With gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is reduced in size.  A small pouch is created on the top of the stomach and the middle section of the small intestine is connected to the remaining part of the stomach.  Because of the stomach is smaller in size, it could accommodate smaller amount of food and would limit the calories that it would absorb.

After the surgery, the weight loss could be dramatic.  Surveys say that patients would lose 5% of their weight immediately after their weight-loss operation.  In a year after the surgery, patients could lose 50 to 60 percent of their original weight.  Patients would be able to lose their lowest body weight two years from the time of surgery.  That is, if the patients would stick with the dietary restrictions and follow the exercise program.

There are studies showing that diabetes was forced to remission after the surgery.  This is not just about hormonal factors, the amount of weight lost by the patient has significant effects on diabetes.   In a study conducted at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, they were able to identify that weight is a factor in decreasing diabetes.  Hormones also have a factor, since the studies also showed an effect on the gut hormones.  They have a stronger insulin resistance.

In the study conducted, obese patients who have Type 2 diabetes, showed that their diabetes control improved after undergoing the surgery.  They had lower blood-sugar levels and take lower amounts of medication.  About 48 percent of the respondents were able to achieve complete remission.

It is not just the weight loss and the hormones that keep diabetes at bay.  Type 2 diabetes is often caused by diet.  A person who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, is required to follow strict diet.  Too much sugar at fat is best avoided after the surgery, since it could result into the Dumping syndrome which has vomiting, nausea, dizziness, sweating and diarrhea as symptoms.  Because of the change in diet, the individual gets to eat less food and less carbohydrates.

The results are not only significant among adult patients.  There are also studies showing that it would take a year before teen patients would be able to be off from the medication and for diabetes to go into remission. Teen who are suffering from diseases used to be only  associated with adults, like high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, would get lower counts or get significant improvements after surgery.

Experts agree that diabetes can surely be reduced by undergoing gastric bypass surgery.  However, it is not the best option nor the only option.  The gastric bypass surgery effects could fail especially if the same lifestyle before the surgery is still followed.  It is still about eating healthy and getting regular activity into your schedule.

What You Gain and Lose from Gastric Bypass Surgery

Obesity is a serious health problem across the globe. That is why a number of methods, techniques, and technologies have been developed to help curb weight problems that usually lead to life-threatening diseases such as heart ailments and diabetes. One of the most popular weight loss strategies is gastric bypass surgery, a procedure that alters the digestive system (particularly the stomach) to restrain a person’s food intake.

The results of the surgery are immediate—a patient may lose 50 to 60 percent of his weight within two years following the surgery. With healthy lifestyle (including proper diet and regular exercise), one can expect weight loss in the long run after the surgery. Those who are overweight will experience easier mobility and better quality of life after undergoing weight loss surgery.

But there’s more to this surgery than just weight loss. Aside from slashing off some figures from the weighing scale, the surgery also helps improve certain conditions that are often linked to obesity. These health problems include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood cholesterol, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Thus, people who have gone through weight loss surgery are less likely to develop cardiovascular problems than those who have not tried the procedure. Also, the surgery can lessen a patient’s possibility of death due to heart ailment, diabetes, or cancer.

Now for the not-so good news. Weight loss surgery is not for the faint of hearts. As with other kinds of surgeries, weight loss surgery leads to several complications. If you will go through this procedure, you need to know the risks before you head over the clinic or hospital. Being aware of what to expect after the surgery helps a lot in your recovery process. The most common complications of the surgery include infection, bleeding, and swelling. Other complications are ulcer, low blood sugar, kidney stones, gallstones, iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin D and B-12 deficiency. After the operation, a patient may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness especially when eating foods rich in sugar and fat. These are caused by a condition called dumping syndrome in which the contents of the stomach pass through the small intestine very fast.

There are certain postoperative risks that occur in rare cases but are severe and need immediate medical attention. The following are some of the complications and tips on how to deal with them.

1. Leak in the stomach

This is found at one of the staple lines in the stomach. The leak heals over time in most cases, though it can be treated using antibiotics. But severe cases require immediate surgery.

2. Thinning of the opening between the small intestine and stomach

This condition needs either a corrective surgery or a simple outpatient procedure wherein a tube is inserted through the mouth to make the opening wider.

3. Incision hernia or weakness in the incision

This complication happens if the surgery is an open procedure that involves a large incision on the abdomen. Incision hernia needs to be repaired through surgery depending on the severity of the condition.

4. Death

For every 200 to 300 weight loss surgeries, one case results in death. Although the risk of death has been linked to gastric bypass surgery, it still depends on many factors such as age and health and medical conditions.

What To Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is among the most popular bariatric surgery, with the number of those who are choosing to undergo the procedure doubling since 2001 to 2003.  The American Society of Bariatric Surgery, estimates the number to be 140,000 annually.  This procedure is primarily done to resolve issues of morbid obesity and the diseases associated with it.

In gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch is created in the stomach.  This small pouch is stapled and the small intestine’s upper portion is also attached to this small pouch.  The middle section of the small intestine is attached to the rest of the stomach.  Food will bypass the rest of the stomach and the rest of the small intestine.  Te stomach will be in smaller size which would make it full faster.  Less calories will be absorbed.

This procedure would require diet change.  Since the digestive system is altered or shortened, every food intake would be valuable.  Some common side effects brought by the surgery is nutritional deficiency like anemia and osteoporosis.  This is why it is important for patients to follow a different diet and take mineral and vitamin supplements.

The special gastric bypass diet would make sure that weight loss will be maintained over time.  It would normally involve high protein food.  Foods high in protein would ensure that new tissues are being built and the wounds are healing properly.  Ideal high protein foods will be low in fat like red meat, chicken or turkey without skin, fish, eggs and cottage cheese.

Sugar and fat is among the foods that are avoided.  Gastric bypass diet would involve food low in sugar and fat.  Sugary foods are high in calories and fat.  Fat is difficult to digest.  Consuming too much sugar could also result to the Dumping syndrome that has nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea as symptoms.  The body could also react the same way to too much fat.  Foods with too much fat and sugar, anyway, do not have sufficient nutrients that would be essential to the body.

Foods high in fiber are also limited in gastric bypass diet.  Fibers could block the stomach, small intestine and would require more gastric acid to digest it. A doctor’s approval is needed before ingesting any laxative or fiber pills.

This change is not done immediately.  There are stages in a gastric bypass diet. Clear liquids would be the first stage.  For the first two days, clear liquids like water, sugar-free juice, clear broth and no fizz soda are consumed in small amounts.   Within the first two weeks, low-fat, high protein liquids are ingested.  It is important to also take chewable multivitamins during this stage.

Doctors would determine when would be the suitable time for the patient to progress to soft or puree diet.  Some would be able to eat after two weeks, while others would have to wait longer than that.  Some people who are in this stage would sometimes resort to eating strained baby foods.  While others would prefer eating soft foods like scrambled eggs, low-fat cheese, blenderized lean meats, etc.

Two months after the surgery, the patient could now start eating regular diet, starting with high-protein food.  Food consumed should be in small amounts.  Remember that the stomach is reduced in size.  After the gastric bypass, the stomach could accommodate about an ounce of food.  Eventually, it could stretch and hold about 4 to 8 ounces or a cup to half a cup of food.

One thing that people should be conscious of would be overeating.  Gastric bypass surgery can make the stomach smaller, however this does not affect the overall attitude to eating.  People could result to overeating because of genetics or emotions.  Lifestyle change is important.  Overeating could cause regaining the lost weight, expansion of the pouch, and in worst cases rupture of the stomach.

There are many support groups, education, and counselling available to help deal patients with these difficulties.

Understanding Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is done to primarily solve or treat morbid or severe obesity and other health problems associated with it.  With this procedure the stomach is made smaller.  The food will bypass part of the small intestine.  By doing so, the patient will consume less because he feels full immediately.  Getting full easily would reduce the calories taken by the body and eventually lead to weight loss.

Actually, gastric bypass is just among the many similar operations to reduce obesity.  To refer all of these procedures, bariatric surgery is the term.  These operations intend to reduce accumulated fatty tissues by altering the physiological and psychological attitude of a patient towards food and eating.

How does it alter normal digestion?  

What normally happens is that after eating, the food would go through the stomach and then proceed to the small intestine.  The nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine before it goes to the large intestine where waste is eventually pushed out of the body.  The most common gastric bypass procedure, the Roux-en Y gastric bypass, alters this process.

In the Roux-en gastric bypass, a small pouch is made on the top part of the stomach.  The lower part of the stomach, which is much smaller now, is connected directly to the middle part of the small intestine. The stomach was made smaller and at the same time, the intestine was cut short, the upper portion of the small intestine was bypassed.  Both the upper portion of the stomach and the small intestine no longer digest food.

Statistics showed that patients would lose 60%, on the average, of their weight after the gastric bypass surgery.  There are even who would say that they have lost 80% of their weight.  There are studies showing that about 90% of patient who have undergone gastric surgery were able to maintain their weight loss after ten years of having the surgery performed.

Having gastric surgery is not risk-free though.  People who have undergone this procedure would report more cases of gallstones, in other studies, they would also report nutritional issues like anemia or osteoporosis.

Every year there are about 140,000 gastric procedure being performed in the United States alone.  The results could really be successful, with people being able to get better weight-loss results, however, about 2% of patients would find it very fatal.  In the 2%, one percent could be as a result of complications during surgery.  The heart in unable to support the pumping it has to do to handle the excess weight or the complication brought by it.

The other one percent cause of fatality among people who gone through the procedure, would be about not following the dietary restrictions that should be followed after the surgery.  After gastric surgery, the body could no longer handle too much intake of high-sugar and high-fat food.  There is a special diet that those who have just undergone the surgery should follow.  Bypass diet would usually include foods that are high in protein but low in fat, fiber, calories, and sugar.  There are vitamins and mineral supplements that are required to be taken to avoid health and nutritional deficiencies.

With more and more people turning to gastric bypass surgery as a weight-loss option, it is important to understand not only the procedure and the benefits.  It is also important to weigh the risks and if our lifestyle and our body would be able to handle the dramatic loss of weight.