Yes, if you meet the medical eligibility standards, you can get bariatric surgery without insurance. You must, however, plan ahead of time how you will pay for weight loss surgery if you do not have insurance. Hospitals and doctors are required by law to give emergency care, but they will refuse to provide you with operations like bariatric surgery unless you have been authorized for insurance coverage or are able to pay for it yourself.
How can I get weight loss surgery if I can’t afford it?
The cost of weight-loss surgery is determined by a variety of factors, including your location, the hospital you choose, the surgeon’s fees, and the method you choose. According to Obesity Coverage, a bariatric surgery information site, lap-band surgery costs $14,500 on average, whereas gastric bypass surgery costs $23,000 on average.
It’s natural if the price tag makes you gag; after all, it’s more than some new cars cost. It may, however, be well worth the cost. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, weight-loss surgery can help you avoid significant health problems and live longer.
Because of what it may accomplish for your health and happiness, bariatric surgery is one of the rare times when going into debt is a positive choice. Fortunately, there are six different payment options to choose from to make the expense more bearable.
Secured medical loan
A secured medical loan, according to Bariatric Surgery Form, is a typical source of funding. A secured medical loan is one that you back up with assets such as your home or car.
You may be able to borrow up to the whole cost of the treatment, depending on the value of your collateral. Because the loan must be secured with collateral, you may be eligible for lower interest rates than you would with other forms of loans. Furthermore, you normally have up to ten years to repay the debt.
Make sure you can afford a loan before applying for one. If you default on your payments, the lender has the right to confiscate your assets.
Hospital payment plan
You may be eligible for a payment plan depending on the hospital you choose for your operation. Some hospitals will let you spread the expense of surgery over a period of months or even years, with low interest rates. Contact your hospital’s billing department to see if payment options are available.
(k) loan
Although taking money from your retirement account isn’t ideal, there are times when it’s necessary, such as for medical procedures. Taking out a retirement plan loan can help you attain your goals if you’re considering bariatric surgery.
You are borrowing money from yourself when you take out a 401(k) loan. You take out the desired amount and then make interest-bearing monthly installments on the loan. You can normally borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of your vested account amount, whichever is smaller, with a 401(k) loan. You may also be required to pay set-up and maintenance costs.
Before taking out a 401(k) loan, there are certain drawbacks to consider. You lose out on account growth while the loan is being repaid, which might cost you thousands of dollars over time. If you lose your work or are laid off, you have until the due date on your federal tax return to repay the loan; otherwise, you will be responsible for paying taxes and penalties on the amount borrowed.
CareCredit
CareCredit is a credit card that can only be used for medical costs that meet certain criteria. You won’t pay interest if you pay off the loan in full within the promotional period if you can afford a repayment term of 24 months or less.
However, before using CareCredit, make sure to read the tiny print. If you don’t pay off the debt during the promotional period, CareCredit will charge you interest from the initial purchase date, so you won’t be able to take advantage of the 0% interest offer.
You can choose a payback period of up to 60 months, but the interest rate will be comparable to that of other credit cards.
Health savings account
If you have health insurance with a high deductible, you may be eligible for a health savings account (HSA). An HSA is similar to a personal savings account, except that the funds can only be used for medical expenses, such as bariatric surgery. If you’re single, you can contribute up to $3,450 per year to an HSA as of 2018.
A health savings account (HSA) may be a more cost-effective option than a personal savings account. HSA contributions are deducted from your pretax wages, reducing your taxable income. Furthermore, any interest earned on the account is tax-free, and any withdrawals made for qualified expenses are also tax-free.
If you don’t utilize the money in your HSA, it rolls over to the next year, unlike a flexible spending account. As a result, an HSA can be a good method to save money and pay for surgery.
Personal loan
If you have decent credit, a low-interest personal loan could be an excellent choice. Personal loans, unlike secured medical loans, usually do not require collateral, so you won’t have to put your home or other belongings at risk.
