The United States is currently witnessing an overwhelming number of citizens getting obese. This is because Americans are eating more than they should and exercising less, increasing their susceptibility to other related diseases as well.
Let’s look at some statistics to understand how big the obesity epidemic the country is currently facing is. The State of Obesity 2022: Better Policies for a Healthier America report revealed that around 40% of adults in the US have obesity, and obesity rates continue to surge across the nation and within population groups.
The figures are astounding, especially when it comes to developed countries like the US that have the best healthcare and education infrastructure in the world. The figures also call for effective solutions that don’t only include diet plans but also medical procedures with minimum invasion. Such an integrated approach can help the nation fight against the obesity epidemic.
That’s where bariatric surgery comes in. Bariatric surgery can effectively treat obesity, help you lose weight, and improve your health. While the surgery might sound like the answer to all your weight loss problems, there are some things you should know before making the decision to go under the knife.
Purpose of Bariatric Surgery
Many individuals with extreme obesity find bariatric surgery as the most effective and long-term treatment for the problem. It helps people in their journey of weight loss while maintaining a healthy weight in the long run. It is also helpful in managing other medical conditions that may be affected by obesity, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
As per the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeries (ASMBS), the US saw a rapid surge in the number of bariatric surgeries conducted over the years, from 158,000 in 2011 to 198,851 in 2020. This increase is likely due not only to more people understanding the purpose and benefits of bariatric surgery but also because more research has been conducted on its effectiveness.
According to a study, patients could maintain between 50% to 60% of weight loss for 10 to 14 years after bariatric surgery. The figure might act as a drive for people looking to lose weight to undergo bariatric surgery and enjoy associated health benefits.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, however, it’s important to talk with your doctor about what kinds of results you can expect from this procedure and how long those results will last for you.
Cost of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is an expensive procedure, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to lose weight. Knowing how much bariatric surgery costs is crucial before considering the procedure for weight loss.
In the United States, the average cost of bariatric surgery is roughly $23,000, with a range of $14,000 to $30,000. However, when the types of bariatric surgeries and location are factored in, you will see a volatile picture of cost.
Moreover, the bariatric surgery cost majorly depends on the type of procedure you would like to undergo based on your specific needs. One of the most common types of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass surgery, but there are other options available, including gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy. Each type of procedure has its own price tag. But they all depend on how much weight you need to lose before undergoing a procedure.
Another factor that impacts the cost of bariatric surgery is where you live in the United States. Prices vary significantly across different states. For example, cities like New York City have some of the highest prices, while rural areas tend to be cheaper because they don’t have as many medical facilities nearby that offer these types of surgeries.
Eligibility Criteria for Bariatric Surgery
If you are looking for an effective method to lose weight, look no further than bariatric surgery. In fact, it’s so effective that it could reverse obesity and help people live longer.
Bariatric surgery is not only for people who are morbidly obese. It can also be helpful for individuals who are merely overweight with a BMI between 30 and 40. These individuals may still have health problems associated with their weight, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery but aren’t sure if you’re eligible, it’s important to know that there are three main eligibility criteria, as per the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS):
- A person should have a BMI equal to or greater than 40, or be more than 100 pounds overweight.
- A person should have a BMI equal to or greater than 35. He should suffer from at least one obesity-related co-morbidity, such as type II diabetes (T2DM), sleep apnea, hypertension, respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, lipid abnormalities, osteoarthritis, heart disease, or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Failure to maintain a healthy weight loss over time with earlier weight loss efforts.
Risks of Bariatric Surgery
You may be considering bariatric surgery to lose weight, but like any major procedure, it carries risks. You should assess these risks and benefits carefully before making the final decision.
As per the research published on JAMA Network, perioperative mortality rates related to bariatric surgery in adults range from 0.03% to 0.2%, which has significantly improved since the early 2000s. However, you need to have a realistic understanding of what can go wrong during and after surgery before going through with it.
Nevertheless, bariatric surgery is a tough choice to make. But, after years of struggling with your weight, the time to finally take action and seek help is now. As a patient, you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure that the surgery goes safely and as planned. That would mean being aware of the risks associated with bariatric surgery before taking the final plunge.
Summing Up
So, you’ve decided that bariatric surgery is right for your health. You’re tired of being tired, and you want to make a change.
Before making any decisions, though, it’s important to know the costs and eligibility requirements of bariatric surgery. This way, you can make an informed choice about whether or not this is really the right choice for your health goals.
If you are eligible for bariatric surgery, we recommend that you consult with a qualified surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure. This is important, especially if you are nervous and want someone besides you who can address your queries.