Weight Loss Surgery Cost without Insurance – 5 Factors

Weight Loss Surgery Cost without Insurance – Overview

Obesity is a serious issue. Being overweight brings with it several problems, including some obesity-related disorders, such as cardiac problems, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, high blood pressure, and even cancer in some cases. It is extremely vital to lose excess weight.

However, morbidly obese persons can’t lose weight quickly. This is where weight loss surgeries are extremely effective.

The problem is that weight loss surgery costs are considerably expensive in the US.

If you have a health insurance policy that specifically covers weight loss surgery expenses, you are among the few lucky ones.

However, there are tens of thousands of Americans still without insurance.

So, what would a weight loss surgery cost without insurance?

How’s the cost of weight loss surgery decided?

Several factors determine the actual cost of weight loss surgery in America. These include:

1 – Surgery type

There are several different types of weight-loss surgeries, and the rates and fees differ for different types of obesity surgeries. Weight loss surgeries normally fall into two categories: malabsorptive and restrictive.

2 – Surgeon

The surgeon’s fee also varies. This fee usually depends on the state, your surgeon’s expertise, and the complexity of the weight loss surgery chosen.

3 – Hospital

The cost will also be affected by the hospital you choose to undergo weight loss surgery. The specific charges for hospital rooms and operating theatres also determine the cost of obesity surgery.

4 – Other charges

Apart from the surgeon’s fee and hospital charges, certain additional expenses must be considered, including the fees for the anesthesiologist, surgeon’s assistant, and consultant, as well as charges for the use of devices and post-surgical care.

5 – Post-surgical care

Most people believe that weight loss surgery is the end of expense. However, to achieve noticeable results, you must pay for nutritional consulting, follow-up appointments, psychological support, etc.

How much do weight loss surgeries cost?

Let’s take a quick look at some of the more popular and effective types of weight loss surgeries:

1 – Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) is an irreversible weight loss surgery. It reduces the actual size of the stomach (restrictive), allowing you to eat only small portions of food at a time.

The average cost of sleeve gastrectomy in the US typically ranges from approximately $17,000 to $26,000

2 – Lap Band Surgery

A lap band surgery entails wrapping an adjustable band on the upper portion of the stomach.

This is a restrictive form of weight loss surgery as it practically creates a small pouch by dividing your stomach. The small pouch prevents excessive eating.

Lap band surgery typically results in patients losing about 40% to 50% of their excess weight.

A lap band surgery cost in the US ranges from $9,000 to $18,000.

3 – Vertical Gastric Banding

Vertical gastric banding is a restrictive type of weight loss surgery. It involves using staples and a band to restrict a major portion of the stomach.

This is similar to lap band surgery. It leaves a small pouch at the top of your stomach, so it gets full fast, and you don’t eat excessively.

Vertical gastric banding surgery is less commonly performed now, and due to its complexity and less frequent use, cost estimates are less consistent but generally range over $25,000.

4 – Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery restricts stomach size and reroutes the small intestine, affecting nutrient absorption and limiting food intake.

This is an effective way to lose unwanted, excess weight, as patients report losing over 68% of their original body weight after the procedure.

The average cost of a US gastric bypass could be around $23,000.

5 – Biliopancreatic Diversion

Biliopancreatic diversion is a complicated weight loss surgery. Biliopancreatic diversion reduces the stomach size and bypasses a significant portion of the small intestine, combining restrictive and malabsorptive approaches for weight loss.

This is an irreversible weight loss surgery, but extremely effective too.

On average, the cost of biliopancreatic diversion can run between $15,000 and $25,000.

How much do weight loss surgeries cost in different states?

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of weight loss surgeries in different states within the US:

Conclusion

These are the commonly performed weight loss surgeries and their average costs, according to the type and state of residence.

It is highly advisable to contact the hospital and surgeon for a specific total weight loss surgery cost based on your particular condition.

See Also

Weight Loss Surgery with Insurance

Does Medicare Cover Weight Loss Surgery

Grants for Weight Loss Surgery

Does Medicaid Cover Weight Loss Surgery