Gastric Bypass Cost

Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

Are you considering gastric bypass surgery to get rid of excess weight? Perhaps, you are wondering how much the procedure would cost you and if it is covered by insurance.

Prepare to spend much to be able to lose weight. Nowadays, weight loss or bariatric surgery costs around $20,000 to $35,000. In fact, the cost of weight loss surgery has gone down significantly in the past years. It varies depending on the quality of procedure itself, the experience of the surgeon, the medical team that will help in the operation, and the additional post-surgery services that a patient availed of.

Insurance Coverage for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

Is the cost of weight loss surgery covered by insurance companies? If a patient has insurance, he may pay part of the cost or nothing at all. A lot of health insurance companies have considered obesity as a serious health problem, so they cover part of or all the expenses incurred in weight loss surgery. This is because weight loss surgery can actually save them money in the long term. Insurance coverage for weight loss surgery depends on the insurance firm itself, the particular insurance policy, and the state where the patient is located (since there is no insurance coverage in some states). Also, insurance coverage is given only to qualified candidates or those who meet specific criteria set by an insurance company.

The following are the criteria that a weight loss surgery patient must meet to qualify for insurance coverage:

• Obesity for at least five years before the surgery

• Minimum of 100 lbs. of excess weight

• Showed serious efforts to lose weight through diet and exercise but to no avail

• No history of alcoholism

• No history of depression or other mental disorders

To be able to enjoy the insurance benefits, the patient (with the help of the surgeon or clinic) is required to file some forms to the insurance company. One of the necessary forms include a Letter of Medical Necessity that usually indicates the patient’s weight or body mass index, obesity-related diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, etc.), and the duration of the patient’s obesity, among others.

On the other hand, weight loss surgery patients who are not covered by insurance must shoulder the costs themselves. These self-pay patients may apply for personal loans to be able to pay for the surgery, but this payment option involves interest rates.

Post-Surgery Costs

The cost of weight loss surgery must also include the expenses following the procedure. A change in lifestyle after the surgery results in certain expenses such as gym membership for the exercises and new sets of clothes, which will need to be replaced several times during the year.

Besides the financial costs, there are emotional and physical costs involved as well in the weight loss surgery. For one, the patient will need to adjust to the new lifestyle and the changes in his body, which can trigger high levels of stress and anxiety especially in the few weeks following the surgery. The physical cost of gastric bypass surgery involves being committed to the recommended diet plan to avoid serious complications and weight gain.

In particular, it means the patient must stay away from foods rich in fat and sugar, as well as avoid unhealthy habits such as skipping meals and overeating. Sticking to a regular exercise program is also part of the surgery’s physical cost.

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Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

Obesity is a serious health problem across the globe. That is why a number of methods, techniques, and technologies have been developed to help curb weight problems that usually lead to life-threatening diseases such as heart ailments and diabetes. One of the most popular weight loss strategies is gastric bypass surgery, a procedure that alters the digestive system (particularly the stomach) to restrain a person’s food intake.

The results of the surgery are immediate—a patient may lose 50 to 60 percent of his weight within two years following the surgery. With healthy lifestyle (including proper diet and regular exercise), one can expect weight loss in the long run after the surgery. Those who are overweight will experience easier mobility and better quality of life after undergoing weight loss surgery.

But there’s more to this surgery than just weight loss. Aside from slashing off some figures from the weighing scale, the surgery also helps improve certain conditions that are often linked to obesity. These health problems include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood cholesterol, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Thus, people who have gone through weight loss surgery are less likely to develop cardiovascular problems than those who have not tried the procedure. Also, the surgery can lessen a patient’s possibility of death due to heart ailment, diabetes, or cancer.

Now for the not-so good news. Weight loss surgery is not for the faint of hearts. As with other kinds of surgeries, weight loss surgery leads to several complications. If you will go through this procedure, you need to know the risks before you head over the clinic or hospital. Being aware of what to expect after the surgery helps a lot in your recovery process. The most common complications of the surgery include infection, bleeding, and swelling. Other complications are ulcer, low blood sugar, kidney stones, gallstones, iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin D and B-12 deficiency. After the operation, a patient may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness especially when eating foods rich in sugar and fat. These are caused by a condition called dumping syndrome in which the contents of the stomach pass through the small intestine very fast.

There are certain postoperative risks that occur in rare cases but are severe and need immediate medical attention. The following are some of the complications and tips on how to deal with them.

1. Leak in the stomach

This is found at one of the staple lines in the stomach. The leak heals over time in most cases, though it can be treated using antibiotics. But severe cases require immediate surgery.

2. Thinning of the opening between the small intestine and stomach

This condition needs either a corrective surgery or a simple outpatient procedure wherein a tube is inserted through the mouth to make the opening wider.

3. Incision hernia or weakness in the incision

This complication happens if the surgery is an open procedure that involves a large incision on the abdomen. Incision hernia needs to be repaired through surgery depending on the severity of the condition.

4. Death

For every 200 to 300 weight loss surgeries, one case results in death. Although the risk of death has been linked to gastric bypass surgery, it still depends on many factors such as age and health and medical conditions.

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Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

Over 72 million adults in the United States are obese. Besides this disturbing figure lies a bigger problem: the life-threatening diseases that are linked to obesity. These obesity-related health problems include hypertension, hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea, and diabetes. For many obese people, gastric bypass or weight loss surgery is the best and fastest solution to their weight problem.

The many benefits of weight loss surgery outweigh its risks. Most patients lose 75 to 80 percent of their excess weight after the surgery. In a number of cases, the weight loss can be as much as 90 percent. Aside from weight loss, the following are the nine common advantages of weight loss surgery:

1. Lower chance of developing diabetes

Most obese or overweight people have blood sugar imbalances, which are difficult to deal with unless they lose weight. Studies have shown that diabetic patients who went through weight loss surgery had their blood sugar levels return to normal after the operation. About 90 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes are expected to live well without medications after going through weight loss surgery.

2. Reduced risk of hypertension and heart disease

Hypertension and heart disease are among the health problems linked to obesity. According to experts, weight loss surgery can help improve cardiovascular diseases and lessen their symptoms. Also, majority of weight loss surgery patients with hypertension may no longer need medications to treat their disease.

3. Lower chance of getting sleep apnea

A study has proved that sleep disorders associated with obesity can be easily treated with significant weight loss, and surgery plays a major role in improving a person’s quality of sleep. Poor sleep, which is usually caused by discomfort and breathing troubles, can cause anxiety, fatigue, and stress during the day.

4. Better joint function

With substantial weight loss comes reduction of stress on the joints, which is caused by obesity or excess weight. The surgery, which leads to weight loss, lowers the risk of damage to the joints and bones.

5. Improvement of other health problems

Aside from the health problems mentioned above, the surgery can also help improve the following conditions: arthritis, asthma, breathing problems, reflux, and fatigue.

6. Continuous weight loss

The most noticeable effect of the surgery is, of course, immediate and substantial weight loss. With proper diet and lifestyle adjustments, the surgery can lead to long-term weight loss and improved quality of life.

7. Improved mobility and physical abilities

Life after weight loss surgery is much better because it makes movements much easier and helps a person perform better when it comes to physical abilities.

8. Longer life

Because weight loss surgery helps reduce a patient’s risk of developing deadly diseases, it is able to extend a person’s lifespan. A study conducted in 2002 found that people who lost weight after undergoing the surgery have increased lifespan of up to three years.

9. Increased self-esteem

Weight loss surgery leads to not only health benefits, but also to a positive image of oneself. Losing excess weight definitely improves one’s appearance as well as the confidence to pursue what a person wants in his life. And with a self-esteem boost, one can have an improved quality of life and interaction with other people.

Gastric bypass surgery, with the many benefits it offers, is undoubtedly one of the best recourse to solve obesity problems.

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Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss procedure that results in major changes not only in the body, but also in one’s lifestyle. To be able to adapt well to those changes, a patient needs to bear in mind these guidelines that ensure success after the surgery. Success means maintaining a healthy weight and preventing the possibility of regaining weight.

1. Avoid foods that are not nutritious. The culprits for weight gain are foods and liquids that are rich in calories, fat, and sugar. These include soda, milk shakes, alcohol, and sugar-rich desserts. These foods do not provide nutrients; instead, they cause hunger pangs and vomiting. Avoid them so that you do not out your weight loss effort to waste. Make sure that your diet is rich in protein, and include lots of fruits and vegetables.

2. Avoid foods that cause discomfort. Sticky, dry, and fibrous foods such as pasta, rice, bread, and meat are usually a no-no for bypass surgery patients. Soda is also not allowed because it causes bloating, gas pain, and even pressure in the stomach.

