Lap Band Surgery Cost

Is There Lap Band Surgery Insurance Coverage?

Lap band surgery cost varies, depending on where you live. In the United States, Lap Band procedures usually cost between $18,000 and $30,000. A Lap Band bypass procedure may cost considerably less in other countries, but when you travel elsewhere to have the operations done, make sure you calculate travel expenses and tax implications.

There's more to consider than just the Lap Band surgery cost itself. There will be some costs associated with pre-operation testing and recovery.

Is there Lap Band surgery insurance coverage available? Sometimes, insurance companies will cover gastric lap band surgery, but not always. It's important for your doctor to make it clear that the procedure is a medical necessity. The insurance company will also want to be certain you meet the standards established by the National Institutes For Health. Insurers will also want documented evidence that your previous attempts at weight loss through other means have not been successful.

Lap band surgery is a fairly simple procedure, done with minimal surgery. Hospital stays rarely exceed two days.

Recovery is relatively fast. If you've had lap band surgery, you can usually return to work in about a week. However, there's some follow up you'll have to do to get the best possible long term results.

Expect to be on a liquid diet for a few weeks. You'll then be able to eat soft food, and eventually, solid food. You'll probably be told to follow a nutrition plan recommended by your doctor and perhaps a nutritionist. A variety of supplements might be necessary.

You'll probably also have to begin exercising regularly. You'll likely need to make some lifestyle changes, and even behavior modification therapy might be necessary.
 
Your surgeon may want to adjust your lap band several times, so there will be follow up office visits. Adjusting the lap band is painless. Your surgeon will probably made about a dozen adjustments during the 18 months following the procedure.
 
Most patients lose a lot of weight in the first two years, so some plastic surgery might be recommended to reduce excess skin. 

Related articles include stomach surgery and stomach surgery for weight loss.