How much does gastric sleeve surgery cost?
People living with obesity know that the weight loss journey can be a difficult one. For those with a body mass index (BMI) over 35, this excess weight can contribute to many other health issues.
Therefore, your doctor may recommend gastric sleeve surgery, a type of weight-loss surgery. In this article, we’ll discuss what gastric sleeve surgery is, why you may opt to get it if at the recommendation of a medical professional, and the average gastric sleeve surgery price. To start, let’s answer the question: What is gastric sleeve surgery?
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a type of bariatric surgery. Sometimes you’ll hear it referred to as a sleeve gastrectomy or a vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
It is conducted by laparoscopic surgery, which involves general anesthesia, small incisions, and specialized tools, including a camera. During the surgery, a large part of the stomach is removed, helping to decrease its size by up to 80%. The surgeon then combines the remaining parts of the stomach to form a sleeve-like shape that resembles a banana.
Because of this reduction in stomach size, patients feel full sooner, which limits the amount of food they consume and aids weight loss. While the procedure can help those with high BMI, it may also help treat conditions related to obesity, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes.
If gastric sleeve surgery is recommended to you by a medical professional, it’s important to understand the pros and potential cons of the surgery.
Benefits and side effects of gastric sleeve surgery
For those contemplating gastric sleeve surgery and that have been recommended to do so by a medical professional, be sure to consider the benefits and side effects.
Benefits
While the benefits of a weight loss procedure can outweigh the risks for many people, you should have all the information before deciding. You should also always discuss with your care team to see if it is the best choice for you. Here are the key benefits:
- Expected weight loss: Those who undergo successful gastric sleeve surgery can experience weight loss that improves their quality of life.
- Improved health outcomes: Many who have gastric sleeve surgery can lower the severity of their obesity-related health problems or resolve them completely.
- Financial savings: Obesity can be expensive, especially when you factor in the additional medical bills of treating the related health conditions of obesity. Improved health conditions also come with a lessened medical financial strain.
Side effects / Risks
So, what are the risks of gastric sleeve surgery? The potential risks of the procedure include:
- Surgical complications: These complications are present in any surgical environment, but include infection, blood clots, and other complications
- Lifestyle changes required: Any bariatric surgery requires lifestyle changes to maintain results and sustain weight loss. Dietary changes and shifts in exercise patterns are required to keep the weight off. There is no guarantee that you’ll maintain your weight after having this procedure.
How much does gastric sleeve surgery cost?
The cost for gastric sleeve surgery in the United States can range considerably, with figures ranging from $15,067 to $38,045, according to CareCredit. However, these costs can vary widely depending on where you have the procedure performed, where you live, and other factors. Here are some of the biggest factors that can influence the total cost of gastric sleeve surgery:
- Geographic location: Costs for any surgical procedure can vary by the medical center’s location. In some high-cost-of-living areas, costs may be higher than in lower-cost-of-living areas. However, if you live in a rural area, your costs may also be higher due to a lack of providers.
- Bariatric surgeon fees: The more experienced your medical provider is, the more they may charge. These fees are an important consideration for the total cost of surgery.
- Hospital or surgery center fees: Whether you have the procedure performed in a hospital or surgery center can also significantly affect your total cost.
- Pre-surgery tests: The number of pre-op tests you may need can also increase your procedure cost.
- Anesthesia: Many surgical procedures require anesthesia, and gastric sleeve surgery is no exception. The cost of anesthesia can vary depending on several factors.
- Post-surgery care: Based on the time you’ll need to recover, you may incur post-surgery care fees from hospital stays or at-home care.
- Hidden costs: These hidden costs can add up, especially if you plan to travel for the procedure. From travel expenses to follow-up care appointment costs, lifestyle changes, loss of work during recovery, and more, there are many hidden costs you should keep in mind when planning for gastric sleeve surgery.
