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
Question Below Submitted By:
Cindy J. (a patient from Lubbock, TX)
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Patients who qualify for bariatric surgery usually:
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If your policy covers it and you meet the qualification requirements, your plan will likely include 4 procedures:
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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:
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Bariatric surgery recovery varies by procedure. Here are the ranges:
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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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Back to PageBelow is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.
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There are 6 types of bariatric surgery (also called “weight loss surgery”) available, including:
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- Gastric Balloon – temporarily feel full sooner while eating (balloon removed after 6 months)
- AspireAssist – drain a portion of stomach contents after eating
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The best weight loss surgery options for you depend on:
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Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool (Gastric Sleeve)
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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.