clinical trial

Question
Hi:
My friend  said that I might be able to get free bariatric surgery as part of a clinical trial.  Is this true?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Sara:

Typically, in the case of bariatric surgery, most patients have to pay for their actual surgery costs.  For example, those who participated in the FDA trials for the Lap-Band, patients paid around $10,000 or so.  

I did read about a new trial going at a New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center on diabetes and Roux-en-Y.  One does not need to be obese, a BMI of 26+ was the minimum.  It's a randomized trial--which means you might get surgery or you might end up with non-surgical treatment.  You can email/phone (212) 746-5925 or [email protected] for more info. I don't know if there is any patient cost or not.  As its randomized, I'm guessing "no"--but please know that this is only a guess. You can also go to their website at http://www.cornellsurgery.org/pro/services/gi-metabolic/   I don't know what the maximum BMI is, however. If you're here looking for "free" bariatric surgery, then my guess is your BMI may be well over 40--which may actually exclude you from this trial.  

In general, you can check on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov

For example, this link will give you current trials on diabetes and roux-en-y http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=diabetes+and+roux-en-y

Here's one for just bariatric surgery http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=bariatric+surgery


Good luck. If your insurance does not cover bariatric surgery, you can look into affordable self-pay options.  Procedures like the vertical sleeve gastrectomy and lap-band can be had for around $10,000--even in the US.  While neither may lead to 100% excess weight loss (heck, no procedure does), they can offer you significant weight loss which can make a big difference to your health and mood.

Once again, good luck,

Karla

1. Prev:vsg vs lap band
2. Next:fistula after gastric sleeve surgery