- Insurance coverage: While many insurance providers will pay for some or all the costs of surgery, your specific coverage directly affects your total out-of-pocket expenses. As you navigate your insurance coverage, you must understand the deductibles, copays, or coinsurance costs you may be responsible for.
- Skin removal: After a successful gastric sleeve surgery, you may decide to get skin removal surgery. This is a cosmetic surgery procedure you may or may not choose to have.
As you can see, costs for bariatric gastric sleeve surgery can add up. But there are ways you can get help paying the full cost of surgery, if your doctor determines that this is the best choice for you.
Gastric sleeve surgery cost by state
Geographic location is one of the biggest factors affecting the cost of gastric sleeve surgery. States with higher costs of living and large metropolitan areas typically have higher procedure costs.
For example, average self-pay costs are estimated at approximately $22,000 in New York and $20,500 in California. By comparison, lower-cost markets such as Texas ($13,500), Ohio ($14,000), and Tennessee ($13,000) often offer more affordable pricing options. Costs can vary substantially even within the same state, depending on the provider, facility, and the services included.
For this reason, patients should request detailed, itemized quotes from multiple local providers to accurately compare total costs and understand what is included in the quoted price.
Crowdfunding for gastric sleeve surgery
One way to get help for your gastric sleeve financing is to use a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe. Whether you need to fill the financial gaps between the total cost of surgery and your insurance coverage, or you need financial help to pay for the entire operation out-of-pocket, GoFundMe is a great place to start.
Get a fundraiser started in just a few minutes. With GoFundMe, you can start getting the help you need for yourself, a friend, or a loved one.
Does insurance cover gastric sleeve surgery?
For any surgical procedure, insurance can help cover some or all costs. Again, this depends on your insurance type and coverage. You may have insurance through a private company or a government health plan. Here’s what you need to know about insurance coverage for gastric sleeve costs.
Private health care coverage
Individuals who get insurance through their employer are familiar with this type of insurance coverage. In private health care coverage, an insurance company provides coverage to an entire group or organization. Sometimes, your employer will pay for part of this coverage. You can also access private health care coverage through a provider directly or through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Many leading private insurance companies will cover bariatric surgeries, although they often have specific conditions that must be met before deeming weight-loss surgery medically necessary. Some of these conditions may include:
● A body mass index of 40 or more or a BMI of 35 or higher, with an obesity-related condition.
● Documentation of active participation in a previous weight loss program.
● Documentation of pre-surgery medical and mental health evaluations.
● Pre-surgery nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian.
These are just a few examples of what your insurance provider may require but plans and providers vary. Therefore, you must review your plan documents and discover what’s required for your coverage. For more information on your specific coverages, contact your insurance company directly.
Government health insurance plans
Another common type of insurance plan is a government health plan, such as Medicare or Medicaid.
Medicare
Medicare is insurance for those people over the age of 65, those with disabilities, or those with certain diseases. Medicare plans are offered through private companies that contract with Medicare to provide coverage. There are four main components of Medicare plans: hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), and prescription drug coverage (Part D). In addition, there are also Medicare Cost Plans and the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
While it’s difficult to estimate the costs of your procedures before services are rendered, Medicare will cover some of the costs of bariatric surgeries that are medically necessary. If you elect to have surgery at an inpatient hospital, Medicare Part A helps to cover the costs. If you decide to have surgery at an outpatient center, Medicare Part B helps to cover the costs.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps cover medical costs for those with limited income and resources. Each state runs its own Medicaid program, following the general rules set forth by the federal government. Generally, Medicaid covers some portion of medically necessary gastric sleeve surgeries. However, because each state is different, they may have other coverage requirements for bariatric surgeries. Contact your state to learn more about Medicaid eligibility and your coverage options.
For those without medical insurance, you may have to pay the entire cost out of your own pocket. However, there are options for financing gastric sleeve surgery without insurance.
