One of the biggest advantages of lap band surgery is that it is adjustable. Rather than being permanent like a gastric bypass, the lap band can be adjusted to ensure that the patient is losing weight at the optimum rate. This is done by inflating or deflating the band, using the port to remove or inject saline solution.
With these adjustments, it is possible to squeeze or release the stomach, resulting in more or less food being ingested. In general, the lap band will be left at the minimal setting while the patient recovers from the surgery. At the follow up appointment, the doctor will inject more saline to inflate the ring around the stomach. This amount will then be adjusted, depending on how quickly the patient loses weight.
Costs of Lap Band Surgery Many surgeons include the follow up appointment and further adjustments after the initial surgery in their overall cost. So, for many patients, what they pay for the surgery will also cover the cost of their lap band adjustments.
Prices for this type of procedure vary widely, depending on where you go to have the surgery. However, prices range from $15,000-20,000 in the United States. Some people choose to go to Mexico, but this is risky since the medical practices are not well regulated and if something happens, the patient is far from home. The cost of travel, including returning for follow ups can be quite expensive, as well, if you have the surgery out of country.
Cost of Adjustments The lap band will need to be adjusted periodically to allow more or less food to go through the stomach. If the band is too loose, the patient will not feel full, will overeat and fail to lose weight, negating the point of having the procedure done. However, if the band is too tight, it will be impossible to eat solid foods and only liquids or mushy food will be tolerated by the stomach, which can be quite limiting and may also result in excessive weight loss. Since this can be dangerous to the patients health, the band will need to be adjusted accordingly. It also allows for changes in the patients condition . . . for example, a pregnant woman will need to have her band deflated to allow for the nutritional needs of the baby.
In some cases, though it is not usual, the surgery cost doesn't include follow ups and lap band adjustments. Its important to check this when making arrangements with a doctor. Its not very good to be surprised later on with extra costs when the adjustments need to be made.
Depending on the doctor and whether or not insurance covers part of the lap band adjustments, a change to the band can cost anywhere from $100-300 in the United States.
Since the initial surgery is so pricey, it makes sense that the adjustments would be included in the price. However, if the patient doesn't make sure that this is included, he or she could be in for an unpleasant surprise. Not having the adjustments done by a professional is a recipe for disaster and since the entire purpose of having lap band surgery is to lose weight, it makes sense to invest in regular updates to the band.
Without the proper adjustments, the patient will not lose weight as desired . . . he or she may end up losing too quickly and falling ill, or just the opposite, not losing anything at all. To ensure that the surgery works as intended, checkups are required and periodic changes to the bands tightness.
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