Top Ways to Finance Weight Loss Surgery Costs
It’s tough to face the financial barriers that come along with weight loss surgery costs, especially when it’s something you need to address health concerns or personal reasons. With over 250,000 procedures performed annually in the United States, it’s clear that many people are seeking this option to help improve their well-being. Fortunately, if you need help paying for bariatric surgery, financial resources are available so you can take this vital step toward a healthier future without worrying about expenses.
How much does weight loss surgery cost?
If you’re researching how to afford weight loss surgery, health insurance coverage is probably one of the first questions on your mind. So, does insurance cover weight loss surgery? It depends on the circumstances. Yet even with coverage, you may end up paying some out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Gastric bypass surgery costs without insurance can range considerably, depending on the type of procedure you choose and your location. Below are estimates of what you can expect to pay for different types of surgery, with or without coverage.
- Gastric bypass surgery: Without insurance, the average cost is $24,300.
- Gastric sleeve surgery: Without insurance, the cost can be between $17,000 and $26,000.
- Lap-band surgery: The average cost is $14,532.
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS): The cost ranges between $20,000 to $25,000.
3 ways to get help paying for bariatric surgery
While bariatric surgery costs can be high—even with insurance—hundreds of thousands of people find ways to cover costs every year. When you consider the impact the surgery can have on your lifestyle and future, the surgery often ends up paying for itself. Here are three free resources you can use to get help paying for bariatric surgery without insurance:
1. Government aid for weight loss surgery costs
The federal government can help cover the weight loss surgery cost for qualified patients under the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Both programs have eligibility restrictions, an application process, and a waiting period.
- Medicaid provides health insurance to low-income individuals and will cover gastric bypass surgery costs in certain extreme cases. For Medicaid to cover weight loss programs and surgery, many requirements must be met, including medical proof that you meet specific weight qualifications and have tried other weight loss methods.
- Medicare covers bariatric surgery for individuals who meet specific criteria related to morbid obesity. You will still have to meet your deductibles before Medicare pays, and you may be responsible for copays for follow-up visits after your procedure.
2. Online fundraising for bariatric surgery costs
Figuring out how to pay for weight loss surgery without insurance can be stressful. By crowdfunding on GoFundMe, you can fund your procedure in a safe space with friends and family while helping reduce the stigma around bariatric surgery for others who need it. Along with dedicated customer support and the security of the GoFundMe Guarantee, you can access your funds within 2-5 business days in most cases.
3. Charity support for bariatric surgery
The Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America is the premier nonprofit dedicated to helping people afford their procedures. The foundation raises funds to provide surgery assistance covering up to 90% of a qualified weight loss procedure. Below are some of the requirements to apply:
- You must have a referral from your surgeon.
- You do not have insurance, or your insurance policy does not cover the particular procedure and has denied coverage.
- You must agree to raise money for 10% of the price of the grant you receive to help the next person down the line.
Tips for creating a successful weight loss surgery fundraiser
If you’re wondering how to afford weight loss surgery, follow these top medical fundraising tips so you can raise the money you need when you need it most:
- Connect with your donors by telling your campaign story. Share your challenges, and be open and honest with donors about how funds will help impact your life.
- Share your fundraiser on social media, from Tiktok to Instagram, and ask your friends and family to share your GoFundMe link on their own accounts.
- Reach out to your personal network offline for fundraising without social media, through Whatsapp, email, and talking in person to connect with donors more meaningfully.
GoFundMe success stories for weight loss surgery
Asking for help to pay for expensive medical treatments isn’t always easy, but you may be surprised by how many friends and family members are willing to step up and lend a hand. Weight loss surgery could save your life, and those who care about you will be more than happy to contribute. See how others are using the power of crowdfunding to reach their weight loss goals:
Paul’s weight loss surgery
Paul struggled with his weight from as early as five years old. As an adult, he decided he had to make a change when he weighed over 500 pounds and became very ill. To pay for weight loss surgery expenses not covered by his insurance company, Paul turned to his community of friends and family. He met his goal of close to $2,000 and was able to do his life-changing surgery.
Stephanie’s weight loss surgery
Stephanie turned to weight loss surgery as a long-term solution to help her live a healthier life. She started a fundraiser to help her cover the surgery price and raised over $3,200 to put toward gastric band surgery, thanks to supportive friends and family members. One year later, Stephanie is down almost 100 pounds.
Find weight loss surgery financial help today
No matter your reasons for considering a procedure, there are many resources for how to pay for weight loss surgery without insurance. Countless individuals have used GoFundMe for medical fundraising to help cover costs—because the investment in your health and quality of life is well worth it. Tap into the power of medical crowdfunding and start your fundraiser and raise money to cover your weight loss surgery cost.