Will Insurance Cover Bariatric Lap-Band Surgery?

Bariatric Lap-Band surgery is one of the safest surgeries to help with weight loss, but it can also be expensive too (as with most any type of surgery). For this reason, many insurances (such as Blue Cross (in some states), Humana, One Health, Medicaid, First Health, Tufts Health Plan, United Healthcare, Oxford Health Plan, and American Family Insurance) have been known to cover for bariatric care. If covered, insurances will either cover for complete care or partial care.

If you are not covered by your insurance company, it may not hurt to talk to your employer. Lots of times it is the employer that decides what will or will not be covered for their employees. It is usually not difficult for an employer to make a change in an employee's insurance package. It is, however, very difficult for an employee to make a change since it is the employer that purchases the insurance packages in bulk and therefore, already has a deal set up with the insurance company.

Not even bariatric centers can get insurance companies to change a policy that is already written, no matter how qualified the person is for getting a bariatric procedure done. However, it will be much easier for your employer to change your insurance policy if you do qualify for bariatric procedures because of medical reasons.

Even if your insurance won't cover for bariatric care, there are other options that are usually available. Many centers have "out-of-network" benefits you can take advantage of, and financial plans through third parties that will help allow you to pay. Bariatric centers will generally try to work with you and your financial needs.

Some Thoughts on the Lapband Procedure

If you have been attempting to lose weight for any length of time then you know that it can be certainly something that is a very long-term goal. Although there are many different options that offer you quick weight loss for minimal effort, ultimately you may end up seeing little to no results or even gaining the weight back. What you are looking for is a long-term solution that is not only good for one time weight loss will actually help you maintain your ideal weight and allow you to live the life you want to live.

Something to consider here is that the lap band procedure will help you do this. The thing to understand however is that need to realize that unlike other options you may have looked at, it is not something that you can just go out and apply for and instantly get the next day. You need to ensure that you are first a good candidate. As such, there are several tests needed to go through before you can take the next step. Something else to consider is that if you are looking to lose 30 pounds about a month then lap band itself may not be for you. The idea that you can lose that much weight in such a short time is not only wrong, it is dangerous. Lap band allows you to gradually lose the weight while still eating things that you like to keep.

True, for any weight loss to take place you will have to make lifestyle changes such as changes in your diet as well as exercise, however, ultimately you are looking for a long-term solution that will help you lose the weight you want now and keep it off you would do well to consider this option.

One of the things to consider when you are thinking of lap band is that it will, in fact, train your body to help you make proper and healthy choices with regard to nutrition and exercise. So in a sense, lap band itself is much more than surgical procedure.

How And When Bariatric Lap-Band Surgery Can Fail

Bariatric Lap-Band surgery is a simple procedure that involves putting a band around the top part of the stomach to tighten the stomach. The purpose of tightening the stomach (much like a tight belt) is to limit food intake. This surgery is one of the safest surgeries available since the stomach is not cut, punctured, or permanently reconfigured in any way. However, there are still things that can go wrong with this procedure. The gastric band that is inserted could shift position, erode into the stomach, break, or cut into the stomach. Although these risks are rare, keep in mind that there are many risks associated with any type of surgery that may be unforeseen, but most of them can be treated.

Bariatric Lap-Band failure usually only fails when the patient lacks desire, determination, and patience. There are some patients who have the band removed because of complications that, with patience, could have been easily treated and cured (such as complications that cause the patient to feel ill). The most important factor that decides the success rate and the amount of success achieved boils down to the patient's desire to lose weight. If the patient does not follow all of the instructions and orders from the doctor while away from the doctor, then the patient won't have as much success, if any at all.

Even though the gastric band around the stomach makes an increased amount of food intake harder to achieve, the patient must still follow the doctor's dietary and fitness plans. There are foods and drinks the patient is advised to stay away from, and portion sizes the patient must not exceed, even with the band still on. The band makes it easier to follow a more strict dietary plan, but patients still have to do their part or the plan will fail. Lack of desire and determination is the cause of most failures. Therefore, as long as the patient is willing to obey the doctor's instructions, success will be very likely.

How Much Do Bariatric Lap-Band Surgeries Generally Cost?

The cost of bariatric Lap-Band surgeries can vary significantly depending on where you go, but you can expect to pay around 10,000 dollars. Some places in the United States will even charge around 30,000, so be sure to shop around if you are trying to get a good deal! Many bariatric centers offer different payment plans too, so do your homework before deciding which will be the best deal overall.

Insurances will lots of times cover for bariatric care, especially if you qualify for it medically. If you are not covered, then lots of times your employer can make the change for you if you are covered under the company's insurance plan. If for some reason you are unable to get your insurance to cover at least some of the costs, there will usually be other options available to you. However, going through your insurance will usually be your best bet because you never know when complications could arise. In that situation, the cost could end up being much more than you had anticipated.

Lots of bariatric centers have "out-of-network" insurance plans you can use. It won't be as good as using your own insurance that they are networked with, but it will at least help to cut costs. Many bariatric centers also have additional financial payment plans to help enable you to pay, and they may save you money too. These financial plans that bariatric centers offer are usually through third parties that are in business with the center. If your insurance won't cover for bariatric care, be sure to explore all payment options and you may be surprised how much of the cost you can defray.