How Much Does Lap Band Surgery Cost in 2026?
Lap band surgery (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding) costs between $8,000 and $18,000 in the United States in 2026, with a national average of approximately $12,500. According to data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and Fair Health consumer cost databases, prices vary significantly based on geographic location, facility type, surgeon experience, and insurance coverage.
The lap band procedure involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits food intake. It is the least invasive and generally the least expensive of the major bariatric surgery options, making it an attractive choice for patients seeking a reversible weight loss procedure.
While the upfront cost is lower than gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, patients should factor in the ongoing expense of band adjustments (fills), which typically cost $150–$400 per visit and are needed multiple times in the first year. Understanding the full cost picture is essential for making an informed decision.
Cost by Surgery Type and Variation
While the standard lap band procedure accounts for the vast majority of cases, costs can vary based on the specific approach and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously.
| Procedure Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding | $12,500 | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Lap Band with Hiatal Hernia Repair | $14,800 | $10,000 – $21,000 |
| Lap Band Revision (Repositioning/Replacement) | $11,000 | $7,500 – $16,000 |
| Lap Band Removal | $8,500 | $5,000 – $13,000 |
| Lap Band Conversion to Gastric Sleeve | $18,500 | $14,000 – $28,000 |
Lap Band Surgery Cost by State
Geographic location is one of the biggest drivers of lap band surgery pricing. Metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living tend to charge significantly more than rural regions. The table below shows average costs across major U.S. states based on 2024–2026 pricing data.
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $15,200 | $11,000 – $18,000 |
| New York | $15,800 | $11,500 – $18,500 |
| Texas | $11,500 | $8,500 – $15,000 |
| Florida | $12,000 | $8,800 – $16,000 |
| Illinois | $13,200 | $9,500 – $16,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $12,800 | $9,000 – $16,000 |
| Ohio | $10,200 | $8,000 – $13,500 |
| Georgia | $11,000 | $8,200 – $14,500 |
| North Carolina | $11,300 | $8,500 – $14,800 |
| Arizona | $11,800 | $8,500 – $15,500 |
| Michigan | $11,500 | $8,500 – $14,500 |
| Colorado | $12,500 | $9,200 – $15,800 |
Insurance vs. No Insurance Costs
Insurance coverage can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket expense for lap band surgery. However, most insurers impose strict qualification criteria before approving bariatric procedures.
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (in-network) | $1,500 – $5,000 | Surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, some follow-up visits; subject to deductible and copay |
| Medicare | $1,500 – $3,500 | Covered at approved Centers of Excellence for BMI 35+ with comorbidities; 20% coinsurance after deductible |
| Medicaid | $0 – $500 | Coverage varies by state; many states cover bariatric surgery with prior authorization |
| Without Insurance (self-pay) | $8,000 – $18,000 | Full cost responsibility; many centers offer cash-pay discounts and all-inclusive packages |
To qualify for insurance coverage, most plans require: a BMI of 40 or higher (or 35+ with at least one obesity-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea), 3–6 months of physician-supervised weight loss, a psychological evaluation, and nutritional counseling. Some plans also require documentation of failed non-surgical weight loss attempts over a multi-year period.
Lap Band Surgery Cost Breakdown
The total price of lap band surgery includes multiple components. Understanding each line item helps you compare quotes accurately and identify where savings are possible.
| Cost Component | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Anesthesia | $800 – $1,800 |
| Facility/hospital fee | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| Lap band device (implant) | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Pre-operative testing (labs, EKG, imaging) | $300 – $800 |
| Psychological evaluation | $200 – $500 |
| Nutritional counseling (pre-op) | $100 – $300 per session |
| Post-operative follow-up visits | $100 – $300 per visit |
| Band adjustments/fills (first year) | $150 – $400 each (4–8 visits typical) |
Important: When comparing quotes, ask whether the price is "all-inclusive" or if band adjustments, pre-op testing, and follow-up care are billed separately. An all-inclusive package may appear more expensive upfront but often saves money overall.
Factors That Affect Lap Band Surgery Cost
Geographic Location
Costs in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco can be 30–50% higher than in mid-sized cities or rural areas. This reflects differences in real estate costs, staff wages, and local market competition.
