For individuals grappling with severe obesity, bariatric surgery, also known as metabolic surgery, presents a potentially life-altering solution. These operations modify the stomach and intestines to treat obesity and related diseases. While procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding have proven effective in promoting weight loss and resolving related health issues, the cost can be a significant hurdle, especially for those without insurance coverage. This article explores various avenues for accessing affordable weight loss surgery.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to aid individuals with significant obesity in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. These surgeries are very effective in treating diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol, among many other diseases. These operations also have an ability to prevent future health problems. Today’s metabolic and bariatric operations have been refined over the course of many decades and are among the best studied treatments in modern medicine. They are performed with small incisions using minimally invasive surgical techniques (laparoscopic and robotic surgery). These advancements allow patients to have a better overall experience with less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery. The goal of these operations is to modify the stomach and intestines to treat obesity and related diseases. The operations may make the stomach smaller and also bypass a portion of the intestine. This results in less food intake and changes how the body absorbs food for energy resulting in decreased hunger and increased fullness.
Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
Common Bariatric Procedures
The common procedures endorsed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery are listed and explained below. Each surgery has its own advantages and potential drawbacks.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, often called the “sleeve”, is performed by removing approximately 80% of the stomach. The new stomach holds less food and liquid helping reduce the amount of food (and calories) that are consumed. By removing the portion of the stomach that produces most of the “hunger hormone”, the surgery has an effect on the metabolism. It decreases hunger, increases fullness, and allows the body to reach and maintain a healthy weight as well as blood sugar control.
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Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, often called the “gastric bypass”, has now been performed for more than 50 years and the laparoscopic approach has been refined since 1993. It is one of the most common operations and is very effective in treating obesity and obesity related diseases. First, the stomach is divided into a smaller top portion (pouch) which is about the size of an egg. The small intestine is also divided and connected to the new stomach pouch to allow food to pass. The gastric bypass works in several ways. Like many bariatric procedures, the newly created stomach pouch is smaller and able to hold less food, which means fewer calories are ingested. Additionally, the food does not come into contact with the first portion of the small bowel and this results in decreased absorption. Most importantly, the modification of the food course through the gastrointestinal tract has a profound effect to decrease hunger, increase fullness, and allow the body to reach and maintain a healthy weight. The impact on hormones and metabolic health often results in improvement of adult onset diabetes even before any weight loss occurs. The operation also helps patients with reflux (heart burn) and often the symptoms quickly improve.
Adjustable Gastric Band: The Adjustable Gastric Band is a device made of silicone that is placed around the top part of the stomach to limit the amount of food a person can eat. It has been available in the United States since 2001. The impact on obesity related diseases and long-term weight loss is less than with other procedures. The feeling of fullness depends upon the size of the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach. The opening size can be adjusted with fluid injections through a port underneath the skin. Food goes through the stomach normally but is limited by the smaller opening of the band.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: The Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch, abbreviated BPD-DS, begins with creation of a tube-shaped stomach pouch similar to the sleeve gastrectomy. The smaller stomach, shaped like a banana, allows patients to eat less food. The food stream bypasses roughly 75% of the small intestine, the most of any commonly performed approved procedures. This results in a significant decrease in the absorption of calories and nutrients. Patients must take vitamins and mineral supplements after surgery. Even more than gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, the BPD-DS affects intestinal hormones in a manner that reduces hunger, increases fullness and improves blood sugar control.
Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy: The Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy, referred to as the SADI-S is the most recent procedure to be endorsed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. A loop of intestine is measured several feet from its end and is then connected to the stomach. When the patient eats, food goes through the pouch and directly into the latter portion of the small intestine. The food then mixes with digestive juices from the first part of the small intestine. This allows enough absorption of vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy levels of nutrition.
Surgical advancements
Weight-loss surgery is mostly done laparoscopically, which requires only small cuts, under general anesthesia. Through these incisions, the surgeon can insert thin tools and a small scope attached to a camera that projects images onto a video monitor. Laparoscopic surgery has fewer risks than open surgery and may cause less pain and scarring. Open surgery, which involves a single, large cut in the abdomen, may be a better option than laparoscopic surgery for certain people.
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Post-operative care
The internist will ask about your medical history, perform a thorough physical exam, and order blood tests. These health care professionals also will advise you to become more active and adopt a healthy eating plan before and after surgery.
