How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost?

One of the most common questions we hear is “how much does gastric sleeve surgery cost?”  There are significant costs associated with any kind of surgery and gastric sleeve surgery is no exception.  But don’t let this discourage you from considering sleeve gastrectomy if you are more than 100 pounds overweight, and you have not been successful with medically supervised weight loss programs in the past.  Fortunately, many sleeve gastrectomy patients find they do have some options to help them afford this life changing procedure.

Gastric Sleeve Cost

So just how much does sleeve gastrectomy cost? The answer isn’t simple since there are numerous factors at play, including:

Testing and consultation

Prior to your surgery, you’ll need to have a consultation with your surgeon to determine whether gastric sleeve is right for you. That may involve testing and questions about your health, as well as instructions on what you must do to be prepared for your operation.

Physician and staff fees

Most surgeries require multiple physicians, which will translate into multiple physician fees. For instance, most operations will likely require both a surgeon and an anesthesiologist. Support staff may also have their associated costs.

Hospital or Facility Costs

Operating rooms are billed based on time, so your gastric sleeve surgery cost will depend on how long the procedure takes. Use of a recovery room afterward may also be billed.

Medications

Another gastric sleeve cost to consider is medication. Pain medications and antibiotics are often needed to assist with the recovery process.

Covering Gastric Sleeve Costs

Some of the options a patient might have to cover sleeve gastrectomy costs include insurance, Medicare, and financing.

Insurance

If your insurance policy covers bariatric surgery, it should cover most of your gastric sleeve surgery costs. Some policies may exclude it, but it is more commonly covered than it used to be, especially if you’re on a large group insurance plan (such as through your employer).

Medicare

If you’re over 65 or otherwise qualify, Medicare may also cover the costs of gastric sleeve if you meet these requirements:

• Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 35 or more.
• You have at least one co-morbid condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
• You can prove you were obese for the last five years and that you’re fit for surgery.
• You previously participated in a medically supervised weight loss program.
• Your physician recommends bariatric surgery in writing.
• Other medical diseases are ruled out as a cause of your obesity.

Financing

There are several options for low interest loans to cover your portion of surgery costs.

The Costs of Not Having Surgery

When considering a sleeve gastrectomy, it’s important to keep in mind the costs of not having surgery. If you have been unable to lose weight on your own and are experiencing chronic health problems which can be costly to treat (for years or decades), it may actually cost you less, all told, to have the surgery.

Some of the costs of not having gastric sleeve surgery include:

• Costs associated with ongoing medical treatments for co-morbid conditions
• reduced quality of life due to poor health
• reduced earnings potential due to disability or shortened lifespan

Of course, every situation is different so you must research your options.  The friendly staff at Dr. Malladi’s office can discuss sleeve gastrectomy costs with you and help you determine if your insurance will cover them.  To learn more, set up a consultation with Dr. Malladi’s staff today.

Prepared to make changes

The last of the qualifications for gastric sleeve is psychological. Candidates need to be ready to make life changes after their surgery is complete, including improved diet and exercise. Without that readiness, the operation likely won’t produce long term success.

Finding Out if You’re Eligible

To find out if you meet these gastric sleeve qualifications, you’ll need to talk to a qualified surgeon. Dr. Malladi and her staff can help you determine if you meet sleeve gastrectomy qualifications.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation.