Let’s Have a Lap Band Talk

Obesity and the problems that come along with it are one of the main causes of premature death in the United States and other western nations. It has reached almost epidemic proportions, while the diet and weight loss industries are raking in billions, and more and more people are overweight and obese. Most of these gimmicks do not work and for many, diet and exercise are just not enough, more drastic measures need to be made for the sake of their health, as well as their self-confidence in the way they look. This is where weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass or the lap band have been proven to be very helpful. These are not meant for someone who is looking to lose just 20 pounds, these surgeries are meant for people who are morbidly obese. They are highly effective, however, they are also very expensive and many insurances do not cover these types of surgeries as, in most cases, they are considered cosmetic. At United Credit, we offer affordable financing for cosmetic surgery, making the options of gastric bypass or the lap band accessible to more people. Gastric Bypass Gastric bypass surgery has been around for close to 25 years but has been performed with more frequency as of late. The most common type of gastric bypass surgery is what is called Roux-en-Y. The surgery reduces the size of the stomach and bypasses part of the intestines. This reduces the amount of food and calories that can be taken in and absorbed by the body. This results in significant weight loss over time for those who have had this surgery. This is a more invasive type of weight loss surgery than something like the lap band, but it is used in cases where the lap band would not be effective or suitable. The costs of this surgery vary but can be as much as $40,000. Lap Band Surgery Officially known as a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, the lap band has been around and used commonly since the mid-1990s. It is a silicone band that is placed around the stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch that reduces the amount of food that can be consumed. It also helps to increase the feelings of fullness and satiation with less food, meaning less overeating by the patient. Many doctors prefer this type of surgery over the traditional gastric bypass as it is less invasive and has fewer risks, reduced recovery time, and less pain for the patient. It is generally used on obese patients who are not the best candidates for invasive surgery or those who are not as morbidly obese as those who would be candidates for gastric bypass. Many see advantages of this type of surgery over gastric bypass the first being the less invasive nature described above. This means fewer incisions, less pain, and faster recovery time for the patient. Another big advantage of the lap band is that it is a fully reversible procedure, which gastric bypass is not. The costs of the lap band procedure vary, just as gastric bypass surgery, but does tend to be a bit less expensive. The average costs of this surgery range from $10,000-$30,000. It is a more affordable option that is less invasive and may be a better option for some than others. Again, your doctor will advise you on the best type of weight loss surgery for your situation. Both gastric bypass and lap band surgery are effective means of spurning dramatic weight loss. Though both have their risks, the risks associated with being morbidly obese generally make the risks of surgery worth it. These surgeries have been around for many years and have been performed countless times with success. Each surgery is suited for particular cases and needs, your doctor will know which is best for your situation. One of the biggest barriers to these weight loss surgeries is their costs. Many insurance companies do not cover this type of procedure and most don’t have the funds to pay for these surgeries out of pocket. United Credit is here to offer fair and affordable terms of financing cosmetic surgery, allowing many the option of procedures that once seemed beyond their means. Follow us on social: Linkedin-in Facebook-f Instagram Twitter