When considering weight loss surgery, cost can be an important factor. Undergoing bariatric surgery can help you eliminate the unexpected costs that can come with being overweight in addition to lowering your risk for certain health complications. You may be surprised to learn that being significantly overweight can put an extra strain on your wallet. This article provides a detailed overview of the costs associated with weight loss surgery, including the initial expenses, potential hidden costs, insurance coverage, and long-term financial and health benefits.
The Financial Burden of Obesity
Being significantly overweight can lead to various financial burdens that many people may not immediately consider. These costs can accumulate over time, impacting overall financial well-being.
Increased Health Care Spending
Obese patients spend up to $4,800 more on health care per year than normal weight adults, according to the STOP Obesity Alliance. These costs go toward additional physician’s appointments, prescription medications, and hospitalizations. Obesity often leads to a higher frequency of doctor visits and a greater need for prescription medications to manage related health conditions. Hospitalizations for complications arising from obesity can also significantly increase healthcare spending.
Time Away From Work
Obese men take as many as 5.9 more sick days per year than normal weight men. Obese women take as many as 9.4 more sick days per year, according to some health economists. This increased absenteeism can affect job performance and potential career advancement.
Lower Wages
Obese women earn up to 6% less than normal weight co-workers and obese men earn 3% less, according to the Obesity Action Coalition. This disparity in wages can have a substantial impact on long-term earnings and financial stability.
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Increased Transportation Costs
The Department of Energy reports that heavier vehicles, including those carrying overweight individuals, experience decreased fuel efficiency. This decrease in fuel efficiency means it takes more gas to go the same distance than a car with less weight in it. Over time, these additional fuel costs can add up.
Higher Clothing Costs
Many clothing stores charge more for plus-size clothing, especially women’s clothing, compared to similar styles in regular sizes. These higher costs for clothing can create an additional financial burden.
The Initial Investment: Bariatric Surgery Costs
Bariatric surgery can cost between $15,000 and $23,000. The national average cost of gastric sleeve surgery can vary between $15,067 and $38,045, depending on the type of surgery. While this may seem like a significant upfront expense, it's essential to consider the potential long-term savings and health benefits.
Types of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
There are two main types of gastric sleeve surgery: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Each type has its own set of benefits and costs.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: This involves removing a large portion of the stomach, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
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Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: This is a less invasive procedure that uses sutures to reduce the size of the stomach.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Weight Loss Surgeries
The cost of weight loss surgeries in Texas can range widely. The gastric bypass cost in Texas typically spans a broad spectrum, influenced by various factors including surgical technique, hospital stays, and geographical location. Similarly, sleeve surgery in Austin maintains its popularity, yet the costs can vary based on local economic factors and the chosen healthcare facility. The gastric bypass cost in Texas is influenced by several factors, including the type of surgery, the surgeon’s expertise, and the facility where the operation is performed.
Insurance Coverage and Financial Assistance
Most people who have a bariatric procedure can because bariatric surgery is a covered benefit under their health insurance plan. However, understanding your insurance coverage is crucial to managing the costs effectively.
Navigating Insurance Coverage
On your very first office visit to our bariatric program, you will meet with our insurance coordinator. Their role is to help you understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
Surgery Approval: Your surgery must be approved by your insurance plan. If bariatric surgery is covered, you will still need to meet certain requirements before you are approved for surgery. These requirements include screening tests to check your overall health and motivation to make lifestyle changes.
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Covered Services: Not all required services are covered by insurance. Some services, such as psychological screenings, are required but may not be covered by insurance. You must pay for these services out-of-pocket.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: You will need to pay any out-of-pocket costs before surgery. In most cases, you will need to pay for a portion of your care out-of-pocket. The amount you pay depends on your insurance benefits and must be paid in full before surgery.
Financial Assistance Options
Many patients need financial help to cover the cost of weight loss surgery. Thankfully, various options are available. Hospitals and clinics often offer payment plans that break down the total cost into manageable monthly payments. These plans make the surgery accessible without a huge upfront cost. Private financing options are another route. Medical loans specifically designed for surgeries can help cover costs not included in typical insurance plans. Interest rates and loan terms vary, so it’s wise to shop around for the best deal. Financial assistance programs, including those offered by non-profit organizations, can provide additional support. These programs may cover part of the surgery cost or provide grants for specific expenses.
What to Do If You Are Not Approved
If you are not approved for surgery, you are not out of options. Even if you do not have insurance coverage or your plan denies the procedure, we can still help you lose weight. Non-surgical medical weight loss programs are an alternative.
Out-of-Pocket Costs and Hidden Expenses
Weight loss surgery involves more than the initial operation. Out-of-pocket costs and hidden expenses can add up quickly. This includes pre-surgery consultations, necessary medical tests, and post-surgery follow-ups. Insurance often doesn’t cover these additional costs, leaving patients to manage them on their own. It’s vital to budget for these expenses to avoid any financial strain during the recovery process. Don’t overlook costs related to lifestyle adjustments post-surgery. Nutritional supplements, special diet foods, and sometimes physical therapy can be required. These costs aren’t always considered upfront but can significantly impact the overall expense of weight loss surgery.
Comparing Costs Across Texas
The cost of weight loss surgery varies across Texas. Major cities like Austin often have different pricing compared to smaller towns. Hospital fees, surgeon charges, and facility costs all contribute to these variations. Investigating the costs in different regions can lead to significant savings. Comparing prices between hospitals and clinics can also uncover more affordable options without compromising the quality of care. Additionally, it’s important to consider travel and accommodation costs if you choose a surgery center far from home. These expenses can add up, especially if multiple visits are needed pre- and post-surgery.
Long-Term Cost Savings and Health Benefits
Investing in weight loss surgery can lead to significant long-term savings. Many patients see a reduction in healthcare expenses related to obesity-related conditions. These savings can outweigh the initial surgery costs over time. For example, conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea often improve or even resolve after weight loss surgery. This can reduce or eliminate the need for medications and ongoing medical treatments, leading to substantial savings.
Health Improvements and Reduced Healthcare Costs
No matter how overweight you are, losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly improve your health. Patients who lost even 5% of their body weight (with a starting body mass index of 40) saw reductions in their health care costs of over $2,000 per year, according to one study. Losing 10% of their excess weight saw improvement, and in some cases complete resolution of, chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Improved Quality of Life
Weight loss surgery can improve overall quality of life, leading to increased productivity and fewer sick days. Improved health means fewer doctor visits and hospital stays, contributing to further cost savings.
Post-Surgery Considerations
Bariatric surgery is just one step in a life-long journey to healthy living. After the surgery, there are important considerations to keep in mind.
Dietary Changes
Solid food can usually be introduced back into the diet around six weeks postsurgery. Following post-op guidelines is important.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome occurs when the digestive tract has been shortened, causing more rapid movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. It’s important to be aware of this potential complication and how to manage it through diet.
Pregnancy After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant after gastric sleeve surgery. Weight loss surgery may even help your chance of conceiving.