There are many experienced and well-qualified surgeons for bariatric surgery in Canada. But if you want your insurance to pay, the wait times can be frustrating.
Fortunately, you have two viable options if you don’t want to wait.
If you’d like to find a weight loss surgeon in Canada now, click here. Otherwise, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about weight loss surgery in Canada.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click on any of the topics below to jump directly to that section
- How to Qualify
- Insurance
- Cost Without Insurance
- Patient Community & Expert Advice
- Find a Weight Loss Surgeon
SECTION SUMMARY:
- You need a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher
In Canada, like most other countries, you must have a certain Body Mass Index (BMI) to qualify for bariatric surgery…
If your BMI is…
- Over 40 or
- Between 35 and 40 with a disabling weight related health issue (like type II diabetes)
…you should qualify for the common bariatric procedure in Canada.
Some surgeons also perform the intragastric balloon procedure (gastric balloon), a nonsurgical procedure, for anyone with a BMI over 27.
SECTION SUMMARY:
- Insurance covers the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, Lap-Band are covered
- There are 2 to 15 year wait times (no wait for self-pay)
Currently, both the Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass procedures are covered in almost all of Canada. Some provinces may cover Lap Band surgery, but the wait lists can be very long (2 to 15 years).
The relatively new and non-invasive intragastric balloon (gastric balloon) is also being performed more frequently even though insurance does not cover it.
Regarding wait times, the average for weight loss surgery in Canada is 5 years according to a study conducted by a surgeon at the McGill University Health Centre (1), but some provinces have approved patients within a much shorter period of time.
If you don’t want to wait, you have two options:
- Insurance may pay for you to have gastric bypass surgery outside of your province, although most provinces will not cover any expenses other than the surgery itself.
- Finance bariatric surgery on your own and receive treatment in a private facility. You won’t be alone: public facilities only perform about one-third of all bariatric surgeries in Canada, while private-pay clinics account for the remaining two-thirds (2).
Following are the insurance weight loss surgery and wait time details by province.
| Province | Procedures covered by health insurance | Estimated waiting time at public facilities | Will province pay to have treatment elsewhere? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass Gastric Band | 7 to 10 years | No |
| British Columbia | Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass | 3 to 5 years | Emergency cases |
| Manitoba | Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass | Not available in province | Yes – Limited numbers |
| New Brunswick | Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass Gastric Band (all types covered, but not all are preformed in provice) | 3 to 5 years | No |
| Newfoundland and Labrador (no surgeons listed) | Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass Gastric Band | n/a (no bariatric surgeons in province) | Yes – Limited numbers |
| Nova Scotia (no surgeons listed) | Gastric Sleeve | 3 to 5 years | Emergency cases |
| Ontario | Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass | Initial appointment: 6 months to 1 year Surgery: 2 to 3 years | No |
| Prince Edward Island (no surgeons listed) | Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass (covered, but performed out of province) | n/a (no bariatric surgeons in province) | Yes – Limited numbers |
| Quebec | Gastric SleeveGastric Bypass Gastric Band | 3 to 15 years | No |
| Saskatchewan | Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass | 2 to 3 years | Emergency cases |
SECTION SUMMARY:
- The total cost for weight loss surgery in Canada ranges from $11,000 to $20,000 CAD, depending on procedure
- If you take out a medical loan payment, the average monthly payment ranges from $257 to714 CAD, depending on procedure
- You may be able to take advantage of discounts & tax savings (see below)
Following are the results of our most recent Canadian Weight Loss Surgery Cost Survey. Only two provinces – BC and Quebec – have enough surgeons offering self-pay packages to develop an average cost.
Discounts: 5 Types to Ask Your Surgeon About
Ask your surgeon if any of these discounts are available:
- Self-Pay Discounts. Most surgeons offer self-pay discounts or payment plans. Just ask!
- Other Discounts. Some offer discounts if you pay the total amount you owe in advance.
- Same Surgeon, Different Hospitals. Some surgeons operate at more than one hospital. Hospital costs make up the biggest part of the bill, so find out if your surgeon has a choice.
- Pre-Op Costs. Some surgeons include pre-op costs in their quoted fees. Pre-op costs include things like testing and office visits.
- Complications. Complications, should they arise, may increase total costs. Find out who will pay if one arises during surgery. Some surgeons will include the cost of any complications in their quote while others will charge extra.
Financing: 7 Ways to Make Surgery More Affordable
Weight loss surgery loans are available almost everywhere in Canada.
The full list of financing options to make surgery more affordable include (click here for more information):
- Payment Plan Through a Qualified Surgeon
- Brokers, Direct Lenders, and Credit Cards (Unsecured Medical Loans)
- Friends & Family
- Secured Medical Loans
- Retirement Plan Loans
- Permanent Life Insurance Loans
- Medical travel – having surgery in a location that is less expensive than where you live
Weight Loss Surgery Loan Application:Click here to contact a weight loss surgeon to discuss your loan options
For more information about each of these options, click here.
Tax Savings: Weight Loss Surgery Is Tax Deductible
Canada is generous compared to other countries when it comes to medical tax deductions. If you have a prescription, receipt, or other documentation, you can write them off.
Even if the procedure you choose is covered by insurance, you can still deduct your:
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Monthly insurance premium.
If your income is below a certain amount, you may qualify for a tax credit called the refundable medical expense supplement (6) (7).
SECTION SUMMARY:
- You can “Ask the Expert”
- You can read about other patients’ experiences with weight loss surgery in Canada
Long wait times and deciding between private and public bariatric treatment in Canada make the decision to move forward with surgery all the more daunting.
Please help other visitors like you by sharing your experiences, thoughts or advice, such as…
– A review of your surgeon, their team and their facilities
– How you paid for surgery
– How long you had to wait
– What you did to get surgery approved
– Anything else you think is important to know!
