The Cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery
The cost of gastric bypass surgery can vary widely, and is determined by a number of factors.
The amount you pay will depend on the type of surgery, the experience of the surgeon and his or her staff, the length of time you have to stay in the hospital, and whether or not any complications develop that require a second surgery.
The country in which the surgery is performed is also a large factor in the cost of this weight loss procedure. Clinics outside the United States may charge far less for bariatric surgery.
More insurance companies are now paying for the surgery, but usually have strict requirements for eligibility for the procedure. However, many employers do not purchase policies that cover the cost of gastric bypass surgery or other weight loss treatment because of the additional cost.
In the US, the average cost of the The Roux-en-Y procedure is about $35,000. You may find surgical centers outside the US that charge about half this amount. However, this will not cover the cost of pre-treatment counseling, if required, and will not cover any complication that may occur, which can be both expensive and life-threatening.
What if there are complications?
If you insurance doesn't cover the procedure, they will probably not cover any treatment that is needed if complications arise. Complications can include such things as leakage, infections and gall-stones.
If these complications will not be covered by your insurance, you will need to pay additional costs if they arise. Be sure to have a frank conversation with your insurance company and the finance officer at the surgical center so you will have a good understanding of all potential costs for your weight loss surgery.
Other costs to consider are any long-term follow up sessions that may be needed in order to prevent nutritional imbalances, and counseling that may be required to make sure you don't regain any weight. Almost all surgeons suggest ongoing nutritional counseling. Weight loss can have an effect on relationships, too, so you may want to consider ongoing psychological counseling and support to help you and your family become comfortable with your new thinner body.
A free report covering insurance issues and gastric bypass surgery is available online at http://www.stress-free-weight-loss.com/health-insurance.htm
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More Articles About the Cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery:
- Determining the Full Cost of Weight Loss Surgery
- Gastric Bypass - Common Insurance Issues
- My Struggle With My Insurance Company- a Personal Story
- How One Patient Finally Got Her Gastric Bypass Claims Paid
- Are You Eligible for Insurance Coverage?
Disclaimer: The information presented on this page and other pages on this site is based upon the opinions of the author, and on the author's interpretation of published reports and articles. It is not intended to replace your relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice.
The author encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon knowledge of the issues of nutrition and health, and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.