In 2019, around 260,000 people in the U.S. had bariatric surgery. After the surgery, people can lose up to 60% of their extra weight in 6 months and 77% in a year. Common types of weight loss surgery include gastric bypass, which makes the stomach much smaller and changes hunger hormones; gastric banding, where a device is placed around the stomach to limit food intake; and sleeve gastrectomy, which removes 80% of the stomach, reducing hunger hormones. Another option is biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), which creates a small pouch and bypasses most of the small intestine. A newer surgery, called SADI-S, is similar to BPD/DS and helps people who had a sleeve gastrectomy lose more weight.
When thinking about bariatric surgery, cost is an important factor. The more you understand about the expenses related to obesity and weight loss surgery, the more confident you will feel about your decision. Bariatric surgery not only reduces the risk of certain health problems but also helps avoid unexpected costs linked to being overweight. This is why more insurance companies are now covering these procedures. Learn more about the costs at Baptist Health.
Being very overweight can cost more money than you might expect. Some unexpected expenses include:
Higher medical bills: Obese people spend up to $4,800 more per year on doctor visits, medicine, and hospital stays. (Healthline)
Missed work: Obese men take up to 5.9 extra sick days per year, and obese women take up to 9.4 extra days.
Lower pay: Obese women earn 6% less, and obese men earn 3% less than coworkers of normal weight.
More fuel costs: A heavier car uses more gas. An extra 100 pounds can lower fuel efficiency by 2%. (U.S. Department of Energy)
Expensive clothing: Plus-size clothes often cost more, especially for women.
Weight-loss surgery costs between $7,400 and $33,000 before insurance. The price depends on the type of surgery:
BPD/DS – $20,000
SADI-S – $20,000
Gastric bypass – $15,000
Gastric banding – $12,000
Sleeve gastrectomy – $9,500 (Belite Weight)
Other factors that may increase the cost include:
Other health conditions
Surgery complexity
Anaesthesia fees
Hospital stay length
Surgeon fees
Surgery location
Equipment used
Complications
Follow-up care and nutrition counselling
Most insurance plans cover weight-loss surgery, but rules vary.
If you have an individual or small group policy (50 or fewer employees), your insurance must cover the surgery if your state requires it under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If you have a large group policy (51+ employees), coverage depends on your employer. Medicare covers surgeries like gastric bypass, gastric banding, and BPD/DS if you meet obesity requirements and have tried other treatments. Medicaid coverage depends on your state. (IBI Healthcare)
You may qualify if you:
Are 18 or older
Have a BMI over 40 or a BMI over 35 with health issues (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
Have tried to lose weight before
Complete an insurance-required weight-loss programme
Have a morbid obesity diagnosis for a certain period
Quit smoking before surgery
Have no substance abuse problems
Pass a psychological test
Recovery takes a few weeks, and you will have several checkups in the first year. These visits can be costly, so plan for them. A dietitian will help you move from liquid to solid foods and choose healthy meals. They will also check for vitamin and iron deficiencies. After the first year, you may need checkups twice a year or once a year.
Weight loss happens over 12 to 24 months. Patients who attend follow-up visits lose more weight and spend less on medicine. Keeping up with checkups is important for a healthy recovery. (GoodRx)
Bariatric revision surgery fixes problems from previous weight-loss surgery. About 5% of patients need another operation. Doctors run tests to see if a revision is necessary.
The cost depends on the type of surgery and any complications. A small procedure may cost less than the first surgery, but a major revision could be more expensive.
Weight gain after surgery
Gastric band problems (displaced or broken bands)
Enlarged gastric pouch
Acid reflux (GERD)
Swallowing problems
Staple issues from previous surgery
Insurance usually covers revision surgery if it is medically necessary. But if you just want more weight loss and do not meet the medical criteria, approval may be harder. (IBI Healthcare)
Some people wonder if the cost of weight-loss surgery is worth it. At first, it may seem expensive, but can you really put a price on your health?
Studies show that people with severe obesity spend 42% more on medical care and 77% more on prescription drugs than healthy individuals. They are also 48% more likely to be hospitalised.
This is because obesity leads to serious health problems like high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, breathing issues, arthritis, gout, heart disease, gallstones, and even some cancers.
If losing weight could prevent just one of these illnesses, a person could save a lot of money on healthcare. Plus, better health can lead to a happier and more active life. (Healthline)
Weight-loss surgery can be expensive, but there are ways to find affordable options. Many hospitals and clinics offer payment plans or financing options. Some people use health savings accounts (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA) to help cover costs.
If you are looking for the best consultants for private bariatric surgery, Heal-Private is a great platform. It connects patients with experienced doctors and helps find cost-effective treatment plans. They offer guidance on surgery options, payment plans, and insurance coverage.
Before choosing a surgeon, compare prices, read patient reviews, and ask about extra costs like follow-up care. With the right resources, you can find a high-quality and affordable bariatric surgery option. (Belite Weight)