How Much Does Lap Band Surgery Cost?

According to the National Center for Health, more than 60 percent of all Americans are overweight, and what's more, that number continues to rise. With such a huge occurrence of obesity, it's no surprise that many men and women consider surgical options for weight loss. One of the most popular options is lap-band surgery.

History

• First used in early 1985 during a Swedish bariatric surgery, lap-band surgery uses an adjustable gastric band to reduce the size of an obese patient's stomach. An alternative to gastric bypass surgery, this less-drastic method has fewer risks than other bariatric surgeries. Additionally, patients who undergo lap-band surgery tend to recover more quickly and experience less pain than gastric bypass patients. In addition, the procedure offers a lower mortality rate and is fully reversible.

Function

• To be eligible for lap-band surgery, candidates must be severely obese, indicated by a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. In addition, patients must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and have been obese for 5 years or more. Before a physician will agree to perform lap-band surgery, patients must also show that they have tried losing weight with diet and exercise but have been unsuccessful.

Benefits

• Many serious health problems are caused by obesity. From high blood pressure to diabetes, overweight individuals are more likely to suffer from several types of life-threatening conditions. Lap-band surgery works not just to promote weight loss but also to help improve these health issues. On average, lap-band patients lose approximately 1 to 2 lb. per week, and over the course of the first year, usually see about a 50 percent reduction in excess body weight.

Misconceptions

• Because lap-band surgery is less invasive than gastric bypass surgery, many people incorrectly believe it is a less-effective procedure. Although gastric bypass patients do usually lose weight faster than lap-band patients, after 5 years, both procedures have the same average weight loss results. It is also important to remember that lap-band surgery is not a one-stop solution to obesity. Following surgery, a patient's diet will be limited and monitored by his doctor.

Considerations

• The average price for lap-band surgery ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. Be aware that, although this amount usually includes all fees and exams, that is not always the case. Because obesity is a recognized disease, many insurance plans will help patients with the cost of lap-band surgery.