After surgery, you will need to rest and recover. Walking and moving around the house may help you recover more quickly. Start slowly and follow your health care professional’s advice about the type of physical activity you can do safely.
After surgery, you will probably be started on a liquid diet. Over several weeks, you will move to a soft diet that includes such foods as cottage cheese, yogurt, or soup. Eventually you will begin consuming solid foods again. Your health care professional will tell you which foods and beverages you may have and which ones you should avoid. You will need to eat small meals and chew your food well.
The Cost Factor
The cost of gastric bypass surgery without insurance can vary significantly among different providers and locations. On average, the cost can range from $15,000 to $35,000. This includes the surgical fees, hospital fees, anesthesia, pre-operative tests, and post-operative care.
Strategies for Finding Affordable Options
1. Contacting Local Bariatric Centers
One of the first steps in researching affordable gastric bypass surgery options without insurance is to contact local bariatric centers. These centers often offer financial assistance programs or payment plans for patients who do not have insurance coverage. It is important to inquire about these options and determine if they align with your financial situation. Alabama Bariatrics, where Dr. Jay Suggs and his team offer a range of services including bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery, non-invasive weight loss, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band procedures, is one such reputable business. At Alabama Bariatrics, gastric bypass surgeries are performed by Dr. Jay Suggs, an experienced and highly skilled surgeon in the field of weight loss surgery.
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2. Exploring Medical Tourism
Medical tourism can be a viable option for individuals seeking affordable gastric bypass surgery without insurance. Some countries offer lower-cost surgical procedures, including gastric bypass, while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. It is crucial to thoroughly research and vet facilities and doctors in the chosen destination, ensuring they meet international standards.
3. Hospital Financial Assistance Programs
Many hospitals have financial assistance programs in place to help individuals cover the costs of medical procedures, including gastric bypass surgery. This assistance can be based on income and may provide discounts or grants to eligible individuals.
4. Clinical Trials
Another option for affordable gastric bypass surgery without insurance is participating in clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new surgical techniques or treatments. These trials may offer the surgery at a reduced cost or even free of charge.
5. Government and Non-Profit Assistance
Government agencies and non-profit organizations often provide financial assistance or grants to individuals in need of medical procedures but do not have insurance coverage.
6. Personal Savings and Loans
Utilizing personal savings or taking out a loan is a common financing option for individuals seeking gastric bypass surgery without insurance. Saving up funds beforehand or obtaining a personal loan from a bank or credit union can help cover the costs of the procedure.
7. Healthcare Credit Cards
Healthcare credit cards are specifically designed to cover medical expenses and can be a useful financing option for gastric bypass surgery. These cards may offer promotional periods with low or no interest, allowing individuals to pay for the procedure over time without incurring high interest charges.
8. Crowdfunding
In recent years, crowdfunding platforms have become increasingly popular for individuals seeking financial assistance for medical procedures. Creating a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for gastric bypass surgery can help spread awareness and garner support from friends, family, and strangers who believe in the cause.
9. Medical Tourism Financing
Some medical tourism companies offer financing options specifically tailored for individuals traveling abroad for gastric bypass surgery. These financing options may include low-interest rates or extended repayment terms, making the procedure more affordable.
10. Employer Health Programs
Some employers offer health programs that provide coverage or partial coverage for weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass. Inquire with your employer’s human resources department to determine if such programs are available. These programs may require certain eligibility criteria and may cover a portion or all of the surgery costs.
11. Negotiating with Bariatric Centers
When exploring affordable gastric bypass surgery options without insurance, it is worth discussing pricing and potential discounts with bariatric centers. Some facilities may be open to negotiating the overall cost or offering discounted rates for self-pay patients. Hospitals and surgical centers may offer cash pay discounts if individuals pay for their procedures upfront and without the involvement of insurance.
12. Flexible Payment Plans
Many bariatric centers offer flexible payment plans to help individuals manage the cost of gastric bypass surgery without insurance. These payment plans typically involve spreading out the cost of the procedure over a designated period, allowing for more manageable monthly payments.
13. Exploring Insurance Options
For individuals who are currently employed, employer-sponsored insurance may offer coverage for gastric bypass surgery. It is important to review the insurance policy and confirm if bariatric surgeries are covered.
