I had VBG (Vertical Banded Gastroplasty) 27 years ago, and a recent x-ray showed free floating staples in my abdomen. My doctor does not seem concerned. Should I be?
X-Ray Shows Free-Floating Staples in Abdomen 27 Years After Bariatric Surgery
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Cindy J. (a patient from Lubbock, TX)
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Find a Bariatric Surgeon
Find a Bariatric Surgeon
Back to PageDo You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?
Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?
Back to PagePatients 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.
Click here to learn moreCheck My Insurance Tool
Check My Insurance Tool
Back to PageBariatric 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 moreBariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool
Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool
Back to PageYou 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.
Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool
Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool
Back to PageYour 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 moreLOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL
LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL
Back to PageWeight 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)
Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool
Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool
Back to PageWeight 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)
Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool
Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool
Back to PageBariatric 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.
Click here to learn moreBariatric Procedure Summaries
Below is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.
Bariatric Procedure Summaries
Back to PageBelow is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.
Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool
Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool
Back to PageThere 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.
Click here to learn moreBariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures
Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures
Back to PageThe 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.
Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool (Gastric Sleeve)
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.
Click here to learn more[ Last editorial review/modification of this page : 05/24/2021 ]
Bariatric surgeon at CBGSA , Arcadia , California
by: Dr. Troy LaMar
Hi Cindy J,
I would agree with your surgeon.
The staples we use for surgery are made of titanium, and essentially inert, meaning they rarely, if ever cause any reactions in the body. You can actually even go through airport security and they won't set it off....or you may have an MRI and no issues.
So, don't worry.
Take care,
Troy LaMar MD
(click here for Dr. LaMar's full bio & contact info)
DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.