Adjustable Gastric Band

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, is a restrictive procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a much smaller stomach pouch. The band also slows the passage of food from the stomach into the intestine. This allows you to feel full for a much longer time after eating.

Candidates for adjustable gastric banding have a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI between 35 and 39 with obesity-related illnesses such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

* LAP Band is FDA approved for a BMI 30 or greater.

* Realise is not FDA approved for a BMI below 35.

How It Works

Inflating the balloon inside the band with the saline solution further restricts the opening through which food passes. This reduces the amount you can eat and slows the passage of food. You feel full longer after eating.
Deflating the balloon inside the band by removing some of the saline solution increases the opening through which food passes. This can be helpful if you develop certain problems, like regurgitation of food.

Advantages

You eat less
Prolonged sense of fullness after small meals
Less invasive procedure
Shorter operating time
Can be an outpatient procedure
Adjustable
Reversible
Helps improve obesity-related conditions
Less risk of nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition

Steps for Making Weight Loss Surgery Affordable

Have you delayed the idea of weight loss surgery because you’re worried about the cost? The good news is that insurance may cover more than you think. While navigating the world of deductibles and copays can seem complicated, our easy-to-follow steps can be a helpful tool.

Here’s how to make weight loss surgery affordable with—and without—insurance.

Step 1

Find out if you are covered for weight loss procedures under your insurance policies.

Look for policy information on the insurance company’s website or ask your human resources department for details. Many employers cover weight loss surgery in their insurance plans.

Step 2

Your weight loss surgery program can help with insurance pre-authorization by sending information about your health showing that your surgery is medically necessary.

For example, if you have a condition that’s caused or worsened by obesity, such as diabetes or heart disease, billing codes for those conditions (or others that apply) will be included in the application.

Step 3

Get approval.

Your responsibility will be to understand your insurance benefits, copays and deductible information. Your surgery program can help with the approval process.

Step 4

If you can’t get insurance coverage for your procedure, you still have options.

Many weight loss surgery programs offer a cash pay rate. Financing options, such as a flexible payment plan, can also make your procedure affordable.

So now that you have a good understanding of how to cover the cost of weight loss surgery, why weight?

Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.