Bariatric surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, and each year nearly 600,000 people will undergo at least one bariatric procedure. While most people will find that their insurance covers the full cost of the procedure, there are some patients who are denied coverage. If you are interested in bariatric surgery, have been looking for gastric sleeve near me, and are unable to get insurance approval, there are several options available to you.
decide to have weight loss surgery
Deciding to have weight loss surgery is not an easy choice. many people struggle with their weight for years before finally deciding to have bariatric surgery. Obesity can cause myriad health problems that can be difficult to fix later on. Some people turn to weight loss surgery after all other methods have failed to lose the weight and keep it off. diet pills, calorie restriction, gym memberships, and support groups are often effective for temporary weight loss, but often fail as a long-term solution. Carrying extra weight for years puts stress on the body’s organs and systems and can cause lasting damage. Weight loss surgery has proven effective in not only reducing weight to healthy levels, but also keeping it off long-term.
Reading: How to pay for gastric bypass surgery without insurance
Benefits of weight loss surgery
There are countless benefits to undergoing weight loss surgery. First, most patients see their “numbers” improve almost immediately. your blood pressure returns to a healthy range, your cholesterol drops, and your sleep apnea goes away. Weight loss makes it easier to exercise, and many people find they can exercise without severe pain for the first time in years.
In addition to the improved “numbers”, there are also non-scale wins that come with weight loss surgery. a smaller body means that people can pay less for clothes after surgery. Weight loss can also act as a confidence boost, helping patients embark on new careers, engage in previously avoided social activities, and even develop romantic relationships. Reaching a healthy weight means patients can enjoy experiences that were once off limits due to their size. we have many post-surgical patients who report enjoying horseback riding, skydiving, hiking, and zip-lining.
The weight loss transformation is often all a person needs to embark on a new lifestyle of wellness. patients often report that they enjoy expanding their diet with new vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and are excited about their new exercise routines and commitment to wellness.
Obesity can also contribute to fertility problems, and many women find it easier to get pregnant after surgery.
types of weight loss surgery
There are several types of weight loss surgery available, and it’s important to choose the one that matches your weight loss goals and current health status.
Roux and Gastric Bypass
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During en and de roux gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon will separate the stomach into two sections, creating a small pouch to receive food. The small bag then connects directly to the intestines, sending food through the body quickly for digestion. en y de roux gastric bypass leads to rapid weight loss and is most often performed on patients who have a large amount of weight to lose. gastric bypass surgery en y de roux is performed laparoscopically, and most patients recover at home in a few days to a week.
sleeve gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is performed by removing a portion of the stomach and leaving a portion that is shaped like a banana or sleeve. the small intestine remains intact and the stomach functions normally. Some patients have a significant amount of weight to lose, and en and de roux gastric bypass surgery may be high risk at their current weight. Sleeve gastrectomy is often used to help reduce a patient’s weight to a healthier level so that they are a better candidate for gastric bypass.
duodenal switch
duodenal switch is often used to complement vertical sleeve gastrectomy. About 18 months after gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon connects the remaining part of the stomach to the small intestine, causing caloric malabsorption. This surgery makes it difficult for the body to absorb the necessary nutrients, and patients who undergo this procedure have to rely on daily vitamins for the rest of their lives. patients typically stay in the hospital for up to three days and follow up regularly with their doctor to assess the status of their bodies.
laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
The laparoscopic adjustable band is a reversible procedure for candidates who have less weight to lose. In this procedure, the surgeon places a flexible band around the upper part of the stomach, drastically reducing its size and leaving only a small pouch to receive food. The band is then filled with saline, allowing the surgeon to adjust it to speed up or slow down the rate of weight loss. In the year following surgery, patients will see their doctor monthly to monitor progress and adjust the band accordingly.
Although the procedure is reversible, it is intended to remain in place permanently. removing it would remove the restriction, allowing the patient to return to normal eating and possible recovery. The best candidates for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding are those with a lower BMI who have less weight to lose. Of all the weight loss procedures, this is the least effective in maintaining long-term weight loss.
why insurance companies deny applicants for surgery
does not meet imc limits
For most patients, insurance companies will only cover your procedure if your BMI (body mass index) is 40 or higher with no comorbidities or 35 or higher with two or more comorbidities. comorbidities include conditions such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. if your body mass index is not within these limits, your insurance company may refuse to pay for the surgery. however, there are exceptions, and some patients whose body mass index is less than 35 have been able to get approved.
no diet or exercise program
To qualify for insurance coverage, you’ll need to prove to your insurer that you did everything possible to lose weight without surgery. For most insurers, this means being able to show evidence of medically supervised weight loss, a fitness program, or attendance at weight loss support groups. If the insurer feels that her efforts to lose weight without surgery are not sufficient, they may deny her application until she completes an approved weight loss program.
your policy excludes coverage
In some cases, insurance policies may exclude coverage for certain bariatric procedures. while they approve of the gastric band or balloon, they may not cover gastric sleeve or bypass. when this happens there is usually not much you can do and you can start exploring alternatives.
you have chosen the wrong procedure
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Your insurance company may deny en y de roux gastric bypass, but may approve gastric sleeve or laparoscopic banding. they may require you to lose weight before undergoing surgery, or start roux-en-y before moving on to gastric sleeve surgery. It’s important to select the right procedure for your weight loss goals, age, and overall health to maximize your chances of getting approved by an insurance company.
Roux and Gastric Bypass
how to pay for bariatric surgery without insurance
If you are denied coverage by your insurance company, there are several ways you can still finance your bariatric surgery.
personal loans
If you have a fairly strong credit score, you may be able to qualify for a personal loan from your bank or credit union. These lenders sometimes require that you secure the loan with collateral in the form of a car or home. In other cases, you can get a personal loan with no collateral required. The value of your collateral often determines how much you can borrow, and in most cases, you can borrow the full amount of the surgery. These personal loans often offer low interest rates and long payment terms.
payment plans
It’s worth asking your surgeon’s office if they offer in-house financing or payment plans for patients seeking affordable gastric sleeve surgery or other weight-loss surgeries. Some clinics will allow you to make a deposit to reserve space on the surgeon’s schedule and then pay the balance before your surgery date. You can schedule your surgery 6-12 months in the future, giving you plenty of time to make small payments or save your balance over time. With an in-house payment plan, you don’t have to worry about credit approval, interest, or prepayment penalties.
health savings accounts
ask your employer if they offer health savings accounts (hsas) that can be used to fund all or part of the cost of surgery. HSAS allows you to use pre-tax funds to pay for cosmetic and medically necessary procedures, such as bariatric surgery. many people use their accumulated funds to pay for all or most of the cost of surgery. With HSAS, you can make annual deposits into the account and then use that account to pay for the health care procedures you choose. In addition to paying for your surgery, they can also be used for aftercare and supplies to support your procedure.
thriving health loans
prosper healthcare loan is one of the leading healthcare loan companies. Prosper Credit offers low-interest term loans with no prepayment penalties. The loan process is simple with a short application. you can verify your eligibility without affecting your credit and receive a response immediately. With Prosper Health Loans, you choose the amount you’d like to borrow, up to the full cost of the surgery and repayment terms. Once approved, the lender will transfer the funds to your bank account within two days.
Here at Alabama Bariatrics, we are the area leader in affordable bariatric surgery. We work with patients of all ages, health histories, and goals, and we can help you get back on track with your weight loss. Weight loss surgery is among the most commonly performed medical procedures in the country, and many people enjoy healthy lives after surgery.
gastric sleeve near me
If you’re ready to take the plunge or still need more guidance on which procedure is right for you, we invite you to join one of our informative webinars that explain the process in detail. If you can’t make it to a webinar, call our office and one of our specialists will be happy to help you narrow down your options. start the journey to a new healthy life today.
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