How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost in 2026?
Gastric sleeve surgery costs between $9,500 and $27,000 in the United States, with the national average falling around $17,500 for self-pay patients. According to data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and Fair Health consumer cost estimates, most patients pay between $15,000 and $20,000 when paying out of pocket. Patients with insurance coverage typically pay $1,500 to $5,000 in out-of-pocket costs after deductibles and coinsurance.
Gastric sleeve surgery — formally known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) — involves removing approximately 75-80% of the stomach, creating a banana-shaped "sleeve" that restricts food intake and reduces hunger hormones. It is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the United States, accounting for roughly 60% of all weight loss procedures.
The wide price range reflects significant differences in geographic location, facility type, surgeon experience, and whether the procedure is performed at a hospital or ambulatory surgery center. Understanding these cost variables can help you make an informed decision and potentially save thousands of dollars.
Cost by Surgery Type
Gastric sleeve surgery can be performed using different techniques, and newer approaches like robotic-assisted surgery may carry a premium. Here's how costs compare across procedure variations:
| Surgery Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve (Standard) | $17,500 | $9,500 – $24,000 |
| Robotic-Assisted Gastric Sleeve | $20,000 | $14,000 – $27,000 |
| Open Gastric Sleeve Surgery | $22,000 | $16,000 – $30,000 |
| Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) | $13,000 | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Revisional Gastric Sleeve Surgery | $24,000 | $18,000 – $35,000 |
The standard laparoscopic approach is the most common and cost-effective option. Robotic-assisted surgery adds $2,000 to $5,000 due to equipment costs, though some surgeons argue it offers greater precision. Open surgery is rare and typically reserved for patients with prior abdominal surgeries or complications.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost by State
Geographic location is one of the biggest factors influencing gastric sleeve surgery pricing. Metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living tend to charge significantly more. Below are average self-pay costs across major states:
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $20,500 | $15,000 – $27,000 |
| New York | $22,000 | $16,000 – $27,000 |
| Texas | $13,500 | $9,500 – $19,000 |
| Florida | $16,000 | $11,000 – $22,000 |
| Illinois | $18,000 | $13,000 – $23,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $17,000 | $12,500 – $22,000 |
| Ohio | $14,000 | $10,000 – $18,500 |
| Georgia | $15,500 | $11,000 – $20,000 |
| North Carolina | $15,000 | $10,500 – $19,500 |
| Arizona | $16,500 | $12,000 – $21,000 |
| Tennessee | $13,000 | $9,500 – $17,500 |
| Nevada | $17,500 | $13,000 – $23,000 |
Texas, Ohio, and Tennessee consistently offer the lowest prices for gastric sleeve surgery, partly due to competition among bariatric centers and lower overhead costs. New York and California are the most expensive markets, with prices 40-60% higher than the national average.
Insurance vs. No Insurance Costs
Insurance coverage can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs for gastric sleeve surgery. However, coverage depends on your plan, medical necessity criteria, and pre-authorization requirements.
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance | $1,500 – $5,000 | Surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and some follow-up visits after deductible and coinsurance |
| Medicare | $2,000 – $4,500 | Surgery at Medicare-certified facilities; Part A covers hospital, Part B covers surgeon/anesthesia at 80% |
| Medicaid | $0 – $500 | Full coverage in most states that cover bariatric surgery; varies by state (not all states cover it) |
| Without Insurance | $9,500 – $27,000 | Patient pays full cost; many centers offer all-inclusive cash-pay packages and payment plans |
To qualify for insurance coverage, most plans require a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one obesity-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea. Many insurers also mandate a 3-6 month physician-supervised weight loss program, a psychological evaluation, and nutritional counseling before approving surgery.
Important: Not all insurance plans cover bariatric surgery. Some employer-sponsored plans specifically exclude weight loss procedures. Always verify coverage with your insurance provider before beginning the pre-operative process.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
The total cost of gastric sleeve surgery includes multiple components. Understanding each line item helps you compare quotes accurately and identify potential hidden costs.
| Cost Component | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Anesthesia Fee | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Hospital/Facility Fee (1-2 night stay) | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Pre-Operative Testing (labs, EKG, imaging) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Surgical Staples and Supplies | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Psychological Evaluation | $200 – $500 |
| Nutritional Counseling | $200 – $600 |
| Post-Operative Follow-Up (first 90 days) | $500 – $1,500 |
When comparing quotes, always ask whether the price is all-inclusive or if certain components are billed separately. The facility fee is typically the largest variable — hospital-based procedures cost significantly more than those performed at outpatient ambulatory surgery centers.
Factors That Affect Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost
Geographic Location
As shown in the state comparison, prices vary by 50% or more depending on where you have surgery. Urban medical centers in New York City or San Francisco charge premium rates, while bariatric centers in Texas, Ohio, and the Southeast offer significantly lower pricing.
