If you've struggled to lose weight over the years, your doctor might recommend bariatric surgery. This type of surgery reduces the size of your stomach, making it easier for you to eat smaller amounts of food. Bariatric surgery isn't a magic cure-all — you'll still have to stick to a diet and exercise regimen to keep the weight off. However, gastric bypass surgery can kick-start your weight loss journey and help you achieve goals that you never thought were possible.
Gastric bypass surgery could change your life, but it doesn't come cheap. Many people avoid getting the surgery because the bariatric surgery cost is out of their price range. Fortunately, your insurance company might be willing to help you pay for the surgery. Other people take out loans that help them pay off their surgery over the course of the next several years. Some people even use their savings to pay for the treatment outright. If you've tried everything else and still can't keep the weight off, bariatric surgery might be worth the investment.
The price depends on the type of surgery that your doctor recommends. If your doctor recommends lap band surgery, you might be looking at a $14,000 price tag. Gastric sleeve surgery costs about $15,000, while gastric bypass surgery is over $20,000. For most people, the average cost of bariatric surgery is well out of their price range. In fact, many people never get this surgery because they don't have good insurance coverage and don't have enough credit to take out a loan.
Even if you don't think you can afford it, you can talk to your doctor about bariatric surgery. Your doctor can give you more information about the average cost of bariatric surgery in your area. Some forms of surgery are cheaper than others, but your doctor might recommend one particular surgery for your situation.
If you decide to go through with the surgery, you have a few options when it comes to paying the gastric bypass surgery cost. Some clinics accept different forms of payment, so you might want to talk to your doctor to weigh your options. Here's a rundown of the main options that you have to pay for your surgery.
Many health insurance companies offer coverage for weight loss surgery, but you'll have to check your plan first. You might have to get extra coverage during the enrollment period. This will probably increase your monthly premiums, but it's still cheaper than paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket. You could talk to HR if you get insurance coverage through work and see if you need to add more coverage to your policy. If your insurance doesn't offer that kind of coverage, you might want to switch to a private insurance carrier or even look for a different job.
For most people, this option is out of reach. However, if you have enough cash in your savings to pay for the surgery outright, you might as well pay it off now. Otherwise, you might have to pay interest and extra fees when you take out a loan. You might have to wipe out a huge chunk of your savings, but it'll be cheaper in the long run. Some people end up owing more on the interest than they do on the actual loan.
You might be able to get coverage through Medicaid if you qualify for this program. Some states have different requirements, so make sure you're eligible in your state before you assume that you have this option. If you are, you could get affordable health insurance that pays for a portion of your gastric bypass surgery. Any bariatric surgery price reduction is helpful when you're dealing with a huge price tag.
If all else fails, you might be able to take out a medical loan if you have good credit. You might want to take some time to build up your credit if you don't think you'll qualify. You can take out a loan and pay it off over the next several years. You might have to pay interest on the loan, but at least you'll be able to get the surgery as soon as possible. You might not have time to wait if your doctor says that your life is in danger.
Your health insurance policy might cover weight loss surgery, but the battle isn't over. You'll need to get approved for surgery before you can start weighing your options. Additionally, you might need to start losing weight before you get the surgery so you can prove to your doctor that you're willing to stick to a weight loss plan. Talk to a doctor about the steps to getting approved for surgery in your state.
When your surgery is over, you'll still have to maintain a healthy lifestyle to lose the weight and keep it off. You'll also have to stick to a diet that starts with liquids and gradually transition to solid foods. Otherwise, you might experience complications after the surgery or even defeat the entire purpose of getting surgery.
Bariatric Health and Wellness offers a wide range of solid and liquid foods that help you stick to your diet. Our products are specifically made for people who have undergone bariatric surgery. Instead of buying food from the grocery store and hoping that it works, you can buy food designed by professionals who know what your body needs after your surgery. Check out our selection today on our website.
https://www.obesitycoverage.com/weight-loss-surgery-insurance-coverage-and-costs/
