oBand Can Save You Money
As mentioned earlier, this should not be considered an expense but rather an investment. The long term success
in weight loss, prevention and elimination of obesity-related risks, and benefits of a healthy lifestyle
far outweigh the cost of the LAP-BAND® procedure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website presented a study
which shows the estimated cost of obesity, including direct (preventative, diagnostic and treatment services
related to obesity) and indirect (income lost, decreased productivity, restricted activity, absenteeism and
bed days) medical costs. In 1998 alone, total adult medical expenditures attributable to overweight and obesity
was estimated at $51.5 billion, including out-of-pocket medical expenses, private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare.
According to a more recent study (by RTI International, the Agency for Healthcare Research, and Quality and the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) the annual medical expenditures attributable to obesity have increased
significantly over the past decade to approximately $147 billion per year. An obese person spends approximately
$1,429 in medical costs – 42% more than a person of normal weight.
following costs:
- Costs for Over the Counter medication
- Co-pays and other fees for doctor visits, lab work, x-rays, and specialists
- Co-pays and other out of pocket costs for prescription medication
- Income lost due to decreased activity, restricted activity or absenteeism
- Diet plans and other weight loss programs
- Additional food costs associated with groceries and restaurants
These are concrete costs being paid by those suffering from obesity and the health problems associated with it. While
these costs can be quantified in a dollar amount, there are plenty of costs you can’t put a price on, such as
interacting with family and children on a new level, freeing yourself of the stress you suffer when travelling,
opening new doors of opportunity, etc.