Obesity is a serious medical condition that causes at least 300,000 deaths in the United States each year. Men and women with obesity-related medical conditions such as adult onset diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sleep apnea, or joint problems can often benefit from bariatric weight loss surgery. If you're committed to losing weight, bariatric weight loss surgery can be your first step toward developing a healthier lifestyle. Gastric bypass surgery generally requires a three day hospital stay, as well as several follow-up visits and appointments. Roux-en-Y bariatric weight loss surgery works by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach with surgical staples or a plastic band. This causes the patient to eat less food during mealtimes and feel fuller between meals. One common side effect of gastric bypass surgery is dumping syndrome, a condition that occurs when food moves too quickly through the stomach and intestine. This often results in nausea, faintness, weakness, sweating, or diarrhea shortly after eating.
If you'd prefer a less invasive procedure, the LAP BAND System may be a better option for you. Gastric banding requires no cutting or stapling of the stomach. This type of bariatric weight loss surgery uses an inflatable ring to control the flow of food through the digestive tract. The LAP BAND System is fully reversible, which makes it a good choice for women who wish to become pregnant since the stomach outlet size can be opened to accommodate the increased nutritional needs of pregnancy.
Will My Insurance Cover Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery?
Bariatric weight loss surgery is not covered by many insurance plans. This is true even if losing weight could have a significant impact on your overall health. If you are considering bariatric weight loss surgery, it is recommended that you ask your insurance carrier for the specific details of your policy.
