updated for 2017 ~
costs may vary depending on your location. Don’t let the price of gastric band surgery affect your decision to choose a qualified surgeon. in fact, choosing a good surgeon is one of the most important options you have before surgery.
- $8,700 to $29,000 is the price range across the country.
- $14,532 is the average price of a gastric band in the United States.
- cash prices tend to be lower than if insurance pays.
- Surgery centers often offer outpatient gastric banding procedures that can be less expensive than a hospital.
- How much weight will you lose with gastric band surgery? Have you weighed the risks and benefits yet?
- If you have a complication, will your insurance cover it or will you have to pay out of pocket?
- Most insurance companies will cover complications, but there are many cases where they don’t. Many people have flown to Mexico or India to save money. they come back after successful surgery and the band slips or they have trouble swallowing and require an egd (an endoscope that is placed into the esophagus) to diagnose the problem. Are you willing to pay these costs? they can be in the thousands. Be sure to call your insurance company and let them know that you are paying out-of-pocket for gastric band surgery and want to be sure they will cover the cost of any complications.
- Ask your surgeon what is included in gastric band surgery.
- Most bariatric surgeons will provide you with free or low-cost before and after consultations, long-term support, and gastric band fillers.
- Some practices offer dietitian services, support groups, and some even have their own smartphone app. apps are a great tool for the patient. they allow you to stay connected for years after surgery and also allow you to monitor your progress.
- body mass index of 40 or more or;
- body mass index of 35 or more with at least two comorbidities.
- Appointments with the nutritionist are often paid for out of pocket or negotiated prior to surgery. these can range from $50 per visit to more than $100 per visit.
- Lap band fillers or adjustments are often covered by insurance for the first year.
- Gastric band fillers can cost anywhere from $75 to over $300 per visit if not covered by insurance.
- After surgery, follow-up visits with your bariatric surgeon are usually free.
- complications can be extremely costly. if the surgery is covered by insurance, complications are usually covered as well. the hospital or surgery center usually pays for treatment of wound site infections.
- gym memberships can cost between $20 and $150 per month.
- Healthier foods (organic or not) with a focus on quality protein are often more expensive than unhealthy options.
- new clothes. as the weight drops, new clothes will be a must. enjoy wearing smaller clothes but be prepared for the cost.
- go out and enjoy life. This doesn’t have to cost anything, but it can. As you get happier and healthier, you’ll want to spend time with your friends again. After surgery, sitting on your couch is a habit you’ll want to change. again, this doesn’t have to cost anything, but it’s always good to be prepared.
Do I qualify for the surgery? In the United States, you must meet the minimum requirements below before undergoing gastric band surgery.
Meeting the two requirements above does not mean that your insurance company will cover the surgery. in fact, almost all insurance companies have requirements beyond the two listed above.
If you are paying cash for your procedure and it will be performed in the United States, then you just need to meet the requirements above.
Does insurance cover gastric band surgery?
yes. You are generally covered if you meet the requirements of your policy.
Do you need to convince your spouse?
Paying cash for gastric band surgery is expensive and you may need to convince your spouse or family members that it is worth it. yes, you will lose weight, feel better and reduce your medical expenses in the long run. but will those savings offset the $10,000 cost of the procedure?
This calculator will show you your expected savings over a 3-year period. guess what? your savings will likely offset the cost of gastric band surgery within 3 years. print your results or email them to your family or spouse.
after gastric band surgery costs
Many of the items below are covered by your insurance provider if your procedure was covered. but most of these are not covered if you paid cash. You’ll want a very clear response from your surgeon confirming that they offer these services and that your payment for the surgery includes follow-up charges. If your surgeon’s office cannot clearly spell out what is covered after surgery, you may want to find a new surgeon.
other costs to consider
Gastric band surgery is a life-changing (often life-saving) procedure. To be successful with gastric band surgery, habits will have to change. as habits change, you may incur new costs.
While there are many costs in the above lists, gastric band surgery should be a positive change in your life. And it’s impossible to put a price on the cost of health, happiness, and productivity.
Is the gastric band the correct procedure?
new data suggest that gastric band patients have a large number of long-term complications. Many surgeons in the US have stopped offering the gastric band because of this. revision surgeries are becoming common (this is when your surgeon removes the gastric band and performs a gastric sleeve or bypass). Before you jump into gastric band surgery, consider all of your bariatric surgery options.
prices per state
We already have the results for 2015! the average price for gastric band surgery fell 4% this year compared to last.
in states where weight loss surgery is prevalent (ie texas and oklahoma), prices tend to be lower. this is likely due to competition and higher surgery volumes.
should you shop around?
It makes sense to shop around if you’re paying cash for gastric band surgery. prices vary widely in the united states. if possible, stay within a few hours of your hometown. why? follow-ups, support groups and pre-op appointments will be easier to do. a successful gastric band surgery is not just the result of having surgery.
Lifestyle change is necessary to lose weight and keep it off. Your surgeon should offer regular support groups, a dietitian, and often a psychiatrist or counselor on staff. Taking advantage of these resources is easier if your surgeon is close by.
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states with the lowest gastric band prices
1. oklahoma – $8,800 2. texas – $10,085 3. nebraska – $10,680
states with the highest gastric band prices
1. Minnesota – $22,500 2. Idaho – $20,580 3. New Mexico – $18,952
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Should you pay cash for your gastric band surgery?
The ability to pay cash for gastric band surgery makes the decision to have the surgery easier. You don’t have to worry about going through an insurance company, passing required tests, making necessary appointments, and following a medically supervised diet. As long as you meet the minimum requirements for gastric band surgery in the United States, you can have the surgery as soon as a surgeon can schedule you.
but before shelling out $15k for a gastric band, consider the following:
