Gastric Band Care

In the past, Lap-Bands® were a common wight loss procedure but that is no longer the case. A moderate to large number of band patients experienced insufficient weight loss and eventual issues involving erosion, slippage, prolapse, reflux, dilatation, food swallowing issues, respiratory issues and general intolerance. Nowadays, bands are mostly removed and/or converted from a device-driven surgery to a true metabolic weight loss surgery like Bypass or Sleeve. Since a band is a silicone medical device it does have a limited lifespan, similar to other implantable devices. If you are a patient with a Lap-Band® that is causing issues and poor weight loss maintenance or if you are happy with your band and it is working well, it is advisable see a bariatric professional for evaluation to ensure its safety. This is typically done by X-ray.

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.