If your weight has ballooned to the point where you need surgical intervention, then gastric bypass, a version of bariatric surgery, is a viable option to protect your overall well-being going forward.
While all matters of surgery are up for careful consideration, one factor stands out like a sore thumb, and that is: ‘What is the cost of gastric bypass surgery?’
Well, that will depend on a number of factors, including the specific type of surgical procedure you settle for. Keep in mind that a number of procedures can be viable alternatives to gastric bypass surgery, and your doctor must assess which one you qualify for.
1. Sleeve Gastrectomy
This is an irreversible procedure that involves removing about 75% of the stomach, leaving you with a smaller sleeve-like pouch. The smaller stomach naturally inhibits food intake by mass, leading to weight loss.
This procedure is done laparoscopically, making it a cheaper and safer alternative to gastric bypass surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy has a high long-term success rate which is something to consider.
2. Adjustable Gastric Banding
This procedure involves placing an adjustable band around the stomach, decreasing food intake and causing weight loss. The band can be removed once the desired results are achieved, which means no permanent modification is made to the body.
This procedure is highly recommended and carries a very low risk. With the reversal of the procedure, however, you must adjust your diet to avoid falling back into the habits that caused weight gain in the first place. Diet is crucial, so a careful calorie intake must apply here.
The best way to ensure gains made are not reversed is to participate in post-procedure care in the hands of a nutritional expert.
3. Vagal Blockade Implantable Device VBLOC
A VBLOC is a device that functions like a pacemaker. It is placed surgically in the abdominal wall. The device sends signals to the brain, effectively controlling the sensations of hunger and satiety. This helps to limit your food intake.
Your brain is ‘tricked’ or manipulated to understand that the body does not need food, so you will end up eating less food.
The procedure is non-invasive. Once the device is removed, it will leave your system intact. This is possibly the best procedure currently available both in terms of cost and safety.
Final Word
Weight loss surgeries had come a long way since the days when open bariatric procedures were the only option. There are many alternatives to gastric bypass surgery, but ultimately weight loss and weight management must become a function of healthy food intake.
Important to add to your daily routine or at least to your weekly routine is a modest exercise routine to keep the weight at manageable levels. Exercise improves overall health and the accrued benefits are immeasurable.
Remember, weight-loss surgeries are not a one-time magic bullet to solve weight problems. Once the target weight has been reached, many people have found themselves unable to keep the weight down because they retreat into the eating habits and sedentary lifestyles that created the problem.
