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The Bariatric Surgery Blog

Weight Loss Surgery Blog

The Bariatric Surgery Blog keeps you up-to-date with all the latest additions, changes and new research posted to Bariatric-Surgery-Source.com. It’s useful because it…

  • Informs you when we post new Bariatric Surgery information, advice, research and important visitor contributions to the site
  • Outlines any important bariatric treatment related news or research findings
  • Highlights popular articles that you may have missed

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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01.

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02.

Recent Posts

SECTION SUMMARY:

  • Surgeon advice
  • Patient experiences
  • Updated weight loss surgery & obesity research

The Bariatric Surgery Blog – Recent Posts

10
Sep
Food Addiction Treatment: “Am I Addicted” Test & Treatment Options

Before getting into food addiction help, we need to figure out whether you are classified as “addicted”.Read the sections below for a quiz and information about Food Addiction.We have adapted a "quiz" developed by a Yale researcher in order to give us some information about your status.QUIZ: Click Here to Take the Food Addiction QuizLearn More about the QuizAddiction can be a very difficult thing to pin down, especially when it comes to food. The difference between normal hunger and a compulsive need for food can seem pretty small sometimes, especially when you are feeling really hungry. One of the […]

07
Jun
1
Worried About Permanently Altering My Body

Hi, I have been considering getting weight loss surgery for a while now, but I’ve been straddling the fence on the decision. I had a friend who underwent the gastric sleeve surgery and ended up having major regrets about permanently altering her body. I wasn’t too worried about that until I talked to her and now I’m kinda worried about it. After talking to her I was pretty much leaning no on the whole bariatric surgery thing, BUT then I saw one of my favorite characters, Kate, on my favorite new show (BTW, it’s called “This is Us”, if you […]

07
Jun
1
Is There a “Happy Middle-Ground” Weight Loss Procedure?

I had the Gastric Balloon and just got it removed. I’m a little disappointed though because I didn’t lose as much weight as I wanted to. I am 5’9 and now 275 pounds – I started at 308 pounds. I was thinking about getting another procedure to help me reach my weight goal (180 – 200 pounds) but I’m not sure which one would be best for me. My number one goal is to get my weight down, but hardcore surgery scares me a little bit too. Is there a “happy middle-ground” procedure? Any advice would be much appreciated!

04
Jun
Weight Loss Surgery in Texas – List of Available Surgeons

There are several reputable weight loss surgeons in Texas, each of which has a unique set of procedures they offer. This page will help you figure out how to pick the right practice and how much you can expect to pay for your chosen procedure.The surgeons below are available in Texas and can perform your weight loss procedure:To find the best bariatric surgeon for you in Texas, follow these steps:Do your research – Confirm that surgery is your best option, compare procedures, understand the downsides of surgery, and learn the important aspects of life after.Create an initial list of surgeons […]

07
Feb
Weight Loss Surgery in West Virginia – List of Available Surgeons

There are several reputable weight loss surgeons in West Virginia, each of which has a unique set of procedures they offer. This page will help you figure out how to pick the right practice and how much you can expect to pay for your chosen procedure.Here are our recommendations for the best bariatric surgeons in West Virginia:The surgeons below are available in West Virginia and can perform your weight loss procedure:Do your research – Confirm that surgery is your best option, compare procedures, understand the downsides of surgery, and learn the important aspects of life after.Create an initial list of […]

05
Feb
Weight Loss Surgery in Missouri – List of Available Surgeons

There are several reputable weight loss surgeons in West Virginia, each of which has a unique set of procedures they offer. This page will help you figure out how to pick the right practice and how much you can expect to pay for your chosen procedure.Here are our recommendations for the best bariatric surgeons in West Virginia:The surgeons below are available in West Virginia and can perform your weight loss procedure:Do your research – Confirm that surgery is your best option, compare procedures, understand the downsides of surgery, and learn the important aspects of life after.Create an initial list of […]

01
Feb
1
Years after Gastric Bypass weight gain

Many years ago I had gastric bypass- no pre diet was mentioned. In fact I was out to lunch (salad only) when hospital called saying they had moved me up 3 weeks and could i come into hospital that evening for next day surgery. I did and my surgery went well. For my yearly checkup I went from 226 to 140 (5 foot 1 inch frame). I thought my doc would be disappointed in me for not reaching my 128 lb goal but instead he was thrilled and told me to just maintain that weight, I looked great! Well I […]

