Gastric bypass is surgery that helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat. After the surgery, your stomach will be smaller. You will feel full with less food. The food you eat will no longer go into some parts of your stomach and small intestine that absorb food.
How Much Does Gastric Bypass Cost In South Africa
A patient who undergoes a gastric bypass procedure is fully anesthetized for up to three hours, and specialized skills are required to complete the surgery. Accordingly, the associated medical costs for the surgery alone can be anywhere in the region from R100 000 to R150 000!
Preparation process for bariatric surgery
An extensive process is followed by the multi-disciplinary team to evaluate and treat candidates before bariatric surgery will be done.
The first step is the completion of documentation, whereafter the patient will usually meet with the psychologist for an evaluation. Where appropriate the psychologist will refer the patient to a psychiatrist for treatment. Family sessions are an essential part of this process.
The dietician then evaluates the patient’s dieting history and initiates an eating plan taking into account the cultural requirements and dietary preference of the patient. This is an essential step to foster some of the routines that the patient will have to adhere to after surgery, and is also essential for improving the patient’s physical health and nutritional education.
Next, the patient is seen by the specialist endocrinologist for a comprehensive evaluation and initiation of a treatment protocol before the patient’s eligibility for surgery is confirmed.
Prior to surgery, the patient consults with the surgeon, and various investigative tests are done as prescribed by the endocrinologist.
These may include a gastroscopy, relevant blood tests, a lung function test, and an echocardiogram.
If the patient has co-morbidities such as diabetes or hypertension, these also need to be understood and adequately treated before surgery can be approved.
All possible complications will be personally discussed with the patient by the specialists during a face-to-face consultation.
How much does gastric sleeve cost in South Africa?
A bariatric operation can cost R80 000 or more, depending on the length of your stay in hospital and any complications that may occur. At the moment, most South African medical aids don’t cover bariatric surgery.