The Cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery: How High is the Real Price?

The cost of gastric bypass surgery varies quite widely, depending on the type of procedure chosen, the location of the surgery, and the type of insurance a patient has. The price of gastric surgery usually begins in the several thousand dollar price range, and most patients pay about $40 000 or more for the operation. Outside of the United States, patients can pay less, starting at $12 000 in some clinics. In addition to the price of the surgery itself, patients need to consider the other types of expense which may come up with a stomach stapling operation. For example, the cost of acquiring a nutritionist after surgery must be considered as well. Recovery time after the surgery may last from five to twelve weeks, and patients may need to take this time away from work, further increasing the total cost of the operation. Some patients experience complications such as prolonged nausea, pain, or infection, conditions for which further expensive hospital stays may be needed. All these factors must be considered when considering the price of a stomach stapling operation.

Despite the high expense of the operation and the fact that most types of insurance cover only a small part - or no part at all - of the operation, many patients see surgery as an investment in their health. Obesity also carries a very high price, including the expense of complications such as heart disease and diabetes. The cost of a stomach stapling operation may seem quite a bit more affordable that this high cost of being overweight. Many insurance companies are recognizing the high cost of obesity and for this reason may be willing in the future to help patients afford the expense of a stomach stapling operation.