What is the average cost of weight loss surgery

With obesity numbers climbing in today's society, and with more and more people looking into different ways to end their constant unhealthy and overweight state once and for all, weight loss surgery is becoming a more and more attractive possibility-but it doesn't come cheap. The cost of weight loss surgeries is something all potential candidates need to take into account when considering this drastic weight loss alternative.

Lets begin by asking, what is the cost of weight loss surgeries?

It depends I guess on what type of surgery you want. A bariatric gastrointestinal surgical procedure-which is basically a term for most types of weight loss surgeries (bariatric)-typically costs on average about $25,000 US. Some procedures are closer to $20,000, some as high as $40,000. That's a pretty penny for weight loss!

A USA Today article ("Weighing the cost of obesity") says typical weight loss surgery costs about $24,000. But there is a actually a mini gastric bypass (MGB), which is shorter, simpler, reversible and has a lower risk, and is a bit less-$17,000. But overall, it's still a lot of money to fork over if you're not sure this is the route you want to take. Other types of bariatric surgery to look at include a lap-band, a laparoscopic gastric bypass, roux-en-Y gastric bypass and a gastroplasty.

Something else to think about regarding the cost, is your insurance coverage, which varies by state and each insurance provider. You might be able to afford a $35,000 surgery if you insurance company covers 100 per cent-or even 50 per cent-of the costs of surgery itself as well as hospitalization. It's important to determine how much coverage you have. If you find out after contacting your insurer that you don't have any or enough coverage, you do have the option of trying to get insurance approval yourself, but this can be a very frustrating, complicated and time-consuming process.

Whichever type of surgery you decide to use, it's still a hefty chunk of cash, especially if your insurance won't cover it, which is why prospective candidates need to consider their reasons for weight loss surgery, as well as weighing the benefits against the potential risks.

For most people considering some form of bariatric surgery, the cost of weight loss surgeries and the insurance coverage often determines whether or not they will go ahead with the operation. Determine yourself which type of surgery is best for you. Find out all you can the details of your insurance plan and discuss with your family and friends if and how you can afford it. The next step is to create a financial plan so you can met those payments.

Although the final cost of weight loss surgeries may be off-putting, disheartening and potentially a hindrance, surgery may be the best treatment option for your obesity and/or weight-related health problems, and you'll want to do all that you can to make sure this can happen for you.