Does United Health Care Cover Weight Loss Surgery?

If you are thinking about having weight loss surgery then you may be wondering "Does United Healthcare Cover Weight Loss Surgery?" You may be one of the many people who have considered this and are not sure if it is right for you. As a patient you are going to be under the care of a physician and as with all medical procedures there will always be certain risks involved. The risks of having surgery alone far outweigh any benefits that may be obtained. In fact, the procedure has become so risky that insurance companies have now dropped coverage for the procedure all together. In fact, some insurance carriers have gone as far as banning it altogether.

This does raise a question as to whether or not your insurance company will cover weight loss. The short answer is no, they will not cover surgery to lose weight. Under the circumstances that surgery is needed the patient is going to be required to undergo some type of behavioral change. Although not all insurance policies will do this, most will. So keep in mind that this is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of weight loss surgery.

For those considering surgery, there are other ways to shed those unwanted pounds. Diet and exercise programs are available through most reputable weight loss centers. Many physicians believe these programs are much more effective than surgery and the weight usually stays off for longer periods of time. Many patients also report that they have more energy and their skin look better after the program. Some even say that their career has improved significantly after losing weight.

There are some side effects to having surgery to lose weight. Most people who undergo this are put on a regimen of powerful appetite suppressants. This can often lead to long-term problems with obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Many people report that they still have to take these medications even after losing the weight. This is because the body has no way of processing the medications without becoming dependent upon them.

Other complications can occur when someone tries to lose weight with surgery. The stomach can become inflamed and the blood vessels can become stiff. A fall in the person's potassium levels can occur. All of these risks are discussed in detail in any reputable weight loss center.

If you decide to go ahead with weight loss surgery, you should understand that you may have to pay part of the cost out of your own pocket. Usually, insurance companies will only cover a portion of the bill. The insurance company will require that you show them the price of at least ten pounds of food that you intend to eat for a period of time after the procedure. This will be done by weighing the food and presenting it to the insurance company along with a prescription for medication. You may need to provide other information as well such as your weight, medical history and other personal information.

If you are planning to go through with the surgery on your own, you should understand that you will probably not be able to exercise as much as you would normally do. Your diet may also be limited for a period of time. If you have had a history of serious health conditions, including diabetes or heart disease, you should consult your doctor before starting a new regimen. You will also want to make sure that your insurance company is aware of the surgery and that they have a plan to cover the cost.

There is no denying that some weight loss surgery is a good thing. It can help people to achieve the body type that they have dreamed about. However, you should be aware that there are some risks involved as well. If you are considering weight loss surgery, you should carefully consider all of your options before making a decision. Many people find that it helps them go through with the procedure even if they have a history of serious health conditions. By keeping these factors in mind, you will be able to make an informed decision regarding whether or not you should go forward with the procedure.