You can borrow anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000 and have up to seven years to repay it, depending on your credit history and salary. A personal loan might be a cost-effective option for moving forward with your weight-loss operation provided you qualify for a low interest rate.
However, you should only apply for a personal loan if you have excellent credit. Otherwise, you risk paying interest rates as high as 35.00 percent, which could add thousands to the cost of the procedure.
Assume you borrowed $23,000 to pay for gastric bypass surgery and were approved for a five-year loan with a 5.00 percent interest rate. You’d repay $26,042 throughout the length of your payback period. In comparison, if you borrowed $23,000 and were approved for a five-year loan at 35.00 percent interest, you’d owe $48,977. You’d end up spending more than double the cost of surgery due to interest costs.
If you decide to proceed, compare personal loan lenders’ offers to guarantee you obtain the best rates.
Who is not eligible for bariatric surgery?
BMI: First and foremost, they might not have a BMI that is high enough. Surgery is required if your BMI is 35 or higher and you have one or more obesity-related conditions, or if your BMI is 40 or higher and you don’t have any obesity-related conditions. This is a clear and fast guideline that ensures the patient actually requires bariatric surgery and that no other options are available.
Health Issues: Surgery puts a lot of stress on the body. Both surgical intervention and anesthesia carry dangers, and individuals in poor general health have a significantly higher risk of both. As a result, we do a number of pre-operative testing to ensure that this risk is minimized.
Tobacco use: Tobacco use increases the risk of problems during and after surgery. Patients must be smoke-free for at least six weeks prior to the surgery.
Payment arrangements: Bariatric surgery is not covered by all insurance policies. Obtaining a pre-authorization for surgery is also not always possible. While some patients may be denied coverage due to a clerical error or a technicality that can be remedied, others may be denied coverage because their insurance company does not consider them candidates for bariatric surgery. Some insurance plans specifically prohibit bariatric surgery, but financing and cash payment options are always available.
Other Reasons: There are some intangible reasons why a patient may not be a good candidate for bariatric surgery, the most important of which is just not being mentally and emotionally prepared. Our surgeons take this extremely seriously and will go over it with each and every patient in great detail. Some individuals will also require a psychological evaluation, which will focus on emotional readiness for the trials and changes that will definitely occur following surgery rather than mental health.
While it is distressing to hear that you have been denied the option to have bariatric surgery, it is done for a valid cause. The procedure’s safety and effectiveness are the most crucial considerations. Bariatric surgery becomes less effective and safe without it. That being said, we will always work with you to make sure you understand what surgery entails. We’ll have an open and honest conversation with you about your suitability for bariatric surgery and whether non-surgical weight loss is a better choice for you.
Only a consultation with a knowledgeable physician, such as those at Surgical Association of Mobile, can tell you for sure. Please contact our office to set up a virtual or in-person consultation.
What is the cheapest gastric surgery?
If you have insurance that covers bariatric surgery, gastric bypass is tied for the cheapest treatment. It has the 6th lowest average total cost without insurance.
What qualifies for bariatric surgery?
Your body mass index, a numerical number of your weight in relation to your height, plays a role in determining your eligibility for bariatric surgery. The BMI range of 18-24.9 is seen as ideal. A BMI of 40 or higher is considered morbid obesity.
If you have a BMI of 35-39 with particular serious health concerns like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. A BMI of 40 or more is also a requirement.
Does Medicaid cover gastric sleeve?
Lap-Band Surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, and gastric bypass are all covered by Medicaid in most circumstances. These are not just easily funded by Medicaid, but they are also among the most frequently recommended operations. In some cases, these are deemed medically necessary for the patient’s survival and well-being.
Gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach while also bypassing a portion of the intestine. As a result, you eat less and the food is delivered directly to the lower intestine. Nutrient and calorie absorption is reduced as a result of the bypass. As a result, it limits food intake while also assisting in weight loss. The top region of the stomach is covered with silicone bands and balloons in Lap-Band surgery. This limits the amount of space available for food storage. In addition, the stomach’s entrance narrows. The technique is less invasive than others because it is performed laparoscopically. It is also desirable because it is simple to reverse and the band can be changed. Finally, a sleeve-shaped, smaller stomach is constructed through gastric sleeve surgery. Because there isn’t much room for food to sit, it passes through the intestines quickly. As a result, it also reduces food intake and calorie absorption.
How much is gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery costs an average of $9,350. 1 Anesthesia, the hospital facility charge, surgeon’s costs, pre-operative lab and X-ray fees, and follow-up treatment are usually included in this cost. Keep in mind that the cost of your surgery will vary based on your surgeon, the location of the practice, and the number of days you need to stay in the hospital. Consultations with a dietician or nutritionist can cost anywhere from $70 to $100 per appointment, however the initial consultation may be more expensive. 2
Does insurance cover gastric sleeve surgery?
If you’ve been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise because of a medical issue, such as sleep apnea or heart problems, certain health insurance companies may pay all or a portion of the cost of gastric sleeve surgery. In most circumstances, you’ll need to have medically necessary weight loss surgery due to established health difficulties associated to being overweight.
Out-of-pocket costs for a sleeve gastrectomy for patients with insurance coverage can include deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Your weight reduction surgery charges may be paid by your Medicare plan if you’re covered by Medicare and fulfill certain requirements. 3
Because some health insurance policies do not cover bariatric surgery, it’s a good idea to double-check with your provider. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of gastric sleeve surgery, many of the associated costs, like as lab testing, pre-op exams, and other pre-op prerequisites, may be covered.
How can I finance and pay for gastric sleeve surgery?
Some bariatric surgeons and hospitals offer payment plans, so inquire with your doctors about the possibility of paying for your sleeve gastrectomy expenditures in installments. A credit card can also be used to pay for weight loss surgery.
Why should someone consider having bariatric surgery?
Obesity is dangerous to one’s health. A person who is 40% overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely as someone who is ordinary weight. (After 10 to 30 years of being obese, this effect appears.) Obesity is responsible for over 300,000 fatalities each year in the United States alone. Obesity is linked to a number of serious and life-threatening illnesses, including:
Weight loss reduces the chance of death from these illnesses, according to studies. Patients usually no longer need to take drugs for these illnesses after six months of weight loss surgery. Furthermore, women who were infertile prior to surgery find that conception is achievable following surgery.
Who is eligible for bariatric surgery?
You must be morbidly obese and between the ages of 16 and 70 to be considered for bariatric surgery (with few exclusions) (weighing at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight and having a BMI of 40). If you have certain pre-existing co-morbidities, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or sleep apnea, a BMI of 35 to 39 may also qualify you for the surgery.
If you’re a woman of childbearing age who wants to have a family, you should know that you can’t get pregnant for at least 18 months after surgery. Pregnancy is extremely harmful for you and your growing fetus because of the rapid weight reduction and nutritional inadequacies linked with bariatric surgery.
What bariatric surgical procedures are performed by surgeons at Cleveland Clinic?
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most routinely done malabsorptive operation. This procedure shrinks the stomach and changes digestion. It is possible to eat less food and absorb fewer calories. By separating the top end of the stomach, the bariatric surgeon produces a tiny pouch. The pouch is then linked to a Y-shaped piece of the small intestine, allowing food to bypass the lower stomach, duodenum (first segment of the small intestine), and first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). The operation establishes a direct connection between the stomach and the lower region of the small intestine, allowing calories and nutrients to skip portions of the digestive tract that absorb them.
