If your insurance doesn’t cover weight loss surgery, you are not alone. Unfortunately, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, less than 1 percent of those who meet the criteria for surgery actually have surgery5. A big reason for this is lack of insurance coverage.
If you find you do not have insurance coverage, there are self-pay surgery options available (some more affordable than others). The self-pay cost of weight loss surgery procedures varies by the type of procedure and geographical area in which it is offered (urban areas tend to have a higher fee). Generally speaking, the average cost for a gastric bypass ranges from $18,000 to $25,000, while the adjustable gastric banding surgery costs anywhere from $17,000 to $30,000. The sleeve gastrectomy procedure is newer and a price range is not as readily available. A ball Park Range is anywhere from $14,000 to $22,000. The price range is also influenced by the supportive program aspects that may or may not be included, the number of follow-up visits, and for the laparoscopic adjustable banding, whether or not any adjustments are included.
The self-pay cost of weight loss surgery generally includes the cost of anesthesia, the hospital facility fee and the surgeon’s fee. There may also be additional costs for diet and fitness plans, behavioral modification therapy and nutritional products before and/or after surgery. However, some fees include these services. For example, at the Center for Weight Loss Success, our comprehensive weight loss surgery pricing including the costs for anesthesia, the hospital and the surgeon is as follows:
- Gastric Sleeve – $13,995.00
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band – $16,995.00
- Gastric Bypass – $18,995
However, in addition, an exclusive comprehensive 12 month program is included with these fees. It is called Weight Management University for Weight Loss Surgery™ and includes the following:
You may be surprised that all of these products/services are included, but it’s the right thing to do for optimal long term results and has resulted in a high degree of patient satisfaction and improved outcomes. For those that travel for surgery, some services are offered online instead of on-site. No matter who you choose as your bariatric surgeon, make sure that there is a comprehensive program available and ongoing support prior, during and after surgery.
Also, most experienced bariatric surgeons/centers have financing options available. You will want to verify this and explore your options. How much is adding 5-7 years of quality life worth to you?
Rhonda’s Opinion: You will find a way to pay for it…I did and I did not make very much money at the time at all. You are worth it and Dr. Clark’s program is one of the most comprehensive and affordable programs available anywhere.
Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery is common – we offer the most comprehensive and affordable options on the East Coast! Learn more at: Self-Pay Surgery
Cat Keller has a wealth of experience in marketing, e-marketing, advertising and customer service and manages our Weight Loss Nutritional Store. She is always planning something fun and exciting. special events, discounts, giveaways – it’s never a dull moment. She is happy to help you with questions you may have regarding our products or services. Cat is a graduate of William & Mary, where she studied Government/Pre-Law and minored in Marketing.