The LAP-BAND ® cost ranges between $8,000 and $30,000. These costs will depend on where the surgery is performed. The costs have decreased over the years, making LAP-BAND ® a more popular choice for weight loss surgery.
Additional Costs Involved with the Surgery
There may be additional costs involved with LAP-BAND ®. When considering the surgery, ask what is involved with the price. Make sure all surgeon, hospital, anesthesiologist and x-ray fees are included. Some additional costs that are not covered in the original price may be travel expenses, follow-up appointments, and exercise and diet counseling.
Follow-up care will include adjusting the band. There are usually several appointments needed within the first year of surgery. Some surgeons have band adjustments included in the total price of the surgery. If the total price does not include band adjustments, they range from $100 to $300 each time.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance companies are now starting to cover the LAP-BAND ® surgery. This will depend on the insurance company and the type of policy you have. The doctor will need to submit a letter of Medical Necessity and weight loss history to the insurance company to obtain a prior authorization for the LAP-BAND ® surgery. If your insurance company does cover the surgery, there is a list of requirements you must meet. Some of these requirements are:
- Have been obese for more than 5 years.
- Weigh 100 pounds over the ideal weight for age, sex and height.
- Have tried multiple programs to lose weight without success.
- Do not suffer from a disease that may cause obesity.
- Do not drink alcohol in excess.
- Are prepared to make the lifestyle changes needed to keep the weight off.
Some insurance companies that are covering the surgery are:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (depending on the state of the insured)
- Humana
- United Healthcare
- Medicaid
- American Family Insurance
If the insurance company denies your claim for surgery, you may need to file an appeal. The doctor's office should be able to help with this process.
Additional Financing
There are additional ways to pay for the surgery.
- Cash. Paying cash for the surgery is an additional option by taking money out of a savings account.
- 401K Loan. If your employer has a retirement plan, chances are you have been putting money into it. A 401K loan is a loan where you borrow the money out of your retirement plan. You can pay the money back by having more taken out of your check and put back into the retirement plan. These loans are usually low-interest loans in which you pay yourself back.
- Bank Loan. Apply for a loan from a bank or credit union. This may require putting something down as collateral, such as a car, RV or something of value. Depending on the interest rate, the monthly payments might be around $200 depending on the length of the loan.
- Medical Loan. There are many companies that deal strictly with medical loans. Hospitals or doctors' offices should have some information on these companies. These loans are usually higher interest than a bank or credit union, but will usually lend the money necessary for the surgery.
The LAP-BAND ® cost will vary depending on where the surgery is performed. In the long run, the money is worth spending if your quality of life is improved.
