Lap-Band surgery and gastric bypass are the two main types of surgical procedures utilized to help obese individuals lose weight. Both procedures work by effectively shrinking the size of the stomach so that patients feel full and physically satisfied with significantly less food. This drastic decrease in consumable calories results in a loss of many pounds over a period of one to two years. While the Lap-Band procedure and gastric bypass surgery differ greatly in many respects, they are comparably priced.
The Lap-Band Procedure
The Lap-Band surgery is a laparoscopic procedure that shrinks the size of the stomach by cinching a silicone ring filled with saline solution around the top of the organ, effective creating an upper and . The upper stomach is reduced to about the size of an egg, which fills after only a small amount of food is ingested causing the body to believe it is satiated. The food then slowly moves into the , where it begins its traditional digestive journey. With the Lap- Band, a patient can expect to lose two pounds a week. The Lap-Band has been embraced over the past decade by bariatric surgeons because of its low risk of complications and weight regain.
Cost of Lap-Band
According to the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery, the total cost of the Lap- Band procedure without any health insurance is between $17,000 and $30,000, depending on location. However, it is important to note that this cost estimate does not include postoperation counseling, removal of excess skin, or diet supplements.
Gastric Bypass Procedure
Gastric bypass surgery requires a cross-abdominal incision for the purpose of removing a portion of the lower stomach and upper intestines. The goals of the procedure are to reduce the size of the stomach and also remove the part of the intestines that absorbs the most calories. Like with the Lap-Band procedure, the size of the stomach after gastric bypass is reduced to that of an egg. However, unlike the Lap-Band, the patient loses weight very rapidly. This is due to the removal of several pounds of organs and the inability to process solid food for six to nine months post procedure. Gastric bypass, while still a common procedure, has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its high risk for complications and weight regain.
Cost of Gastric Bypass
The Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery estimates that the cost of gastric bypass can range from $18,000 to $35,000, depending on location. While increasing numbers of insurance companies are covering part or all of the gastric bypass procedure, it does not cover the liquid nutritional supplements most patients are put on after the operation or the removal of excess skin.
Considerations
As the cost of the Lap-Band procedure and gastric bypass surgery are almost identical, the deciding factors for which option is best for the patient will come down to the patient's unique medical history and current health. While the Lap-Band may seem like the obvious choice due to its success rate and low complications, it may not address the needs of all patients. It is estimated that 1 out of every 200 surgeries for gastric bypass end in fatality. However, for patients who need to lose a substantial amount of weight immediately, it can be a better choice. Gastric bypass also offers the potential to send type 2 diabetes into remission instantly as it removes the part of the intestines that tends to be the most insulin resistant.
Tags: size stomach, bypass surgery, lower stomach, Bariatric Surgery, complications weight