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Gastric Bypass Surgery: Cost Effective or Just Costly?
Gastric bypass surgery is an invasive procedure that renders the stomach smaller and reconnects it to bypass the first section of the small intestine. The ensuing result is a feeling of being full quicker than usual when a person eats, thereby reducing the amount of food intake. Consequently, fewer calories are absorbed into the body and the end result is weight loss. Gastric bypass surgery costs can be high, but it is difficult to put a price on one’s health.
Who is an appropriate candidate?
Every case is different and guidelines vary,
but a gastric bypass is usually considered when
a person’s BMI (body mass index) reaches
40 or higher, or when a person is subjected
to serious health risks due to excess weight.
Generally, this type of procedure is recommended
after all regular avenues of nutrition and exercise
are exhausted without success in achieving the
desired weight loss.
The
most common guidelines that enable a person
to have gastric bypass surgery are as follows:
- Person has been overweight for at least 5 years
- Person does not have untreated depression or any other major psychiatric disorder
- Person does not have a history of alcohol abuse
- Person is between 18 and 65 years of age
Gastric bypass surgery cost
This type of surgery involves a qualified surgeon,
an anaesthesiologist, a psychologist and other
specialists, as well as a 2-3 day stay at the
hospital or an intensive care facility, which
will extend into a 2-6 week recovery period.
The cost of an operation of this nature runs between $15,000 and $35,000, depending on the specific gastrointestinal operation being considered. Expenses can also vary based on the initial physical and emotional health of the individual. If complications arise from the procedure, the cost could inflate to $50,000. In many cases, insurance will cover a substantial part of the cost.
Risks involved
As with every surgical procedure, there are
risks involved. Gastric bypass surgery complications
such as infections on the incisions can occur
due to release of certain bacteria from the
bowels during the operation. To discourage infections,
it is important to take all prescribed antibiotics
for the full term, to pursue respiratory therapy,
and to engage in activity recommended in the
hours following the operation. Another related
risk is hemorrhaging. Many blood vessels must
be cut during the surgery and can begin to bleed
post-operatively in the abdomen or the bowel.
Treatment usually involves transfusions, and/or a second operation. At times, gastric bypass operations cause what is known as the dumping syndrome. This occurs when stomach contents, generally those high in sugar, move too quickly through the small intestine. The patient may experience nausea, anxiety, faintness, weakness, sweating, and diarhhea. Symptoms tend to last for about 30 to 45 minutes.
After the Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery cost does not only involve
money, but it also carries an emotional cost
as well. After the operative procedure, many
can return to their regular activities within
3 to 5 weeks. However, some patients experience
severe depression in the following months as
a result of the change in their perception of
food in relation to their emotional and mental
well-being.
Those who view food as an emotional crutch can have difficulty adjusting to the strict limitations of a diet. It may take as long as three months for emotional levels to balance out. In addition, energy levels are usually low at this time due to stress, and the actual decrease in food intake.
Patients can experience muscular weakness and increased fatigue. Many of these problems will disappear with time when food intake gradually increases. Gastric bypass surgery will help deal with the physical health aspect of the problem, but it is up to the individual to make the effort toward emotional well-being. Doctors can clearly indicate the benefits, risk factors, and gastric bypass surgery cost, but many psychological and emotional factors relating to such operations are still not well-understood. Candidates should ensure they have a strong support system and proper counselling before considering such surgical options.
Sherry King is a weight loss specialist. She also provides content for the Liposuction Costs website.
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