Medicaid and Medicare programs provide health insurance coverage for low-income individuals and seniors, respectively. Depending on the state and specific program, gastric bypass surgery may be covered for eligible individuals.
Marketplace/Exchange plans, also known as Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, offer insurance coverage for individuals who do not have access to employer-sponsored insurance. These plans vary in coverage and cost, and it is essential to review the specific plan details to determine if gastric bypass surgery is covered and at what level.
14. Low-Cost Options
The University of Kansas Health System is proud to provide the lowest price for weight-loss surgery in Kansas City. The University of Kansas Health System offers discounted, low-cost pricing on weight-loss surgery for those paying out-of-pocket.
Affordable Self Pay Pricing for Bariatric Surgery If you are wanting to kickstart a happier, healthier life with weight loss surgery, don’t let cost concerns hold you back! We partner with independent medical lenders to facilitate affordable monthly payment plans for qualified self-pay patients. We are able to offer our low pricing on gastric balloons, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass procedures without sacrificing the quality of care in any way. Patients at our Huntsville weight loss clinic receive comprehensive and personalized care from Dr. Doucette, our board-certified bariatric surgeon who is also board certified in obesity medicine. Dr. Doucette upholds the highest patient safety standards. If you have thought about traveling for affordable weight loss surgery, consider making the trip to Huntsville.
Endoscopic weight loss procedures
Endoscopic weight loss procedures are minimally invasive options for people who want help losing weight but don't want -- or may not qualify for -- bariatric surgery. Endoscopic weight loss procedures can achieve better weight loss than medication but not as much as bariatric surgery. Because they are newer procedures, more data is needed on how they perform over the long term.
Endoscopy is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at its tip that allows your doctor to view your internal organs. The endoscope is inserted through a small opening in your body, such as your mouth, to reach your stomach and small bowel. These procedures require specialists with advanced training in GI endoscopy. Our surgeons and gastroenterologist have completed this advanced training and have years of experience performing these procedures with positive outcomes.
Like other weight loss procedures, nonsurgical weight loss options require lifestyle changes for you to achieve success. Our bariatric team evaluates your condition as well as your commitment to making these lifestyle changes. The gastric balloon may be an option for adults whose BMI is between 30 and 40. First, the doctor gives you a mild sedative. Then, using an endoscope passed through your mouth, the doctor will insert a soft, durable balloon in your stomach and fill the balloon with a saline solution. Gastric balloon is a temporary procedure; the balloon is removed after six months. Rapid weight loss is typically experienced during the first four months following placement of the balloon. In the first few days after it is placed, the gastric balloon can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. People with a BMI greater than 30 may be candidates for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Folds are stitched into your stomach to reduce its size by about 70%. This restricts how much food and drink you can consume and makes you feel fuller faster. No part of your stomach is cut or removed. Only stitches hold the folds in place. The procedure can be undone, but scar tissue may remain. Studies report that 60% of people lost about 20% of their total body weight during the first year after surgery. There are times when people have trouble reaching their weight loss goals -- or even gain weight -- after gastric bypass, because of stretching that may occur at the connection between the stomach and small intestine, also known as gastrojejunostomy. In this case, we may recommend an endoscopic gastric bypass revision, which is performed by inserting a tube into your mouth to reach your stomach.
Long-Term Success
All of the procedures discussed above are endorsed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and are excellent options to help you achieve healthy, long-term weight loss and improve medical conditions related to obesity. While all operations have risks, bariatric procedures performed at accredited centers are safe and have a low risk for complications. Successful bariatric surgery requires a team-based approach including your surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, nurse case manager, and obesity medicine specialist who will focus on taking you through each step of the journey. Patients will do better if they continue to eat healthy, engage in physical activity, keep their appointments with obesity medicine providers, and take vitamins and mineral supplements as instructed. Your bariatric care team will provide you with lifelong support to succeed and maintain a permanent healthy lifestyle including changes to your diet and regular physical activity.
The number of pounds people lose after weight-loss surgery depends on the individual and on the type of surgery. One study found that after 1 year, people undergoing adjustable gastric banding, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass lost between 38 and 87 pounds. Of the three most common procedures, gastric bypass produced greater weight loss, on average, but had more complications in the month after surgery. Your weight loss could be different.