Cost of Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass Surgery

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery should not be taken lightly. To be successful, bariatric surgery should be accompanied by dramatic lifestyle changes that require commitment and discipline. The cost associated with the procedure is also a significant consideration. Potential bariatric patients should educate themselves about the financial requirements of surgery, in addition to the emotional and physical elements. Read further for more information about the cost breakdown and insurance coverage for bariatric surgery.

Cost Breakdown

Roux-en-y gastric bypass, one of the most common bariatric surgery procedures, costs about $26,000. Medical bills include surgeons' fees, hospital stays, anesthesia, and lab costs. Additionally, patients must consider the cost of follow-up care, including frequent doctor's visits, vitamins and supplements, and the services of nutritionists and psychologists. Some practices will include these services in the price of surgery.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost?

Obtaining insurance coverage is often a long, complicated process; however, insurance companies are slowly realizing that within a few years they will recoup the costs of covering a weight loss surgery. Long-term weight loss through bariatric surgery, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery, usually decreases or eliminates the risk of health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, thereby reducing the cost of treating these diseases.

Obtaining Insurance Coverage

Coverage for weight loss surgery varies by state and insurance carrier. Typically, in order to qualify, individuals should show that:

• Bariatric surgery is a benefit of their plan.
• It is being performed to correct an obesity-related health issue.
• Their physician has deemed it "medically necessary."
• They have tried to lose weight through other methods.
• They have met the requirements outlined by their insurance carrier.

Because bariatric surgery is a serious undertaking, insurance companies want to ensure that potential patients have exhausted all other efforts to lose weight. They may request documentation, including diet and exercise history, as proof. Some insurance companies may even require the patient to participate in a six-month medically supervised weight loss program in order to qualify for bariatric surgery coverage.

The most effective way to obtain coverage is to work together with your physician's office; they have experience successfully obtaining insurance coverage for bariatric patients.

Contact a Bariatric Surgeon near You

If you have questions about the cost of weight loss surgery, insurance coverage, or available financing options, contact a bariatric surgeon in your area. DocShop is a comprehensive patient resource to help you find an experienced surgeon; browse through our directory to connect with a physician specializing in weight loss surgery.