How Much Does a Gastric Band Cost ?

How much does a gastric band/lap band cost?

In general, the cost of a gastric band, also known as Lap Band surgery, can range from $5,000 to $30,000. This price discrepancy will depend largely on whether the procedure is covered by insurance or not and where the surgery is taking place. 

In addition to that the cost of a gastric band surgery can be affected by a number of other factors, including where the procedure is taking place, the years of experience of the surgeon, and the individual's specific needs and goals.

What is included in the price?

Typically the cost of gastric band surgery includes the following:

• Surgery and surgeon’s fee.
• Preoperative tests and screening.
• Fees of general anesthesia. 
• Cost of Hospitalization if required.
• Post-operative care and medications.

Is gastric band surgery covered by insurance?

Whether or not a gastric band surgery is covered by insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of insurance you have and the specific policy you are enrolled in. 

In recent years, many private insurance companies started offering plans that do cover gastric band surgery as a weight loss treatment option. It is mostly offered to people who are considered to be morbidly obese which poses a threat to their health. 

However, how much is covered can vary widely, based on the type of your insurance plan and whether or not you meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for coverage. 

These criteria can include:

• A certain body mass index (BMI), is usually 35 or above. 
• Documentation of failed attempts at a weight loss program that was supervised by a doctor. 
• A letter from your surgeon stating the necessity of having a gastric band surgery and the potential health problem associated with it such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart disease. 

We recommend you contact your insurance provider and ask about their available policies to see if you meet their criteria for coverage. 

What affects the total cost of a lap band surgery?

Prices for a gastric band will vary from one place to another and this is due to several factors that include:

• The country or area you live in.  
• Your surgeon's years of experience and qualifications.
• The fee of the anaesthesiologist. 
• The type and brand of the lap band being used. 
• Cost of pre-operative tests and screening. 
• Type of facility where the surgery will take place, either at a hospital or a surgical center. Typically, gastric band surgeries performed at a hospital will be more expensive than those performed in other types of facilities.
• Whether your insurance policy covers weight loss surgeries or not. 
• Your out-of-pocket expenses associated with the surgery such as adjustment of the band, visiting a nutritionist, medications and vitamins, gym membership (optional), and the possibility of a body lift procedure to get rid of excess skin after weight loss.

These are all factors you need to take into account when setting your budget for gastric band surgery. 

Additional costs to consider after gastric band surgery

In addition to the cost of the gastric band surgery itself, you should prepare yourself for some additional costs after the procedure. These can include:

• Follow-up visits to your surgeon or your nutritionist.
• Making some necessary band adjustments.
• Replacement of the band in case of any damage or stretching. 
• Medications and vitamins.

Ask your surgeon if they can give you an estimate of any additional expenses that may arise and also check with your insurance company and ask if they can cover any additional costs. That can give you a better idea of how much you will need to pay out of pocket.

Is the post-op care included in the total cost of a gastric band?

Whether or not the post-op care after gastric band surgery is included in the total price of the surgery will depend on where you get the procedure done and how much your insurance plan will cover. 

Some surgeons may include post-op care in the total cost, while others may charge separately for it.

It is highly recommended to discuss all the specifics with your surgeon beforehand. And if possible ask for an itemized list of all the costs that are included in the total price to avoid any unexpected expenses.

Comparison of gastric band costs in different countries

The prices of gastric band surgery can vary greatly depending on the country in which it is performed. In the United States, the cost can range from as low as $5,000 up to $30,000 and this is largely dependent on whether it’s covered by insurance or not. 

On the other hand, in the UK, the NHS does not usually cover the cost of the surgery, so patients must pay for it privately unless they have private insurance. Surgeons and private clinics in the UK may charge between £4,000 and £8,000 for a gastric band.

In some other countries such as Turkey, you can find gastric band surgery for as little as $3,000 to $8,000 because of the lower cost of medical care, labor fee, and lower taxes. 

In the table below we will compare the cost of the gastric band in different countries around the world.  

**Countries like Turkey and Mexico normally offer all-inclusive packages for international patients covering their stay and transportation.