Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost: A Full Guide on the Price, Package Inclusions, and Extra Features

Are you struggling to lose weight via conventional methods? Gastric bypass surgery is right for you. The surgery restricts the amount of food consumed by reducing the stomach's capacity by 90%. Want to find a perfect destination and attractive gastric bypass surgery price?

Statistics say that most lose about 10 to 20 lb (4.5 to 9 kg) in a month in the first year after the surgery. Sticking to a proper diet and exercising from the start will decrease weight loss over time.

As a popular weight loss operation, more and more countries offer unique packages to ensure maximum comfort during gastric bypass, with a wide range of price rates. In this article, you'll get a comprehensive overview of gastric bypass weight loss surgery cost and package inclusions, and estimate its value by country comparison.

What factors influence the price of gastric bypass operation?

The below-mentioned factors can influence the gastric bypass bariatric surgery cost:

• Type of the surgery

Various options for gastric bypass and its variations, an open or laparoscopic one) will influence the price tag. It's a well-known fact that minimally invasive surgery is more budget-required due to the used technologies.

• Location: country and hospital a patient prefers

The country where the surgery is performed can greatly impact its cost. For instance, gastric bypass in Turkey or Mexico will cost much less than the same procedure in any European country, the UK, or even the USA. The reason is the difference in the cost of living and general income level. Just to note: the cost in Turkey ranges between $3,500 and $7,500, in Mexico, between $6,000 and $7,000, while in the USA, it costs $15,000-$35,000.

• Hospital reputation and ranking

First, private clinics will have more expensive price lists than public ones. Second, high-ranking hospitals, especially those with international accreditations, will charge more because of their modern facilities, high standards of medical care, and reputation.

• Surgeons’ experience

Doctors with profound backgrounds in weight reduction, possessing additional credentials, usually will charge more.

• Pre- and postoperative evaluations

Patients should allocate some money for pre-op tests and evaluations if these options are not included in the package. The same refers to psychologist/nutritionist consultation and post-operative doctors' counseling.

• Hospital stay

Accommodation can also be not included in the package, which increases the total price of the surgery.

• Additional services

Some extra fees for medical services, such as anesthesia, medicines, and surgical materials, may not be included. These fees may vary and depend specifically on a person's needs.Remember that each point can vary depending on the country, medical facilities, and healthcare providers. So, we recommend you estimate the services accurately before making the final decision.

Types of gastric bypass surgery: cost guide

Price	Type of Gastric bypass surgery
	RYGB	Mini gastric bypass	Da Vinci Gastric Bypass	BPD/DS
Minimal	$4,000	$4,500	$10,800	$8,000
Maximal	$35,000	$25,000	$35,000	$30,000

• Despite a standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), there's also a mini gastric bypass (known as single anastomosis gastric bypass). It's a shorter and simpler variant of the first type that involves creating a smaller stomach pouch with a loop of the small intestine attached directly to it. It involves stapling the stomach from its lower part to create a long gastric pouch. The rest of the stomach remains unchanged, but food does not go into it. The small intestine is connected to the bottom of the pouch, so the first part is bypassed. There's only one anastomosis, meaning one connection, making it quicker and more effective. However, there may be a higher risk of bile reflux.
   
• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is more suitable for patients with high body mass index (BMI) (more than 50), but it's not so popular because of its complexity. This operation removes a larger part of the lower stomach, creating a smaller pouch. The small intestine is rearranged to bypass a large portion, greatly limiting calorie and nutrient intake. The operation can lead to significant weight reduction, but because it is malabsorptive, there's a high risk of nutritional deficiency.
   
• da Vinci® robot-assisted gastric bypass is a technologically advanced method for performing gastric bypass surgery. Such a procedure is faster and has a lower risk of complications. It also gives a surgeon better maneuverability and vision of the surgical field.

How much does it cost to have a gastric bypass?

The gastric bypass cost without insurance starts at $3400 (in Turkey) and can rise to $17000. While prices are lower in Eastern and Eastern European countries, West Europe and the UK have higher price rates. So, a patient should pay around $10,000 on average for the surgery out of pocket.

Comparison table of the average price for gastric bypass surgery by country

	Turkey	Mexico	Thailand	Germany	Spain	UK	Israel
Price	$3,400	$6,000	$7,300	$8,400	$17,000	$8,700	$7,800

What's more, prices rise significantly for operations made laparoscopically. Some clinics, predominantly those offering lower price rates, can include additional services in the price. So, a patient pays for a complete package at once. Meanwhile, more expensive countries from Western Europe tend to offer extra medical services optionally.

Such services may include the following points:

• Pre-operative testing (blood work, EKG).

• Pre-operative nutritional evaluation.

• Surgeon’s and anesthesiologist's fees for the operation.

• Hospital fees, like one night’s stay after surgery.

• Post-op consultation with healthcare providers.

Another important aspect is knowing whether your insurance company will cover some of these costs. This option can save you money and limit your out-of-pocket expenses. So, check your insurance policy to see what medical services it covers.

Comparison table of the average price for gastric bypass surgery types by country

	Turkey	Mexico	Thailand	Germany	Spain	UK	Israel
RYGB	$6,400	$6,200	$13,500	$12,000	$22,000	$6,500	$23,000
Mini GP	$4,500	$7,500	$10,000	$16,500	$17,500	$14,000	$22,000
Da Vinci	$10,800	$11,000	$13,000	$22,000	$17,000	$18,000	$14,000
BPD	$4,900	$9,500	$12,500	$20,000	$13,000	$15,000	$25,000

What can be included in the gastric bypass surgery package?

Overall, the package for gastric bypass surgery can vary depending on the country and clinic. Although, the basic package inclusions that are common for the majority of countries are the following:

These services ensure a smooth, comfortable, and effective patient experience worldwide.

1. Pre-operative check-ups. These can include the surgeon's initial consultation, overall health state assessment, and necessary evaluations, such as ECG and MRI imaging and blood tests. Patients can also meet with a nutritionist and psychologist at this stage to assess their lifestyle. This stage aims to define a patient's readiness for gastric bypass.

2. The surgery itself, including anesthesia fees and the surgical equipment used.

3. A post-operative clinic stay includes several days of accommodation, monitoring of the patient's health state, and assessing the recovery period. Needed medicines may come optionally.

4. Post-op check-ups and healthcare providers' support. This includes consultations with a surgeon and dietitian who will manage post-op treatment and build a proper diet plan.

5. Transportation. Some countries offer airport-to/from-clinic transfers, and some can even help you book a hospital nearby.

6. Extra services include language assistance, 24/7 online support, or insurance coverage.

 

Sample of inclusions you can get by going to:

Turkey	Mexico	Thailand	Spain
Accommodation		Operating & recovery rooms	Pre-op preparations
Transfer		Medications	Operation & anesthesia services
Diagnostic tests		Standard inpatient room services	Clinic stay
Medication		Pay for:  doctor's consultations, specific tests, laboratory, and other investigations	Post-surgery treatment
Doctor’s check-ups			Specialist counseling

It's important to note that while these packages are comprehensive, the specific inclusions can vary between providers. Therefore, it's advisable to review each package's details carefully and consult with the provider to ensure all necessary services are covered.

Where in the world is gastric bypass the cheapest?

• Turkey

The country became a key hub for medical tourism among Middle Eastern countries thanks to excellent bariatric procedures, namely gastric bypass surgery. Turkey is known for its high-standard healthcare system, with many hospitals accredited by international organizations. It offers patients affordable prices for weight loss operations, along with modern facilities and experienced surgeons.

Gastric bypass in Turkey costs between $3,500 and $8,000, which is much lower than in Western countries. Moreover, the cost includes a complete care package that mainly covers pre-operative tests, surgery, clinic stay, and post-op care.

• Mexico

Due to its close location to the USA and Canada and lower prices, many Americans come here for medical tourism. Stomach bypass surgery costs in Mexico range between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the hospital and healthcare providers. This is two times lower than the average cost in the USA, where the price rises to $25,000.

• Thailand 

It’s a popular destination for different medical procedures thanks to the availability of modern healthcare facilities,  well-trained medical professionals, and budget-friendly prices.

The cost of gastric bypass surgery can range between $8,000 to $12,000, which is affordable compared to many Western countries. Moreover, besides the operation, the price includes pre-operative consultations, hospital stay, and post-operative care.

• Poland

The average price of gastric bypass in Poland is $5,000, the minimum price is $3200, and the maximum is $6500. It offers specialized bariatric clinics with experienced surgeons who perform gastric bypass using advanced, minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.

• Lithuania

The country offers a range of bariatric procedures, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, and banded gastric bypass. Prices are competitive compared to Western Europe. The average price of bypass surgery is $5,200, with a minimal price of $3,300 and a maximum price of $6500.

All in all, Turkey has the lowest price rate for gastric bypass surgery without compromising service quality. Moreover, the medical institutions are recognized by trusted international organizations due to their impeccable quality of weight loss operations, all-inclusive pre- and post-operative support.

Gastric Bypass Surgery: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Gastric bypass, or “Roux-en-Y," is a medical weight reduction procedure that modifies a patient's digestive system, reducing the stomach size and small intestine length. The result is that a patient consumes and absorbs fewer calories.

This is a metabolic and bariatric surgeryin which the stomach and small intestine are divided and connected again in a new segment, forming a "Y" shape. That's why the procedure's name is translated from French as "in the shape of a Y."

A functional part of a stomach is reduced to pouch size with the help of surgical staples. Thus, this pouch restricts the amount of food a stomach can digest. The pouch then connects to a lower segment of a small intestine. The pouch is about walnut-size able to hold about 1 ounce (oz) or 28 grams (g) of food. Therefore, a patient will eat less and lose weight.

As a result, the food a patient consumes bypasses a greater part of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine.

Gastric bypass is an effective way to lose weight if proper diet and exercises are ineffective and when a patient has some severe health issues connected to excessive weight.

Besides losing excessive weight, this procedure can mitigate the occurrence of life-threatening weight-related health problems, such as heart disease, cardiovascular issues, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, cancer, etc.

As usual, this operation is performed just after a patient has already tried to lose weight via managing their lifestyle and diet regime.

Key takeaways about gastric bypass surgery

• Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y, restricts the amount of food consumed by reducing the stomach's capacity by 90%.

• The majority lose about 10 to 20 lb (4.5 to 9 kg) in a month in the first year after the surgery. So, you can lose one-half or more of your extra weight in the first 2 years.

• Besides losing weight, this procedure mitigates the occurrence of life-threatening weight-related health problems.

• Other types of bypass gastric operation include mini gastric bypass (single anastomosis gastric bypass), biliopancreatic diversion duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and da Vinci® gastric bypass.

• The price of gastric bypass surgery is affected by location, clinic reputation, doctors' expertise, surgery type, pre- and post-op consultations and tests, accommodation, and additional services.

• The price for a gastric bypass starts at $3,400 and rises to $35,000. Prices are lower in Middle Eastern (like Turkey) and Eastern European countries, while Western Europe and the UK have higher price rates.

• The average price for gastric bypass ranges between $3,400 to $17,000.

• Turkey and Mexico offer the cheapest gastric bypass surgery, while the most expensive is in the UK and Israel.

• The gastric bypass operation package can include pre-surgery check-ups, an operation, a hospital stay, post-op assessments and consultations, a transfer, and some extra services (online support, insurance, language assistance).

• Gastric bypass has multiple beneficial aspects: besides weight loss, it improves overall health condition, increases mobility, mental condition, and metabolic processes, and even mitigates cancers.

• Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve can be compared equally. Both decrease stomach size, but they differ in how they are executed and in their effects on the patient's state.

 

FAQ

What is the price for gastric bypass?

The price for gastric bypass surgery varies greatly across different countries.

• In Turkey, it typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,500, depending on the clinic, surgeon, and treatment package inclusions.

• In Mexico, the procedure costs between $5,000 and $8,000, making it a popular destination for American patients due to affordable services.

• Thailand offers gastric bypass cost from $10,000 to $15,000.

• In Germany, the cost is higher, around $16,500, reflecting an advanced healthcare system and high living level. 

• In Spain, the cost of bariatric surgery gastric bypass is between $11,000 to $16,500, depending on the facility.

What complications can occur after gastric bypass surgery?

Gastric bypass is quite a complex operation that may involve many risks. Some of these risks are standard and expected for any surgery, but others can be very serious.

General risks of having the operation, i.e., anesthesia and surgery, include:

• Allergic reactions to medication

• Breathing issues 

• Blood clots, infections

• Heart problems

At a time, other complications regarding the gastric bypass operation itself may happen:

• Gastritis (inflamed stomach lining), heartburn, stomach ulcers

• Injury to the stomach, intestines, or other organs during the procedure 

• Leaking from the line where parts of the stomach were stapled together

• Poor nutrition

• Scarring inside may lead to blockages in your bowel in the future

• Vomiting from eating

Does the medical insurance cover gastric bypass surgery?

Medical insurance coverage for gastric bypass varies based on several factors: your insurance provider, policy details, and location. In the USA, most major insurance companies cover bariatric surgeries if a patient meets the specific criteria:

• proper BMI;

• availability of documents for prior weight loss surgery;

• medical evaluations that prove a patient's readiness for the surgery.

The same refers to other countries like Turkey, Mexico, and Spain. It's crucial to check your insurance policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand the details.

Is gastric bypass better than sleeve gastrectomy?

Generally, defining what surgery type is better relates to a patient's specific needs, healthcare state, medical history, and intentions to lose weight.

Both weight loss surgeries aim to reduce the stomach volume and limit the amount of food a person can consume. However, these two procedures differ in their performance and post-operative effects.

Let's compare these two operations to help you define which is more suitable for your case.

