What Does Bariatric Surgery Actually Cost?
CDC data shows 42.4% of U.S. adults have obesity — yet most patients can't get a straight answer on surgery pricing. We break down every dollar, from gastric sleeve to GLP-1 drugs.
Compare All Procedures →Explore by Topic
Every category is backed by ASMBS data, CMS fee schedules, and board-certified review.
Procedures & Costs
Full cost breakdowns for gastric sleeve, bypass, duodenal switch, balloon, and more — with and without insurance.
View Procedures →Insurance Coverage
NIH criteria, Medicare and Medicaid rules, prior authorization requirements, and how to appeal a denial.
View Insurance Guides →Financing Options
CareCredit, medical loans, HSA/FSA, and self-pay negotiation tactics to make surgery affordable.
View Financing Guides →GLP-1 vs Surgery
5-year cost comparisons between Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and a one-time surgical procedure.
Compare Options →Before & After Surgery
Pre-op evaluation costs, lifetime vitamin requirements, skin removal surgery, and long-term expenses.
View Prep & Recovery →Surgery Abroad
Tijuana, Monterrey, and other medical tourism destinations — real costs, quality indicators, and risks.
View Abroad Costs →Popular Cost Guides
Bariatric Surgery for Women: Costs, PCOS, Pregnancy & Hormonal Changes
Women make up 80% of bariatric patients. Learn what surgery costs for women, PCOS resolution rates, contraception requirements, pregnancy timing, and hormonal shifts post-op.
Read Guide →Bariatric Surgery vs. Joint Replacement: BMI Requirements, Costs & Sequencing
Many orthopedic surgeons require BMI under 40 before knee or hip replacement. Learn how bariatric surgery enables joint replacement, costs of both procedures, and how to sequence them for maximum savings.
Read Guide →Bariatric Surgery for Kidney Disease: CKD, Dialysis, Costs & What Medicare Covers
CKD patients face a complex bariatric surgery decision. Learn what surgery costs for kidney disease patients, nephrology clearance fees, stage 4–5 contraindications, and CMS coverage rules.
Read Guide →Bariatric Surgery Meal Prep and Food Costs: What to Budget After Surgery
After bariatric surgery, food costs shift dramatically. Protein shakes, specialized foods, and small-portion eating change your grocery budget. Here's what to expect month by month.
Read Guide →Bariatric Surgery Cost in Arizona: Phoenix, Scottsdale & Tucson (2026)
Bariatric surgery costs $16,000–$30,000 in Arizona. Compare pricing at Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, plus AHCCCS Medicaid and self-pay options.
Read Guide →Bariatric Surgery Cost in Nevada: Las Vegas, Reno & Medical Tourism from California (2026)
Bariatric surgery costs $14,000–$27,000 in Nevada. Compare Las Vegas and Reno programs, Nevada Medicaid coverage, and why California patients cross the state line for cheaper surgery.
Read Guide →Bariatric Surgery Cost in New Jersey: Among the Highest in the US (2026)
Bariatric surgery costs $19,000–$35,000 in New Jersey — among the most expensive markets in the US. Compare Hackensack Meridian, RWJBarnabas, Cooper, and NJ FamilyCare Medicaid coverage.
Read Guide →Anthem Bariatric Surgery Coverage: What Elevance Health Covers in 2026
Anthem (Elevance Health) covers bariatric surgery on most plans, but requirements vary by state and employer. Learn the BMI criteria, exclusions, and how to get approved.
Read Guide →Bariatric Surgery Cost in Ohio: Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati (2026)
Bariatric surgery costs $15,000–$28,000 in Ohio. Compare pricing at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State Wexner, MetroHealth, and OhioHealth Riverside, plus Ohio Medicaid coverage.
Read Guide →Bariatric Surgery Cost in Washington State: Seattle & Beyond (2026)
Bariatric surgery costs $17,000–$32,000 in Washington State. Compare UW Medicine, Swedish, Virginia Mason, and MultiCare pricing, plus Apple Health Medicaid coverage.
Read Guide →Oscar Health Bariatric Surgery Coverage: ACA Plans, BMI Requirements & Prior Auth
Oscar Health covers bariatric surgery on qualifying ACA Marketplace plans — but requirements vary by tier and state. Here's what Oscar demands before approving, how prior auth works, and what the telemedicine model means for your pre-op process.
Read Guide →Bariatric Surgery in Colombia: Cost, Medellín Hospitals & Why US Latinos Are Choosing It
Bariatric surgery in Colombia costs $5,000–$9,000 — far below US prices, with JCI-accredited hospitals and Spanish-language care that makes it particularly appealing to US Latino patients.
Read Guide →