Gastric bypass can be done in two ways. With open surgery, your surgeon makes a large surgical cut to open your belly. The bypass is done by working on your stomach, small intestine, and other organs.
After surgery, you will need several follow-up visits to adjust the size of the band opening. If the band causes problems or is not helping you lose enough weight, the surgeon may remove it.
If your policy covers it and you meet the qualification requirements, your plan will likely include 4 procedures:
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.
The fact is that shedding some extra pounds before surgery can have a significant impact. Not only will it reduce the risk of gastric bypass complications, but the lower your body mass index (BMI) prior to surgery the more weight you are likely to lose and the less likely you will be to experience weight gain after gastric bypass surgery.
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.
Tell your health care provider about your past efforts to lose weight. Be open about fad diets that interest you. Your provider might be able to direct you to weight-loss support groups or refer you to a registered dietitian.
Work up to at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week. Some people may need more exercise than this to lose weight and keep it off.
Cynthia Sass is a nutritionist and registered dietitian with master's degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on national TV, she's Health's contributing nutrition editor and counsels clients one-on-one through her virtual private practice. Cynthia is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics and has consulted for five professional sports teams, including five seasons with the New York Yankees.
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