Obesity is a global problem. As a result, health companies are beginning to recognize the benefits of funding weight loss surgeries. Many bariatric procedures are already covered by national health services and Medicare recently approved a limited number of weight loss surgeries for insurance coverage. Although the costs of bariatric surgeries are high (rising to $30,000 in some cases), the decrease in hospital costs for obesity related illnesses following surgery is making funding weight loss procedures a cost effective method for health insurance companies and health services alike.
So how do you decide if weight loss surgery is the right option for you?
First, determine if you are a candidate. Do you have a BMI of +30? Have you tried unsuccessfully to lose weight with non-surgical measures? Is your health suffering as a result of your excess weight?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, bariatric surgery could be the treatment you need to restart a healthier lifestyle.
How does bariatric surgery work?
Bariatric surgery methods control weight gain in two ways: firstly by limiting the amount of calories you can eat and secondly by speeding up the digestion of food to prevent a large number of calories being absorbed.
Limiting the amount of calories you eat is a common method of weight loss- and most diets recommend lowering your daily calories intake by 500 calories to lose weight. Weight loss surgery literally shrinks your stomach, making it impossible for you to consume more than a certain amount of food, thereby restricting the number of calories you consume. You can maintain the lost weight with a recommended diet after weight loss durgery.
The second aspect of bariatric surgery is speeding up digestion and preventing nutrient absorption. Calories and nutrients are absorbed gradually during the digestive process. Weight loss surgery methods, such as Gastric Bypass surgery, shorten the digestive tract, speeding up the time it takes for food to reach the large intestine and limiting the time food remains in the body.
What are my weight loss surgery options?
Depending on how much weight you need to loose, the lifestyle you lead and any other health problems you suffer from, there are different methods of bariatric surgery. If you are hoping your health insurance plan will cover weight loss surgery, it is recommended that you check with your insurance provider as to which procedures will be financed before making an appointment.
Gastric Banding – also known as lap band surgery, is a reversible method of weight loss surgery. Surgeons place a band around the stomach creating a smaller stomach pouch and limiting the amount of food you can eat.
Gastric Balloon - the least invasive weight loss surgery method, a balloon is inflated in the stomach to keep the stomach feeling full and limit the amount of food consumed.
Sleeve Gastrectomy - a procedure only recommended for patients who are morbidly obese, during sleeve gastrectomy procedures bariatric surgeons remove up to 80% of the actual stomach.
Gastric Bypass Roux-en Y – Combining restrictive methods of bariatric surgery, the intestine is re-routed and the stomach made smaller to limit both the amount of food that can be eaten and the amount of food absorbed.
Is weight loss surgery the right solution for me?
Choosing weight loss surgery is not a choice you should make lightly. As these testimonials show, most patients are delighted with the results of surgery and bariatric procedures help them achieve the figure they want. However, you must be committed to making a complete lifestyle change before you go ahead with surgery.
How did bariatric surgery change your life? What were your concerns as you prepared for treatment? Would you repeat your surgery? Have you maintained weight loss?
Share your story to help others who are considering weight loss treatment. If you have undergone bariatric surgery, or are considering seeking advice on surgery please do write to us at contact@whereismydoctor.com.
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