If you’re considering weight loss surgery, the procedure’s cost must be considered. On average, sleeve gastric surgery costs around $16,750, but this figure can vary significantly.
Patients should ask their bariatric surgeon about a cost quote and insurance check. This will give them an accurate estimation of what their procedure will cost and whether they can cover part or all expenses.
Cost of Surgery
The cost of sleeve gastrectomy surgery varies based on location and insurance coverage. You may need to cover all expenses or make arrangements with your doctor for a payment plan.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure designed to assist obese individuals in losing weight and improving their health. It may also benefit those suffering from obesity-related medical conditions like type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.
It is considered a minimally invasive procedure, requiring less complexity than other weight loss surgeries, and has an easier recovery period.
During surgery, your surgeon makes several small incisions on your abdomen to insert a laparoscope, giving them a better view of internal organs. High-precision medical instruments are inserted through these incisions to extract nearly 75 percent of your stomach and attach the remaining portion to form an elastic sleeve that looks like a banana.
Under general anesthesia, surgery usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, and you will be administered medication to make you sleepy during the procedure. Once complete, all incisions are closed with sutures.
Before surgery, you will receive a pre-op appointment and examination from your surgeon to ensure it suits you. They will also provide you with an estimate of costs and an insurance check (to determine whether your health insurance company will cover any associated expenses).
After your surgery, you should plan to stay at a hospital for one night. This gives you time to recover from the procedure and guarantees your vitals are monitored.
Additionally, you will require anesthesia and medications to take before and after your surgery. These will help alleviate pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.
Budgeting for weight loss surgery can be challenging, but you have options. Depending on your income level, you can secure financing or use your credit card as part of the payment. If so, take advantage of any available financing options and work with a bariatric surgeon to make the process smoother.
Cost of Preparation
If your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or greater, sleeve gastrectomy could be an ideal surgical weight-loss option for those at high risk for complications from other bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch with biliopancreatic diversion.
Before your sleeve gastrectomy surgery, you must change your lifestyle and diet, such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. Depending on your condition, you may also have to take certain medications or undergo blood tests before the operation.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric surgery that reduces your stomach to around 25% of its original size, helping you feel satiated more quickly and reducing how much food you can eat – helping you shed pounds.
Laparoscopic surgery is usually done through small incisions in your abdomen, using a video camera (laparoscope) to guide the surgeon as they separate your stomach into two parts. The lower section is then joined to the upper portion, creating what looks like a banana-sized “sleeve”.
Sleeve gastrectomy is less invasive and typically has a faster recovery period compared to other bariatric surgeries. Patients can usually go home the day or two after their operation, though they must still follow their doctor’s instructions for eating and drinking until soft or solid foods can be safely reintroduced.
Most sleeve gastrectomy procedures are performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. During the process, five or six small incisions are made on your abdomen, and then, using long instruments, your surgeon extracts most of your stomach through these openings.
Using a special stapler, your surgeon will then divide your stomach into two halves. The lower portion is attached to the upper part with stitches for security.
If you are thinking about having a sleeve gastrectomy to lose weight, it is essential to research your options. Aside from finding an affordable price point, ensure the surgeon you select is highly qualified and experienced in performing the procedure. A skilled surgeon can assist in choosing the most suitable type of surgery for your requirements while offering personalized care.
Cost of Recovery
When considering how much it will cost you to recover after sleeve gastric surgery, one of the biggest factors is whether your health insurance company covers it.
Another consideration is whether or not you need to stay in the hospital for more than one night. In this case, your hospital fees will likely increase.
The final major factor that affects the cost of a gastric sleeve operation is how much money you must spend on food and other living expenses afterward. You’ll likely need to visit a nutritionist and may also require new clothing or gym memberships.
Following surgery, you must transition slowly onto a liquid diet before gradually switching back to regular foods. However, this can be costly, so budget for it accordingly.
Your surgeon will create a tailored diet plan consisting of easily digestible and low-fat foods. They may also suggest taking supplements like calcium and multivitamins for added support.
Due to the less invasive nature of sleeve gastric surgery than gastric bypass surgery, you typically experience a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. Furthermore, the experience is much less painful than open surgery.
Some sleeve gastrectomy surgeries are performed laparoscopically, meaning your doctor uses a small camera and instruments to operate. This procedure typically results in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery time, and smaller scars.
During your recovery period, it is important to take good care of your wounds, drink plenty of fluids and follow the instructions provided by your doctor. They may also give you medication to prevent infection and ensure the healing of the wounds is completed successfully.
Sleeve gastrectomy is an excellent weight-loss option for those who are overweight or obese but haven’t been successful with diet and exercise. Additionally, it may benefit those prone to obesity-related illnesses like sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is an increasingly successful operation, typically helping you lose 60-70% of your excess weight in two to two years. Furthermore, it offers a long-term solution that can help keep the pounds off for life if you continue eating a nutritious diet and make lifestyle modifications.
Cost of Postoperative Care
Are you considering getting a sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss and wondering how much it will cost? The cost will depend on several factors, including your health insurance and where you receive care.
In addition to surgery costs, you’ll also have to cover postoperative care. This includes medications, follow-up visits with your surgeon, and changes to lifestyle and habits to achieve weight loss success.
Your health insurance company may cover some or all of the costs associated with sleeve gastrectomy, and bariatric assistance programs can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
On average, gastric sleeve surgery costs approximately $10,000 depending on where you live, your insurance coverage, and whether or not you plan to utilize any financial assistance. Check your real self’s member reviews of prices in your area for an idea of potential costs associated with this procedure.
One of the primary reasons sleeve gastrectomy costs are so high is due to the extensive postoperative care required. Patients must take medication for several months after surgery and follow a strict diet that necessitates significant adjustments in their daily activities.
These changes can be costly, and many patients spend a lot on nutritional supplements and other post-surgery expenses. Furthermore, patients may require the services of a nutritionist for assistance in creating an effective meal plan and exercise routine.
Consider traveling for your sleeve gastrectomy if the cost of treatment in another country is less. Eastern European nations such as Poland or the Czech Republic often provide more affordable sleeve gastrectomy clinics.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical weight-loss procedure that dramatically reduces the size of your stomach, making it difficult to consume large amounts of food. Although non-reversible, this non-invasive process may lead to permanent weight loss if other methods haven’t worked for you. If this option sounds appealing, only consider it if all other options have failed and this last resort remains an option.