| Bariatric surgery, in one form or another is the | | | | Bariatric surgery expenses range from around |
| reduction of ones stomach in the hopes of losing | | | | $15,000 to over $30,000. Several variables for |
| weight through decreased food intake and less | | | | this price range include type of procedure, the |
| absorption of nutrients. Used on severely obese | | | | demand for surgeons in that area, price of |
| patients with obesity-related diseases, bariatric | | | | anesthesia, and length of hospital stay. |
| surgery carries with it tremendous risks as well as | | | | These are the three procedures recognized and |
| life saving benefits. Some of the risks apart from | | | | covered by Medicare and Medicaid after a 2006 |
| normal exploratory surgery risks include intestinal | | | | announcement from the Centers for Medicare |
| blockage, gastric bleeding and severe | | | | & Medicaid Services (CMS). It is important to |
| malnourishment. After surgery patients will have | | | | note that not all aspects of the process are |
| incredibly strict diet plans centered around | | | | covered, like cosmetic surgeries to remove |
| supplying the nutrients they are no longer | | | | excess skin after weight has been lost, and the |
| absorbing through their food. These diet plans are | | | | dietary needs a patient must fulfill for the rest of |
| permanent and costly. | | | | their lives. Medicare and Medicaid will only cover |
| There are three popular methods of bariatric | | | | the operation if there are health risks involved |
| surgery. Adjustable gastric banding uses a band | | | | with a patient's obesity, like coronary heart |
| filled with silicone to clamp around the top of the | | | | disease, osteoarthritis, some cancers, respiratory |
| stomach, creating a smaller pouch that fills more | | | | problems, and a host of others. |
| quickly, creating the sensation of being full. | | | | Insurance too may cover these surgeries if |
| Roux-en-Y gastric bypass uses surgical staples | | | | enough information is supplied by you and your |
| that carry with them the risk of ruptures and | | | | doctor. This information should include all the steps |
| leaks. These staples are used to create a small | | | | one has taken to try and lose weight and what |
| pouch similar to the band method, and in this case | | | | health complications one is facing while being |
| a portion of the small intestines is surgically | | | | overweight. It is best to choose a facility that |
| attached to the newly created pouch, bypassing | | | | meets the American College of Surgeons high |
| the stomach all together. A third form of bariatric | | | | quality standards. These standards have helped |
| surgery is the biliopancreatic diversion. In this | | | | spotlight which hospitals do the most procedures |
| procedure portions of the stomach are removed. | | | | and have the best care for their patients. |
| The remaining pouch is connected to the last leg | | | | If you are considering becoming a candidate for |
| of the small intestine right before the colon, | | | | bariatric surgery, consult you doctor and your |
| where calories and nutrients are not absorbed. | | | | insurance company soon to learn more. |