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Overview
The alarming rates of obesity in the United States and around the globe have given way to an increased demand for lap band surgery, a weight loss procedure that helps patients limit the amount of food they can ingest in one sitting. However, the costs of lap band surgery can be significant, and patients may need to turn to financing or insurance to help offset costs.
Significance
Lap band procedures allow patients to lose up to 90 percent of excess body weight, and it may be the most effective way for morbidly obese patients to lose weight without liposuction or other surgical procedures. The reduced food and calorie intake eventually leads to ongoing weight loss, and can help patients struggling with their weight to finally lose the excess pounds. Lap band surgery may not be covered in whole or in part by an insurance provider, so in many cases, the patient must find ways to cover the high costs associated with this bariatric procedure.
Considerations
There are several factors that are involved with the total cost of lap band surgery. Each bariatric doctor assesses his own set of surgeon fees and rates for anesthesia, and if the surgery is taking place in a hospital setting, there may also be fees involved for using the space. Other types of fees that are associated with lap band surgery include lab fees, X-ray fees, nutritional supplement products and therapy, and post-surgery fees.
Types
Different types of lap band procedures have their own benefits and drawbacks, and costs vary by procedure type, surgeon performing the procedure and follow-up care needed. The most common types of lap-band surgery procedures are: StomaphyX; Realize Gastric Banding; and Adjustable Gastric Banding.
Costs
Overall costs of lap band surgery range between $17,000 and $30,000. As of 2009, the average cost of StomaphyX is $9,500 to $12,000 plus, depending on the location and experience of the surgeon. The average cost of Realize Gastric Banding procedures range between $25,000 and $30,000 plus, depending on the location and experience of the surgeon, and the yearly maintenance fees. The average cost of adjustable gastric banding range between $2,500 and $5,000 plus, depending on the location of the surgeon and the number of visits needed to achieve optimal results.
Payment Options
Patients who are interested in having lap band surgery have several options for payment. Some insurance providers assist with the cost of lap band surgery if the patient is significantly overweight and the excess weight is having a negative impact on the patient's health; eligibility requirements for insurance coverage vary by insurance provider. Patients may also choose to pay for surgery out-of-pocket; some surgeons offer no-interest or low-interest payment plans to make the surgery more affordable. Patient Financing is another option; credit card companies such as CapitalOne and CareCredit offer patient financing at competitive interest rates to cover the costs of surgery.
