Bariatric surgery is a life-changing option for those struggling with obesity that hasn’t had any luck with traditional weight loss methods. While it offers hope for many people seeking a positive change in their overall health, the bariatric surgery cost is one of the primary concerns for those considering this option.
This post will explore the various types of weight loss surgery available, the associated costs with and without insurance, and the factors that can impact the total price. By better understanding the expenses involved, you can make the best decision about whether bariatric surgery is right for you.
Different Types of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery encompasses various techniques that aim to reduce a patient’s weight. Certain procedures limit calorie intake by reducing stomach size, while others alter nutrient absorption.
However, it is crucial to understand that bariatric surgery is not a one-time solution. Individuals must be willing to make significant dietary and lifestyle changes to ensure sustainable success in achieving and maintaining weight goals.
Here are some of the most commonly known bariatric procedures:
Lap band
This procedure involves inserting an adjustable silicone band around the patient’s stomach. This creates a small pouch that restricts the amount of food consumed, reducing the stomach’s capacity and promoting weight loss.
To ensure optimal results, following up with your surgeon regularly and adjusting the band as needed is crucial.
Gastric sleeve
Gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure designed for severely obese individuals, where the bariatric surgeon permanently removes approximately 75-80% of the stomach. This technique reduces the patient’s cravings and food consumption by fundamentally altering the stomach size.
Gastric bypass
Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y, is one of the most popular and highly effective bariatric surgery for treating obesity. This procedure involves creating a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach and connecting it to the small intestine.
By bypassing most of the stomach, the food moves directly to the small intestine, causing patients to feel full more quickly and consume less food. Within 18 months of the procedure, patients can potentially lose 75% to 80% of their excess weight.
Duodenal switch
The duodenal switch is a bariatric surgery that is highly effective in treating severely obese patients, combining both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve techniques. Unlike other weight loss procedures, the duodenal switch focuses on the malabsorption of food in the small intestine rather than restricting food intake.
Additionally, this surgery has shown remarkable results in treating Type II diabetes and improving the patient’s metabolism.
Average Bariatric Surgery Cost
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the average bariatric surgery cost in the United States typically falls between $17,000 and $26,000, depending on the procedure recommended to you by your physician.
However, the total cost of the surgery may vary based on factors such as your geographical location, the type of facility where the procedure is performed, and whether or not you have insurance. It’s also important to consider additional fees associated with the surgery.
Bariatric surgery cost without insurance
As mentioned earlier, the average cost of bariatric surgery without insurance ranges between $17,000 and $26,000. However, depending on your service, some procedures can cost as much as $30,000 or more.
- Lap band surgery cost: around $12,000 to $25,000
- Bariatric sleeve surgery cost: around $9,500 to $26,850
- Gastric bypass cost: around $18,000 to $35,000
- Duodenal switch cost: around $25,000 and $38,000
When paying for bariatric surgery without insurance, many individuals turn to finance options such as personal loans, credit cards, or medical financing companies. However, these options can come with high-interest rates and fees, which can add up quickly over time.
Tips for Financing Bariatric Surgery Without Insurance
If you are contemplating bariatric surgery but do not have health insurance, here are some useful tips to assist you in beginning the process for the recommended procedure by your doctor.
1. Research your options
Make sure that you are aware of all your options before committing to a specific financing option.
Compare the rates and fees from multiple lenders and look for a financing plan with the least interest rate and more flexible repayment terms.
2. Consider medical financing companies
Several medical financing firms specialize in offering loans for bariatric surgery and other medical procedures.
These companies generally provide lower interest rates and more flexible payment terms than traditional lenders.
3. Consult with your surgeon
Often, bariatric surgeons offer financing options or know of financing companies that can assist you. Be sure to ask your surgeon about any financing options available to you.
4. Look for grants
Some charitable organizations provide grants to those who can’t afford the cost of bariatric surgery. Due to the limited funds available, candidates applying for grants must meet certain basic requirements first to be considered.
5. Consider a payment plan
Some bariatric surgery facilities offer payment plans that allow patients to pay for the procedure over time.
Be sure to check with your healthcare provider regarding the availability of such a plan and whether other options are available.
Bariatric surgery cost with insurance
The cost of bariatric surgery with insurance can vary depending on various factors, including your insurance plan’s coverage details, the specific type of bariatric surgery you have, and your geographic location.
However, generally, patients with insurance can expect to pay significantly less for bariatric surgery than those without insurance.
It’s important to note, though, that you’re still most likely to pay out-of-pocket costs since not all insurance plans cover the full cost of the procedure. Others may require patients to pay a certain percentage of the cost or meet a specific deductible before coverage kicks in.
Things You Should Know About Paying With Insurance
Here’s a guide to helping you understand some of the most important things when it comes to paying your bariatric surgery cost through an insurance provider:
1. Approval from your insurance plan is required for your surgery
Before being approved for bariatric surgery, certain requirements must be met, even if the procedure is covered.
These requirements typically involve undergoing screening tests to assess your overall health and evaluating your readiness to make lifestyle changes.
Some other criteria include the following:
- attending information seminars
- completing patient packets
- visiting the bariatric facility for evaluation
- participating in weight loss programs
2. Not all costs or services will be covered by your insurance
Certain services, like mental health evaluations, may be mandatory but not necessarily included in your insurance coverage. You may need to pay for these services from your pocket in such cases.
3. You will shoulder any pre-surgery costs
Regardless of your insurance coverage, you will be responsible for covering pre-bariatric surgery expenses using your funds. Your insurance benefits will determine the amount you must pay and must be paid in full before the procedure.
CBSI Bariatric Surgery Cost for Self-Paying Patients
At Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute, we provide our bariatric patients with cutting-edge surgical options using the Intuitive da Vinci robot. Our highly skilled surgeon, Dr. Wanda Good, performs robotic sleeve gastrectomy and robotic gastric bypass with unparalleled precision, leading to superior outcomes and reduced hospital stays.
Our self-paying patients can benefit from our cost-effective pricing, with gastric sleeve gastrectomy priced at $11,800 and gastric bypass at $18,200. Both procedures come with a comprehensive treatment package that includes the following:
- hospital charges
- anesthesia
- unlimited post-operative follow-up visits for 90 days
- operative procedure executed at a top-rated medical facility
- nutritional assistance
- participation in support groups
Do you have an insurance provider but aren’t sure about your coverage? Our free insurance evaluation can help you figure out your policy better. Provide us with the required details, and we’ll respond with the information you need within 24 hours.
Consult With Us Now to Get Started
Although the cost of bariatric surgery may initially appear daunting, weighing the long-term benefits and potential savings on medical expenses resulting from improved health is crucial. With access to the proper support and resources, bariatric surgery can help you achieve a healthier and higher quality of life.
Take the first step towards your weight loss journey by consulting with your healthcare provider and insurance company to explore the best course of action for your treatment!