Bariatric Surgery

Prior to starting weight loss surgery, consult your physician or healthcare professional.

Bariatric Surgery is a type of weight-loss, or gastrointestinal, surgery. A pre-authorization is usually required by your insurance carrier. Requirements vary from carrier to carrier but usually involve the following:

1. Psychological Evaluation and Clearance.
2. BMI of 35 with two co-morbidities or BMI of 40 or greater.
3. Six months of a physician supervised weight loss program.

The average costs of surgical treatment range from $16,000 for Laparoscopic Banding to $27,000 for Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass. This surgery helps patients lose weight by either restricting food intake by surgically decreasing the size of the of the stomach, or by surgically bypassing a portion of the intestines so that fewer calories and nutrients can be absorbed. Prior to seeking any type of Bariatric Surgery, you should always consult a physician.

There are many advantages and disadvantages

to using weight loss surgery. Some studies have shown that Bariatric surgery typically leads to long-term weight loss of 60-85% of excess weight in patients who have the surgery. In doing so, many weight-related medical problems, such as blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and high cholesterol, are resolved or show some degree of improvement. However, as is the case with any type of surgical procedure, there are potential medical complications that can occur during and after surgery. Additionally, undergoing the surgery will require lifelong medical management and supervision. Some of the more common types of Bariatric surgery include LAP-BAND surgery, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery, the Duodenal Switch, and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.