The sleeve gastrectomy can also be performed laparoscopically. This treatment entails making five or six small incisions in the belly and performing the surgery with the help of a video camera (laparoscope) and lengthy instruments that are inserted via these incisions. Approximately 75% of the stomach is removed during a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), leaving a narrow gastric “tube” or “sleeve.” During a sleeve gastrectomy, no intestines are removed or bypassed. It takes one to two hours to complete the LSG. Also accessible is an animated video of a sleeve gastrectomy process.
How much weight loss can be expected?
The majority of patients lose between 66 and 80 percent of their excess body weight after bariatric surgery, with the majority of this weight loss occurring 18 to 24 months after surgery.
Is it possible to gain the weight back after surgery?
Bariatric surgery has a proven track record of helping severely obese people reduce weight over time. However, with any form of weight loss, even surgery, there are no guarantees. Only if you are determined to making lifestyle and dietary adjustments for the rest of your life will you achieve success.
What are the risks for bariatric surgery?
All surgical treatments carry hazards, but grossly obese patients are especially vulnerable. Varying treatments carry different hazards, and your risks may be higher or lower than usual based on your own circumstances. It’s also worth noting that weight loss surgery techniques performed by bariatric surgeons with more experience have fewer difficulties. Surgery risks should be reviewed with your surgeon so that you may make an informed decision.
Can bariatric surgery be reversed?
The minimally invasive procedure of laparoscopic gastric banding is reversible. Gastric bypass surgery can be reversed in some cases. Reversal necessitates a second operation of equal or larger magnitude, with equal or greater hazards.
What if I need revision surgery?
Weight loss surgery is not a magic bullet, and while the majority of patients achieve their weight loss goals, revision weight loss surgery may be necessary in some cases. Whether the reason for pursuing revision weight loss surgery is due to insufficient weight loss/regain, unresolved co-morbidities, or medical difficulties, there may be a revision option.
Regardless of the previous surgery, revisional bariatric operations are usually difficult for a surgeon. To obtain the intended results, they require sufficient expertise. Bariatric Centers of Excellence, as designated by the American Society for Bariatric Surgical, offer a multidisciplinary staff and facilities for patients who require surgery revision. Patients who want gastric bypass revision or any other type of revisional surgery should seek out a surgeon at a bariatric facility who has extensive experience with revisional bariatric surgery.
What do I need to know about pregnancy after gastric bypass surgery?
Your body goes through a lot of changes in the first 18 months after gastric bypass surgery. Weight loss is a big one, but your body is also going through hormonal changes that make you more fertile. Please exercise caution during this period and ensure that you do not become pregnant by using a method of birth control. A pregnancy test will be performed if necessary before your procedure.
Much recent research demonstrates that pregnancies in people with a lower BMI are often safer than pregnancies with obesity-related problems. If you’ve had weight loss surgery and are thinking about getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about safe family planning. It’s also a good idea to tell your doctors about it at your weight reduction surgery consultation so they can offer advice and resources.
Because your body is undergoing significant changes during the first 18 months after gastric bypass surgery, it is not recommended to become pregnant until your weight and body have stabilized. Rapid weight loss after surgery causes hormonal changes and may deprive a developing infant of essential nutrients.
How quickly can you get bariatric surgery?
If there are no medical weight loss program restrictions, most patients can be pre-approved for bariatric surgery within 90 days/12 weeks (with consecutive office visits throughout), although there is no assurance. However, collecting the documentation and testing that the insurance company requires is one of the most significant bottlenecks in the insurance process. We keep you informed by interacting with you on a frequent basis during the pre-operative period.
Why you shouldn’t get gastric sleeve?
You most likely know someone who has had a lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric bypass. These are the most popular bariatric procedures for those who are trying to lose weight. Despite this, there are still a lot of misconceptions regarding them.
The medical director of the JFK for Life Bariatric Surgery Program, Alexander D. Abkin, M.D., FACS, explains common misunderstandings regarding bariatric operation and the realities of life post-surgery in the video below.
False. Each procedure is one-of-a-kind, just like the person undergoing it. There are several bariatric surgery methods available, each of which helps people lose weight in a different way.
