Gastric bypass cost in the US varies. This article will help you find out how much gastric bypass surgery costs across the country.
Gastric bypass surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that aims to restrict food intake by decreasing stomach size or constructing bypasses of the small intestine. It’s commonly known as roux-en-y weight-loss surgery, and it’s categorized under bariatric surgery. Undergoing this procedure entails extensive changes in your lifestyle and food intake that may help you lose much weight. The cost of gastric bypass surgery varies from state to state, depending on factors such as the number of surgeons available in a city, the surgeon’s experience, and additional post-operative services. This guide will help you answer the question, “how much does gastric bypass surgery cost?” so you can prepare carefully and make a more informed decision.
Average Gastric Bypass Cost in the US
According to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the average cost of bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass operations, is around $20,000 to $25,000. Based on 141 real customer reviews posted at RealSelf (at the time this article was written), the average cost of a gastric bypass surgery is $14,325, with the most expensive price reaching $30,000. Most surgeons offer a package price that includes their fees, all hospital charges, and post-operative support costs.
Trends in Weight-Loss-Surgery Procedures
Healthgrades conducted a study on the trends, outcomes, and surgery charges of bariatric procedures in nineteen states from 2008 to 2010, and the analysis revealed patients who chose to undergo surgery at a five-star facility had lower surgery charges. Based on the study results, the majority of patients who went through bariatric procedures had commercial insurance. Some patients had government insurance while a few others paid without financial assistance. The study also revealed that the most expensive state for surgery is California with an average cost of $57,280. Texas followed with an average cost of $51,047. On the other hand, the most affordable state is Maryland with an average cost of $15,896. The top states with the highest number of weight-loss procedures were New York, Texas, and California, while the states with the fewest in-patient procedures were Rhode Island, Utah, and Iowa.
Lower Charges, Shorter Stays, and Fewer Complications at Five-Star Rated Hospitals
According to the study conducted by Healthgrades, five-star hospitals excelled in terms of performance and low cost. Patients who chose these facilities experienced fewer surgical complications compared to patients who went through surgery at one-star hospitals. Moreover, five-star-hospital patients spent fewer days recuperating at the hospital; this was likely due to lower in-hospital complication rates.
Breakdown of a Gastric Bypass Cost
When pondering surgery considerations such as how much does gastric bypass surgery cost, you may also wonder about what that cost generally comprises. Typically, the cost of a gastric bypass procedure includes the following:
- Anesthesia
- Pre-op lab fees
- X-ray and other diagnostic fees
- Surgeon’s fee
- Surgical assistant’s fee
- Hospital facility’s fee (including the operating room and hospital room)
- Post-surgery service fees
- Post-operative care
Post-operation fees are additional. These include nutritional supplementation, behavioral modification, fitness regimen, dietary plans, and body contouring procedures to get rid of excess skin. Gastric bypass is typically a set of effective weight-loss procedures that involve various methods and recovery plans. Shop around and look at different programs available in your area to get the best deal. It’s important that you’re aware of the exact fees included in the price.
Factors That Affect the Price of a Gastric Bypass Procedure
There are several factors that affect the cost of a weight-loss surgery. These encompass:
- Your chosen surgeon—the fee is usually dependent on his level of experience
- Your chosen hospital
- Location—urban areas such as Los Angeles and Boston have higher surgery charges mainly due to more expensive overheads. Also, more densely populated cities have higher demands for surgeons
- Your insurance—patients with insurance that cover bariatric surgery pay lower costs
- Your hospital stay—a longer hospital stay incurs a higher fee.
Even though many surgeons with more experience charge higher fees, they are usually more skilled and more reliable due to their proven track records. Be sure to check the records of successful operations of your short-listed surgeons to know if you can fully entrust your life into their hands.
Insurance Coverage for Gastric Bypass Surgery
The US Department of Health and Human Services states that gastric bypass surgery may be covered under the following conditions:
- If the patient chooses approved surgeons and facilities
- If the operation is advisable for the specific medical condition of the patient
- If the patient suffers from a health problem related to obesity
Many insurance providers offer insurance for gastric bypass surgery, potentially allowing patients to reduce their surgery costs. If you have this type of insurance, the overall cost of your gastric bypass surgery can be drastically decreased. Keep in mind that the requirements mentioned above should be met, so that your insurance will cover part or all of your surgery’s costs. Your doctor has to provide appropriate documentation to your insurance provider to inform the company that you need a gastric bypass surgery for your medical condition.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon When Discussing the Cost of Surgery
Once you’ve made up your mind to undergo a bariatric surgery, it’s important to know your gastric bypass cost by asking your surgeon. Here are good questions that you can ask to know more about surgery costs.
- How much will my gastric bypass surgery cost?
- Does the price include all necessary charges, or is it the cost of the surgery only?
- Will my insurance cover the entire operation including additional post-surgical procedures?
- Do you have available payment plans to reduce the cost?
Ask your doctor about the specific fees charged for a gastric bypass operation, and inquire about hidden fees as well. By asking detailed questions such as these, you’ll be able to get the most pertinent cost information, allowing you to make an informed decision about your surgical procedure.
If you’re seriously interested in this procedure, you may want to ensure you’re comfortable with the side effects of gastric bypass surgery.