3. Avoid snacking between meals. This will only hurt your chances of keeping a healthy weight.

4. Avoid drinking liquids immediately before, during, or after meals. Filling your stomach with liquids instead of foods will deprive you of your much-needed nutrients for healing and recovery. Be sure to drink fluids at least 30 minutes before and after your meals. And of course, avoid drinking fluids while eating meals.

5. Refrain from drinking alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. Alcohol does more harm than good for people who have gone through weight loss surgery. Devoid of calories, alcohol can cause stomach ulcers. Caffeine have the same effect, aside from working against hydration in the body.

6. Contact your surgeon if problems arise. If you experience one or more of the following problems, call your surgeon immediately: extreme pain in the legs, shortness or difficulty of breathing, fever, bleeding of the incisions, and dark stools.

7. Maintain your follow-up visits after the surgery. This will make it easier for you and your surgeon to monitor and assess your progress. Also, this will result in early detection of problems such as surgical complications and nutritional deficiencies.

8. Keep yourself from getting pregnant for two years following surgery. Because your body is undergoing weight months after the surgery, it may not be able to support a baby. This will be unhealthy for both of you and the fetus. Ask your surgeon for advice in case you plan on getting pregnant.

9. Join a support group. Coping with the aftermath of the surgery may be much easier if you do it with the help of other people. There are many support groups formed to provide emotional support and advice for people who have undergone weight loss surgery. Search for these groups on the Internet; for sure, you can find one within or near your locality.

10. Find ways to cope with stress. Stress usually leads to comfort eating, which is not good for people who have had weight loss surgery. Listen to your favorite music, read books, meet up with friends, and do whatever you can to effectively deal with stress.

You will get the best results from gastric bypass surgery if you follow the guidelines mentioned above.

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Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

Want to lose weight but afraid to go under the knife? Listen up. Your long-time battle with the bulge will end for good with one solution—gastric bypass surgery. It involves changing the digestive system to change your appetite; that way, you eat and digest less amount of food. Aside from the significant weight loss, the surgery also helps minimize the risk of developing obesity-related diseases.

Also called the Roux-en-Y surgery, the procedure primarily entails making a walnut-sized pouch at the upper stomach and putting a bypass around a portion of the small intestine and the stomach. Consequently, the food you eat bypasses most of the stomach and restricts the ability of your digestive system to take in calories. Hence, the term “bypass” surgery. Surgeons perform this operation using a small tube called a laparoscope that creates small incisions in the abdomen.

A small video camera is attached on the instrument, and this device enables the surgeon to see the inside of the abdomen. The laparoscopic technique is generally preferred over the traditional open bypass surgery that makes large incisions in the abdomen. Compared to the open bypass surgery, the laparoscopic technique is less risky and less painful because of the small incisions. Also, it results in shorter recovery period.

The procedure starts with the stapling of the patient’s stomach at the top to seal this area off from the rest of the stomach. As a result, the sealed portion or the pouch will be able to contain only an ounce of food. Separated from the entire stomach, the pouch is then connected to a small part of the small intestine. To be able to achieve that, the surgeon cuts a small part of the small intestine and sews it onto the pouch.

The surgery is not for everyone, though. There are certain risks involved; and a prospective patient must understand them before undergoing the surgery. If you plan to undergo the weight loss surgery, consult a surgeon and ask all your concerns regarding the procedure. Usually, the surgeon explains the things you should expect during and after the surgery.

Before the surgery, you will be given anesthetics to keep you asleep during the operation. The anesthesia is usually in the form of an intravenous (IV) line or analgesics. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a tube into your nose down to the top of the stomach. To heal the staple line on the stomach, the tube is joined to a suction machine that empties the stomach pouch after the surgery. The surgery lasts for about two to four hours, but you will need to stay in the hospital for around three to five days for recovery.

Expect some diet and lifestyle changes after the weight loss surgery. One to three days after the procedure, you will not eat anything to allow your stomach to heal. Then, for about three months, you will follow a diet that starts with liquids, progresses to soft and pureed foods, and lastly to regular foods. You will have to be cautious with your food intake because eating huge meals can cause extreme pain under the breastbone and vomiting.

Also, you will notice some changes in your body and behavior three to six months after the gastric bypass surgery. These include dry skin, hair thinning, fatigue, body pains, and mood swings. These will be your body’s reactions to the quick weight loss resulting from the surgery.

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Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery is among the most popular bariatric surgery, with the number of those who are choosing to undergo the procedure doubling since 2001 to 2003.  The American Society of Bariatric Surgery, estimates the number to be 140,000 annually.  This procedure is primarily done to resolve issues of morbid obesity and the diseases associated with it. 

In gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch is created in the stomach.  This small pouch is stapled and the small intestine’s upper portion is also attached to this small pouch.  The middle section of the small intestine is attached to the rest of the stomach.  Food will bypass the rest of the stomach and the rest of the small intestine.  Te stomach will be in smaller size which would make it full faster.  Less calories will be absorbed. 

This procedure would require diet change.  Since the digestive system is altered or shortened, every food intake would be valuable.  Some common side effects brought by the surgery is nutritional deficiency like anemia and osteoporosis.  This is why it is important for patients to follow a different diet and take mineral and vitamin supplements. 

The special gastric bypass diet would make sure that weight loss will be maintained over time.  It would normally involve high protein food.  Foods high in protein would ensure that new tissues are being built and the wounds are healing properly.  Ideal high protein foods will be low in fat like red meat, chicken or turkey without skin, fish, eggs and cottage cheese. 

Sugar and fat is among the foods that are avoided.  Gastric bypass diet would involve food low in sugar and fat.  Sugary foods are high in calories and fat.  Fat is difficult to digest.  Consuming too much sugar could also result to the Dumping syndrome that has nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea as symptoms.  The body could also react the same way to too much fat.  Foods with too much fat and sugar, anyway, do not have sufficient nutrients that would be essential to the body.

Foods high in fiber are also limited in gastric bypass diet.  Fibers could block the stomach, small intestine and would require more gastric acid to digest it. A doctor’s approval is needed before ingesting any laxative or fiber pills. 

This change is not done immediately.  There are stages in a gastric bypass diet. Clear liquids would be the first stage.  For the first two days, clear liquids like water, sugar-free juice, clear broth and no fizz soda are consumed in small amounts.   Within the first two weeks, low-fat, high protein liquids are ingested.  It is important to also take chewable multivitamins during this stage.

Doctors would determine when would be the suitable time for the patient to progress to soft or puree diet.  Some would be able to eat after two weeks, while others would have to wait longer than that.  Some people who are in this stage would sometimes resort to eating strained baby foods.  While others would prefer eating soft foods like scrambled eggs, low-fat cheese, blenderized lean meats, etc. 

Two months after the surgery, the patient could now start eating regular diet, starting with high-protein food.  Food consumed should be in small amounts.  Remember that the stomach is reduced in size.  After the gastric bypass, the stomach could accommodate about an ounce of food.  Eventually, it could stretch and hold about 4 to 8 ounces or a cup to half a cup of food.

One thing that people should be conscious of would be overeating.  Gastric bypass surgery can make the stomach smaller, however this does not affect the overall attitude to eating.  People could result to overeating because of genetics or emotions.  Lifestyle change is important.  Overeating could cause regaining the lost weight, expansion of the pouch, and in worst cases rupture of the stomach.

There are many support groups, education, and counselling available to help deal patients with these difficulties.

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Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

There are numerous studies showing us how gastric bypass surgeries have improved the lives of those who suffer morbid or severe obesity.  Patients who have underwent the procedure were able to lose about 50 to 60 percent of their weight a year after a surgery.  Some would even report an astounding 80 percent weight loss after two years.

About 140,000 gastric bypass surgeries are conducted every year.  Obese teens could also undergo the medical procedure as long as they are within the guidelines set.  Those who are qualified to undertake the surgery should at least be 100 pounds overweight and failed to reduce weight in the last six months through monitored weight loss programs.  But every coin has two sides.  Gastric bypass surgery also has its downside. 

Some patients would often report depression after the gastric bypass operation.  Some of the patients would often pinpoint the procedure itself as depressing.  While others think that it is the low-calorie diets triggering this depression.  Gastric bypass patients are recommended to follow a special diet that would ensure them the best and sustained results.  This special diet is about low-calorie, low-sugar and low-fat foods. 

The Thinner Times website, stated that about 5 to 10 percent of deaths occurred to patients after the gastric bypass surgery.  This happens just within a month or two since the procedure and the primary cause would be psychological challenges.  To address this, experts recommend that adequate supplies of calories should be ingested daily. 

There are studies showing that those who suffer depression and anxiety after the gastric bypass surgery is less likely to lose weight compared with  mentally healthy people.  There are many methods on how doctors and experts would know if their patients are mentally prepared for the surgery.  There are medical centers who would employ or require their patients to undergo rigorous metal health evaluation. 

