Bariatric surgery is a type of procedure that can be used to achieve significant weight loss in individuals who are very obese (morbidly obese). A thumb-sized stomach pouch is created (using a stapling or banding technique) then the outlet of the pouch is connected directly to the intestine, essentially bypassing the lower stomach. After the surgery, the amount of calories your body can intake is reduced which leads to weight loss....more »
Surgery Costs Report for Bariatric Surgery
Other medical terms related to medical conditions and procedures for Bariatric Surgery include:
Bariatric surgery, also called gastric bypass surgery, is one type of procedure that can be used to cause significant weight loss if you are very obese. Gastric bypass surgery reduces the amount of food that enters and passes through the digestive tract and promotes weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold.
There are a number of risks associated with gastric bypass surgery including infection, bleeding, stomach leaks, and respiratory complications....more »
Who are candidates for Bariatric Surgery? Gastric bypass surgery may be recommended if you are morbidly obese. Morbid obesity is defined as being more than 100 pounds overweight or having a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 40. Bariatric surgery is an option only after other treatments such as diet and exercise have been unsuccessful or in the case where you are suffering from complications of obesity. You should discuss your particular risks with your doctor.
Because you must commit to major behavioral lifestyle changes after the surgery, you will be screened for depression, alcoholism, and other mental or behavioral disorders prior to the surgery that could interfere with the post-operative outcomes....more »
What are alternatives to Bariatric Surgery? Alternative treatments to bariatric surgery include strict weight loss and exercise programs that are monitored by your doctor and other health professionals....more »
How do you prepare for Bariatric Surgery? Prior to any surgery, your doctor will give you a complete medical examination and evaluate your overall health and your health history. You may be required to get additional tests such as X-rays and lab tests. Your doctor will also review with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation and will ask you to sign a consent form. It is important that you ask questions and be sure you understand the reason for the surgery as well as the risks.
It is important that you inform your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, what medications you are taking, and if you have bleeding problems. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.
Depending on the circumstances of your surgery, you may be instructed to do the following:
Prior to any weight loss operation, a psychological evaluation will be given to you. This will determine whether you are ready to adhere to a healthier lifestyle. You will also receive extensive nutritional counseling before (and after) your surgery....more »
What is the Bariatric Surgery recovery process? Most people typically stay in the hospital for a few days or less after gastric bypass surgery. Some may need to stay four to five days. Your doctor will approve your discharge home once the following is true for you:
You will remain on liquid or pureed food for several weeks after the surgery. Even after that time, you will feel full very quickly, sometimes only being able to take a few bites of solid food. This is because the new stomach pouch initially only holds a tablespoonful of food. The pouch eventually expands. However, it will hold no more than about one cup of thoroughly chewed food (a normal stomach can hold up to one quart).
Upon follow up, your doctor will determine if you need replacement of iron, calcium, vitamin B12, or other nutrients. Supplements, such as a multivitamin with minerals, will be prescribed to provide any nutrients that you may not be getting from your diet. A lack of nutrients can occur because you are eating less and because the food moves through your digestive system more quickly.
Other recommendations you should follow:
The weight loss results of gastric bypass surgery are generally good. Most patients lose an average of 10 pounds per month and reach a stable weight between 18 and 24 months after surgery. Often, the greatest rate of weight loss occurs in the very beginning (that is, just following the surgery when you are still on a liquid diet)....more »
What is the cost of Bariatric Surgery? A variety of factors may influence the cost of the surgery. They include:
These factors vary depending on you and your situation.
Patients should be aware that there are out-of-pocket expenses, and insurance policies may cover one type of weight loss surgery and not another type of surgery. The patient expenses can vary. Patients should contact their insurance company to confirm their policy benefits for weight loss surgery. Most insurance plans cover surgery, especially the hospitalization portion but may not cover any or all the surgeon's fees.
The cost of each procedure can vary dramatically based upon age, location, gender, and insurance coverage. HealthGrades provides detailed cost estimates which include the costs of the procedure, drugs, hospital stay, and more. Each cost estimate is easy to understand and provides medical terms you need to know.
The detailed cost estimate for Bariatric Surgery, includes costs for:
Surgery Cost Report for Bariatric Surgery
Where can I find a Bariatric Surgery doctor or surgeon? Bariatric Surgery is typically performed by doctors specializing in Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, and Surgery - Other. Nationally, there are 54183 practicing Bariatric / Gastric Bypass Surgeons, General Surgeons, and Surgeons. HealthGrades offers detailed physician reports to help you find a qualified Bariatric Surgery doctor or surgeon in your area, which includes disciplinary actions, patient feedback, background information, and more. Start your search now!
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