According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 100.1 million adults and 14.7 million children live with obesity in the United States. With these alarming statistics and growing health concerns, many Americans seek the cheapest weight loss surgery options to help them lose excess weight.
Before insurance, the average cost of bariatric surgery in the United States may range between $7,500 to more than $30,000. Prices may vary depending on the complexity of the bariatric procedure and various factors such as the facility’s location, the surgeon’s expertise, and insurance coverage.
Here’s a compiled list of weight loss surgeries and devices approved by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and their average costs. The list is arranged in order from the most expensive to the cheapest weight loss surgery.
5. Duodenal Switch
Price range: $22,000 to $42,000
The duodenal switch is a highly effective surgical option for treating severely obese patients, combining both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve techniques. It is, however, also the most complex and costly bariatric surgery option, with an average cost of $25,000.
Not all insurance plans cover this procedure, so it’s essential to consult with your insurance provider before considering this weight loss option.
4. Gastric Bypass Surgery
Price range: $15,000 to $35,000
Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y, is a type of bariatric surgery that involves creating a small pouch in the stomach which is then connected directly to the small intestine. This bypasses most of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine in order to reduce the patient’s food intake.
Following the surgery, the gastric bypass will alter how your stomach and small intestine absorb food and nutrients. This, in turn, will have an impact on your appetite and eating habits. Roux-en-Y are typically priced at an average of $23,000, making them the second most expensive procedure on the list.
3. Lap Band Surgery
Price range: $8,700 to $29,000
Lap bands, also known as adjustable gastric banding, are a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be reversed if necessary and recommended by a surgeon. This procedure involves placing a silicone band and tightening the stomach’s upper part.
By constricting the stomach, the patients will consume less and feel satiated quicker than usual. This may result in significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes post-surgery.
Gastric banding typically costs around $14,000 on average. It’s recommended that you consult with your doctor to learn more about what is included in the treatment package, as this surgery may require some adjustments over time.
2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Price range: $9,000 to $27,000
Gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy is the most famous procedure on the list, with more than 120,000 patients undergoing it in 2020, as reported by the ASMBS. Probably one thing that makes it so popular is its great value for money, considering that patients can lose significant weight without requiring a second-stage operation.
During this bariatric procedure, a significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving only a slim, tube-like shape for food to pass through. Apart from restricting calorie intake, the gastric sleeve also aims to eliminate the production of the hunger hormone in the stomach, reducing your appetite and cravings.
The average cost of a gastric sleeve is around $15,000 and is mostly partially covered by insurance providers in the US.
1. Intragastric Ballooon
Price range: $6,000 to $9,000
The intragastric or gastric balloon is not a surgery per se, but a sought-after weight loss procedure nonetheless. This bariatric procedure was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 and has since grown a following over the years.
The intragastric balloon, which costs $8,000 on average, is a temporary device designed to help patients lose weight. During the procedure, a silicone balloon is placed inside the stomach for no longer than six months. The balloon creates a feeling of fullness, which can help patients reduce their food intake and lose weight.
This procedure is often recommended to patients who need to initially lose weight to become eligible for another bariatric surgery afterward.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling to lose weight despite following a strict diet and exercise regime, don’t give up hope just yet because there’s still a glimmer of hope. Bariatric procedures have become an excellent option to help you kickstart your weight loss journey and keep you on track toward a better quality of life.
Remember that these prices are not yet final and may vary across states, so it’s best to take them carefully. If you’re interested in getting this procedure, consult with your healthcare and insurance provider first about your options going forward to receive the best possible treatment and weight loss results.
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