University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity

The Cost of LAP BAND Surgery and Your Payment Options

Cost & Insurance

Generally speaking, all procedures will be covered by insurance, but check with your employer or your surgeon's office for specific information about your policy. Different policies and plans have different requirements.

Costs of weight loss surgery varies depending upon the site where the surgery occurs (in-patient or out-patient), the type of procedure (laparoscopic or open) and how long you are required to stay in the hospital. One survey of cash prices for both procedures showed the average charge for a LAP BAND procedure was $17,500 while the average charge for a laparoscopic gastric bypass was $22,500. The survey did not find any program that offered a cash price for open gastric bypass.

Gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy procedures are an important  investment in your health and your future. Losing dangerous excess weight with the LAP BAND System, the REALIZE Band or another surgical procedure can significantly improve your health and enhance your psychological and social well-being -- not to mention your overall quality of life. You may also find that dramatic weight loss can significantly reduce weight-related costs, which on average can be more than $15,000 a year per person.

About Payment Options

Insurance and Health Plans

We understand that many of our prospective patients rely on health insurance to cover the cost of bariatric surgery. Many health plans cover the surgery, meaning most, if not all, of the costs may be paid. Because each health plan is different, we ask that you contact your provider to find out their specific requirements. You should also contact your primary care physician to see if a referral to our medical group is required.

Once you have this information, our staff will be happy to work with your insurer to assist in the approval process. We will request authorization with a letter of medical necessity describing your condition and the surgery that needs to be performed.

We work with each of our patients throughout the approval process. It can take up to 50 phone calls between our office and the insurance provider to complete an approval. We will make these calls on your behalf and make every effort to get your procedure approved.

Self Pay Options

If your insurance will not cover the procedure, you can likely still move forward with an affordable LAP BAND surgery at UCSD Medical Center. Our staff can assist you with finding private financing options. These include paying out of pocket or arranging credit through an outside provider.

If you are paying out of pocket, you have numerous options for financing. We accept all major credit cards here at the Center for Treatment of Obesity. Also, we recommend checking with your credit union or bank to see if special healthcare financing options are available. Home equity loans or lines of credit are another possibility.

In addition, we enjoy a relationship with National City Corporation, which specializes in healthcare financing programs. National City Corporation loans are available for both the REALIZE Band and the LAP BAND. Interest rates and terms can vary.

• National City Bank information on financing the REALIZE Band
• National City Bank information on financing LAP-BAND or other procedures 

You can obtain additional information about insurance and private financing by attending one of our free informational seminars.