Will Insurance Cover Bariatric Surgery?
Will Insurance Cover Bariatric Surgery, or Do I Have to Pay Out of Pocket for Weight Loss Treatment?
Obesity can wreak havoc on your body, causing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a long list of other health issues.
While bariatric surgery, also referred to as weight loss surgery, is a great tool to help overcome obesity when diet and exercise aren’t working, financing the surgery can be tricky.
Will insurance cover bariatric surgery? Keep reading to find out!
How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?
The average weight loss surgery cost runs between $20,000 and $25,000. That’s before additional costs like prescriptions, aftercare, and support staff like anesthesiologists. There are quite a few things that factor into the price of the surgery.
Factors include geographic location, type of surgery, and the hospital itself. Most importantly, the surgeon’s expertise is a big contributor to the total cost.
However, a surgeon’s knowledge and experience should never be sacrificed. You could end up with disastrous complications that require multiple revision surgeries if you skimp on quality to save money.
Will Insurance Cover Bariatric Surgery?
This is where things get tricky. It entirely depends on your plan. In Virginia, insurers have to “make available” plans covering bariatric surgery, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the plan you have covers weight loss surgery.
The best way to find out is to call your insurance company. If your plan covers the surgery, you’ll likely have to prove that the surgery is medically necessary and that it’s not simply for cosmetic purposes.
I Need Bariatric Surgery – What’s the First Step to Finding Out If I’m Covered?
Will insurance cover bariatric surgery? The first step is determining which procedure is best for you, as your insurance company may cover some surgical procedures, such as lap-band surgery, but not others.
Give us a call at 703-465-5060 to schedule your consultation, where we’ll help determine the best treatment options.
What Is the Minimum Weight for Bariatric Surgery in Vienna, Virginia?
Let’s be honest – even in the best of situations, losing weight is hard. It’s even harder when there are emotional or physical obstacles that get in the way of sustaining a healthy diet and exercise program.
For some, bariatric surgery seems like the only option, but are you a candidate? If you find yourself searching for the answer to “What is the minimum weight for bariatric surgery in Vienna, Virginia?” you’ve come to the right place!
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is actually a broader term for several weight loss surgeries.
The most common bariatric surgeries are the gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve, gastric band, and, this one’s a mouthful, bilio-pancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, also known as BPD/DS.
Each procedure has certain advantages. An experienced and knowledgeable surgeon will take the time to discuss your history and perform a complete exam before giving you recommendations on which option is best suited for you.
What Is the Minimum Weight for Bariatric Surgery in Vienna, Virginia?
There are a few guidelines on the ideal candidate for weight loss surgery.
Generally speaking, you may be a candidate if you are more than 100 pounds over your ideal weight, but most physicians will focus less on your actual weight and more on your BMI.
Typically, those who have a BMI of over 40 qualify. In some instances, like if you have significant health issues due to your weight, people with a BMI of over 35 could also be candidates.
The Team at Alagsa Is Here to Help!
The best part of coming to see us is that you’re never alone in the journey.
Our team is ready to walk with you every step of the way now that you know what is the minimum weight for bariatric surgery in Vienna, Virginia.
The first step on your road to weight loss? Schedule your consultation for obesity surgery by calling us at 703-465-5060!
What Is the Safest Weight Loss Surgery by a Bariatric Surgeon in Virginia?
Bariatric surgery can be an effective way of overcoming obesity. There are several types available, so it’s natural to wonder what the safest weight loss surgery by a bariatric surgeon in Virginia is.
Here Are Some of the Safest, Life-Changing Obesity Surgeries Available That Offer Real Results
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery is the most common type of bariatric surgery and was made famous by TV shows.
In this procedure, the stomach size is reduced and connected directly to the small intestine. This procedure typically offers the most weight loss, and results usually last longer than other procedures.
Gastric Sleeve
This procedure is similar to the bypass in that it reduces the size of the stomach, usually by around 80 percent.
However, in this procedure, nothing is rerouted. It does cause some positive hormonal changes that help kickstart your weight loss.
Gastric Band
Gastric band surgery uses a band around the stomach to reduce its size. The band is adjustable, and the procedure is known to help reduce hunger.
BPD/DS
In a bilio-pancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) surgery, the surgeon performs a gastric sleeve, bypasses most of the intestine, and then takes the bypassed intestine and reconnects it to a different part of the small intestine.
If it sounds complicated, it is, but the results are typically dramatic and long term.
The Safest Weight Loss Surgery by a Bariatric Surgeon in Virginia Is Personal
That leads us to the question on everyone’s minds, “What’s the safest weight loss surgery by a bariatric surgeon in Virginia?” Unfortunately, there’s no quick answer because every case and every patient is different.
The best way to determine which surgery is best for your case is to come to see us.
Just call us at 703-465-5060 to book your consultation, and we’ll help you find the safest treatment for your unique situation!
How Long Does a Gastric Sleeve Last After Weight Loss Surgery?
If you’re overweight and feel like you’ve tried every diet and exercise fad with no results, you may be considering a gastric sleeve.
One of the most common questions we hear from potential patients is, “How long does a gastric sleeve last after weight loss surgery?” The answer starts with how a gastric sleeve works.
What Happens During a Gastric Sleeve?
During a gastric sleeve, the surgeon makes small incisions so that they can insert the surgical tools. The surgeon then removes about 80% of your stomach, so that just a smaller, banana-shaped stomach is left. This helps to limit the amount of food you can eat, but it also helps to stimulate hormonal changes that help you lose weight.
The hormone factor is twice as important, because it can also be effective tool to combat high blood pressure and heart disease. Over time, you’ll lose weight and hopefully create lasting, healthy habits.
How Long Does a Gastric Sleeve Last?
Why do the workings of a gastric sleeve matter when answering, “How long does a gastric sleeve last?” Well, a gastric sleeve can minimize the amount of food you’re initially eating, but it doesn’t mean that you won’t be capable of eating foods that lead to weight gain.
For example, let’s say you have a donut an hour every hour; you’re probably not going to maintain your weight loss long. If, on the other hand, you eat a diet full of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber, you could see your results last upwards of five years.
Where Can I Go to Get My Gastric Sleeve Questions Answered?
It’s natural to have questions about the procedure, and our team is here to help answer them! Just give us a call at 703-465-5060 to schedule your consultation. Let us guide you to the right weight loss surgery for you if you’re considering this option to help improve your health.