Lap band surgery is recommended for individuals who are more than 99 pounds over the ideal body weight. This HealthHearty article lists out the various parameters that determine the cost of this surgery.
Lap band surgery, which stands for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, is a weight loss surgery that is recommended for individuals affected by obesity, especially those who are unable to lose weight even after following a healthy diet and exercise regimen. In this surgical procedure, the size of the stomach and the amount of food it can hold is restricted by placing an adjustable belt around the upper portion of the stomach. As a result, food passes slowly from the stomach to the large intestine. This induces a feeling of fullness, which in turn reduces one’s intake of food. The total cost of the surgery would vary from case to case. The following sections list out the factors that affect the cost of a lap band surgery.
Factors that Decide the Cost
The first and most significant step is to choose an experienced surgeon who has successfully performed this surgery several times. Cost will also depend on where you choose to have the surgery performed. It will also depend on what the quoted price includes and does not include. Also, the level of follow-up care is another determining factor.
The amount can also vary between geographic regions, as the cost of living and demand for weight loss surgery can vary from place to place. The mode of payment could also affect the quoted price. Some bariatric surgery providers offer a cash pay amount that is lower than the standard rate billed to insurance companies.
So, one should check out the low cost packages provided by the health insurance firms. Do discuss all the factors that influence the cost of the surgery with the healthcare team. In general, the factors that are taken into consideration by the insurance and healthcare firms include:
➠ Various medical expenses that may include surgeon’s fee, hospital care fee, anesthesiologist fee, and cost of the medicines
➠ Helping the patients commute from airport, hotels, homes, to hospital and back.
➠ Follow-up care at the hospital
➠ Easy financial installments with payment options for monthly expenses
➠ Assistance in lap band care after surgery
➠ Pre-operation testing and free dietary counseling sessions
All you need to do is find an insurance firm that provides packages for expensive surgeries like lap band.
Cost in Various Countries
In the United States, this surgery costs between USD 13,000 and USD 30,000. The cost also depends on the city and country where you’re living. Outside the US, this surgery has been performed since 1996. However, in the USA, it has been performed since 2001, only after it was approved by FDA. Experienced surgeons are readily available across all continents, most notably in countries/cities like India, Mexico, Spain, Belgium, and Costa Rica.
Due to its proximity, US residents often undergo the surgery in Mexico. Also, the cost of this surgery in Mexico is significantly lower. A surgery that costs USD 13,000 in the US may cost only around USD 6,500 in Mexico. Even if one considers other elements like traveling and accommodation, a significant amount of money can be saved.
On a concluding note, the cost of a lap band surgery is high, and a good insurance cover would certainly be helpful for those who are undergoing this surgery.
