Cost of bariatric surgery


Cost of bariatric surgery, its effectiveness and more discussed

There are four main weight loss surgical procedures performed today. Though the operative techniques may differ, they are all backed by the common aim of achieving weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach. With a reduced stomach the patient can now digest less than half the food than what he/she could do earlier.

Cost of bariatric surgery

Now, a bariatric surgery is sought by obese people- i.e. those with Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40+. However, those with a BMI of 35+ – grappling with problems like type 2 diabetes, obesity, high cholestrol and heart disease can resort to this treatment after thorough discussions with a credentialed surgeon as well.

Are weight loss surgeries effective?

Long-term studies have proved that the weight loss procedures can help patients reduce up to 23 to 40% of weight. The cost of bariatric surgerymight be the first thing you would want to find out about. We will come to that but not before acquainting you with a few crucial aspects of this particular surgical treatment.

Qualifying for the surgery

Firstly, it is very important to learn that obesity is not the only basis for this particular treatment. It means the surgeon will not arbitrarily recommend the treatment because you’re obese and have not gained from exercise or diet. You cannot qualify for bariatric surgery unless:

  • You are between 18 to 60 years of age
  • Your weight is twice your ideal body weight
  • You have been obese for at least 5 years but have not seen results with traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercises
  • You are ready to change your lifestyle – eating habits and exercise- for long the long term
  • The weight gained by you is not the result of a medical conditionslike tumour or hormonal imbalance

Types of Surgery

The four main types of bariatric surgery performed today are Gastric Bypass or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Bilopancreatic Diversion (BPD) and Adjustable Gastric Banding.

The Gastric Bypass surgical method is carried out by dividing the stomach into two halves. Surgical stables are used to create a small pouch out of the upper part of the stomach. The pouch is then attached to the middle section of the small intestine. The nutrients bypass the upper portion of the small intestine and directly enter its middle part with the help of a small opening. This surgery leads to a smaller stomach which can hold only a limited amount of food.

Sleeve Gastrectomy involves the surgeon severing 75% of your stomach to leave you with nothing but a sleeve.

Gastric banding involves placing of a band around a stomach – in a way that the upper part of the stomach forms a pouch capable of holding only a cup of food.

BPD involves severing a large part of the stomach. The remaining small stomach pouch is connected to the last section of the small intestine.

Cost and other factors

Here is a glimpse of the average cost of bariatric surgery in India(in dollars):

Gastric Bypass: Around 8000

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding: Around 5,500

Sleeve Gastrectomy: More than 7000

Your surgeon will make you aware of the post operative measures as well. Here are a few details:

  • Make sure you’re avoiding food containing high levels of sugar and fat
  • Do not skip meals
  • Eat small
  • Take vitamin supplements as recommended by the surgeon. It is required because some of the weight loss procedures mentioned above can even lead to lack of nutrients
  • Stop eating whenever you fill full
  • Drink liquids at least thirty minutes before and after eating

Kindly consult a credentialed surgeon in order to be duly guided.

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