Bariatric Surgery
Exercise and eating right are usually touted as the ‘best’ ways to lose weight, but many people find it hard to shed the pounds, even after years or trying. If you are significantly overweight, or your excess weight is causing health issues, weight loss surgery (known as bariatric surgery) may be right for you. There are two major types of bariatric surgery. Malabsorptive procedures bypass part of the digestive system to limit the amount of food that can be absorbed by the intestines. Restrictive procedures aim to reduce the size of the stomach, thereby limiting the amount of food that can be consumed.
Are You a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Most candidates for weight loss surgery are at least 80 pounds overweight, and have been obese for most of their life. Candidates usually have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40, classifying them as ‘morbidly obese,’ although some patients undergo bariatric surgery with a BMI of between 30 and 40. Most have significant health issues related to obesity. Your surgeon will schedule a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine whether you are medically able to undergo surgery.
This procedure is not intended as an alternative to dieting or exercising, but rather, as a weight loss option for those who have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through other methods. Many surgeons performing bariatric surgery require a serious attempt at weight loss for a specified period of time before surgery can be considered. Patients must also be prepared for substantial lifestyle changes following surgery.
Risks
Bariatric surgery is considered major surgery, and the potential risks should be weighed when deciding whether surgery is the right weight loss option for you. Complications can include infection, bloating, diarrhea, and gallstones. Nutritional deficiencies and medical conditions stemming from these deficiencies are also possible, due to reduced nutrient absorption after surgery. These risks depend in part on the type of surgery performed; be sure to discuss all of the applicable risks with your doctor before undergoing surgery.
Recovery
Recovery should be considered both as a short-term and a long-term process. Your post-surgery recovery will begin with bed rest to allow your body to heal. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for a safe recovery. The average hospital stay is one to two days. Some people require assistance for activities such as getting dressed, moving around, and preparing food for only a day or two, while others will need several weeks of assistance as they recover. Patients can usually drive within two weeks and resume their normal activity level within six weeks of surgery.
After surgery, substantial lifestyle changes are necessary. Patients are temporarily restricted to a diet of clear liquids such as broth, fruit juice, or gelatin desserts. This diet must be continued until the gastrointestinal tract has recovered from the surgery. The next phase is a blended or pureed diet for at least two weeks. Diet restrictions during and following the recovery period demand in part on the type of bariatric surgery performed. After undergoing weight loss surgery, overeating may cause nausea or vomiting. Patients may need to take a daily multivitamin to compensate for reduced nutrient absorption in the digestive tract. Most doctors recommend a post-surgery diet that is high in protein and low in fat.
Bariatric Surgery Cost
Bariatric surgery can be complex, which makes it a fairly costly procedure. Depending on the type of bariatric surgery you undergo, the cost can range from approximately $10,000 to $30,000. This includes the cost for the surgeon as well as expenses related to pre-op medical tests, anesthesia, and the hospital facility. After losing the weight, many patients opt for body contouring plastic surgery, such as a body lift procedure or tummy tuck, to remove excess skin. These additional procedures can add several thousand on top of the cost of bariatric surgery itself.
Your surgery may be covered by health insurance if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. This may require documentation that your chronic obesity has not been improved despite doctor-supervised attempts at weight loss through diet or exercise. Coverage is also more likely if your weight has contributed to health issues such as heart disease or diabetes. Learn more about the cost of bariatric surgery.