Bariatric surgery – nothing cosmetic about this weight loss procedure

Many medical insurance companies refuse to cover bariatric surgeries claiming it's a cosmetic procedure but are they wrong?

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: October 26, 2013 12:03 pm

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As risk firms continue to refuse medical insurance for weight loss surgeries, surgeons mull a resolution to demand cover in such cases since obesity has become a life-threatening disease. With insurance companies refusing to provide health cover to bariatric surgeries, the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OBSSI) has decided to pass a resolution terming obesity as a life-threatening disease. Insurance companies generally refuse health cover to obesity-reduction surgeries, saying such procedures are cosmetic in nature. Around 20 obesity surgeons from across the country will meet on Sunday to pass the resolution. (Read: Is bariatric surgery a cosmetic procedure?)

OBSSI president Dr Shashank Shah, who is also attached with Fortis Hospital, said, ‘Once we get this resolution passed, we will put pressure on insurance companies to cover diabetes in their disease list. In the last 10 years, more than 4,000 such surgeries were conducted in the state. Once the resolution is passed, we will then write a letter to Union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad regarding this.’ Shah added, ‘We had already written a letter to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), requesting them to provide insurance cover to bariatric surgeries. According to my knowledge, claims of at least 80 patients have been pending.’

Weight loss surgery was introduced in Maharashtra almost 10 year ago, but people were hesitant to opt for the procedure. Now, people have started going for it to cure obesity-related ailments such as diabetes and respiratory disorders. Obesity surgeons feel that insurance companies are of the opinion that only rich people opt for bariatric surgeries to shed flab and look slim and trim.

Recently, the state-run JJ Hospital started this procedure as they felt it helps in curing ailments related to obesity. ‘Weight-loss surgery not only reduces the weight of a patient but also helps him/her get relief from many diseases like obstructive sleep apnoea, diabetes and thickened veins,’ said Dr Sanjay Borude, obesity surgeon, Breach Candy Hospital. Last year, more than 2,000 people underwent weight-loss surgeries in India.

What is bariatric surgery?

A bariatric surgery is a procedure that promotes weight loss by changing the digestive system’s anatomy, limiting the amount of food that can be eaten and digested. Though bariatric surgeries have become synonymous with weight loss, and people who can afford it consider it an easier alternative to healthy eating and exercising. Dr Ramen Goel, a bariatric surgeon tells us more about the procedure.

It isn’t a shortcut to weight loss

People who believe that it is a short cut for weight loss are generally not the ones who need it. This is for people who have honestly tried to lose weight and tried various gyms, diets, have gone and have lost weight which keeps coming back. It’s suggested for patients who are 25-30kg overweight with a BMI higher than 32.5. People suffering from obesity-related ailments should opt for this surgery.

Who shouldn’t get it?

Patients suffering from an unstable heart condition or angina should avoid it. Also those who’re are psychologically unstable and will not follow the diet and exercise suggested by the doctors should avoid it.

They are not the same as liposuction and tummy tucks

Liposuction and tummy tucks are cosmetic procedures and are done in a person whose weight is near normal and only has stubborn fat areas in particular body parts. Liposuction removes excess fat from thighs, back, etc. while a tummy tuck is done in the lower part of abdomen. The part of the abdomen that is in excess is tucked or removed and the skin is tightened so that you get a flat tummy. Read more

With inputs from DNA/Santosh Andhale

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Published : October 26, 2013 8:35 am | Updated:October 26, 2013 12:03 pm

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