It is no secret that obesity has become one of the biggest epidemics of all time. In the United States alone, statistics report that over 70% of the adult population is classified as overweight or obese.
Unfortunately, once an individual reaches a certain BMI (body mass index), achieving a healthy weight without medical intervention becomes nearly impossible. Historically, the only option was invasive bariatric surgery, but today, there are additional non-surgical alternatives.
In this guide, we will explore various surgical and non-surgical procedures that can help individuals lower their BMI and improve their overall health. We will provide an overview of the most common bariatric surgeries and endoscopic weight loss procedures available, along with their average costs in the United States.
What Can Influence The Cost Of Bariatric Surgery?
The cost of bariatric surgery can vary based on several factors, including:
- The Surgeon You Choose
- Highly experienced surgeons or those with advanced specialties in bariatric procedures may charge higher fees.
- The Surgical Procedure
- Bariatric surgeries differ in complexity. Multi-step procedures or those requiring advanced techniques typically cost more.
- The Surgical Facility
- The type of facility—outpatient clinic, private surgery center, or hospital—can significantly impact costs.
- The Geographic Location
- The cost of the same procedure can vary widely across regions due to differences in local living expenses, availability of the surgery, and state or local healthcare regulations.
- Additional Fees
- Expenses such as anesthesia, specialized medical devices, and fees for additional specialists (e.g., anesthesiologists or surgical assistants) can also influence the overall cost.
- Medical Insurance
- Insurance coverage for bariatric procedures depends on your carrier and policy and will affect your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Aftercare Costs
- Post-surgery costs, such as follow-up appointments, nutritional counseling, and supplements, should also be considered.
Weight Loss Surgery And Procedure Costs
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
This procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a small sleeve-shaped section. This reduces the stomach size, making the individual feel full with less food. The average cost of gastric sleeve surgery in the U.S. ranges from $13,000 to $26,000.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
This surgery not only reduces stomach size but also reroutes part of the intestine to limit food intake and decrease calorie absorption. The average cost of gastric bypass surgery in the U.S. ranges from $15,000 to $35,000.
Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band)
An inflatable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to create a smaller section, restricting the amount of food the individual can eat. The average cost of Lap-Band surgery in the U.S. is between $9,000 and $18,000.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
This complex surgery involves reducing the stomach size and rerouting a larger portion of the intestines than in gastric bypass surgery. It significantly limits both food consumption and calorie absorption. The average cost of duodenal switch surgery in the U.S. is between $22,000 and $42,000.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
The ESG non-surgical procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist using an endoscope. Sutures are applied inside the stomach to make it smaller, without the need for abdominal incisions. The average cost of ESG in the U.S. ranges from $9,500 to $16,000. Reveal Weight Loss offers ESG in New Jersey for an all-inclusive cost as low as $9,500.
Intragastric Weight Loss Balloon
A balloon-like medical device is placed in the stomach via an endoscope and filled with saline solution to create a feeling of fullness, reducing food intake. The balloon is removed after six to eight months, and patients follow a doctor-supervised plan for a year. The average cost for a gastric balloon in the U.S. is between $6,000 and $9,000. For a limited time, Reveal Weight Loss offers all-inclusive gastric balloon procedures in New Jersey starting at $5,500!
Where Can I Learn More About Non-Surgical ESG?
You can avoid the high cost of bariatric surgery, the risks, and the long recovery time and get significant weight loss potential with endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Take a look at these real patients before and after weight loss results.
With ESG, you are back to your regular schedule within just days, which means no long absences from work and missed wages, no need for extended outside help to cover your daily responsibilities, and you can get started on your exercise routine right away. Make your appointment to learn more about how Reveal Weight Loss can help you get your weight under control and your health back on track.
