Bariatric, derived from the Greek words “baros,” meaning weight, and “iatros,” meaning treatment, broadly refers to the field of medicine that focuses on the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. This multidisciplinary specialty encompasses a wide array of treatments and practices, including dietary and lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy (weight loss drugs), and bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery, in specific, refers to various types of weight-loss surgeries that alter the digestive system to incite weight loss. It’s designed for people who are severely obese and have not had success with traditional weight loss methods. Weight-loss is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach, altering the small intestine, or a combination of both.
Different Types of Bariatric Surgeries
There are several types of bariatric surgeries that doctors recommend based on the patient’s obesity extent, overall health, and weight loss goals. Key examples include Gastric Bypass, Adjustable Gastric Band, Gastric Sleeve, and Duodenal Switch.
In a Gastric Bypass surgery, the procedure involves dividing the stomach into a smaller upper pouch and a larger lower pouch, then the small intestine is rearranged to connect to both parts, thereby limiting the amount of food one can eat and absorb.
In the Adjustable Gastric Band procedure, a band containing an inflatable balloon is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small stomach pouch above the band, restricting the amount of food that one’s stomach can hold.
Gastric Sleeve operation, also known as the sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing about 80% of the stomach, leaving a tubular “sleeve.” This not only results in a reduced stomach size but also lowers the production of hunger hormone, ghrelin, thus reducing appetite.
The Duodenal Switch procedure is a more complex operation that combines the properties of both restrictive and malabsorptive surgeries. A part of the stomach is removed, and the small intestine is rerouted to reduce the absorption of fat and calories.
Understanding the ‘gastric sleeve surgery cost’
The cost of the Gastric Sleeve operation, encapsulated in the phrase ‘gastric sleeve surgery cost’, varies depending on several factors, including geographical location, hospital fees, anesthesia costs, and aftercare and follow-up visits. While insurance coverages differ significantly, the average cost of gastric sleeve surgery in the United States can range from $10,000 to $20,000.
Patients should note that the ‘gastric sleeve surgery cost’ typically includes preoperative lab work, physical examination, nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, the surgery itself, and follow-up visits with the bariatric surgeon. The cost, however, may not cover potential risks and future complications that may arise post surgery.
Conclusion
Bariatric surgery offers a potential solution for severe obesity, improving associated health conditions and enhancing overall quality of life. Remember that while the ‘gastric sleeve surgery cost’ might seem steep, the benefits gained from achieving a healthy weight can offset the initial surgical expenses through improved, long-term health and reduction in obesity-related medical expenses.