Surgeon Experience and Credentials
Board-certified bariatric surgeons who have performed 1,000+ procedures and operate at MBSAQIP-accredited centers (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) may charge more. However, higher surgeon volume is associated with fewer complications and better outcomes, which can save money in the long run.
Facility Type
Hospital-based procedures typically cost $3,000 to $8,000 more than those performed at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Many experienced bariatric surgeons now perform gastric sleeve surgery at ASCs with overnight observation, significantly reducing facility fees.
Patient Health Complexity
Patients with a BMI over 50, prior abdominal surgeries, or significant comorbidities may require longer operating times, additional pre-operative testing, and extended hospital stays — all of which increase costs. Revisional surgery from a prior bariatric procedure is substantially more expensive.
Insurance Plan Structure
High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) may leave patients responsible for $5,000 to $8,000 before coverage kicks in. Plans with lower deductibles and bariatric surgery benefits can reduce out-of-pocket costs to under $2,000.
Additional Services
Some programs include comprehensive pre- and post-operative support — nutritional counseling, support groups, body composition testing, and extended follow-up — while others charge for these services separately, adding $1,000 to $3,000 to the total cost.
How to Save Money on Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Get multiple quotes from at least 3-5 bariatric centers. Prices for the same procedure can vary by $5,000 to $10,000 within the same metro area. Request all-inclusive pricing in writing to make accurate comparisons.
- Consider traveling to a lower-cost state. Traveling to Texas, Ohio, or Tennessee for surgery can save $5,000 to $12,000 compared to coastal cities. Many bariatric centers cater to out-of-state patients with travel coordination assistance.
- Ask about cash-pay or self-pay discounts. Many surgeons offer 10-20% discounts for patients who pay in full upfront without insurance. Cash-pay packages eliminate insurance negotiation overhead, and savings are passed to the patient.
- Choose an ambulatory surgery center over a hospital. ASC-based procedures can save $3,000 to $8,000 in facility fees while maintaining the same safety standards. Confirm the center is accredited and equipped for overnight observation.
- Maximize your insurance benefits. If your plan covers bariatric surgery, schedule the procedure early in the calendar year after meeting your deductible. Time your pre-operative appointments strategically to apply costs toward your deductible.
- Use HSA or FSA funds. Gastric sleeve surgery qualifies as a tax-deductible medical expense. Using pre-tax HSA/FSA dollars effectively saves 20-35% on your out-of-pocket costs depending on your tax bracket.
- Negotiate a payment plan directly with the surgeon's office. Many bariatric practices offer interest-free payment plans over 6-24 months, which avoids the interest charges associated with medical credit cards after promotional periods end.
Financing Options for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Payment Plans | Interest-free installments directly through the bariatric center | $200 – $500/month over 6-24 months; often no credit check |
| CareCredit | Medical credit card with promotional 0% APR periods | 0% APR for 12-24 months; 26.99% variable APR after promo |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Medical loans with fixed rates and extended terms | $2,000 – $100,000; 6.99% – 17.99% APR; 24-84 month terms |
| HSA/FSA | Pre-tax health savings used for qualified medical expenses | Immediate savings of 20-35% based on tax bracket; no interest |
| Personal Loans | Unsecured loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders | $5,000 – $50,000; 6% – 20% APR; 12-60 month terms |
| 401(k) Loan | Borrow from your retirement savings with self-repayment | Up to $50,000 or 50% of balance; repay within 5 years; low interest |
Caution: If using CareCredit or similar promotional financing, ensure you can pay off the balance before the promotional period ends. Deferred interest charges can retroactively apply to the entire original balance, significantly increasing your total cost.
Pro Tips from Bariatric Surgery Experts
Verify MBSAQIP accreditation. The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program certifies centers that meet strict safety and quality standards. Patients at MBSAQIP-accredited centers have lower complication rates and shorter hospital stays, which can reduce overall costs by avoiding expensive readmissions.
Budget for lifelong supplements. After gastric sleeve surgery, you'll need daily bariatric-specific vitamins and supplements — including a multivitamin, calcium citrate, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron — for the rest of your life. Budget approximately $50 to $100 per month for these ongoing costs, which are rarely covered by insurance.
Ask about the surgeon's leak rate. Staple line leaks are the most serious complication of gastric sleeve surgery, occurring in 1-3% of cases. A single leak complication can result in $30,000 to $100,000+ in additional medical costs. Choose a surgeon with a documented leak rate below 1% and ask about their staple line reinforcement technique.
Factor in future body contouring costs. Approximately 30-40% of gastric sleeve patients eventually pursue body contouring surgery (tummy tuck, arm lift, etc.) to address excess skin after significant weight loss. These procedures cost $5,000 to $15,000 each and are almost never covered by insurance. Planning for this potential expense upfront helps avoid financial surprises.