Well, you can go the prescription route...that's anywhere from $30.00 per month (with good insurance) to 218 a month (no insurance) or you can consider surgical options. Noneof those options are inexpensive...lower end (no insurance) is about $10k up into the $100's of thousands if there are complications.
Of course, you can join a gym or weight watchers or both. A Y membership can run as low as $35.00 per month depending on where you live. I have no idea how much weight watcher runs.
Some things to consider:
- Surgical options are only open to adults (18 or older)
- Many insurance companies will cover a Bariatric surgical proceedure if it is determined to be medically necessary (they are going to look for things like a BMI over 40 or over 35 with co-morbidity). If you have medical insurance through work, call them and find out what their requierments are. If the insurance company says that Bariatric Surgery is EXCLUDED, ask for it in writing. If it's excluded they don't have to pay no matter what your circumstances.
- Sometimes the pre-qualification process can be frustrating and time consuming
Bariatric Surgery is a ';last resort'; option. It should be considered only when the health benefits of losing the excess weight outweigh the risks of major surgery. You should try all other behavior modification options available to you before considering surgery. Make sure you work with your doctor and have him or her document your attempts. If you do decide on surgery, documented physician assisted weight loss attempts are very helpful.
It is a life changing event. Please don't make a decision on any proceedure based on price alone. Consult with a board certified bariatric surgon to determine the best option for you...it might not be surgery at all.
Contact a board certified Weight Management Center in your area. Most of them provide free or low-cost seminars to people who are interested in exploring this option further. Notice the emphasis on Board Certification. Do NOT trust your life to some general surgon who recognized there's a buck to be made performing bariatric surgery. Make SURE any surgon you choose has specialized training and experience. Trust me, you don't want some guy that has just read an article and observed a couple of these proceedures messing around with your digestive system. People DIE from improper tecniques. Ask questions, attend support group meeting before having the surgery and make sure you understand EVERYTHING...risks as well as benefits...before you undergo any medical proceedure.
No comments:
Post a Comment