Nice to meet you! Over the last decade, we have helped millions of visitors just like you understand the benefits and drawbacks of weight loss surgery. Click here to learn about our expert team that provides you with safe, thoroughly-vetted, and up-to-date information about bariatrics.
I LOVE your site and what you are doing…so much information!!
Laura Preston
Gastric Bypass Patient
Great site! I congratulate you on a job well done!
Y. Acherman, MD
Center of Excellence Bariatric Surgeon
This has been a great resource for me as I begin my journey. I have my first appointment with the surgeon on Friday.
Juliet Duncan
Weight Loss Surgery Patient
Bariatric Surgery Source is one of the most comprehensive sites I’ve seen… it is excellent.
Peter Rovito, MD, FACS
General & Bariatric Surgeon
I really explored your site, and found the content very helpful and accurate. I will be letting my support group know about your site, and also new patients to the practice.
Heather Reeves
Bariatric Coordinator
Bariatric Surgery Source is packed with essential information you need to know before, during and after weight loss surgery.
Lonicera’s Lap Band & Other Stories
Prominent Weight Loss Surgery Blogger
WOW!!! What a completely fabulous, informative site!! It answered most of my burning questions and gave me info I didn’t even know I needed. It was not dry and boring, it was exactly what I was looking for.
Jan Wolf
Weight Loss Surgery Patient
“Bariatric Surgery Source is the best out there for patient-focused weight loss surgery information.”
Dr. Joseph Kuhn
Center of Excellence Bariatric Surgeon
*Disclaimer:Content: The information contained in this website is provided for general information purposes and your specific results may vary depending on a variety of circumstances. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical, dietary, fitness or other appropriate professional. Advertising: Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC has entered into referral and advertising arrangements with certain medical practices, original equipment manufacturers, and financial companies under which we receive compensation (in the form of flat fees per qualifying action) when you click on links to our partners and/or submit information. Read More
Patients who qualify for bariatric surgery usually:
Are at least 80 lbs (36 kg) overweight
Are between 18 and 75 years old
Have a history of failed weight loss attempts (e.g., failed diets)
Thoroughly understand that the procedure is just a tool; long-term success requires significant diet and lifestyle changes
The minimum bariatric surgery qualifications include:
A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
OR a BMI between 30 and 39.9 with a serious obesity-related health problem like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint problems, or others
OR a BMI of 30 to 40 with or without health issues for the gastric balloon procedure
To calculate your BMI, enter your height and weight into the tool, then click the “Calculate BMI” button.
Your out-of-pocket bariatric surgery cost can range anywhere from $0 to $20,000 or more depending on several factors, including:
Whether your insurance covers it – many insurances (including Medicare, Medicaid, and many individual/family and employer-provided policies) cover the majority of costs for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, LAP-BAND®, and duodenal switch. The other types of bariatric surgery are less likely to be covered, although you may be able to get insurance to pay for some of the costs. Tap the “With Insurance” button in the tool to see average out-of-pocket costs per procedure after insurance pays. See our Insurance Tool to find out if your plan covers it.
Which procedure you choose – if insurance won’t pay, costs range anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000+, depending on the procedure. Tap the “Without Insurance” button in the tool to compare the national average self-pay costs for each procedure. (NOTE: Some surgeons offer each procedure for as low as half of the national average).
How competitive your surgeon and hospital fees are – there is often a substantial difference in costs between different doctors and hospitals, even within the same town.
Whether you qualify for tax write-offs – Bariatric surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if your out-of-pocket costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income. See our Tax Tool to find out if your bariatric procedure will be tax deductible.
How you choose to pay for your procedure – If insurance covers it, you’ll only be responsible for any copays, deductibles, and coinsurance required by your specific plan. If you pay for the procedure without insurance, total costs will depend on how you pay. For example, your surgeon may offer a discount if you pay the full amount up front, and you can make the costs more affordable by applying for bariatric surgery financing.
Weight loss surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if the costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.
Use the tool to find out if you qualify for a tax deduction.
To receive the deductions, you’ll need to complete Schedule A of the IRS Form 1040. You’ll also need to save your medical bills and payment statements as proof. Money in one of the following special savings accounts (or even your IRA) may also be a way to pay for part of surgery tax-free:
Weight loss surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if the costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.
Use the tool to find out if you qualify for a tax deduction
To receive the deductions, you’ll need to complete Schedule A of the IRS Form 1040. You’ll also need to save your medical bills and payment statements as proof.
Money in one of the following special savings accounts (or even your IRA) may also be a way to pay for part of surgery tax-free:
