What are the costs for the follow-up treatment? | The cost of a gastric bypass

What are the costs for the follow-up treatment?

The costs of post-treatment vary greatly from person to person. They depend on how the operation went and how the patient copes with the gastric bypass and the associated life changes after the operation. Some people have few problems and cope very well with the diet and circumstances.

While others have to deal with many problems, such as nausea or psychological consequences. In any case, follow-up treatment includes a check-up at intervals of several months after the operation. At this time, various blood values must also be checked.

Furthermore, an intramuscular administration of vitamin B12 must be carried out every four months. This vitamin can no longer be absorbed by the body after the operation. In addition, the intake of further vitamin preparations is recommended, which usually have to be paid for by the health insurance company itself even if they are not covered by the insurance.

How and where can I request reimbursement?

The cost coverage is applied for at the health insurance company. The exact conditions for cost coverage vary from one health insurance company to another. As a rule, a BMI of over 40kg/m2 must be present.

If a disease caused by obesity is present, a BMI of over 35kg/m2 may also be sufficient. In addition, conservative therapies for weight reduction, such as nutrition and exercise therapies, must already have been exhausted without success. All this must be proven to the health insurance company.

For this purpose, an expert opinion must be prepared by the doctor in charge. Furthermore, the patient’s application with detailed information on overweight including other diseases and a psychotherapeutic statement must be submitted. This statement should discuss factors which could have a negative effect on the success of the therapy after the operation. In addition, lifelong aftercare must be ensured.Some time may pass until the application is processed by the health insurance company. If all points are met, the health insurance company will cover the entire costs.