The cost of gastric bypass surgery will fluctuate depending on several variables. Which gastric bypass procedure you choose will be the first thing to determine cost. Other variables in gastric bypass cost include insurance coverage and where you choose to have the procedure done.
The truth is that not all insurance companies will cover the costs of gastric bypass surgery. Because of this, some people decide to have their weight loss surgery outside of the United States.
Insurance costs are a major issue for many people determining if they can afford the cost of gastric bypass surgery.
Having gastric bypass in Mexico or another country often is the first choice for those forced to pay the gastric bypass cost out of pocket. Gastric bypass, along with many other surgical procedures can be done cheaper in foreign countries.
The reason that the cost of gastric bypass surgery is so much cheaper in a country such as Mexico is due to multiple reasons.
First, liability insurance is not a factor. The downside here is evident -- if something goes wrong you can not sue the doctor performing the surgery.
If you have the surgery in the US expect the cost of gastric bypass surgery to be anywhere from $20,000 - $50,000. Complications following surgery costs can easily add $10,000 -- if not more to your cost. In addition to the actual surgery the true cost of gastric bypass surgery also must include other visits and tests which occur before and after the surgery. Costs outside of the US are cheaper, perhaps even under $10,000.
An article in The Oregonian dated November 21, 2004 has a story about a man who traveled to Tijuana to have lap band surgery. The price of this gastric bypass surgery in Mexico was $7,600 -- considerably cheaper than in the US.
It appears that leaving the US to reduce the cost of gastric bypass surgery is becoming a popular option. The cost of gastric bypass surgery is reduced do to numerous factors including limiting liability. In exchange you are taking a great deal of additional risks.
Despite the risks, the popularity of "medical vacations" is growing. Many patients report higher qualities of service than in the US -- and the horror stories are few and far between.
The actual out-of-pocket gastric bypass expenses are going to vary in the United States. A recent article quotes a cost of $25,000 with an insurance reimbursement of $7500.
