So, what is the damage going to be?
The cost of gastric bypass surgery can go anywhere between $15,000 and $30,000, this may or may not include your hospital stay, your surgeon fees, post op medications, etc...It is very important to check with your doctor on what the total cost is, not just the main cost. Most places will give you an "out the door" cost of the procedure, but some will bolt on other fees after it has already been completed, be sure to check on this before you sign on. Gastric bypass surgery is considered an elective procedure, but it may still be covered by your insurance company.
Some insurance companies will cover the entire cost of gastric bypass surgery, and some will cover just a portion of it. And then there are others who will cover none of it, it is entirely dependent on which company you are currently insured with. Nearly every company that covers the surgery will make you go through the ringer in order to get it, they don't want to shell out the 30 grand to do it! If in fact they do cover it, there is almost always a "list" that you have to follow. The company will usually make you go through a complete and total mental evaluation. This isn't as scary as it sounds, but it can still be never racking. Many now require that you have written documentation that you have tried to lose weight and failed. Usually a Weight-Watchers slip won't cut it, you are going to have to have several documented cases of where your trying to lose weight didn't work out. If you do get accepted, you will have to sign a waiver saying that you are aware of the risks associated with the procedure. They will almost always tell you about alternatives as well, and it is a good thing to look into them before you decide to make them foot the cost of gastric bypass surgery.