How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost

For people that are seriously overweight or obese, a gastric sleeve can be very successful in helping to lose up to 80% of that excess weight, which can have a very positive impact on your health, but because money is usually the #1 concern, many people are left asking “how much does gastric sleeve surgery cost?”.

The numerous health benefits you can gain from gastric sleeve definitely outweigh the actual cost of the surgery.

Unfortnately, the cost for any bariatric surgery can be tough to manage, especially without any type of health coverage or insurance, and many Americans think that they cannot afford the cost, but there are options out there.

Click here to learn more about Gastric Sleeve Surgery Financing.

In this article, we will look at things that affect gastric sleeve cost, as well as the gastric sleeve cost you will find in some other countries.

How The Procedure Works

The gastric sleeve procedure remove anywhere from 50% to 85% of your stomach, which will limit the quantity of food that you can eat. Also known as the Laparoscopic Sleeve or the Sleeve Gastrectomy, it is a minimally invasive procedure compared to other bariatric surgeries, yet it can yield amazing results with many patients losing up to 80% of the extra weight within the first 2 years following surgery.

Since the procedure is a permanent solution, once you heal there will be no need to get adjustments or refills, like with a gastric band, and no second surgery to remove any type of apparatus, like with a gastric balloon. This means that you once you have recovered, you will probably not need to visit the doctor again.

How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost?

There is no exact gastric sleeve cost because each person is different, thus the cost will vary from person to person. But to answer your question:

How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost?

The cost can range from $10,000 to $20,000.

Some of the items that are included in this cost are:

• Surgeon’s Fee
• Hospital Facility Fees
• Anesthesia fees
• Pre-op X-ray and Laboratory fees
• Follow-up appointments

Items that may not be included in the cost are:

• Vitamins and supplements
• Post-surgery diet counseling, exercise and behavior modification
• Additional weight loss surgeries, such as a duodenal switch or a gastric bypass
• Cosmetic surgeries to remove any excess skin, tighten skin, or treat fatty deposits, etc.

Does Insurance Cover The Gastric Sleeve Cost?

The gastric sleeve is an elective surgery, and most insurance providers do not cover the surgery, which means the policies normally do not cover any portion of the gastric sleeve cost. Many insurers feel that weight can be lost through diet and exercise, but people are choosing to with the surgery instead, hence, it is a decision, not a requirement.

However, there are various insurers that will cover bariatric surgery if it deemed medically necessary. This would require a thorough medical examination, proof that you have attempted to lose weight through other means, and a written and signed doctor’s statement that the bariatric surgery is medically necessary for you, and the reasons why. Only then will insurers cover the cost, and some will only cover a portion of the gastric sleeve cost. If you have health insurance (or any insurance at all) you should check with your insurance provider if they cover bariatric surgery.

How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost In Other Countries?

That is an excellent question! Many people that are suffering with obesity and cannot afford treatment in the U.S. look at other countries as an option. Countries like Mexico, India, Costa Rica, or even Britain offer gastric sleeve surgery at a much lower cost, and still retain a very high level of treatment.

Having your gastric sleeve surgery completed in any of those countries can help you to save up to 50% of the cost, plus you won’t need to endure a long waiting period to receive care. Another attractive feature of medical travel is that after you’ve recovered, you can enjoy the sights and sounds that the country has to offer!

When choosing to travel for surgery, the most important thing to do is ensure that the clinic you choose is Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited. Most hospitals abroad that offer medical travel packages are, but it is better to verify this before you commit to this option. Many of the surgeons and physicians you will find have been trained in Canada, the U.S., and Europe and offer the same level of care and standards as the surgeons in the U.S. You can find cheap flights to many of these countries, and if you’re going to a country such as Mexico, the entire trip will take much less time.

Having gastric sleeve surgery done abroad will mean you’ll stay in the hospital to recover for 3 – 4 days instead of only 2. This means that you will be carefully monitored to ensure that you are on your way to a full recovery, and will avoid any unwanted complications. This also gives you some time be properly advised on the changes to your lifestyle and eating habits to support your surgery and ensure a successful weight loss.

How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost In Other Countries?

Here is a price comparison so that you may decide if medical travel will be worth it for you:

• United States: $10,000 – $20,000
• Great Britain: $10,000 – $14,000
• Mexico: $7,000 – $13,500
• India: $7,000
• Costa Rica: $9,500

You should also keep in mind that many clinics abroad offer all-inclusive packages that cover all the necessary costs, some even include the cost for the return flights, as well as food and accommodations.

What You Should Ask Your Surgeon About The Gastric Sleeve Cost

Here are a few questions that you should have answered by the bariatric surgeon before committing to the surgery:

• What is included in the cost? Some bariatric surgeons may quote a single all-encompassing price, but some other surgeons will only give you the surgery cost, and not the extra requirements such as lab tests, hospital fees, and so on.
• How much will a second bariatric surgery cost me if I need another surgery?
• Can I get a discounted rate on that second surgery?
• Does insurance cover any or all of the cost?
• Does my insurer cover any of the costs for complications or corrective operations after my surgery?
• Are there any patient financing plans that you can offer to help with the gastric sleeve cost?

And of course, the biggest question…How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost?