Gastric bypas vs sleeve

Question
I am scheduled for bypass on July 28th which my insurance "was" going to cover. During my office visit the physician realized they had sent in the wrong BMI & weight. They notified my insurance and now they are probably not going to cover it, it is in review.I asked about self paying and he stated that the bypass was to expensive but he could do a sleeve for around 12-14K. My question is: am I a candidate for the  sleeve and would it be beneficial? I am 5'6" and 231 lbs.

Answer
LaShon,
There are a lot of factors in this decision that can't really be captured in an email, so whatever feedback I give you will need to be considered as just some thoughts in the midst of your real-life experience.

#1)  Given the height and weight you listed, your BMI is 37.  Most insurance will cover surgery if there is any associated medical problem, even something like chronic back pain.  I strongly recommend you do not give up on insurance since most folks don't have $10-20K sitting around.

#2)  In most locations the price for a gastric bypass is in the range of  $20K, but also the sleeve is usually in the range of $16K.  I recommend you learn what the cost of the gastric bypass actually is.

#3)  The sleeve may be a good operation but it has not been proven in the long run.  There are only 3 years worth of published results for the sleeve.....

Best of luck,
Dr JP

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