Bariatric Surgery – Information, Costs and Weight Loss Procedures

People with a Body Mass Index of 30 or above, may be good candidates for weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery.  This type of surgery is often a last resort for obese or extremely overweight individuals who are not able to lose weight with more traditional methods.

Modern, innovative bariatric surgery procedures allow a surgeon to ‘shrink’ the stomach so that food can be consumed in smaller amounts and absorbed at any given time.  Currently, some of the most popular bariatric surgery procedures include gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding and lapband surgery.

Bariatric Surgery – What Are the Options?

The American Society for Bariatric Surgery two main definitions for the types of weight loss surgery:  restrictive and malabsorptive.  Restrictive procedures are designed to create a feeling of repletion immediately after meals, naturally decreasing food intake or the desire for food.  Malabsorptive procedures reduce the amount of food the body can naturally absorb; these types of procedures involve intercepting the natural digestion and absorption process so that it’s impossible for the body to take in more calories.

Lapband surgery or gastric banding – gastric banding, or gastric lap band surgery involves restricting the amount of food that is allowed into the stomach. This procedure involves inserting a tube around the stomach and filling it up with a saline solution; this tightening process shrinks the stomach size, making it difficult to consume a large amount of food at any given time. The lapband is adjustable, which means the bariatric surgeon can tighten and control the tube to achieve the desired weight loss results.

Gastric bypass surgery – this weight loss procedure involves altering the digestive tract so that food cannot be naturally assimilated into the body in the usual way. This is the most popular type of bariatric surgery today, and continues to deliver outstanding results.  The procedure involves making small incisions in the abdomen – either with a surgical instrument or a laser – and then creating a small ‘pouch’ from the stomach tissue. The small intestine is then attached to the stomach pouch so that food (calories) is digested and absorbed only in this area. Variations of these bariatric surgeries include:

Are You a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

A thorough psychological analysis is usually required for anyone interested in pursuing bariatric surgery or extreme weight loss surgery.  This ensures that you will be treated for any underlying psychological conditions that may have caused excessive weight gain in the first place.

What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery

Every kind of weight loss surgery procedure needs various levels post-operative care, and most patients will need nutritional counseling and support after the treatment is over. Behavioral therapy and nutritional counseling play a critical role in maintaining results after weight loss surgery and maintaining healthy lifestyle for the future. Counseling can also help patients to adjust to their new body and make sure they receive the care and support they need for their new lifestyle. Fitness therapy or consulting with a personal trainer may help with the adaptation process.

Additionally, as well as following a strict diet plan, the patient may be required to maintain a food diary, take nutritional supplements, drink 8-10 glasses of water per day, and remain physically active. Joining a support group can help relieve the stress and pressure associated with the dramatic changes, and the bariatric surgeon and weight loss counselor can refer them to the appropriate support groups in their area.

Bariatric Surgery Costs

Gastric bypass surgery continues to be the most effective and enduring solution for weight loss, and moreover, some insurance companies do pay for the procedure if they deem it medically necessary for health. According to ObeseHelp.net, over 75% of patients are expected to lose 75 – 80% of their excess body weight after gastric bypass, and many patients are able to reduce their dependency on drugs and medication for health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis.

Costs for bariatric surgery vary widely, and depends on the location of the treatment center, the kind of surgery involved, bariatric surgeon fees, and outpatient treatment required to maintain results.  The average cost of Lap-Band surgery in the United States is $17,000 – $30,000; and for gastric bypass surgery is $20,000 – $35,000

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