Bariatric surgery can reduce or eliminate conditions caused by obesity and help individuals live healthier, longer lives. But how much does bariatric surgery cost? This article will give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for different weight loss procedures.
Obesity is an Epidemic in the United States
One of the fastest and largest growing health issues in the United States today is obesity. Obesity is also one of the major contributors to the rising costs of healthcare.
Research has shown that obesity-related healthcare costs make up 21% of the total medical spending each year in the U.S. The medical costs associated with childhood obesity-related illnesses and complications have reached $14 billion annually.
What Can Be Done About Obesity?
There is a certain sector of the public that has health conditions that result in obesity that are out of their control. But according to the CDC, for the rest of us, it is a matter of consuming more calories than we use. Prevention is the best strategy, and the earlier we learn to read labels and control portions, the faster this epidemic can subside. Living a healthy lifestyle including a well-balanced diet, clean living, and plenty of physical activity will keep most of us at an ideal weight.
How Can I Stop Being Higher Weight?
But what if you are already suffering from obesity? Maybe you are just now learning about diet and nutrition, maybe you have always had issues with your weight. You are not alone, you are among 70% of the American population but you do not have to stay there. You have options!
Weight loss surgery can give you the help you need to get healthy. You are probably wondering: “Is weight loss surgery expensive? How much does bariatric surgery cost?”
How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?
The costs associated with bariatric surgery will depend on several factors, including:
- The surgeon.
- The type of surgery.
- Hospital/surgical facility.
- Fees for anesthesia, specialists, devices, and follow-up.
- Aftercare costs – follow-up appointments, and nutritional counseling.
At IBI Healthcare Institute we provide our patients with a quote that includes all fees. To check the costs of bariatric procedures, please, visit our price checker page.
The Cost of Popular Bariatric Surgeries
Lap Band Cost
During Lap Band Surgery, an adjustable silicone-type band is positioned around the upper portion of the stomach and is usually tightened through inflation. The band makes the stomach smaller so the patient can not eat as much. The cost range for lap band surgery starts at $8,900.
Gastric Sleeve Cost
Gastric Sleeve Surgery (VSG) permanently reduces the size of the stomach. The surgeon removes approximately 70-75% of the stomach and sutures the remaining portion into a sleeve-like pouch. The gastric sleeve price is less than that of gastric bypass surgery because VSG only alters the stomach capacity and does not alter the digestive tract. Gastric sleeve surgery will help patients lose weight by reducing the amount of food they can consume. The cost range for gastric sleeve surgery starts at $15,400. Our limited-time promotional price is $9,400.
Gastric Bypass Cost
During Gastric Bypass Surgery, the size of the stomach is permanently reduced to approximately 25% of its original size. Then the surgeon re-routes a portion of the digestive system which alters the way the body absorbs and processes the calories that are ingested.
Gastric bypass surgery works by using both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques. It limits the amount of food a patient can eat and inhibits the body from storing and using some calories that are eaten. The cost range for gastric bypass surgery starts at $18,000. Our limited-time promotional price is $14,999.
Duodenal Switch Cost
Similar to gastric bypass surgery, Duodenal Switch Surgery works through both restrictive and malabsorptive means. The surgeon removes between 70% and 80% of the stomach and then alters two portions of the digestive system so it limits caloric absorption and is very effective in assisting patients to lose significant amounts of weight. The cost range for duodenal switch surgery starts at $21,000 to $29,000.
The Cost of Non-Surgical Bariatric Weight Loss Procedures
In addition to surgeries that can help patients lose weight, there are also a few non-surgical procedures that may be viable options. These non-surgical procedures normally do not take as long to perform and have fewer complications and less recovery time. They may also be suitable for individuals who do not qualify for bariatric surgery due to their BMI or health-related risks.
Gastric Balloon Cost
Orbera® Gastric Balloon works by taking up space in the stomach and limiting the amount of food a patient can consume at one time. They also give the patient the feeling of being full so they do not feel hungry all the time.
There are a few different types of balloon systems available but they are all non-surgical procedures. There is no hospital stay required and typically the patient can resume their normal activities within 3 days. The cost of a gastric balloon procedure starts at $7,100. Our limited-time promotional price is $5,999.
Endoscopic Gastric Sleeve Cost
ESG is a procedure that is performed without surgery to help patients lose weight. Similarly to gastric sleeve surgery, the stomach size is reduced by about 70% however, it is not permanently removed but instead sutured to be smaller.
The entire procedure takes place via an endoscope inserted down the throat so there are no abdominal stitches. The smaller stomach size helps patients control portion sizes and helps them feel full longer.
The procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour, there is no hospital stay required, and only minimal recovery time is needed. The cost of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is $12,000. Our limited-time promotional price is $8,400.
Is Bariatric Surgery Worth It?
Some may ask, “Is the cost of bariatric surgery worth it?”. When looking at the costs associated with different bariatric surgeries and procedures, one may first think it’s expensive; but is it? It would depend on what you are comparing with. A car? A mortgage? A new roof? Can you put a price on your health?
Several studies have shown that morbidly higher-weight patients spent 42% more on costs associated with medical care and 77% more on prescription drugs than healthy individuals in a year. Hospitalizations among higher-weight individuals are 48% higher than the remainder of the population.
This is primarily due to all the weight-related illnesses and complications they experience. Conditions, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, osteoarthritis, gout, heart disease, gallstones, and several types of cancer.
Considering these statistics, how much could a higher-weight individual save on healthcare costs throughout their lifetime if they could eliminate even one of their obesity-related illnesses? Not to mention that losing weight and becoming healthier could improve the quality of life.
Bariatric Surgery Costs Compared to the ROI
The return on investment for bariatric surgery is so far and beyond most expenses, you may incur in your lifetime that it is almost impossible to quantify. Listening to an individual who can explain how much weight loss surgery changed her life may give you an idea of how much the initial expense is worth.
However, the costs associated with bariatric surgery or a bariatric weight loss procedure may seem a bit daunting at first. But, when measured against all the benefits that could be gained, they pale in comparison. Nevertheless, to find out more about how much bariatric surgery costs, check out our price checker.
Furthermore, contact IBI Healthcare Institute today to find out if you qualify for bariatric surgery and set up a consultation. Above all, it could be your first step towards a new, healthier life!