01
Feb
1
My Diabetes has returned after being in remission for 10 months – Please help

I am 18 months post op (Roux en Y gastric bypass) and have been craving carbs and sugar. My fasting glucose levels have slowly increased and so has my weight. I lost 31Kg in the first 6 months post op and have put on 5Kg since then. My surgeon has recommended a revision to a BPD which would involve a complete reversal of the original surgery. My medical insurance will not pay for the revision so it will be a huge expense for me. My eating behaviour is almost back to pre op disordered eating. I am really feeling apprehensive […]

04
Jan
Weight Loss Surgery in Washington D.C.

More than 1 out of every 5 adults in Washington, DC is considered obese. While this rate is relatively low compared to the national average, it is still alarmingly high compared to DC’s 13% rate in the mid-90’s.Many insurance plans in the area cover the most popular weight loss surgery procedures including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and Lap-Band, as long as your specific policy includes it. Out-of-pocket costs without insurance are lower than the national average.Gastric sleeve info for Washington, DC:The sleeve is performed just under 2,000 times per year in the DC AreaAt least 7 weight loss surgeons to […]

04
Jan
Free Weight Loss Surgical Procedures – Are They Possible?

Free weight loss surgery does exist, but only through weight loss surgery grants or charity care. If you are not able to get either, there are several options available to make surgery more affordable.Review the information below and click each section for more details.Surgery grants help those who cannot afford surgery by funding all or part of the treatment costs. Currently, the only grant available specifically for weight loss surgery comes from the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (WLSFA).The WLSFA raises funds to grant people who need help obtaining weight loss surgery or post weight loss reconstructive plastic surgery. […]

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TOOLS
FIND A SURGEON
DO YOU QUALIFY?
CHECK MY INSURANCE
WEIGHT LOSS ESTIMATOR
COST COMPARE
Apply for Loan (Ad)
Tax
Write-Offs
RECOVERY TIMELINES
PROCEDURE SUMMARIES
COMPARE PROCEDURES
Best Procedure Quiz
HEALTH BENEFITS

Find a Bariatric Surgeon

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Find a Bariatric Surgeon

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Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

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Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

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Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

Patients who qualify for bariatric surgery usually:

  • Are at least 80 lbs (36 kg) overweight
  • Are between 18 and 75 years old
  • Have a history of failed weight loss attempts (e.g., failed diets)
  • Thoroughly understand that the procedure is just a tool; long-term success requires significant diet and lifestyle changes

The minimum bariatric surgery qualifications include:

  • A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
  • OR a BMI between 30 and 39.9 with a serious obesity-related health problem like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint problems, or others
  • OR a BMI of 30 to 40 with or without health issues for the gastric balloon procedure

To calculate your BMI, enter your height and weight into the tool, then click the “Calculate BMI” button.

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Check My Insurance Tool

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Check My Insurance Tool

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Check My Insurance Tool

Bariatric surgery insurance coverage varies by insurance policy:

Individual/Family Plans & Small Group Plans – Coverage varies by state; coverage is required by the Affordable Care Act in some states

Large Group Plans – Coverage depends on whether your employer has chosen to add it to your policy

Medicare and Medicaid – Bariatric surgery is covered

If your policy covers it and you meet the qualification requirements, your plan will likely include 4 procedures:

  • Gastric sleeve
  • Gastric bypass
  • LAP-BAND®
  • Duodenal switch

Your surgeon may be able to get partial coverage for the other procedures.

Use the tool to find out if your insurance covers bariatric surgery.

Click here to learn more
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Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool

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Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool

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Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Calculator

You will start losing weight fast after any bariatric surgery procedure, but the total amount lost varies based on:

  • The procedure you choose
  • How closely you follow your doctor’s instructions

Enter your information into the tool to get an idea about how much weight you’ll lose after each procedure.

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Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool

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Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool

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Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool

Your out-of-pocket bariatric surgery cost can range anywhere from $0 to $20,000 or more depending on several factors, including:

Whether your insurance covers it – many insurances (including Medicare, Medicaid, and many individual/family and employer-provided policies) cover the majority of costs for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, LAP-BAND®, and duodenal switch. The other types of bariatric surgery are less likely to be covered, although you may be able to get insurance to pay for some of the costs. Tap the “With Insurance” button in the tool to see average out-of-pocket costs per procedure after insurance pays. See our Insurance Tool to find out if your plan covers it.

