How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?

If you have decided weight loss surgery might be the right plan for your health, one of your first concerns will likely be the cost.

How much does weight loss surgery really cost?

In our offices these amounts are close to what you would pay:

The average cash pay cost for gastric bypass surgery is a little over $20,000.

The average cash pay cost for gastric sleeve surgery is close to $10,400.

Note that these are prices assuming you will pay cash for the surgery, rather than using insurance coverage. These prices vary based on your surgeon and hospital fees. Prices also vary around the country as some states have more centers (and therefore more competition) that offer bariatric surgery.

Will my insurance cover weight loss surgery?

If you are considering weight loss surgery, come to the office and we will have experts who will help you better understand the costs associated with surgery. In your consultation with them you can ask what is and is not covered under your specific insurance plan. In some instances PPO plans include weight loss surgery, however, HMO plans often do not. Be sure you consider your employer’s period of open-enrollment so that you can make an informed decision about your insurance plan.

Often, before granting approval for weight loss surgery coverage, insurance plans will require you to submit proof that the procedure is medically necessary, and the experts in our office will assist you with this.

Many life-threatening health conditions might be attributed to being overweight. Problems related to obesity often include (but are not limited to):

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Sleep apnea
• Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Degenerative joint disease
• Infertility
• Depression

Your insurance plan may also require you to try an approved diet program for a period of up to six months, as well as undergo psychological and nutritional assessments before the carrier is willing to pay. While this may seem like a lot of hoops to jump through, participating in these programs could actually help you become ready for the lifestyle changes that must occur following your weight loss surgery.

Also, it is important that you understand what your insurance will and will not cover. When you meet with our office staff, ask specific questions regarding:

• Anesthesia
• Hospital stay
• Follow-up appointments with nutritionist
• Possible complications

We are here to help you during this process. Dr. Fass and our Austin center team can assist you during this approval time with insurance. We are here to advocate for you and your best health.

If your insurance plan will not pay, we will work with you to develop the best financial plan possible.

What other costs should I prepare for?

In addition to planning for the finances of your surgery, you will also want to consider the costs of your lifestyle changes. After surgery, you should expect to spend money on:

• Healthy food
• New clothes for your smaller body
• Gym or exercise program fees
• Vitamins and nutritional supplements

But these expenditures are the best part of embracing the new, healthy you!

Finally, don’t let cost rule the right decision for you and your health. Dr. Steven Fass and his team of experts are here to guide you through this process from paperwork to recovery.