Questions From Other Visitors*
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page.
Anyone thinking of going to the Ottawa Hospital for gastric bypass surgery--think again! Originally in 2009, I had been referred to Hamilton for the surgery. After waiting approximately a year,…
Gastric Bypass Surgery in New Brunswick, Canada*When I first mentioned having gastric bypass surgery done to my family physician in Canada, he didn't know the first thing about how to begin the process. I had to…
Ontario Wait Times for Weight Loss Surgery*I was originally on a list in Hamilton and waited at least 1 year before Ontario came up with more money and my name was sent to Ottawa. By the…
Alberta Lap Band Surgery*I want to have lap band surgery, but at a public clinic . I understand in Alberta the surgery is covered by Health Care. I don't know how I am…
Ontario- Lapband*Not worth the money!!! In 2003, I paid $15,000, drove to Montreal (because SARS made it impossible to have the surgery in Scarborough Grace as planned) and endured a total…
Would liver disease because of weight be considered more urgent than other health issues?*I have been diagnosed with liver disease and the only way to repair it is to lose weight. I have fought my weight all my life so I am scared.My…
A Quicker Way Into Weight Loss Surgery for Canadians?*Im 27 years old and looking into surgery. I have pseudo tumor cerebri. Which means false tumor of the brain. So far the only cause they know of is high…
SECTION SUMMARY:
- You can ask a local bariatric practice for a free insurance check or cost quote
- You can attend a free in-person seminar or an online webinar offered by a local weight loss surgeon
- You should schedule a phone or in-person consultation (both often free), if you are interested in learning more about weight loss surgery
Before moving forward with any Canadian surgeon, be sure they are a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). According to the RCPSC…
"Fellows are specialists certified by the Royal College after they successfully complete our rigorous national certification examination in a medical or surgical specialty."
Click here to search your surgeon’s name in the RCPSC database.
About Smartshape Weight Loss Centre (SWLC)
Led by a team of Canada’s leading bariatric surgeons, the SmartShape Weight Loss Centre surgeons have a combined experience of over 40 years in advanced laparoscopic procedures.
With locations throughout Canada, the SWLC team is staffed by seven bariatric surgeons, clinical nurse specialists, patient coordinators, a registered dietician, a certified wellness coach and one of Canada’s only certified bariatric nurse specialists.
Find a Bariatric Surgeon
Find a Bariatric Surgeon
Back to PageDo You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?
Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?
Back to PageDo You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?
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.
Click here to learn moreCheck My Insurance Tool
Check My Insurance Tool
Back to PageCheck My Insurance Tool
Bariatric surgery insurance coverage varies by insurance policy:
Individual/Family Plans & Small Group Plans – Coverage varies by state; coverage is required by the Affordable Care Act in some states
Large Group Plans – Coverage depends on whether your employer has chosen to add it to your policy
Medicare and Medicaid – Bariatric surgery is covered
If your policy covers it and you meet the qualification requirements, your plan will likely include 4 procedures:
- Gastric sleeve
- Gastric bypass
- LAP-BAND®
- Duodenal switch
Your surgeon may be able to get partial coverage for the other procedures.
Use the tool to find out if your insurance covers bariatric surgery.
Click here to learn moreBariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool
Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool
Back to PageBariatric Surgery Weight Loss Calculator
You will start losing weight fast after any bariatric surgery procedure, but the total amount lost varies based on:
- The procedure you choose
- How closely you follow your doctor’s instructions
Enter your information into the tool to get an idea about how much weight you’ll lose after each procedure.
Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool
Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool
Back to PageBariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool
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.
Click here to learn moreLOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL
LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL
Back to PageBariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Calculator
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:
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA)
- Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool
Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool
Back to PageBariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Calculator
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:
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA)
- Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool
Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool
Back to PageBariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool
Bariatric surgery recovery varies by procedure. Here are the ranges:
- Timeline Range: from 3 days to 6 weeks to full recovery
- Hospital Stay: from outpatient (return home same-day) to 3 days
- Back to Work: from 3 days to 3 weeks
- Pain Range: from mild discomfort to manageable with medication
- Diet Range: from no restrictions to slow transition from clear liquids to solid foods
- Activity Range: from no restrictions to slow transition back to regular activity and exercise
Use the tool to learn more about each stage of recovery.
Click here to learn moreBariatric Procedure Summaries
Below is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.
Bariatric Procedure Summaries
Back to PageBelow is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.
Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool
Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool
Back to PageBariatric Procedure Comparison Tool
There are 6 types of bariatric surgery (also called “weight loss surgery”) available, including:
- Gastric Sleeve – feel less hungry & full sooner while eating
- Gastric Bypass – feel full sooner while eating & absorb fewer minerals
- Duodenal Switch – feel less hungry & full sooner while eating, absorb fewer calories and minerals
- LAP-BAND® – feel full sooner while eating
- Gastric Balloon – temporarily feel full sooner while eating (balloon removed after 6 months)
- AspireAssist – drain a portion of stomach contents after eating
Use the tool to compare each procedure.
Click here to learn moreBariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures
Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures
Back to PageBariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures
The best weight loss surgery options for you depend on:
- How much weight you want to lose
- Your current age, weight, health issues, habits, and lifestyle
- Your expectations for life after surgery
- Whether you want a reversible procedure
- What “trade-offs” you are willing to make
Take the quiz to find out which two procedures are best for you and why.
Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool (Gastric Sleeve)
Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool
Bariatric surgery “cures” or significantly improves many obesity-related health conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Hypertension
- Joint issues
- … and many others
Select your health conditions in the tool, then click the Submit button to find out the impact a procedure like gastric sleeve can have.
Click here to learn more
