What Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?

Reviewed by Neil Hutcher, MD

Weight loss surgery is both complex and costly. Average cost for the gastric bypass procedure (bariatric surgery) ranges from $18,000 to $22,000.

Gastric bypass cost comprises three primary fees: anesthesia, hospital facility, and surgeon's fee. These costs vary based on the extent of the procedure and length of recovery. Post-procedure costs are additional, such as for dietary plans, a fitness regimen, behavioral modification, and nutritional supplementation. Since gastric bypass is a complex surgery, with more than one method, many variables, and recovery issues, the costs can easily mount up.

Additional Procedures

When budgeting for your treatment, remember that after weight loss surgery, additional plastic surgery may be necessary to remove excess skin, lift sagging body areas, improve loose muscles or treat fat deposits. Some of these additional procedures could include a facelift, breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, or liposuction. These follow-up procedures are usually delayed until one to two years after the bypass.

In follow-up plastic surgery procedures, the more skin and fat to be removed, the longer the surgical time requirement and the higher the cost. The facility used for surgery impacts cost as well. You should discuss these procedures and the additional costs with your doctor.

Insurance Coverage

Health insurance providers rarely pay for treatment of obesity, despite its serious effects on health. But most cases of chronic morbid obesity (especially with a body mass index above 40) are still covered if your doctor informs the insurance company that the surgery is medically necessary and provides good medical and other documentation. Documentation should include your doctor-supervised attempts to lose weight such as drug therapy and group therapy.

Coverage is also more likely if your doctor demonstrates that you suffer comorbidities such as diabetes or heart disease.

Your doctor can help you put together a case to improve your chances of weight loss surgery insurance coverage. Coverage will vary among insurance carriers. If the initial attempt to authorize coverage is denied, you can appeal, and you should initiate your appeal immediately.

Aftercare insurance reimbursements for a dietician, psychologist, exercise program and nutritional supplements such as Vitamin B12 injections may be minimal, if covered at all.

Regional Factors Affecting Gastric Bypass Cost

Fees vary by region. Surgery fees are typically higher in urban areas, such as Boston, New York, and other Eastern seaboard cities. Overhead is higher in those areas, and surgeons are in greater demand in more densely populated areas. The highest cost region is in the northeast United States, followed by the West Coast, then the central and southern states.

However, the top surgeons in every region typically demand, and receive, higher fees. They are often more skilled, have performed more surgeries and have a better record of successful results.

Gastric Bypass Payment Plans

Many bariatric physicians and plastic surgeons offer payment plans. Many practices are also familiar with medical financing companies and can provide information.

The surgeon or a staff member should be able to answer your questions about treatment costs and fitting a payment plan into your budget.

For additional cost and financing information, please read this article on Patient Financing.

[Page updated February 2008]