From the Office of Dr. Kirshenbaum - Obesity Weight Loss Surgeon

Have you ever thought about how much being overweight can cost you, physically, emotionally, and financially, throughout the course of your lifetime?

The Physical Costs

Obesity is unhealthy. People who are severely overweight are at risk for a large number of health problems, including hypertension leading to heart attack and stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, breast cancer … the list goes on.

Men and women suffering from obesity must also deal with the physical limitations that extra weight demands on a day-to-day basis. Many obese patients considering the Lap-Band^® procedure look forward to being able to pick up their children with ease, walk down the block without getting long-winded, and participate in exercise and other activities.

The Emotional Costs

Being overweight is a source of embarrassment for many people. Obese patients report that they are treated unfairly when out in public and are tired of facing stares and expressions of disapproval or pity. Overweight and obese individuals must also deal with self-esteem and confidence issues stemming from their physical appearance. Even if the overweight condition is a result of parenting, environment, endocrine dysfunction or other factors, obese people tend to carry around a feeling of guilt or defeat, which can have negative effects in many areas, from social situations to career choices and relationships.

The Financial Costs

The financial effects of obesity are staggering on both a personal and national level.

·      In the most recent study reported by the Centers for Disease Control, medical costs associated with overweight/obesity topped $874 million in Colorado.

·      A recent study by the Conference Board  found that lost working days and extra healthcare costs associated with obesity amounted to $45 billion annually.

·      A New York Time article linked obesity to rising workplace injuries, medical costs, and insurance costs.

·      The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC)  highlighted the direct medical costs associated with obesity such as hospitalization, emergency room visits, medication, and physicians’ services, as well as indirect costs of morbidity (lost productivity, the inability to participate in and enjoy life) and mortality (a shortened lifespan).  

·      Using guidelines from the same AJMC article, it is anticipated that patients who pay around $8,500 for Lap-Band^® can recoup the costs in about 14 months.

LAP-BAND as a Solution

The Lap-Band^® procedure can be an extremely cost-effective tool to accomplish weight loss. Lap-Band^® in conjunction with behavioral modification, eating properly and exercise can help you become healthier and happier and avoid future medical costs related to obesity. Our patients describe their enhanced quality of life following the procedure as “priceless.”

To learn more about the financial and other benefits of Lap-Band^® surgery, please contact LAP-BAND Rockies and speak with our Bariatric Coordinator Natalie Cardenas.