Prior to all procedures, a consultation should occur between the prospective patient and the providing surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon and patient will discuss the treatment plan like the desired outcome, various options that are available to achieve it, the procedure itself as well as various risks and limitations. The surgeon will also provide information regarding anesthesia options, the location and description of where the procedure will be performed (i.e., hospital vs. office surgical suite) and associated costs. A discussion regarding the patient’s medical history and reasons for wanting the surgery, will also take place during the consultation.
To learn more about gastric bypass and have realistic expectations, the patient about, it is recommended that the patient look at before and after photographs, speak with previous bypass patients, (you are always welcome to ask your doctor for referrals to previous patients and where to contact them) and get answers to the following questions:
- Are the desired results I described realistic?
- Where is the bypass performed and how long will it take?
- In my case, what technique and which bypass is most appropriate?
- What kind of anesthesia will the surgeon use during the surgery?
- How much does bypass cost and what other elements factor into that cost (i.e., hospital fee, anesthesia, etc)?
- What is the surgeon’s level of experience in performing gastric bypass?
- What percentage of patients experience complications with the bypass?
- What is the surgeon’s policy in regards to correcting or repeating the procedure if the bypass does not meet agreed upon goals?
- What should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of soreness, scaring, activity level and so on?
- Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked or suspended?
In addition to the previously mentioned questions, it is important that gastric bypass patients relay to their surgeon information regarding any allergies and serious medical conditions they may have. Furthermore, patients should inform the surgeon of any medications they are taking.
Do not get sticker shock. Because the operation involves substantial time of highly trained surgeons, anesthesiologists, psychologists and other medical subspecialties, plus a great deal of hospital time and numerous follow up visits, gastric bypass can range between $20,000 and $55,000. The average cost is the following:
Bariatric Weight Loss Surgeries Cash Price List
| Roux-EN-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery (RNY) Prices: |
$22,675.00 |
| Vertical Banded Gastroplasty Surgeries (VBG) Prices: |
$20,875.00 |
| Laparoscopic Adjustable Band Surgeries (Lap – Band) Prices: |
$20,875.00 |