Being overweight or obese can be expensive. Think of the time and money you’ve spent on your weight loss journey up until this point on special foods, supplements, exercise equipment, garments, gym memberships, etc. Don’t forget to consider any health or medical expenses you might have incurred due to having excess weight, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, or other medical conditions. All of those things can really add up and make losing weight without medical intervention expensive.
One key consideration for many potential weight loss surgery patients is cost. Bariatric surgery is a great option for individuals who have had limited success with alternative weight loss measures, such as dieting, exercise, and lifestyle management. My New Beginning offers a variety of medical weight loss options, including surgery and medications. Consider the following information about weight loss surgery and its costs to make the best-informed decisions regarding your situation.
What Determines the Cost of Weight Loss Surgery?
The price of weight loss surgery for an average patient is between $17,000 to $26,000, according to The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). There are many components, such as the patient’s overall health, coexisting medical concerns, medical history, BMI, weight loss goals, etc. that contribute to the overall costs of medical weight loss treatment. Fees for anesthesiologist, medications, clinic location, surgeon’s expertise, and follow-up treatment should also be taken into consideration. The most influential factor on cost is the type of procedure. There are several weight loss surgery options for obese patients to use to achieve their ideal weight.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach to decrease feelings of hunger and increase fullness to prevent overeating and additional weight gain. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed with laparoscopic techniques. The stomach’s size is reduced by dividing it into two sections and revising the digestive tract. Altering the original shape and orientation of the stomach and intestines reduces the amount of food or portions sizes that the patient can comfortably consume. The surgery also changes the way and amount of food and nutrients are absorbed.
Duodenal Switch
Duodenal switch is another medical option that surgically alters the shape, size, and capacity of the stomach and intestines. During the procedure, the surgeon removes three-quarters of the small intestines and a portion of the stomach. Duodenal switch patients are unable to eat large portion sizes because their stomachs have a smaller capacity for food. Also, the surgery decreases the length of time and path that food spends traveling through the digestive system. The duodenal switch procedure is one of the more effective weight loss surgeries available. It also has fewer post-operative diet and personal care restrictions.
Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
Weight loss options at My New Beginning include robotic-assisted bariatric surgery. This procedure incorporates the use of the state-of-the-art da Vinci Robotic Surgical system to modify the digestive system using extremely precise laparoscopic techniques and surgical precision. The stomach is reduced to a small tube to prevent the consumption of large meal portions. Unlike alternative bariatric treatments, smaller and fewer incisions are necessary to successfully perform the procedure. Patients find that recovery from da Vinci Robotic assisted weight loss surgery is more manageable and quicker because they experience less pain, discomfort, bleeding, and scarring. There are fewer complication risks as well.
Gastric Band
Gastric weight loss surgery or gastric band requires the surgeon to bind the stomach with an inflatable band/sleeve to reduce the patient’s stomach size. The band is adjustable and may be altered periodically throughout the patient’s treatment or weight loss journey, depending on their health and other considerations to help them reach their ideal weight. The band is not permanent, making it a convenient option for those who are still on the fence about surgery, but ready for medical intervention to help them lose weight. Because there is no surgery involved, gastric band surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Bariatric Revisions
There are circumstances that can yield less than desirable results or unexpected complications from previous weight loss surgeries. Revisions made via surgery are sometimes necessary to correct issues from previous procedures, such as ulcers, band displacement, or hernias that prevent patients from their desired results and ideal size. Revision surgery can also be performed on patients interested in converting to another type of weight-loss treatment in order to optimize the results of their treatment.
An Investment for Weight Loss Success
When breaking down the cost of weight loss surgery, it helps to consider expenses related to recovery and results maintenance. For optimal results and longevity, patients should adhere to appropriate nutritional guidelines, and make appropriate lifestyle and behavioral changes. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle after bariatric surgery may come with additional costs, but the overall price tag is nominal. Weight loss surgery is a worthy investment that can transform your size, health, appearance, and life.
Healthy Living and New Beginnings With Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery may seem expensive. Yet, when compared with the lifetime expense of being obese or overweight, many patients consider it an investment that easily pays for itself many times over. A healthier, active, and more productive lifestyle and optimal health are possible with weight loss surgery.
My New Beginning weight loss patients receive professional medical support and nutritional guidance to help them achieve success in their journeys. Contact us today at (214) 324-6127 if our weight loss surgery programs are right for you and receive a detailed cost analysis.