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How much is bariatric surgery out of pocket?

Author

David Richardson

Updated on March 16, 2026

How much is bariatric surgery out of pocket?

The average cost of gastric bypass surgery is $23,000, the average cost of lap band is $14,500, and the average cost of sleeve gastrectomy surgery is $14,900. So before getting too involved, spend time determining if your insurance will cover weight loss surgery.

Also know, how much does bariatric surgery cost out of pocket?

Patients having major orthopaedic operations or cancer related operations can usually expect out of pocket expenses of $15,000 – $25,000, while patients having weight-loss surgery will have total expenses of $9,000 – $18,000, with direct hospital costs being up to 75 – 90% of this total cost (this is the amount covered

Also, can you get weight loss surgery without insurance? Gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy and other forms of weight loss surgery including lap bands, gastric bypass, tube gastrectomy, are not commonly available in the public hospital system. Therefore, without health insurance, you must fund your surgery in the private hospital system.

Beside this, what is the cost of gastric sleeve without insurance?

“The surgery for a sleeve gastrectomy is about $17,500 and for bypass it's about $27,000.” The good news: the price hurdle is often one that patients can overcome on their way to healthier lifestyles because more and more, insurers are willing to cover the surgeries — especially when employers demand coverage.

How much is weight loss surgery with insurance?

The average cost of gastric bypass surgery is $23,000, the average cost of lap band is $14,500, and the average cost of sleeve gastrectomy surgery is $14,900. So before getting too involved, spend time determining if your insurance will cover weight loss surgery.

What is the least expensive weight loss surgery?

The average price for LAP-BAND® (generally the least expensive bariatric procedure) is $15,000. This surgery can run as high as $30,000, depending on where you live. Meanwhile, gastric sleeve surgery (one of the most expensive procedures) will typically cost about $24,000.

How can I get my insurance to pay for gastric bypass?

"In the vast majority of cases, insurance covers bariatric surgery. Contact your insurance carrier to determine if elective bariatric surgery is a covered benefit through your plan," he said. "And if your case is denied by insurance, there is an appeals process."

What health insurance covers weight loss surgery?

Many PPO insurance providers are now providing coverage for Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Distal Bypass and Lap-Band Removal. Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Oscar, Tricare and United Health Care typically cover weight loss procedures.

What is the best weight loss surgery?

The study found that gastric bypass surgery boasted the greatest weight loss -- both short- and long-term. But that procedure also had the highest rates of complications in the month following surgery. "There are trade-offs. Bypass is more effective for weight loss, but has a greater risk of short-term complications.

Does Medicare pay for weight loss surgery?

Medicare will cover weight loss surgeries if your doctor recommends the procedure based on medical necessity. There are certain criteria that you need to meet to prove the procedure is medically necessary, such as: a body mass index (BMI) that is at least 35 or higher.

How do you qualify for bariatric surgery?

Guidelines to qualify for gastric bypass surgery
  1. Efforts to lose weight with diet and exercise have been unsuccessful.
  2. Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher.
  3. Your BMI is 35 or more and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea.

Will Medicare pay for skin removal after gastric bypass surgery?

Medicare will pay for abdominoplasty (or a tummy tuck) after weight loss surgery if it is deemed medically necessary due to excess skin that causes rashes or infections. Examples of additional plastic surgery procedures that may be covered by Medicare include: Facial reconstruction surgery following an accident.

How fat do you have to be to get lap band?

To be eligible for bariatric surgery, you must be between 16 and 70 years of age (with some exceptions) and morbidly obese (weighing at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight and having a BMI of 40).

Can I pay cash for gastric sleeve?

Financing Cash Pay Bariatric Surgery

Self-pay bariatric patients can pay for their procedure with cash, using a credit card, or with a line of credit.

How much do you have to weigh to get gastric sleeve?

Generally, gastric sleeve surgery is indicated for morbidly obese adults — that is, people between 18 and 65 with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. For a person standing 5-foot-9, that equates to a body weight of 270. People with a body-mass index of 35 — 235 pounds for a 5-foot-9-inch adult — can also qualify.