A patient candidate for weight loss surgery is to undergo psychological evaluation to ensure that they are prepared mentally for the operation and the lifestyle changes that will follow after the surgery.  If a person is found out to be suffering from depression prior to the surgery, they will not be automatically disqualified.  Those who have history of drug and alcohol abuse are the ones who are disqualified. 

Some medical centers would require patients with depression go through treatment before gastric bypass surgery.  Treatment could include taking of antidepressants, psychotherapy, and help from their family, friends and support groups. 

It is not uncommon to find weight loss surgery candidates to suffer from depression, since they would have to deal with being ostracized because of their weight.  Candidates for weight loss surgery would oftentimes suffer from a history of depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress or panic/anxiety attacks.

Having mental health problems are not preventing people from getting the treatment that they need to improve their lives and their health.  Just like in any other surgery, it is important to gain support from friends and family to recover well and to get the desired results.  Gastric bypass surgery would require a lot of change in lifestyle, it could be difficult but having loved ones will help a patient get through with it.

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Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

Persons who are obese suffer from various physical and mental issues. As a result, even after attempting all these methods if you are unable to shed the weight, it is smart to consult with your weight loss  specialist the process of a gastric bypass surgery lose weight.However, the gastric bypass cost may not seem to fit everyone’s budget. So, the expense for mini gastric bypass may very well suit the finances of such patients. A simple mini gastric bypass surgical procedure decreases excess fats, calories, and absorption of foods from the small intestines.Typically, the cost of mini gastric bypass procedure is between $15,000 – $20,000. Open incision and laparoscopic surgery are a couple of techniques that are used to perform the surgery. Because most insurance companies are insuring the procedure gastric weight loss surgery, it is a good idea to verify with your insurance company before selecting any of the surgical techniques.If you find out that the insurance company will not pay for such surgeries then choose to go for a mini gastric bypass surgery would be a great decision. As conventional bypass surgery normally runs above $20,000, a “mini” surgery will assist in losing some weight at a much lesser price.On the other hand, there are some insurance companies who will insure this mini or conventional gastric bypass surgery subject to a person being qualified. To qualify, an individual has to be overweight by at least 100 pounds.Also, the patient must have previously shown a continued attempts to reduce their weight from alterations in their lifestyle such as diet and exercise. The eligible individual should also not have any of the following: signs of depression past or present, psychiatric disorder or alcohol abuse. In addition, it is also required for the patient to be considered obese for at least 5 years pre-surgery to become a qualified patient to request an insurance claim to take care of the gastric bypass surgery expense.Besides the expenses, the added cost of emotions and physical anguish is there too. The primary reason that lowers the mini gastric bypass expenses and the pain involved in this technique is because the different incisions made for this method are very tiny. These incisions are made on the interior of the abdomen and a laparoscope isused along with custom made instruments for the surgery. In summary, if you want an economical weight loss solution, mini gastric bypass surgery is without a doubt a smart consideration.

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Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

Are you also one of the many people who have tried numerous diets, actively exercise or even go on extreme diets or sports. Yet, you still are substantially overweight. Then it could be time to seriously think about gastric bypass surgery that limits your consumption of food . Gastric bypass surgery is a type of weight loss surgery to treat people who are extremely obese, due to extreme gains of excess weight as fatty tissue, which can lead to more health problems in the future. The surgery involves sectioning off the stomache into a small upper pouch and a much larger, lower remaining pouch. Moreover, the small intestines are also re-constructed to allow each pouch to remain linked to the intestines. By doing so, the food intake  is reduced and the quantity of food one can digest is also limited.

There are two types of gastric bypass surgeries. The first is known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass which is the most popular bypass procedure done. This method involves a small stomache pouch being created by stapling an area of the stomache together; restricting the amount of food one can eat. Following that, an area of the small intestine is joined to the pouch to permit the food to bypass into the duodenum. This causes decreased calorie and nutrient absorption.

The second type is known as Extensive Gastric Bypass, which is more complex, as the lower section of the stomach is taken out. The remaining small pouch is linked straight to the area of the small intestine. This procedure does have a high chance for lack of nutritients so it is less used but also is extremely effective in starting weight loss. It is not uncommon for persons who get gastric bypass procedures to lose approximately two thirds of their extra weight within twenty-four months. However,  several risks can occur like having the stomach increase in size as time goes by and then returning to its pre-surgery size. In some instancs, the staples which are used to tighten the stomach may break and return your stomach to its original state. Furthermore, there can also be a drainage of the stomach ingredients into the abdomen. This is unsafe due to the acid being able to eat away at other adjacent organs.

