Washington, DC Bariatric Surgery Cost Comparison

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• Bariatric Surgery Types in Washington
• Bariatric Surgery Providers in Washington

Bariatric Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction

Bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, can help patients lose weight when diets, exercise, and other lifestyle changes have failed. To qualify for bariatric surgery, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. If your BMI is between 35 and 40, you may qualify if you have at least one obesity-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Common bariatric procedures include gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and lap band surgeries.

Most bariatric surgeries are performed laparoscopically. This means that the surgeon operates through a few small incisions in your stomach instead of one or more larger incisions. Depending on which type of weight loss surgery you get, your surgeon will either remove part of your stomach or divide it into two separate parts. No matter what the steps are, the end result is the same—the amount of food that your stomach can hold will be significantly reduced.

Many weight loss surgeries, especially gastric sleeve and lap band, are performed as outpatient procedures. This means that you’ll typically be able to go home the same day as your surgery. However, some patients may need to stay a night or two in the hospital while their medical team monitors their recovery. Whether you have your surgery as an inpatient or outpatient procedure can affect the price you pay. Other factors that can affect the cost of your surgery include the surgeon you choose, your healthcare facility, and the city in which you have your procedure.

Patient Preparation for Bariatric Surgery

No matter which type of bariatric surgery you choose, you will need to use the weeks or months leading up to your procedure to prepare for your recovery and beyond. For your weight loss surgery to be successful, you will need to commit to making significant healthy lifestyle changes both before and after your procedure. For example, your physician will probably recommend starting a physical activity program and quitting smoking in the weeks before your surgery.

To help ensure that your body is ready for surgery, your doctor may order blood tests, a physical exam, and other diagnostic tests to get a clear picture of your overall health. They may also refer you to a nutritionist and mental health counselor who can help you prepare, both physically and mentally, for your life after bariatric surgery.

Don’t be shy about asking your doctor or surgeon any questions you may have during this time. They will be able to give you advice on how to prepare your home for your recovery, as well as give you an idea of what to expect as you heal from your surgery. With the right preparation before your procedure, you can help set yourself up for healthy weight loss during and after your recovery.

What to Expect During and After Lap Band Surgery

The specifics of your surgery will depend on which bariatric procedure you choose. Usually, weight loss surgeries are performed laparoscopically and take anywhere from one to a few hours. You will be under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep for your procedure and feel no pain. Click here for specifics on what happens during different weight loss surgeries, such as gastric sleeve surgery.

After any bariatric surgery, you will be instructed to follow a strict diet during your recovery. Typically, you will start out with clear liquids and gradually add in more solid foods as your stomach heals. It’s important to follow your doctor’s guidelines for what—and how much—you should eat during your bariatric surgery recovery. Eating too much too soon may cause nausea or stomach pain. Your physician may recommend taking a multivitamin or other supplement during your recovery to ensure that you get all the nutrients you need as you heal.

In the months after your bariatric surgery, you will have a few follow-up visits with your doctor. As you heal during your recovery, they will guide you in making healthy lifestyle changes, such as sticking to a nutrient-rich diet and exercising regularly. These changes will aid in your weight loss and help you manage any obesity-related health conditions.