Losing weight can alleviate, and in some cases, eliminate obesity-related diseases. Weight loss surgery is an option for some individuals to improve their health and extend their longevity. But how much does bariatric surgery cost?
Today we will look at the factors that influence the variations in the price of bariatric surgery and an overview of the different weight-loss procedures available in New York.
Why Is Obesity So Out Of Control In America?
The most significant health concern in the U.S. today is obesity and all the health issues that come along with it. Obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, heart disease, stroke, and more serious life-threatening conditions. Healthcare costs related to obesity represent about 23% of all medical spending in the nation and are a driving force in rising healthcare costs.
Today, typical Americans work more and spend less time at home. Advancing technology has been helpful in some respects but harmful in others. Genetically modified foods, pre-packaged foods, processed foods, artificial additives, and preservatives have taken over our kitchens and are wreaking havoc on the performance of many of our body’s vital systems.
Over the years a large number of children have stopped playing outside and getting physical exercise and prefer to watch tv or play video games. It takes both parents working to pay living expenses so you have exhausted individuals grabbing fast-food or processed easy-to-serve meals for the family to eat most days. Adding to the issue, most similar frazzled adults are working extended hours with long commutes and little time for a much-needed physical fitness routine.
Bariatric Surgery For Obesity
Many of us are overweight for the simple reason outlined by the CDC, that we consume a higher number of calories than we use. It happens gradually and often in our childhood; one day, we find our health suffering. As the old saying goes, prevention is the best medicine. Living a healthy lifestyle, reading labels, portion control, and physical activity are the keys to maintaining a healthy weight.
Some individuals have conditions that are out of their control that contribute to their obesity. Research has shown that obese individuals with a higher body mass index have a less than 5% chance of losing weight without some type of medical weight loss intervention like bariatric surgery.
If you are overweight or have health conditions due to obesity, there is help for you. Weight loss surgery can help those who have tried traditional methods to lose weight and have been unsuccessful. Have you ever considered bariatric surgery? Let’s look at some of the procedures available and the cost of bariatric surgery.
What Factors Influence Bariatric Surgery Prices?
Bariatric surgery costs are determined by factors including:
- The technique used for surgery;
- The bariatric procedure performed;
- The surgeon;
- The surgical facility or hospital;
- Misc fees such as anesthesia, specialists, specialized device use, etc;
- Post-operative care costs: follow-up appointments, ongoing supplements, various professionals, psychological, nutritional & emotional, etc.;
- Geographical location: costs for procedures can vary widely by state with some of the highest costs being in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
The cost of bariatric surgery varies a significant amount based on geographic location. New York is ranked as a location where the costs of bariatric surgery are very high in relation to other locations.
An Overview of Bariatric Surgery Costs
There are numerous weight loss procedures available today that can help obese individuals regain their health. Surgical and non-surgical options are listed below along with the National average cost of the bariatric procedure.
1. Lap Band Surgery
The surgeon places a silicone band that is wrapped around the upper portion of the stomach and can be adjusted and tightened as needed. The band creates a smaller stomach so the individual is unable to eat as much. Lap band surgery ranges between $8,900-29, 000 in the United States.
2. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)
VSG is also known as Gastric Sleeve Surgery. During the procedure, approximately 70-75% of the patient’s stomach is permanently removed, and the surgeon staples the remaining edges together to make a smaller pouch. VSG leaves the digestive tract intact but helps promote weight loss by restricting the patient’s intake of food. The National Average cost of bariatric sleeve surgery is $9,000-27,000.
3. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
After the surgeon permanently decreases the patient’s stomach size leaving about 25% of its original size (just like during the gastric sleeve procedure), gastric bypass goes one step further. The surgeon rearranges some of the digestive tracts to create a shorter pathway from where the food enters and where it is eliminated. Not only is the patient limited by the amount of food they can eat, but bypassing a large portion of the digestive system also limits the number of calories that can be absorbed into the body. In the United States gastric bypass surgery costs between $15,000 – $35,000.
4. Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
Commonly known as duodenal switch surgery it restricts the amount the individual can eat and prevents the body from absorbing all the calories that are injected much like gastric bypass surgery. First, about 70-80% of the stomach is removed and then two sections of the digestive tract are rerouted. This is the most invasive bariatric surgery and offers the most weight loss potential. The average price in the United States of duodenal switch surgery is between $22,000-42, 000.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options Offer Lower Cost Options
Non-surgical procedures can be effective for weight loss requiring a much lower financial obligation. Another benefit is that the procedures are reversible, unlike bariatric surgery. The procedure as well as recovery times are much lower and may be excellent alternatives for individuals who do not want to have surgery or are not suitable surgical candidates.
1. Intragastric Weight Loss Balloon
A silicone gastric balloon is placed endoscopically into a patient’s stomach to take up space and help them feel full. The amount of food the patient can eat is limited and they do not feel hungry as often. The balloon remains in the patient’s stomach for 6 months during which time the patient learns healthy eating and lifestyle habits to promote weight loss. The procedure takes about 20 minutes and there is no hospital stay involved. Most patients return to their normal routine in a few days. The average price of a gastric balloon in the U.S. costs between $6,000 and $9,500.
2. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
There are no incisions or surgery involved during the Suture Sculpt endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure. The size of the patient’s stomach is drastically reduced leaving only about 25-30% available capacity, but unlike the gastric sleeve procedure, no portion of the stomach is permanently removed but reshaped and sutured into a smaller size. ESG is performed using an endoscope that is lowered down the patient’s throat and requires no abdominal incisions or related scarring. The reduced stomach capacity helps patients regulate portion sizes and makes them feel satisfied longer. The procedure usually lasts under an hour and is performed as an outpatient procedure so patients can go home the same day to begin their short recovery time. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedures (ESG) range in price from $7,000-15,000 with the average cost in the United States around $12,000.
Average Cost Of Bariatric Surgery In New York City
Surgical vs Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options Comparison Chart
| Procedure | Average Cost In NYC |
|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve Surgery | $24,470 |
| Gastric Lap Band Surgery | $16,500 |
| Gastric Bypass Surgery | $34,000 |
| Duodenal Switch Surgery | $39,500 |
| Non-Surgical Orbera Balloon | $9,500 |
| Non-Surgical Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) | $10,500 |
Whether you are counting on your medical insurance to cover some of the costs, or you are a self-pay bariatric surgery patient, the financial obligation associated with a weight loss procedure can seem a bit overwhelming. When you look at the cost vs benefits, it is easy to see the benefits far outweigh the investment. How can you put a price on your health?
If you are suffering from obesity and any related conditions, we invite you to set up a consultation with Batash Advanced Medical Weight Loss Center today. We offer non-surgical weight-loss procedures that can help you lose weight and become healthier affordably and without the risks or complications associated with surgery.
To learn more about Suture Sculpt endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) or the Orbera balloon procedure that we offer in our New York City office contact us today. We are here to support you in your weight loss journey through an individualized plan that will best help you accomplish your weight loss goals.
