The Cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery

The total cost of gastric bypass surgery can vary widely, and is determined by a number of factors.

The amount you or your insurance company will pay will depend on the type of gastric bypass surgery, the experience level 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 gastric bypass surgery. Clinics outside the United States may charge far less for surgical procedures for obesity, but this option should be carefully researched before deciding to go abroad.

Insurance will sometimes cover some of the cost of gastric bypass surgery

More insurance companies are now paying for the surgery, but they usually have strict requirements for eligibility for the procedure. Unfortunately, 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 gastric bypass surgery, specifically The Roux-en-Y procedure, is about $35,000.

Remember – this will not cover the full gastric bypass cost, because it doesn’t cover the charges for  pre-treatment counseling, if required, and it doesn’t 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, and some of these conditions can be extremely expensive. Your insurance company will research thoroughly, and if they discover that the condition was caused by an uncovered procedure, they will not pay the claims.

Be sure to have a frank conversation with your insurance company to find out if gastric bypass is covered. Also talk to 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. The full cost of gastric bypass surgery is difficult to know in advance, but gather your facts and try to know as much as you can before the bills start coming in.