Slim band surgery cost

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Slim band surgery, also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, is a surgical weight loss procedure during which an adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to reduce food intake. The procedure is minimally invasive and adjustable — meaning the band can be tightened or loosened to improve weight loss or reduce side effects. It is also reversible if necessary.

Benefits of slim band surgery

The benefits of slim band surgery may include:

• The possibility of long-term weight loss
• Relatively rapid recovery
• Reduced risk of diabetes and high blood pressure
• No loss of nutrient absorption
• Improved quality of life.

Below we dive into the cost of slim band surgery, if insurance covers it and how financing can help.

How much does slim band surgery cost?

The average cost of slim band surgery without insurance is $12,000 to $25,000, depending on the surgeon and their geographic location.¹ The cost usually includes the following:

• Anesthesiologist services
• Hospital facility fee
• Any lab and x-ray fees
• Post-operative care.

Additional costs can include nutritional and psychological consultation fees of a few hundred dollars.¹

Does insurance cover slim band surgery?

Slim band surgery is sometimes covered by insurance. However, the amount of coverage can vary based on the plan and policy. While some health plans specifically exclude weight loss surgery completely, others like Medicare will cover slim band surgery for individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher, an unsuccessful history of weight loss and at least one other health problem associated with obesity.¹

The exact amount of coverage and what out-of-pocket costs you will pay depends on many factors including:

• Your private medical insurance plan and provider
• Your annual deductible
• Co-pay requirements
• Whether you are seeking services in or out of network.

Check with your plan provider to determine your specific benefits.

How can I pay for slim band surgery?

If you are looking to pay for slim band surgery and don’t have insurance or if you need a way to pay for co-pays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs there are several payment options you can consider.

If you have the funds readily available, you can simply tap into your savings. You may also be able to use a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for it.

If you are interested in financing your slim band surgery, it’s important to know very few providers extend credit to patients through their practice where patients would receive bills from, and pay the provider directly. Almost all accept general purpose credit cards, and many accept the CareCredit credit card, which may be a convenient way to pay for slim band surgery.

Can I use my CareCredit credit card to pay for slim band surgery?

Yes. If approved, you can use your CareCredit credit card at locations within the CareCredit network to finance your slim band surgery or other weight loss treatment and procedures.

The benefit of using a CareCredit credit card is the opportunity to use promotional financing.* If approved, you can pay for the care you need immediately. You can use your CareCredit card again and again to pay for other health and wellness needs. Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a weight loss provider near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.

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This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational purposes only. You are urged to consult with your individual healthcare, business, financial, legal, tax and/or other advisors with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and its affiliates, including CareCredit (collectively, “Synchrony”), makes no representations or warranties regarding this content and accepts no liability for any loss or harm arising from the use of the information provided. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

* Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See carecredit.com for details.

Sources

¹“How much does lap band cost?” CostHelper Health. https://health.costhelper.com/lap-band.html, accessed April 19, 2021