Weight Loss Surgery Cost
Weight loss surgery is a costly procedure. The cost of gastric bypass procedure on average is around $18,000 right up to $35,000 and the average cost for a lap-band is $17,000 up to $30,000. There are many variables involved in surgery which increase the cost. There is the surgeons fee, anesthesia, the facilities, along with pre-op lab work and xrays.
After the procedure you also have further fees like fitness regimens and diet plans, along with any form of behavioral modification that the patient might need. Body contouring is also a possibility for removal of any extra skin due to the quick weight loss. This will also help strengthen muscles and lift sagging areas. Because a gastric bypass is obviously a difficult surgery with multiple ways of undertaking it, it can mean that costs can build up quickly.
Cost of Gastric Banding
Once again the main cost of a gastric band procedure are the surgeons fee, anesthesia, the facilities, along with pre-op lab work and xrays along with any follow up appointments that might be needed for banding adjustments. The same post-operative costs also apply whether it is fitness regimens and diet plans, along with any form of behavioral modification. Body contouring procedures are also sometimes a requirement.
Other forms of weight loss surgery are the duodenal switch surgery and gastric sleeve surgery which both have the same relative costs as the gastric banding and gastric bypass but they can also sometimes have additional costs too. There are also some newer less invasive techniques which will also have their own set of costs.
Additional Procedure Weight Loss Surgery Cost
Always remember that once you’ve had weight loss surgery, you may also need to have additional procedures and some form of plastic surgery. Sometimes people consider a tummy tuck, breast augmentation and liposuction which all affect your over all budget. There is usually a wait of 1 or 2 years after bariatric surgery before starting on any body corrections you may need as a result of the massive weight loss.
Depending on the amount of weight lost, the amount of fat or skin that still needs to be removed in any follow up plastic surgery will vary, so will the cost. The more there is to remove the higher the cost and surgical time. The facility you are in will also vary the cost. Your doctor can explain any additional costs to you.
Insurance
A lot of medical insurers are now providing cover for obesity related surgery, providing you meet certain requirements and it is deemed necessary by your doctor. If you have a BMI over 40 or are considered morbidly obese are covered if you doctor tells you insurance company it is a necessity. Your doctor will also need to approve certain documents and records. Your chances of acceptance are increased if you also have diabetes or heart disease.
To cover the cost with weight loss surgery insurance coverage you should speak to your doctor about putting together a strong case. Different insurers offer different coverage. If you are denied to begin with you should appeal the decision immediately, or you will have to front the cost. You may not be covered for a lot of aftercare such as dieticians and exercise programs, along with supplements.
Gastric Bypass Cost By Region
Depending on where you are will affect the cost of surgery. In larger cities the cost may be higher due to the overhead and the demand for surgeons time. The highest costs are in the north east US followed by the West Coast. The higher the cost can also mean the better the surgeon however, as the more they charge, the better they tend to be.
Payment Plans for Weight Loss Surgery cost and Gastric Bypass
Bariatric surgeons and plastic surgeons can offer you payment plans for your gastric procedure (weight loss surgery). They can also give you information on medical financing companies for your procedure. The surgeon or staff should be able to inform you about all weight loss surgery cost and a payment plan for your budget.