Is gastric sleeve or bypass better?

Gastric bypass patients lose between 50 to 80 percent of excess bodyweight within 12 to 18 months, on average. Gastric sleeve patients lose between 60 and 70 percent of their excess body weight within 12 to 18 months, on average.

Who pays for bariatric surgery?

If you don't have health insurance, have insurance through a large employer (50 or more employees), or you live in a state that does not include bariatric surgery in its essential health benefits, you'll likely have to pay the entire bill yourself.

Does Blue Cross pay weight loss surgery?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield will cover your LAP-BAND Surgery as long as you meet your BCBS insurance plan's requirements for bariatric surgery.

Is a gastric sleeve permanent?

Unlike the adjustable gastric band and the gastric bypass, the sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent procedure – it cannot be reversed.

How much is excess skin removal surgery?

Surgical procedure costs:

These are the general baseline costs for the most common plastic surgeries to loose skin after weight loss, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Panniculectomy: $8,000-$15,000. Lower body lift: $7,900. Upper arm lift: $3,500.

Are there grants for weight loss surgery?

The full grant program allows qualified bariatric & plastic surgeons to refer patients in financial need to apply for a grant to cover their medical treatment of obesity and related reconstructive surgery. The grant cycle begins June 1 of each year.

Should I get gastric sleeve surgery?

Bariatric surgery of any type, including gastric sleeve surgery, is only considered an option when strong attempts to improve your diet and exercise habits, and the use of weight-loss medications, haven't worked. Even then, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for a bariatric procedure.

How much is a mini gastric sleeve?

The average cost of gastric bypass surgery is around $23,000, while the cost of gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy, such as the gastric mini sleeve surgery cost are lower — around $15,000.

How much does gastric banding cost?

Lap Band Surgery Costs and Funding Options

Patients can choose from a variety of payment options available depending on their financial circumstances and insurance status: For patients with private insurance costs range from $2,500-$5,500. For patients without private insurance the $10,000-16,000.

How can I lose weight fast?

Here are 9 more tips to lose weight faster:
  1. Eat a high protein breakfast.
  2. Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juice.
  3. Drink water before meals.
  4. Choose weight-loss-friendly foods.
  5. Eat soluble fiber.
  6. Drink coffee or tea.
  7. Base your diet on whole foods.
  8. Eat slowly.

Is Orbera covered by insurance 2019?

Because the ORBERA balloon is relatively new, having been approved by the FDA in 2015, it is not covered by many insurance providers. Patients typically pay cash for the procedure. Depending on the geographical area and several other details, like your general health, costs may range anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000.

How much does ESG surgery cost?

Depending on health insurance rebates, ESG can cost between $3000 and $5000. “It's an option that in conjunction with intensive dietetic and lifestyle modifications can help people lose weight,” he said.

How do I use my super for weight loss surgery?

Basic criteria for accessing super for bariatric surgery

Your funds from superannuation can only be released for weight loss surgery if: The medical treatment is not readily available in the public system. Weight loss surgery fits this criteria. You have a life threatening illness or injury.

Do I qualify for bariatric surgery quiz?

A BMI range of 18-24.9 is considered optimal. Morbid obesity is defined as a BMI score of 40 or more. You typically qualify for bariatric surgery if you have a BMI of 35-39, with specific significant health problems like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure.

Does insurance cover weight loss pills?

Will insurance cover the cost of weight-loss medication? Some, but not all, insurance plans cover medications that treat overweight and obesity. Contact your insurance provider to find out if your plan covers these medications.

How do I get Aetna to pay for bariatric surgery?

Consideration for bariatric surgery is generally warranted only when adolescents have experienced failure of 6 months of organized weight loss attempts and have met certain criteria: severe obesity (a BMI of 40) and severe co-morbidities, or super obesity (BMI of 50) and less severe co-morbidities that may be remedied

Does Obamacare cover weight loss surgery?

Obamacare Insurance Won't Cover Weight-Loss Surgery In Many States.

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