A tiny pouch is produced at the top of the stomach during gastric bypass surgery. After that, the small intestine is separated into two sections. The bottom half of the small intestine is connected to the new stomach pouch, and the top part of the small intestine is connected lower down so that stomach acids and digestive enzymes can interact with food. The stomach pouch absorbs less food and so decreases appetite, whereas the small intestine absorbs fewer calories and nutrients.
Sleeve Gastrectomy- This treatment removes around 80% of the stomach, decreasing the amount of food consumed at one time and affecting hunger and blood sugar levels.
A band is placed around the upper stomach, forming a tiny pouch that limits the quantity of food your stomach can contain while also prolonging the sense of fullness. The band can be adjusted to enable or restrict the amount of food that enters the stomach as necessary.
If you’re thinking about weight reduction surgery, talk to your bariatric surgeon about which procedure is appropriate for you depending on your medical history. In the end, you’ll decide whatever method is most pleasant for you.
Due to various pre-existing medical issues, such as cardiovascular disease, patients weighing more than 500 pounds can represent a challenge for surgeons. However, with a competent surgeon who is familiar with treating larger patients, bariatric surgery is still doable.
To be eligible for bariatric surgery, you must generally meet the following medical requirements:
Your BMI ranges between 35 and 39.9, and you have major weight-related health issues such high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, and PCOS.
Maintaining weight loss and keeping it off is contingent on your level of commitment to this new way of life. Patients who gain weight may not be adhering to the diet and activity plan recommended by their doctors.
To monitor your weight reduction and review your overall health, make sure to schedule follow-up consultations with your weight loss surgery team and primary care physician.
The risk of dying as a result of bariatric surgery is quite minimal. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, one out of every 1,000 patients who undergo bariatric surgery is at danger of dying within 30 days.
Obesity, on the other hand, can lead to serious ailments like heart disease, renal disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. For people who already have diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, and infertility, having bariatric surgery can minimize or eliminate their risk of acquiring these health concerns.
Bariatric procedures are classified as cosmetic by some insurance carriers and hence are not covered, although each policy is different.
When it comes to bariatric surgery coverage, most insurance companies follow the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommendations. People with other obesity-related health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, are more likely to be insured for bariatric surgery, especially if their BMI is between 35 and 39.9.
Your insurance provider may also want a letter of necessity from your surgeon or primary care physician detailing your current health and medical concerns connected to obesity in order to receive reimbursement.
When you lose a lot of weight in a short period of time, your skin might become loose and saggy. This varies from person to person depending on the amount of weight lost, age, level of exercise, genetics, and smoking history. In most situations, plastic surgery following weight loss surgery is a personal choice rather than a medical need.
Many people prefer to wear compression garments to cover any excess skin rather than pay for plastic surgery.
Misconception #7: Vitamin and mineral deficits will create health problems.
You’ll need to take a multivitamin for the rest of your life, but shouldn’t you be taking one already? Some bariatric surgeries restrict nutrient absorption from the intestine, resulting in fatigue, bone and muscle loss, and a weakened immune system.
Vitamin and mineral shortages can be avoided by eating a well-balanced diet and using dietary supplements. You may also require iron, calcium, and vitamin D supplements.
To make sure you’re on the proper track, check in with your surgery team or primary care physician and have necessary blood work done.
Any significant lifestyle adjustment can have an influence on your mental and emotional well-being. Many persons who are considering bariatric surgery have a history of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem as a result of their weight. Bariatric surgery improves patients’ psychological well-being in the vast majority of situations. However, pre-existing mental problems might sometimes go untreated.
The relationship between suicide and bariatric surgery is still being investigated. Meanwhile, comprehensive programs necessitate psychological examinations before to surgery and post-surgical follow-up.