How to pay for gastric sleeve surgery without insurance
There are a few ways to finance weight-loss surgery without using insurance. Here are a few ways to pay:
- Self-payment: If you can afford the total out-of-pocket amount, you may be able to negotiate a price for self-pay surgery. Outpatient centers may be the best option for this, as they tend to be less expensive than hospital surgery centers.
- Payment plans: Some medical centers offer payment plans. These payment plans offer a fixed monthly payment, allowing you to pay for your procedure in installments. Healthcare payment plans tend to have zero or low-interest terms, saving you money on interest fees compared to other financing options.
- Medical credit cards: These cards are designed specifically for medical procedures. While they can offer you a short-term solution and generous introductory interest rates, it’s important to be realistic about when you’ll be able to pay off these credit cards. Keep in mind that the longer you hold onto the debt, the more you’ll be paying toward interest fees, especially after the introductory rates expire.
- Financial assistance programs: Some nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance for medical procedures. One such organization is the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America, which offers financial grants to help pay for bariatric surgeries.
- HSA/FSA: Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts can be used to pay for bariatric surgery if your doctor determines you need the procedure for your health. This is a tax-advantaged option many patients overlook.
- Medical loans: Personal loans through banks or healthcare financing companies (such as CareCredit or Prosper Healthcare Lending) offer dedicated financing for medical procedures, often with deferred interest or promotional 0% APR periods.
Life after gastric sleeve surgery: Lifestyle changes
Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery involves understanding the long-term lifestyle adjustments that typically follow the procedure. One of the biggest changes is diet and nutrition. Patients generally progress through several dietary phases, starting with liquids, then pureed and soft foods before gradually reintroducing solid foods over several weeks.
Long-term eating habits often focus on smaller, more frequent meals, prioritizing protein-rich foods while limiting foods high in sugar and fat. Nutritional counseling is commonly included in post-operative care to help patients develop sustainable eating habits.
Physical activity is also an important part of recovery and long-term weight management. Many patients begin with light activities such as walking and gradually increase how long and how hard they exercise as directed by their care team and as they heal.
Ongoing support can play a valuable role as well. Some patients benefit from support groups, counseling, or working with behavioral health professionals alongside their bariatric care team. Because long-term success depends on consistent lifestyle changes, be sure to follow the guidance of your own care team.
Now that you know more, set up crowdfunding today
Having a gastric sleeve procedure can be life-changing for many. However, finances are an important component of the entire picture. For those whose biggest barrier to getting gastric sleeve surgery is financial, GoFundMe can help.
As a leading crowdfunding platform, we’ve helped people raise money for the care they need for surgeries like gastric sleeve surgery and related expenses. In addition to helping cover the cost of the procedure itself, fundraisers can also help with post-surgery expenses such as follow-up appointments, recovery-related costs, nutritional supplements, and other out-of-pocket expenses that insurance may not fully cover. If you’re ready to seek support, starting a fundraiser can help you take the next step in managing the costs of your weight-loss journey. .
Gastric sleeve surgery cost FAQs
Without insurance, gastric sleeve surgery in the US typically costs between $15,067 and $38,045, with a national average of approximately $19,459 for gastric sleeve surgery per CareCredit. Costs vary by location, surgeon experience, and facility type. Outpatient procedures are generally less expensive than inpatient hospital surgery.
Many insurance plans cover gastric sleeve surgery if your doctor determines you need the procedure for your health. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. Requirements vary by plan. Contact your insurer directly to confirm your coverage and documentation requirements.
Gastric bypass surgery generally costs more than gastric sleeve surgery due to its greater procedural complexity. While gastric sleeve averages $19,459, gastric bypass can range from $20,000 to $35,000 or more, depending on the facility and location. Both may be covered by insurance under similar medical necessity criteria.
Yes. Many people use GoFundMe to raise funds for bariatric surgery costs that insurance does not cover, including the procedure itself, pre-surgery testing, post-surgery care, and nutritional support.