When it comes to weight loss, sometimes diet and exercise alone are not enough, especially for those dealing with severe obesity. Three common bariatric surgeries are gastric bypass, gastric band, and gastric sleeve. These surgeries can not only aid in significant weight loss but also help improve related conditions, like diabetes or heart disease. Before deciding, it’s essential to know your options, potential risks, and benefits, and even the cost involved: from the gastric sleeve cost California residents may be mindful of to similar fees for different procedures across the country.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is often considered the ‘gold standard’ of bariatric surgeries. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small pouch from the stomach top and connects the pouch directly to the small intestine. The surgery changes how your stomach and small intestine handle the food eaten: food will now bypass a large part of the stomach and directly move into the small intestine, which restricts the amount of food you can eat and reduces nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss.
Gastric Band
In the gastric band procedure, a band containing an inflatable balloon is placed around the upper part of the stomach. A port is then placed under the skin of the abdomen. A tube connects the port to the band, and when the balloon is filled with saline solution, the band tightens and narrows the stomach opening. So you feel full faster, thereby consuming fewer calories.
Gastric Sleeve
The gastric sleeve procedure, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, removes about 80% of the stomach. As a result, the remaining stomach is a tube or ‘sleeve’ that holds much less food. This surgery also affects hormones and gut bacteria that affect appetite and metabolism. Regarding the gastric sleeve cost California patients should note that while it generally involves a higher price than gastric banding, it usually requires less follow-up than gastric banding due to fewer long-term complications.
Costs and Considerations
It’s important to contemplate the expenses associated with each surgery. Health insurance might cover some costs, but many patients also finance some part of their procedure. When considering a gastric band or the gastric sleeve cost California insurance plans usually cover these given that specific eligibility criteria are met, including prior failed attempts at weight loss and obesity-related health conditions.
Whichever procedure you choose, keep in mind that bariatric surgery is a tool, not an automatic solution. A balanced diet and regular exercise, along with emotional support, are essential for maintaining weight loss post-surgery.
Lastly, a conversation with your doctor is crucial in deciding the best weight loss option for you. They can provide critical insights based on your current health status, weight loss goals, and potential risks. Remember, the goal is to choose a course that gives you the happiest, healthiest future.