Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass, also referred to as the Roux-en-Y Bypass is a popular metabolic bariatric surgery for obesity. It is a combination of portion restriction and nutrient/calorie malabsorption that translates into a significant weight loss. The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch from the top of the stomach using surgical staples. This size reduction restricts the amount of food a person can eat and makes them feel full quickly. The first section of the small intestine is bypassed, and new small stomach is connected to the second part of the intestine which reduce calorie and nutrient absorption. In addition, changes to hunger hormones results in a smaller appetite. When patients follow the prescribed after surgery lifestyle they can lose 70-80 % of their excess weight.

The surgical approach is laparoscopic which is also referred to as minimally invasive. Patients are left with 5 small incisions. The site of the small incisions is where the fine, delicate instruments and tiny camera enter to guide and perform the surgery. In certain circumstances, the approach is robotically assisted.

Advantages are the improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions like Diabetes Type 2, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Joint Disease, Sleep Apnea, Infertility, Migraines, and more. Increased energy for daily activities and exercise.is typically reported and improvements to longevity, sleep, mood and overall quality of life.

Risks may include cardiac/pulmonary events, bowel obstruction, staple line leak, infection, ulcers, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies. The risks and benefits of weight loss surgery will be addressed with your surgeon and bariatric team.

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.