Facility Type
Outpatient ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) typically charge $2,000–$5,000 less than hospital-based facilities for the same procedure. Since lap band surgery is minimally invasive and often performed as an outpatient procedure, an ASC can be a safe and cost-effective option.
Surgeon Experience and Credentials
Board-certified bariatric surgeons with fellowship training and high case volumes may charge premium fees, but their complication rates tend to be lower. Surgeons designated as part of an MBSAQIP-accredited center (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) meet rigorous quality standards.
Patient BMI and Health Complexity
Patients with a very high BMI (50+) or significant comorbidities may require longer operative times, specialized equipment, or overnight hospital stays, all of which increase costs. Pre-existing conditions may also require additional pre-operative clearances.
Insurance Plan and Network Status
Out-of-network surgeons can cost 2–3 times more in out-of-pocket expenses compared to in-network providers. Always verify network status and get a pre-authorization before scheduling surgery.
Post-Operative Adjustment Needs
The lap band requires periodic saline adjustments to optimize restriction. Patients who need more frequent fills or who experience complications like band slippage will incur higher long-term costs than those with straightforward post-operative courses.
How to Save Money on Lap Band Surgery
- Get multiple quotes from at least 3 surgeons. Prices can vary by thousands of dollars within the same city. Request itemized quotes so you can compare apples to apples.
- Choose an outpatient surgery center. ASCs charge significantly less than hospitals for the same procedure. Ask your surgeon if you're a candidate for outpatient lap band placement.
- Ask about all-inclusive self-pay packages. Many bariatric centers offer bundled pricing for cash-pay patients that includes pre-op testing, surgery, and follow-up visits at a discounted rate.
- Negotiate a cash-pay discount. Providers save on billing and collections costs when patients pay upfront. Discounts of 15–30% are common for self-pay patients who ask.
- Consider traveling to a lower-cost region. Bariatric surgery tourism within the U.S. — traveling to states like Ohio, Texas, or Georgia — can save $3,000–$7,000 compared to coastal city pricing.
- Maximize your insurance benefits. If your plan covers bariatric surgery, complete all pre-authorization requirements carefully. A denied claim due to missing documentation is the most expensive mistake you can make.
- Use HSA or FSA funds. Lap band surgery is a qualified medical expense. Pre-funding your HSA in the year before surgery lets you pay with pre-tax dollars, effectively saving 20–35% depending on your tax bracket.
Financing Options for Lap Band Surgery
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon's In-House Payment Plan | Many bariatric practices offer direct monthly payment plans with low or no interest | 6–36 months; may require deposit of $1,000–$3,000 |
| CareCredit / Prosper Healthcare Lending | Medical credit cards with promotional 0% APR periods | 6–24 months at 0% APR; 14.9%–26.99% APR after promo period |
| HSA / FSA | Pre-tax health savings accounts; lap band is a qualified expense | Tax savings of 20–35%; annual contribution limits apply |
| Personal Loan | Unsecured loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders | $5,000–$20,000; 6.99%–24.99% APR; 24–60 month terms |
| 401(k) Loan | Borrow against retirement savings without credit check | Up to $50,000; repay within 5 years; interest paid to yourself |
| Bariatric Surgery Grants | Organizations like the Obesity Action Coalition offer limited grants | Competitive application process; partial funding typically $500–$5,000 |
Pro Tips from Bariatric Surgery Experts
Verify MBSAQIP accreditation. Always confirm that your surgical center is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Accredited centers have lower complication rates and better outcomes — and many insurance companies require it for coverage.
Budget for the first year of fills. Most patients need 4–8 band adjustments in the first 12 months at $150–$400 each. Ask upfront whether fills are included in your surgical package or billed separately — this can add $600–$3,200 to your total cost.
Start the insurance approval process early. Insurance pre-authorization for bariatric surgery can take 3–9 months due to supervised diet requirements. Begin the process as soon as you're considering surgery so you don't face unnecessary delays.
Ask about long-term revision rates. Studies published in the journal Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases show that 15–25% of lap band patients require revision or removal within 10 years. Understanding this long-term cost risk is essential when comparing lap band to other bariatric procedures like gastric sleeve, which has lower revision rates.