Weight loss is never easy because it entails giving up your favorite foods and endless hours of sweating out in the gym. However, conventional weight loss measures fail to work for severely overweight people. Fortunately, bariatric surgery is an option for them.
Mayo Clinic recommends it for people with extreme obesity, having a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 40. You may also consider it if your BMI is 35- 39.9, but you also have a serious weight-related health issue such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. With almost 42% of American adults being obese, this procedure emerges as a lifesaver.
According to 2022 statistics, the number of bariatric surgeries performed in North America in the year was 243,254, and the US had the most of them. Even in states like Colorado, which has the lowest obesity rate (24.2%), a growing number of patients are opting for the procedure.
Choosing the best surgeon decides the outcomes of the procedure. We will help you with a guide to finding the best one for bariatric surgery in Colorado.
Explore Your Options
Statistics show that the bariatric surgery market in the US was valued at $668.78 million in 2021. Millions of Americans undergo it to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and lower lifetime healthcare costs. Hundreds of accredited clinics across the US help patients achieve their ideal weight with the procedure. You may even find them in relatively “less obese” states like Colorado.
For a Colorado resident, the first step of the journey is to find the local options. Looking for a Denver bariatric surgery center is the best option if you live in the city. It minimizes the cost and discomfort of travel during the treatment and after the surgery. You can search for the best nearby centers online, seek recommendations, and read reviews to shortlist your options in the first place.
Prioritize Board Certification
The Bariatric & Metabolic Center Of Colorado recommends checking the board certification of the surgeons at the center before finalizing it. A certified practitioner performing the procedure gives you peace of mind about being in the safest hands. Look for a certification by the American Board of Surgery when you visit the clinic. You may ask expressly if you cannot see the credentials in the office or on the website.
Board certification indicates that the bariatric practitioner has met predefined standards and completed a training program. Since the board requires a recertification every ten years, this certification also shows that the practitioner is updated with the latest procedures and surgical techniques.
Check Experience and Track Record
A board certification is definitely a plus, but you cannot rely on it alone when choosing a bariatric surgeon in Colorado. Bariatric surgery can save lives, with surveys showing that it reduced deaths from various cancers by 43% and cardiovascular disease by 29%. On the other hand, complication rates for the procedure range from 10 to 17%.
However, an experienced surgeon can effectively navigate potential complications and ensure better outcomes for patients. Check the experience and track record of the surgeon, digging deep into key details such as the number of surgeries performed, the number of years in the industry, and overall success rates.
Assess the Facilities at the Center
Although the skills and experience of the bariatric surgeon matter the most when it comes to choosing the best one, you should pay attention to the center as well. Is the infrastructure good enough? Is the support staff qualified and experienced? Does the clinic offer additional facilities like diagnostics and post-operative support?
These factors matter a lot when it comes to the overall experience. For example, obesity is linked with the risk of complications such as airway problems during anesthesia. A clinic having an experienced anesthesiologist with a record of performing anesthesia on obese patients is a better option. Also, ensure that the staff members are empathic and compassionate.
Consider Cost and Insurance Coverage
While bariatric surgery can lower your medical expenses in the long run, it entails a significant upfront cost. The surgery costs range from $7,500 to $30,000 before insurance, varying according to your medical needs, location, and insurance. As a complicated procedure, Biliopancreatic diversion with the duodenal switch will obviously cost more than a simple lap-band surgery.
Remember to check the cost, payment plans, and insurance coverage when searching for the best bariatric surgery center in Colorado. You may have to pay out-of-pocket if a center is outside your insurance network, so ensure it beforehand. Additionally, an easy payment plan can make the procedure more affordable.
In conclusion, the success of a bariatric surgery depends on the skills, experience, and credentials of the practitioner. Additionally, the facilities and quality of care at the clinic determine your overall experience. Considering this checklist of factors will help you find the best bariatric surgery center in Colorado.
