The Lap-Band adjustable gastric banding procedure is an option for obese people who have been unable to lose weight using diet, exercise and other methods. However, as is the case with many elective medical procedures, the cost of Lap-Band surgery is often the deciding factor for whether or not a patient will have the procedure.
Surgery Costs
According to the Lap-Band website by Allergan, the cost of the Lap-Band surgery can range from $12,000 to $25,000. However, this cost may be lower from some providers (see the discounted Lap-Band surgery provider in the Resources section). Generally, this amount covers the surgical procedure, anesthesia, hospital stay and limited follow-up care. The variation in cost is due to various factors, such as whether the procedure is inpatient or outpatient. If there are complications during the surgery, your expenses may double.
Follow-up Care
In some cases, the cost of follow-up care for a specified length of time is included in the price for the Lap-band procedure. However, once that period is over, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $285 per office visit or adjustment, according to the Lap Band Rockies website.
Insurance Coverage
Some insurance companies, including Medicare, will cover up to 80 percent of the cost of Lap-Band surgery, which reduces your out-of-pocket expenses by $2,400 to $5,000. In most cases, this coverage is dependent upon the patient meeting the National Institutes of Health criteria for laparoscopic gastric banding, which include a body mass index of over 40 for otherwise healthy adults or a body mass index of over 35 for adults with health conditions that may improve after the surgery.
When Insurance Isn’t an Option
There are numerous ways that a patient can cover the costs of the procedure. Many Lap-Band providers offer payment plans. According to the Bariatric Surgery Specialists website by Axcension, financing for Lap-Band will cost between $11.10 and $92.63 each month per $1,000 financed, depending on the APR and financing length.
Obesity-related Savings
Having the Lap-Band procedure will make a significant dent in your pocketbook; however, there are some areas in which you will save following the procedure. The University of California, San Diego Medical Center reports that patients having the Lap-Band procedure can save as much or more than $15,000 per year on obesity-related costs. This figure is divided into categories, which include over $6,000 for meals and dining, over $2,500 for healthcare expenses, over $7,000 in medication and other health-related expenses, over $650 in weight-loss program fees and over $700 in prescription co-pays.
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