Which procedure you choose – if insurance won’t pay, costs range anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000+, depending on the procedure. Tap the “Without Insurance” button in the tool to compare the national average self-pay costs for each procedure. (NOTE: Some surgeons offer each procedure for as low as half of the national average).

How competitive your surgeon and hospital fees are – there is often a substantial difference in costs between different doctors and hospitals, even within the same town.

Whether you qualify for tax write-offs – Bariatric surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if your out-of-pocket costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income. See our Tax Tool to find out if your bariatric procedure will be tax deductible.

How you choose to pay for your procedure – If insurance covers it, you’ll only be responsible for any copays, deductibles, and coinsurance required by your specific plan. If you pay for the procedure without insurance, total costs will depend on how you pay. For example, your surgeon may offer a discount if you pay the full amount up front, and you can make the costs more affordable by applying for bariatric surgery financing.

Click here to learn more
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LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL

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LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL

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Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Calculator

Weight loss surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if the costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.

Use the tool to find out if you qualify for a tax deduction.

To receive the deductions, you’ll need to complete Schedule A of the IRS Form 1040. You’ll also need to save your medical bills and payment statements as proof. Money in one of the following special savings accounts (or even your IRA) may also be a way to pay for part of surgery tax-free:

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA)
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Click here to learn more
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Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool

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Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool

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Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Calculator

Weight loss surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if the costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.

Use the tool to find out if you qualify for a tax deduction

To receive the deductions, you’ll need to complete Schedule A of the IRS Form 1040. You’ll also need to save your medical bills and payment statements as proof.

Money in one of the following special savings accounts (or even your IRA) may also be a way to pay for part of surgery tax-free:

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA)
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
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Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool

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Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool

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Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool

Bariatric surgery recovery varies by procedure. Here are the ranges:

  • Timeline Range: from 3 days to 6 weeks to full recovery
    • Hospital Stay: from outpatient (return home same-day) to 3 days
    • Back to Work: from 3 days to 3 weeks
  • Pain Range: from mild discomfort to manageable with medication
  • Diet Range: from no restrictions to slow transition from clear liquids to solid foods
  • Activity Range: from no restrictions to slow transition back to regular activity and exercise

Use the tool to learn more about each stage of recovery.

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Bariatric Procedure Summaries

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Below is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.

Bariatric Procedure Summaries

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Below is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.

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Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool

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Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool

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Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool

There are 6 types of bariatric surgery (also called “weight loss surgery”) available, including:

  • Gastric Sleeve – feel less hungry & full sooner while eating
  • Gastric Bypass – feel full sooner while eating & absorb fewer minerals
  • Duodenal Switch – feel less hungry & full sooner while eating, absorb fewer calories and minerals
  • LAP-BAND® – feel full sooner while eating
  • Gastric Balloon – temporarily feel full sooner while eating (balloon removed after 6 months)
  • AspireAssist – drain a portion of stomach contents after eating

Use the tool to compare each procedure.

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Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures

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Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures

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Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures

The best weight loss surgery options for you depend on:

  • How much weight you want to lose
  • Your current age, weight, health issues, habits, and lifestyle
  • Your expectations for life after surgery
  • Whether you want a reversible procedure
  • What “trade-offs” you are willing to make

Take the quiz to find out which two procedures are best for you and why.

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Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool (Gastric Sleeve)

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Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool (Gastric Sleeve)

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Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool

Bariatric surgery “cures” or significantly improves many obesity-related health conditions, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Hypertension
  • Joint issues
  • … and many others

Select your health conditions in the tool, then click the Submit button to find out the impact a procedure like gastric sleeve can have.

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* Disclaimers: Content: The information contained in this website is provided for general information purposes and your specific results may vary depending on a variety of circumstances. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical, dietary, fitness or other appropriate professional. Advertising: Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC has entered into referral and advertising arrangements with certain medical practices, original equipment manufacturers, and financial companies under which we receive compensation (in the form of flat fees per qualifying action) when you click on links to our partners and/or submit information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Read More