	Gastric bypass	Gastric sleeve
Complexity	More complex	Simpler
Results	Faster weight loss; Losing 60-85% of excessive weight	Longer in terms of losing weight; Losing 50-70% of excessive weight
Impact on health	Both surgeries resolve obesity-related conditions, improving long-standing quality of life
Risk occurrence	Higher potential; Nutritional deficiency; Dumping syndrome	Lower level of risk; There’s a risk of acid reflux
Lifestyle changes	Requires more long-term adherence to new guidelines	Has fewer restrictions and is more manageable

What are the benefits of gastric bypass procedure?

• Rapid weight reduction.

Gastric bypass results in incredible weight reduction, losing up to 85% of excess body weight in the first years after the operation.

• Mitigating obesity-related diseases.

After a gastric bypass operation, patients can resolve their health issues connected to excessive weight, i.e., improve cardiovascular health and breath, control sugar and cholesterol levels, and treat conditions like type 2 diabetes.

• Increasing mobility.

After fat reduction operations, patients become more flexible, literally, by following a more active lifestyle, taking up sports, and becoming more active.

• Improving psychological state.

Losing excessive weight means gaining better self-esteem and confidence. Patients feel less anxiety and depression.

• Enhancing quality of life.

Getting rid of obesity issues promotes life expectancy since patients get involved in new activities and social interactions.

• Managing fertility.

Overall, weight reduction operation fosters fertility and eliminates such conditions as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis in women.

• Promoting metabolism.

Gastric bypass operation positively affects metabolic processes, including insulin sensitivity and glucose level control.

• Eliminating cancer.

The surgery can reduce the risk of some types of cancers (thyroid, breast, upper stomach, pancreas, colorectal, endometrial, etc).

All in all, combining gastric sleeve surgery with proper medications, behavior, and lifestyle changes can lead to incredible outcomes and quitting with obesity-related issues.

Can you eat normally after a gastric bypass operation?

After the surgery, patients should change their eating habits to help a smaller stomach accommodate an altered digestive system. The main rule is to consume small portions. So, prefer various foods, but follow these requirements:

• In the first weeks after surgery, start with a liquid diet, namely pureed and soft one. As the digestive system needs to heal.

• In the next six weeks, a patient can return to some solid foods in small portions. Meals should be strictly controlled.

• Avoid consuming meals high in carbs, sugar, and fats because they can cause discomfort in the stomach. Instead, prefer protein to heal the intestine by gradually adding veggies and fruits.

• Patients should eat thoroughly and slowly to feel full quicker. Do not overeat.

Stay mindful and follow a balanced diet to achieve your weight reduction goals as soon as possible and avoid complications.

Is gastric bypass safer now?

Over time, gastric bypass has become safer thanks to advanced technologies in bariatric surgery. The general complication rate is also decreasing due to high surgeons' expertise.

Nevertheless, like other weight loss surgeries, gastric bypass can have some complications, both surgical and related to the digestive system's functioning. However, the results may vary because of a specific range of factors, starting from doctors' professionalism, patients' overall well-being, post-op treatment measures and guidelines.

The study demonstrated a long-term difference in mortality for gastric sleeve and bypass surgeries. 5 years after surgery, the cumulative incidence of mortality for patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy was 4.27% compared with 5.67% for gastric bypass.

Does gastric bypass last a lifetime?

Yes, gastric bypass is intended to be a lifelong procedure. The anatomical changes made to the stomach and digestive system are permanent. This means that a smaller stomach pouch and rerouted small intestine stay in place unless complications occur and require a check-up.

However, long-term high-quality results depend greatly on maintaining a proper lifestyle and behavior.

Can your stomach grow again after gastric bypass?

Yes, the stomach can stretch and increase in volume after the surgery, especially with new eating habits. The stomach is reduced to a small pouch during the surgery, limiting food consumption. However, the pouch can become bigger if a patient neglects to follow doctors’ guidelines on food portions.

The stomach pouch tends to stretch in such cases if:

• The patient consumes more than the recommended portion.

• The patient consumes caloric, fatty, or sugar-packed foods, delaying satiety.

• The patient neglects post-op guidelines on portion control

What guidelines you should follow after gastric bypass?

Each patient should follow several rules after gastric bypass to ensure long-term health improvements and surgery effectiveness.

• Eat small portions.

Eating large portions is not recommended since the stomach's volume is reduced. Eating small and frequent meals is better to avoid digestive issues.

• Control what food to consume.

After the surgery, it's better to avoid sugary and fatty meals, fizzy drinks, and alcohol. Neglecting all these meals, you'll have no dumping syndrome, discomfort, bloating, or pain in the smaller stomach.

• Take vitamins and other supplements.

As gastric bypass influences nutrient absorption, patients must take lifelong vitamins and mineral supplements to mitigate nutrient deficiency.

• Prefer physical activity over a sedentary lifestyle.

Some physical activities (like taking up sports) will support muscle mass, improve metabolism, and control body mass.