Dr. Chris Cobourn, MD, FRCS(C)

Find a Bariatric Surgeon

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Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

Do 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.

Check My Insurance Tool

Check My Insurance Tool

Check 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.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool

Bariatric 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

Bariatric 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.

LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL

LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL

Bariatric 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

Bariatric 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

Bariatric 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.

Bariatric Procedure Summaries

Below is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.

Bariatric Procedure Summaries

Below 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

Bariatric 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.

Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures