Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Understanding Bariatric Surgery While a healthy amount of weight loss is something that can normally be achieved with the right diet and regular exercise, in some extreme cases, a particular type of surgery may be needed to avert the life-threatening effects of obesity. This type of surgery is called bariatric or weight loss surgery. According to NHS UK, bariatric surgery is a “last resort to treat people who are dangerously obese.” Dangerous obesity is defined as having an “abnormally excessive amount of body fat.” It can lead to complications such as diabetes or high blood pressure. As in all other major surgical procedures, bariatric surgery has serious risks and side effects. Patients who qualify and undergo this surgery should be committed to make permanent lifestyle changes to their diet and workout routine to ensure its long-term success. Common Types of Weight Loss Surgery Gastric bypass is one of the most common types of weight loss surgery in the US, according to MayoClinig.org. The process involves re-routing the digestive system past most of the stomach so the patient digests and feels fuller faster with less food. This procedure is favored by more surgeons because it generally has fewer complications than other types of weight loss surgery. After gastric bypass, patients lose 60% of excess weight on average. The second most common type of weight loss surgery is gastric banding. It is a form of restrictive surgery which is a kind of operation done to “produce weight loss.” On average, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding can lead to about 40% of weight loss on average. It is considered the least invasive and safest type of weight loss surgery. In fact, it can be reversed if necessary and the in time, the stomach generally returns to its normal size. Gastric banding also has a low complication rate. Risk of death is at one for every 2,000 surgeries performed, and it does not interfere with food absorption so vitamin deficiencies are rare. Who are qualified for bariatric surgery? NHS UK lists down specific “requirements” for people who want to undergo weight loss surgery. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more; or a BMI of 35 to 40 and serious health condition that can be improved with weight loss; People who have tried all appropriate non-surgical methods (diet and exercise) but have failed to achieve or maintain the desired and beneficial level of weight loss for at least six months; and People who can commit to a long-term follow-up treatment and are fit enough to withstand painkilling medication and surgery. Cost of Bariatric Surgery US News Health reports that according to the National Institutes of Health, the cost varies, ranging from $12,000 to $35,000 depending upon the type of weight loss surgery performed, hospital, length of stay in the hospital, area of the country where surgery was performed and occurrence of medical complications. Some health insurers cover this type of surgery albeit with stringent qualifications. Medical Financing for Bariatric Surgery Companies like United Medical Credit (UMC) provide potential weight loss surgery patients with fast and reliable financing for various medical procedures. While it is not a direct money lender, UMC and its network of partners share a combined 10 years of experience and a track record of service reliability in financing for cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery, fertility procedures, dental surgery, Lasik and eye surgery, hearing aids and devices, and other general healthcare requirements. As an intermediary between patients and medical specialists and finance organizations, UMC sets itself apart from other medical loan providers by focusing specifically on patients with average and below average credit scores. It offers bariatric financing for procedures including lap band surgery, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass and adjustable gastric band placement, among other related services. For more information on UMC’s gastric bypass surgery financing and financing for cosmetic surgery services, contact (888) 647-4333, send an e-mail to info@unitedmedicalcredit.com or visit the website, www.unitedmedicalcredit.com. References: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/basics/definition/PRC-20019138 http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/weight-loss-surgery/Pages/Introduction.aspx http://www.webmd.com/diet/weight-loss-surgery/default.htm?names-dropdown= Follow us on social: Linkedin-in Facebook-f Instagram Twitter