14 Apr How Much Is Gastric Sleeve Cost and Who Is It For?
Have you been considering weight loss surgery, specifically gastric sleeve surgery? If so, you may wonder about the gastric sleeve cost and whether you’re eligible for this procedure.
Losing weight can be challenging and frustrating, especially if there are little to no results despite maintaining a strict diet and exercise routine. As a result, many individuals turn to bariatric surgeries to aid in their weight loss efforts.
To start your journey to losing weight, this post aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about gastric sleeve surgery, helping you determine whether it is the right procedure.
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
The gastric sleeve is a highly popular bariatric surgical option for individuals seeking a lasting solution for weight loss. Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this irreversible procedure aims to remove approximately 75-80% of your stomach, encouraging a loss of about 70% of weight within one year for severely obese patients.
Gastric sleeve patients are expected to eat less and have a quicker feeling of fullness due to having a large portion of their stomach removed, which includes the ghrelin hormone that plays a huge role in appetite and hunger.
To ensure safer and more precise results, a robotic sleeve gastrectomy is also practiced in some procedures, like at Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute (CBSI).
Average Gastric Sleeve Cost
The cost of gastric sleeve surgery varies depending on many factors, including where you live, the surgeon’s experience, the facility where the surgery is performed, and your insurance coverage.
Depending on the said factors, the average gastric sleeve cost in the United States ranges between $17,000 and $26,000, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. However, with the option of outpatient facilities now available, patients can expect to pay as low as $9,500.
While the cost may be high, the procedure’s benefits can be life-changing. Gastric sleeve surgery is an effective and safe way to achieve significant weight loss, improve health conditions related to obesity, and even increase lifespan.
Many patients have reported remission of their obesity-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension, which has allowed some patients to eliminate their medications.
CBSI Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy Self-Paying Patients
As mentioned, CBSI offers robotic sleeve gastrectomy using our state-of-the-art Intuitive da Vinci robot. Operated by our highly renowned Dr. Thomas Brown, he divides the stomach vertically using a line of staples and then removes a large portion of the stomach.
The remaining portion is then formed into a banana-like tube, completing the procedure within one to two hours. Furthermore, patients can expect to leave our facilities within one to two days once Dr. Brown clears them.
If you don’t have an insurance provider, we offer a self-paying option for patients interested in our services. The cost of our self-paying gastric sleeve procedure is $11,800 and includes the following treatment package:
- hospital charges
- anesthesia
- unlimited post-operative follow-up visits for 90 days
- surgery performed in a prestigious Center of Excellence hospital
- personalized dietary support
- access to supportive group sessions
If you have any questions regarding our services, please get in touch with us at 303-861-4505.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve procedure is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for obesity, as it is minimally invasive and has a high success rate in helping patients achieve significant weight loss.
However, the cost of gastric sleeve surgery can be a significant concern for many people considering this procedure. Gastric sleeve cost can vary widely depending on several factors, which include:
Facility
Inpatient vs. outpatient facilities can affect the price you pay for the procedure. Inpatient facilities can cost more than outpatient centers since hospitals offer more care.
These fees can include the cost of the operating room, nursing staff, and other medical equipment and supplies necessary for the procedure.
Surgeon’s fees
Their level of expertise and experience determines the fee charged by a surgeon. While it is true that highly skilled bariatric surgeons may charge and cost more for their services, it is crucial to recognize the significant impact their experience can have on the success and overall outcome of the surgery.
Therefore, it is important to consider both the cost and the surgeon’s experience before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery.
Location
The location of the surgical center is another critical factor that influences the cost of sleeve gastrectomy. The state and even the city where the bariatric facility is situated can impact the overall cost of the procedure.
Additionally, the availability of bariatric services in your area can affect your expenses. For instance, if you reside in a remote location where only a handful of facilities offer bariatric surgery, you may have to pay more compared to areas with several providers.
Insurance
The cost of gastric sleeve surgery can vary based on the extent of coverage your insurance provider provides. It’s important to note that every insurance plan may not cover weight loss surgery, and even those that do may have specific restrictions and requirements.
To determine your potential out-of-pocket costs, it’s crucial to consult with your insurance provider and confirm whether gastric sleeve surgery is covered.
Prescription
After your surgery, your doctor may recommend painkillers or antibiotics to help you recover. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential additional costs associated with these medications.
If you are insured, you can review your insurance coverage to see which medications are covered and your out-of-pocket expenses. It’s worth noting that some insurance plans only cover certain medications, while others require you to shoulder a portion of the costs.
Moreover, you may consider purchasing generic brands instead of brand-name drugs to save on expenses.
Additional procedures
Lastly, additional pre- and post-surgery fees may add up to the overall gastric sleeve cost. These may include:
- additional appointments
- psychological evaluation
- lab tests
- extra hospital stays
Additionally, scheduling follow-up checkups with your doctor is crucial to ensure proper recovery and monitor progress. Remember that these costs should be factored into the overall gastric sleeve cost.
Does insurance cover sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on whether you have an insurance plan or none. Many insurances do cover gastric sleeve surgery, but some providers would require you to meet certain criteria to qualify.
If you do not have insurance or your provider does not cover gastric sleeve surgery, don’t worry because other options are still available. Many surgeons and facilities offer financing plans or payment options to help make the procedure more affordable.
You may also find lower-cost options by traveling to another country for surgery, although this comes with risks and considerations.
If you’re unsure of what your insurance plan covers, you may check your benefits and get a free insurance evaluation from our team by filling out our form. If you don’t have an insurance provider, CBSI also has a self-paying option to help start your weight loss journey.
Who are the candidates for the surgery?
It’s important to note that gastric sleeve surgery, and other bariatric procedures, are not a quick fix for weight loss. They are major surgical procedure that requires a significant commitment to lifestyle changes and ongoing support from a healthcare team.
But who exactly are the candidates for this surgery? Before a patient is given the green light, the following criteria must be fulfilled first:
- between ages 18 and 65
- morbidly obese patients with a BMI of 40 or higher
- obese patients with a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related
- conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, sleep apnea, or joint pain
- those who have tried traditional weight loss methods without success
- committed to making long-term lifestyle changes
It’d also be ideal for candidates to have a support system before and after the surgery. This can include family, friends, and healthcare professionals who can provide assistance and encouragement throughout their weight loss journey.
Conclusion
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, it’s important to carefully evaluate all factors that will impact the cost of a gastric sleeve procedure. Remember that this surgery requires significant lifestyle changes to reach and maintain your weight loss goals over the long term.
To make an informed decision, take the time to thoroughly research and understand the procedure to ensure that you’re fully prepared for the necessary changes, including the financial aspect of it.