The Cost of LAP-BAND® System Surgery

Weight loss surgery of any kind is a complicated procedure involving extended aftercare. For this reason, LAP-BAND® System surgery is costly. Though actual prices vary widely from state to state and from surgeon to surgeon, most patients can expect to pay between $15,000 and $30,000 for their surgery and postoperative care. However, because of the high costs associated with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, many insurance providers are willing to cover the cost of a weight loss procedure. Most bariatric surgery practices are happy to help patients with paperwork and other insurance matters in order to help them get the treatment they need.

Insurance and LAP-BAND® System Surgery

Most states in the U.S. have laws in place that require insurance companies to cover the cost of weight loss surgery for patients who meet the conditions established by the National Institutes of Health, unless the terms of a health insurance policy specifically exclude weight loss surgery. This typically means that patients are likely to be covered if they have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40, have tried and failed to lose weight through a non-surgical medical weight loss program, and/or have suffered from specific co-morbidities that could be resolved through sustained weight loss.

Though many patients find that their insurance plans do provide coverage for LAP-BAND® System surgery, the approval process may take significant time. Most insurance providers require detailed health evaluations by medical weight loss experts and specific recommendations for weight loss surgery, among other things. Almost every weight loss surgery practice is experienced at handling insurance-related matters, and most will be happy to offer assistance to patients who want to explore surgical options for weight loss.

Financing for the LAP-BAND® System

For patients whose insurance plans cover only part of the cost of weight loss surgery, or whose plans do not cover it at all, there are still options. Many patients choose to finance their procedures through one of many companies who specialize in financing health care. An affordable long-term payment plan can make even an expensive procedure like LAP-BAND® surgery affordable. Most weight loss practices have specific financing companies with which they have an established relationship.

Contact a LAP-BAND® System Surgeon Located in Your Area

It is important to discuss the cost of LAP-BAND® System surgery with your bariatric surgeon before deciding on a weight loss procedure. To locate a bariatric surgery practice in your area, browse DocShop's national database of weight loss surgeons. The right provider can help you explore your financial options and find a way to cover the cost of LAP-BAND® surgery.