How Much Does a Gastric Bypass Cost?
Would you believe that over 40% of adults in the US are obese? Beyond the mental anxiety that comes with obesity, it can also lead to major health conditions like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes or even stroke. If you or a family member are in this boat, our hearts go out to you. If you’ve tried making changes in your diet and exercise habits without seeing results, you may want to consider bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass is currently one of the most popular but there’s a lot of confusion when it comes to how patients can pay whether through self pay or insurance in some cases. In this article, we’ll cover the surgery broadly and focus on gastric bypass cost.
Gastric Bypass Surgery and Associated Cost
Gastric bypass surgery is a popular way to lose weight and kickstart your journey to a healthier life. If you are struggling with weight-related health issues and traditional methods like diet and exercise have not been effective, your doctor might suggest gastric bypass surgery.
This surgery reduces the size of your stomach, which means you can not eat as much food, and it changes how your body digests food. Essentially, it makes your stomach smaller and redirects your digestive system so that your smaller stomach connects to the middle of your small intestine instead of the beginning.
Before we discuss the gastric bypass cost, do you know what to expect after the surgery? After gastric bypass surgery, you can expect to lose about half of your excess weight, but the time can vary for each person. If you had laparoscopic surgery, you might stay in the hospital for two to three days or longer if it was open surgery.
Many people develop gallstones after the surgery, with up to half of patients experiencing this. If you get gallstones, you might feel nauseous, vomit, or have abdominal pain. About 20% of people end up needing surgery to remove their gallbladder after bypass surgery.
Constipation is another common issue after weight loss surgery. Your doctor will give you specific advice on how to deal with it based on your situation. Plus, Dumping Syndrome can happen if you eat a sugary meal after bypass surgery. Avoid using fiber products with grains because they could cause blockages instead of helping. Infections at the incision sites are also possible and might occur up to three weeks after surgery. These need immediate attention to prevent them from getting worse.
Cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery
Weight-loss surgeries can be pricey, usually from $7,400 to $33,000 before insurance kicks in. The cost depends on which surgery you choose. On average, gastric bypass surgery costs around $23,000, and gastric sleeve surgery averages $14,900.
Most people cannot afford these costs entirely, so insurance often helps out at least partially. In some states, laws even require insurance to cover weight loss surgery for eligible patients. If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket costs might be lower, but there are usually many requirements to meet, like a supervised diet that can last up to seven months. If you pay for the surgery yourself, you can start your journey to a healthier life right away.
Whether your health insurance covers gastric bypass surgery depends on various factors. Some plans might assist with some parts of the procedure, while others might not cover it at all. It's wise to check with your insurance provider to see what they'll pay for. Even if they don't cover the surgery itself, they might still help with related costs like lab tests and preparatory exams.
You don’t have any insurance policy? No worries, you can still afford a gastric bypass cost. How? If you don't have insurance, you might get a medical loan or enroll in a hospital payment plan to spread the cost over time. Some credit cards are designed for medical expenses, and if you pay off the surgery within 24 months, you won't pay any interest. If your insurance has a high deductible, you might be eligible for a health savings account. It works like a regular savings account but is specifically for health expenses, including weight loss surgery.
Conclusion
In sum, gastric bypass surgery is a detailed surgical procedure. It is done to cure many chronic health problems, from type 2 diabetes to cardiac problems. As it requires a minimum of 2 to 5 days of hospitalization, a gastric bypass will be significant. However, the cost depends on many factors, such as complexity, length of stay, surgeon fees, complications, etc. So, consult your doctors first before making the final decision.