Bariatric surgery may improve your capacity to conceive, carry a baby, and deliver a child. It’s best to wait at least a year before trying to conceive for a variety of reasons, including the possibility of weight gain or miscarriage. If you want to start a family, tell your OB/GYN about your bariatric surgery and have your vitamin levels checked on a regular basis.
Weight loss during pregnancy can help minimize the risk of gestational diabetes, eclampsia, and macrosomia. Additionally, when mom is at a healthy weight, childbirth is safer for both mom and baby, and there are fewer miscarriages and stillbirths reported.
If you’re sexually active but not wanting to conceive, make an appointment with your OB/GYN. When your weight varies, birth control pills are less effective. Alternative birth control techniques such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and condoms are permissible during this phase.
Have you ever attempted to shed a few pounds? Consider attempting to shed 50 or 70 pounds. It’s not simple, especially if your body is accustomed to taking far more calories than you allow on a diet.
Many patients who are considering bariatric surgery have tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise and are seeking professional assistance. Long-term weight loss is achievable with bariatric surgery because it eliminates food cravings and makes you feel fuller for longer.
A bariatric treatment, like regular diet and exercise, necessitates a willingness to change your lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity. Bariatric surgery isn’t the only option to lose weight “An easy way out.” Consider it more of a springboard to a better lifestyle for the rest of your life.
Bariatric procedures are designed to help people lose weight and enhance their quality of life. Discuss the various procedures with your doctor to see which one best suits your health needs. There isn’t any “method to weight loss that is “one-size-fits-all.”
You must be prepared to undertake long-term lifestyle adjustments. Bariatric surgery aids weight loss in the short term, but diet and exercise are required to maintain weight loss.
Years after surgery, your body continues to adjust. In the first year after surgery, the majority of patients lose a significant amount of weight. Hunger and cravings are minimized throughout this time, and you’ll feel fuller for longer.
It is critical to make healthy eating choices. You don’t have to live on shakes and liquids, but you should keep an eye on your diet.
Keep in touch with your surgeon and primary care physician. Make follow-up appointments to keep an eye on your weight, nutrition, and mental health.
The information given by HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not be used to replace medical advice. For individual care, always consult your doctor.
How painful is gastric bypass surgery?
Pain is a highly personal experience. There will be discomfort after gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or Lap Band surgery, and it can be severe.
It would be good if we could say that gastric bypass surgery causes a pain level of 8 out of 10. On a pain rating of one to ten, gastric sleeve surgery is a seven out of ten, while lap band surgery is a five out of ten. However, we are unable to do so due to the vast disparities in how people perceive and assess pain.
Because laparoscopic surgery is the most common type of weight reduction surgery, this article focuses on it. Any open procedure involves significantly more discomfort and a longer stay in the hospital.
According to anecdotal evidence, laparoscopic gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) cause similar levels of discomfort. Typically, the place of the incision where the surgeon removed the stomach causes more pain. In most cases, this is the upper left quadrant (under your rib cage on your left side).
This makes sense because the incision must be expanded and stretched to remove the stomach during a gastric sleeve treatment. Muscle fibers rip and bruise as a result of this.
The anastomosis (the connecting of the intestines to the new stomach) is frequently done with a circular stapler during gastric bypass surgery. Because these staplers are so enormous, they usually necessitate a larger incision in the upper left quadrant. The stapler’s insertion and withdrawal can strain the muscle and result in bruising.
Because gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery employ larger incisions, it’s probable that these two treatments produce slightly greater pain than Lap Band surgery.
In general, pain is rarely a major concern following surgery. Pain medication can help you manage it. In a matter of days, most patients are off all pain medications and back to work. For a few weeks after surgery, bending over, getting up from a seated posture, and twisting your torso can produce intense discomfort. With time, this will fade away.
The most important thing to understand about pain is that very few, if any, patients would refuse surgery if they could go back in time. So, while you should expect some discomfort, rest confident that it will be well worth it in the end. Our article on gastric sleeve healing delves into pain and recovery in depth.