When you have exhausted all other medical weight loss solutions, a doctor may suggest surgical alternatives to help you lose weight and live a healthier life. Here you will find some frequently asked questions about weight loss surgery options.
What types of weight loss surgery are there?
Weight loss surgery options include:
- Restrictive surgeries: An operation decreases the size of the stomach.
- Malabsorptive/restrictive surgeries: An operation changes how to take in food and reduces the size of the stomach. It also removes part of the digestive tract to make it more difficult for the body to absorb calories.
- Electrical device implant: This promotes weight loss by interrupting nerve signals between the stomach and the brain.
What are the most common weight loss surgeries?
- Adjustable gastric banding: The surgeon uses an inflatable band to split the stomach into two separate sections. There is a smaller upper pouch and a larger lower pouch. The sections are connected by a small passage to slow the emptying of the upper portion.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: The surgeon removes as much as 75% of the patient?s stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve that connects to the intestines.
- Gastric bypass: The surgeon divides the stomach into two parts and seals off the upper section from the lower section. The upper part is connected directly to the small intestine, thus creating a shortcut for the food, bypassing a whole part of the stomach. This causes the digestive tract to absorb fewer calories.
What are the typical weight loss surgery costs?
The overall price of weight loss surgery depends on the type of surgery you are having; however, most often, the surgeries are quite expensive. Typical costs range from $20,000 to $25,000. Some health insurance policies cover at least part of the cost of medical weight loss surgeries, though you may have some out-of-pocket expenses.
How do I find a weight loss doctor near me?
Search online for medical weight loss clinics in your local area. Always do thorough research and meet with potential doctors before making a final decision.
If you have any additional questions regarding weight loss surgery, feel free to post in the comments section below.
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