How Much Does Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost?
The average cost of gastric bypass surgery is $12,225, though it can cost as much as $20,000 without insurance, according to 259 reviews from RealSelf members.
Performed in a hospital under general anesthesia, gastric bypass surgery—sometimes called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass—is a complex bariatric procedure that creates a smaller stomach and creates a bypass in the small intestines. This helps patients feel fuller more quickly, absorb fewer calories, and accelerate weight loss.
Read on to learn the top factors that impact how much gastric bypass costs, the role insurance coverage plays, and whether real patients say the results of this weight loss procedure are worth the money.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Gastric Bypass Surgery
Is gastric bypass surgery worth the money?
Gastric bypass surgery has a 97% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members, so most people who reviewed their procedure think it was well worth the cost.
Many of those who say the surgery was worth it called it a life-changing procedure that boosted their physical health and self-confidence. Many reported extreme weight loss (over 100 pounds), saying that the bariatric surgery was the "best decision ever," that it improved their quality of life, and that they'd do it over again.
The small percentage of people who felt gastric bypass surgery was not worth it said they experienced complications, that they weren't happy with the facility and staff, and that they felt physically or mentally unwell afterward. Some were also disappointed in the amount of weight loss they saw post-surgery.
For most people, the life expectancy and health benefits of gastric bypass are worth it, but it's also important to be aware of these potential long-term side effects.
It's well worth talking with your bariatric surgeon about these alternatives to gastric bypass surgery:
- The gastric sleeve (or sleeve gastrectomy) removes 85-90% of the stomach. It has a higher Worth It Rating and an average cost of $9,325.
- Lap band surgery is another popular option, with less downtime than gastric bypass surgery or a sleeve gastrectomy. It costs $9,875, on average.
Why can the cost of gastric bypass surgery vary so much?
These factors impact how much this weight loss surgery costs:
1) Your provider's credentials and level of expertise.
Each surgeon charges a unique price for gastric bypass surgery. This is a reflection of their expertise (or lack thereof) and how sought after they are for their skills.
A board-certified bariatric surgeon with a robust portfolio and full schedule will likely charge more, but they should also have a better understanding of how to safely perform your procedure, with the lowest risk of complications or potential revision surgery.
"I would suggest that you do not base your selection of surgeons primarily on costs of surgery. Keep in mind that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways,” says Dr. Tom J. Pousti, a board-certified plastic surgeon in La Mesa, Calif, in a RealSelf Q&A.
2) Their practice location.
If you’re having the procedure performed in an area with a higher cost of living, you can expect to pay more for bariatric bypass surgery.
That's why so many people travel outside the U.S. to places like Mexico, where it's possible to find experienced surgeons offering significantly lower prices. If you go this route, make sure you to thoroughly research your surgeon and how they handle post-surgery care, from routine tests to any complications.
Related: 6 Key Things to Do If You’re Traveling Outside the U.S. for Plastic Surgery
3) Post-operative care.
Gastric bypass surgery is an in-patient procedure that requires at least two nights of recovery in the hospital after a laparoscopic procedure, and more if you had an open surgery. This should be included in the total price quote for your surgery.
You may also incur additional post-op care costs for things like follow-up visits, regular blood tests, and consultations with nutritionists or mental health practitioners. You may also need special food and vitamin supplements, to help you continue losing weight without negatively impacting your health.
During your initial consultation, ask your provider for a price quote that includes all related fees, from the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fees, and hospital fees to estimated costs for all follow-up care.
4) Any post-bariatric plastic surgery you need.
Gastric bypass surgery leads to significant weight loss. The health benefits are huge, but it can leave sagging, excess skin that causes physical discomfort and chronic rashes, along with eroding self-confidence.
The only way to treat this level of loose skin is via surgical removal. “Each bariatric surgery can create a need for five or six plastic surgeries to treat the excess skin,” says Dr. Daniel Rosen, a New York City bariatric surgeon.
These surgeries may include abdominoplasty, arm lifts, breast lifts, and upper or lower body lifts. The average cost of a full body lift is $15,400.
While a number of health insurance plans may cover the cost of bariatric surgery, it’s less common for carriers to cover related plastic surgery (though some do if you can document related medical conditions, like a rash that won't go away after being treated with medicated creams).
Does insurance cover the cost of gastric bypass surgery?
Health insurance plans often cover a portion—and in some cases the entirety—of gastric bypass surgery. The amount that's covered depends on your insurance provider, how well you and your doctor(s) have documented your obesity-related health conditions (like heart disease, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea), and in some cases the state where you reside.
"Some states like New York have excellent coverage for bariatric surgery, where other states like Florida have little coverage," notes Dr. Shawn Garber, a board-certified bariatric surgeon in Roslyn Heights, New York, in a RealSelf Q&A.
If your plan include coverages, you can expect to have meet several requirements. These can vary by insurance company, but they often include:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI between 35 and 40 and well-documented obesity-related health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea
- Proof of an attempt at completing a medically supervised weight loss program.
Some insurance plans don't cover any type of bariatric surgery, though they may cover related costs, such as nutritional counseling and lab fees.
Gastric bypass surgery costs without insurance coverage can be prohibitive (as much as $20,000), but the procedure can reduce your future medical expenses, so it's worth exploring your financing options.
- First, consider a secured medical loan. This type of loan generally comes with a lower interest rate and a drawn-out repayment period that extends up to a decade, but you will need to guarantee it with collateral, such as your car or home.
- Several lending companies offer financing for plastic surgery procedures, and most cover the cost of weight loss surgery.
- Your surgeon or financing company may offer short-term payment plans, with low (or no) interest. Just be aware that they usually require a quicker payoff, sometimes within a year.
- You can also pay for a portion of your surgery with funds from an HSA or FSA.