Bariatric Surgery: At What Price?

Bariatric surgery has opened up new options for those struggling with morbid obesity and other obesity related diseases. However the process is complex and success comes gradually with time, patience and hard work. Because of the complex nature of the operation, bariatric surgery comes with a considerable price tag.

How much can a bariatric surgery cost?

A gastric bypass surgery can cost anywhere between $ 18,000 and $ 22,000 by some estimates. A Lapband surgery can cost upwards of $17,000, depending on what is involved.

What is involved?

There are several ways to perform a gastric bypass surgery. The actual costs will depend upon the procedure used as well as the length of the recovery period and the various other components that might have been necessary.

The basic cost of nay bariatric surgery, be it gastric bypass or Lapband surgery, can be broken down into the following components:

· Fees charges by the bariatric surgeon · Fees charged for anaesthesia · Costs of the procedure itself including fees for laboratory tests and X-rays. · Hospital charges

Apart from these primary costs, the patient can also incur costs for:

· Dietary plans and nutritionist's fees · Fitness regime related costs · Nutritional supplements

The final cost of the surgery will depend on several variables and the the needs of each individual. Thus the more services that an individual needs the greater the cost.

What about costs after the surgery?

Recovery and follow up after a gastric bypass surgery is usually over an extended period. The success of the operation largely depends on how the patient handles the healing process as well as the changes in eating patterns and lifestyle. A considerable sum thus has to be set aside for costs incurred in this period.

Many patients require plastic surgery to correct sagging areas, treat loose muscles or handle fat deposits. Liposuction, facelifts and abdominoplasty are common procedures following weight loss surgery. Although these corrective measures are usually required only after a year or two, allowances need to be made in the budget when the surgery itself is being planned.

Does location affect cost?

Usually fees are higher in urban areas which are densely populated due to high overhead costs and a greater demand for surgeons.

Is there any help available to bear these costs?

Insurance companies and medical financing institutions have provisions to cover bariatric surgery.

However insurance companies are often reluctant to pay for such treatment. Help may be forthcoming if the patient meets certain criteria laid down by the NIH and is also able to convince the insurance company that the surgery was an absolute medical necessity.

Financial institutions offer options like co-payments and deductibles. One can also avail of extended payment plans and no-interest loans.

A good source of information about financing options and payment plans is usually the bariatric surgeon himself or herself or the bariatric surgery center.