Prices for gastric bypass surgery can vary depending on your location, type of surgery and facilities. The average cost according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is between $20,000 to $25,000. Many insurance companies to include Medicare are covering gastric bypass procedures for those patients who meet certain criteria.

Because obesity has been proven to increase a persons risk for serious health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure, insurance companies have determined it to be cost effective for them to help patients loose weight through gastric bypass surgery. The health costs of the obese are significantly greater than those of a healthy weight. When considering the cost of gastric bypass, the reduced health care costs for the future should be a part of the equation.

Patients should work with their primary care doctor to establish a medical record that supports gastric bypass surgery. Working with your doctor on options for weight loss will show your insurance company that you have a desire to live healthier and that you need the surgery to loose weight. Having a good relationship with the insurance coordinator at your doctor’s office will help in getting the pre-authorizations from your insurance company.

In an effort to save money, some people are opting to have surgery in Mexico or other foreign countries. While this may be a more cost effective way to get surgery, it can create other problems with post-operative care and potentially life-threatening complications. Gastric bypass surgery is a risky procedure already, and saving a few thousand dollars on the procedure is probably not worth the added risk.

The prices for gastric bypass surgery may seem high, but the alternative health risk of not having surgery can be even higher. The opportunity for improving your health and obtaining a healthy weight can be worth the cost of surgery.