How Much Does Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost?

The package for gastric bypass in our practice, including laboratory preparation fees, medical fees, bariatric surgeon and anesthesiologist fees, 1-3 days hospitalization is 11000 dollars, without lodging recovery that needs 15 to 21 days  that are 50 to 100 dollars per day.

   Thanks for the question. When it comes to costs of surgery, there may be many “variables” involved. The specific surgeon's credentials/experience level (or lack thereof), the specific geographic area you are looking at, the different operations available, the location of the procedure (quality of surgery facility), type/quality of anesthesia provider, Insurance company involvement (if any)… are some of the potential variables involved. You will find some average costs of surgery on this website and on individual surgeons' websites as well.
I would also suggest that you do not base your selection of surgeon primarily on costs of surgery; keep in mind that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways.

I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

The package price including surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist's fee, all tests and  hospital stay as long as you need (1-7 days) is $9,500. For more recovery that will be 100 usd per day after 7 days.

Our price for laparoscopic gastric bypass is currently $19,500.  This includes the surgeon fee, assistant surgeon, anesthesiologist, and 2-night stay in a bariatric center-of-excellence hospital (not a surgery center).  This price also includes post-operative support such as regular visits with our registered dietician and psychologist, healthy cooking classes, and support groups. 

The cost of a gastric bypass operation varies widely across the country.  In general, the lowest prices can be found in cities where there are multiple weight loss surgeons as the hospitals and surgeons will lower their price to attract more patients.  I think $20,000 is a reasonable estimate around the country, but again this will vary widely. 

Here are some general recommendations for patients that are thinking about paying cash for their operation:

1)  If there is ANY way to get insurance to pay for the operation, use your insurance! 

2)  Shop around a bit to make sure you get the best price.  I wouldn't compromise quality for price, but you can often get a great operation at a better price by looking at different programs in your area.

3)  Be aware of "specials"!  These are often done by surgeon's or hospitals that are just getting started and are trying to attract patients.  This isn't always a bad thing (we all had to start at some point!), but just check it out carefully. 

4)  Make sure you know EXACTLY what is included in the price you pay.   There can often be hidden costs that really start to drive up the price!

5)  Keep in mind there are 3-4 financing companies out there that can help you obtain financing for your surgery if you would like to go that route.   

It's unfortunate that some insurance policies don't cover weight loss surgery considering the enormous benefits patients see after surgery.  If your policy doesn't cover weight loss surgery, I recommend you speak with your employer's Human Resource department and see if it is something they might add.  Hey, if you don't ask you'll never know!

My last thought is "How much is your life worth to you?".  Think for a moment about all of the things you have spent money on in the past.  How many of those things have restored your health, lengthened your life, and improved your quality of life?