In certain cases, where patients are morbidly obese (this is defined as having a BMI of over 40), weight loss surgery is the last resort. When patients are morbidly obese, their weight actually puts their lives at risk. They can die from heart attacks, strokes and many other weight-related diseases. It is important to remember that in these situations, weight loss surgery costs can be very high.
As with any and all surgery, every time you have a surgery you are putting your life at risk. Weight loss surgery is a very serious procedure and should not be something that you decide to do because you can’t be bothered to lose weight the traditional way. It is only when your health is at significant risk that your doctor will suggest these procedures. Weight loss surgery costs are not to be sneezed at.
To put it in perspective, the average cost for a gastric bypass procedure can run anywhere from $18 000 to $35 000. Adjustable gastric banding, with the lap band can range anywhere from $17 000 to $30 000.
When you pay for these surgeries, it is worthwhile to remember that included in this cost will be:
- Pre-op fees
- X Ray fees
- Anesthesia
- Hospital facilities
- Surgeon’s fee
It is worthwhile to remember also that your costs do not just stop with your surgery itself.
Once you have recovered from your surgery, you will still have to pay for:
- Diet plans
- An exercise routine
- Modification to your previous behavior
- Nutritional supplements
- Surgery to remove excess skin (if it is necessary)
Many people add on other plastic surgeries after their weight loss surgery too and these can include liposuction, a tummy tuck or breast augmentation. This is one of those procedures that require other procedures too, so bear this in mind when you are thinking about the cost.
If your condition is observed by a doctor and motivated, you can get these procedures done through your medical insurance. Generally, if your doctor provides documentation and proof to your medical insurance company (including the fact that you had tried previous methods to lose weight under their supervision) that you need the procedures, they will pay. If they don’t, you will have to find another way of financing weight loss surgery.