Deficiencies in nutrients can also make more health issues like osteoporosis, anemia and metabolic bone diseases; a result of restricted absorption of vitamin B12, calcium and iron, and people then must consume nutritional supplements to prevent these deficiencies. The risk of complications and nutritional deficiencies depends on how extensive the bypass operation is, and requires close monitoring and lifelong use of special foods and medications.In some cases, post-operative symptoms could include nausea, fainting, weakness, sweating and sometimes diarrhea.  Gallstones can also occur as a result of rapid weight loss, although they can be treated with medication.

While weight reduction surgery doesn’t guarantee that you will lose all your excess weight or keep it off long-term, a lot depends on your commitment to taking life long changes to your eating and exercise habits. However, your weight loss accomplishment and improved overall health are significant benefits, and will definitely be worth the effort.

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Greetings! I hope you will enjoy this very informative article about gastric bypass surgery.

Bariatric surgery continues to grow in popularity, reflecting the increasing number of people who are struggling with obesity. Obesity is a chronic health condition that is very difficult to treat. For individuals who are more than 100 pounds overweight, diet and exercise alone are often not enough to enable permanent and substantial weight loss. As last resort, many are turning to a surgical solution to treat severe obesity and obesity related health conditions. If you are one of the many individuals living with obesity and considering weight loss surgery, you are taking the first step towards better health. As your next decision, it will be necessary for you to learn about your options and decide which bariatric procedure you want to undergo.
As you look into your surgical options, you’ll find that the most common forms of weight loss surgery performed in the United States are Lap Band Surgery and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery. By the numbers, more people undergo Gastric Bypass Surgery, a bariatric procedure which has been performed for over 30 years with impressive weight loss results. Lap Band Surgery, on the other hand, is a newer procedure, but it is a very promising weight loss procedure as well. Because Lap Band Surgery offers comparable long-term weight loss with increased overall safety, it is quickly gaining in popularity.
Compare Advantages and Disadvantages
Many prospective patients are interested in comparing Lap Band Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery to determine which is the better surgery. Studies have shown that long-term weight loss is comparable, but the methods by which the procedures promote weight loss is not. Since bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment to follow-up care and lifestyle changes, a person should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.
Gastric Bypass Surgery involves cutting and rerouting the stomach and small intestine and is considered major gastrointestinal surgery. The operation takes about two hours, requires a hospital stay of 2 to 3 days, and takes about 3 months for full recovery. Lap Band Surgery involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the top part of the stomach and is considered a simpler and safer procedure since it does not involve any cutting, stapling, or rerouting of the digestive system. The procedure takes less than an hour, most patients are in the hospital for less than 24 hours, and it takes about 6 weeks for full recovery. While both procedures should be considered permanent, if necessary, the lap band can either be adjusted or removed for health reasons.
Weight loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery occurs very rapidly in the first six months, and then settles at final weight 18 to 24 months after surgery. It promotes weight loss by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten, controlling the intake of sweets, and reducing the amount of calories that are absorbed by the body. Gastric Bypass Surgery is very effective at facilitating weight loss and resolving many obesity related health conditions, but there are some disadvantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery as well, including: the complexity of the operation, the surgical risks of infection, leaks, and blood clots; the possibility of developing ulcers, bowel obstruction, reflux, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies; and the need for nutritional supplements and testing of nutrient levels throughout a lifetime.
Lap Band Surgery promotes weight loss by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time and slowing digestion, which creates the feeling of fullness to help control hunger. An important aspect of Lap Band Surgery is that it can be adjusted, requiring scheduled follow-up care with the doctor for fills and adjustments. The Lap Band requires more patient effort in making healthy food choices, but in the long run this usually helps develop better eating habits leading to more permanent weight loss. Weight loss with Lap Band Surgery occurs at a steady and healthy rate, and although initial weight loss occurs slower than with Gastric Bypass Surgery, five years after surgery the weight loss is comparable.
Making the Decision
Learning about Lap Band Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery and comparing the differences will help give you the confidence to make an informed decision as to which type of bariatric surgery you want to pursue. While we can provide you with a general overview of the procedures, it is also important to talk to your bariatric surgeon for advice based on your personal health profile. Ultimately, the question is not which procedure is better, but the question is which procedure is right for you.

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