Obesity is a major public health concern. Around 2 billion adults aged 18 years or more are overweight and suffering from obesity-related conditions. That’s about one in three people in the world. Several non-invasive weight loss techniques are available, but sometimes they don’t work, and the affected person needs to undergo gastric bypass surgery. If you plan to undergo surgery, you need to know the gastric bypass surgery cost first.
So, here’s a quick overview of gastric bypass surgery costs in different parts of the world.
What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is a gastrointestinal surgical procedure to change the way your stomach and intestines receive, handle, and process food. The purpose of the surgery is to make the stomach smaller, so you feel full with less food. After the surgery, the good doesn’t go in some parts of the digestive system and small intestine. Thus, the intestines won’t absorb all calories from the food you eat.
When to Get Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that comes with its set of side effects and complications. Hence, not everyone can get this surgery. You need to meet the following conditions to be eligible for the operation:
- 100+ pounds overweight
- 35+ BMI
- Obesity-related medical conditions
- 6+ months of unsuccessful supervised weight loss attempts
The surgery is advised for adults only. However, teens with a severe obesity-related medical condition may also be eligible to get a gastric bypass operation.
In a nutshell, you should consider getting gastric bypass surgery if you are extremely overweight and have tried non-surgical weight loss procedures. If you have obesity-related disorders like hypertension and diabetes, surgery might be the best option for you.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost in Different Countries
Gastric bypass surgery can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the country where you get operated on. However, these expenses can go as high as $30,000 or as low as $2,000 depending on the country and hospital. A more affordable option could be a self pay gastric sleeve surgery instead. Contact a proffesional near you to find the options for gastric sleeve cost.
Let’s look at the cost of gastric bypass surgery in some major countries.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost in the USA
The United States of America (USA) is one of the most expensive when it comes to gastric bypass surgery. The procedure costs $15,500 on average and can go as high as $30,000 in some top hospitals. Additionally, some factors that could add to your expense are pre-operative labs, EKG and surgical clearance, and post-operative medication and doctor visits.
Top hospitals in the USA for gastric bypass surgery are:
- Morristown Medical Center, Morristown (NJ)
- Mercy Iowa City, Iowa City (IA)
- Catawba Valley Medical Center, Hickory (NC)
- Midstate Medical Center, Meriden (CT)
- The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood (NJ)
Canada
Gastric bypass surgery in Canada is also quite expensive, with the average cost of the procedure being $15,700. However, Some top-tier hospitals may charge up to $20,000 for the operation. Needed equipment, including cartridges and staplers, may cost another $2,000-$3,000.
The best hospitals in Canada for gastric bypass surgery are:
- SmartShape Weight Loss Center, Mississauga
- Empowered Weight Loss, Brampton
- Sacré-Cœur Hospital, Montreal
- Calgary Adult Bariatric Specialty Clinic, Richmond
- Westmount Square Surgical Center, Westmount
Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost in the UK
The average gastric bypass surgery cost in the UK is also high. The average expense for bariatric surgery in the UK is $14,500. Some top hospitals, however, may charge up to $21,000. The process to be eligible for surgery in the UK is also lengthy. Firstly, you need to prove that you have tried all weight loss procedures and failed. Then, you need to get a GP referral and put your name on the waiting list. The entire procedure will take at least 18 months.
That said, the best hospitals in the UK for gastric bypass surgery are:
- Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, London
- Harley Street Obesity Clinic, London
- Belgium Surgery Services, London
- Tonic Cosmetic and Weight Loss Surgery, Nottingham
- Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery, Kent
Australia
The average gastric bypass surgery cost in Australia is slightly cheaper. The mean expense is $13,000. However, the good thing about bariatric surgery in Australia is that almost all hospitals charge almost the same rate. So, you don’t have to worry about the varying costs in different hospitals. The eligibility criteria for gastric bypass surgery are similar to that in the US.
The best hospitals in Australia for gastric bypass surgery are:
- St. George Private Hospital, Kogarah
- St. John of God Murdoch Hospital, Murdoch
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne
Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost in India
Gastric bypass surgery in India costs $7,000 on average. However, some hospitals may charge up to $10,000. India is one of the most cost-effective countries for bariatric surgery or any other surgical procedure. Also, a low cost doesn’t mean low quality. The cost of living in India is low, and thus, essential services like healthcare are quite cheap.
The best hospitals in India for bariatric surgery are:
- Fortis Hospital, New Delhi
- Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai
- CODS Clinic, Mumbai
- Medanta Multi Super Speciality Hospital, Gurgaon
- Apollo Spectra Hospital, New Delhi
How to Reduce Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost?
Surgery can be a life-saving procedure, but it’s also expensive. Often, it could blow your entire savings. People end up taking loans to fund their medical expenses. However, it doesn’t have to be so hard. You can follow these steps to reduce the cost of your medical procedures.
- Get surgery at an outpatient facility
- Travel to a different state/country where treatment is affordable
- Don’t stop yourself from shopping around for a fair price
- Negotiate your medical bill
Moreover, most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover surgery costs. If you have health insurance, contact your insurance provider and understand your benefits. Also, stay in-network if your insurance provider covers surgery costs, as it’ll help you reduce costs.
Conclusion
Overall, gastric bypass surgery is a major industrial procedure and is expensive. So, if you plan to undergo a gastric bypass procedure, ensure that you properly understand the costs associated with it. Nowadays, most insurance providers cover surgery expenses, so be sure to check with your insurance provider. If you don’t have insurance, use the tips given in the last section to reduce your surgery expenses.
