Weight loss surgery costs $9,500 to $35,000 per procedure in 2026
Weight loss surgery costs $9,500 to $35,000 per procedure in 2026. CoveredUSA puts the national median at about $17,000. BetterCare lists a gastric sleeve at $9,500 to $23,000 and a gastric bypass at $15,000 to $35,000. MDsave lists an outpatient gastric sleeve at an average of $16,621. The type of surgery and the place you have it move the price.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| CoveredUSA | CoveredUSA says the national median is about $17,000, with independent accredited centers at $9,500 to $16,000 and hospital inpatient stays at $18,000 to $30,000. |
| BetterCare | BetterCare lists a gastric sleeve at $9,500 to $23,000, a gastric bypass at $15,000 to $35,000, and a gastric balloon at $3,000 to $9,000. |
| MDsave | MDsave lists an outpatient gastric sleeve at an average of $16,621, an inpatient sleeve at $18,126, and a gastric bypass at $21,345, with a range of $9,694 to $31,150. |
Weight loss surgery price by type
| Procedure or place | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric sleeve | $9,500 to $23,000 | BetterCare |
| Gastric bypass | $15,000 to $35,000 | BetterCare |
| Gastric balloon | $3,000 to $9,000 | BetterCare |
| Independent accredited center, self pay bundle | $9,500 to $16,000 | CoveredUSA |
| Hospital inpatient stay | $18,000 to $30,000 | CoveredUSA |
| Gastric sleeve, outpatient, average | $16,621 | MDsave |
| Gastric sleeve, inpatient, average | $18,126 | MDsave |
| Gastric bypass, average | $21,345 | MDsave |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of surgery | BetterCare lists a gastric sleeve at $9,500 to $23,000 and a gastric bypass at $15,000 to $35,000. Bypass takes more time. |
| Place of care | CoveredUSA lists independent accredited centers at $9,500 to $16,000 and hospital inpatient stays at $18,000 to $30,000. |
| Hospital stay | CoveredUSA lists a sleeve stay of 1 to 2 nights and a bypass stay of 2 to 3 nights. Longer stays add to the bill. |
| Complex cases | CoveredUSA lists revision surgery at $15,000 to $30,000 or more, and complex cases with problems at $25,000 to $50,000. |
| Bundle or separate bills | MDsave lists bundled prices, such as $18,126 for an inpatient gastric sleeve. Separate bills for surgeon and hospital can add up. |
What the price includes
A bundled price often covers the surgeon, the facility, anesthesia, and the stay. BetterCare notes that self pay surgeon fees of $3,000 to $6,000 cover the surgeon only. Tests before surgery, follow up visits, diet care, and complications may cost extra. Ask for a written list of what is in the price. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Does insurance cover it
Many plans cover weight loss surgery when you meet their rules. Plans often ask for a body mass index limit, a health problem linked to weight, and a record of diet care. Some plans need prior approval. You may owe a deductible and coinsurance. Plans can also limit which centers you can use. Call your plan and ask what is needed. If you pay cash, ask for a bundled self pay price. Ask what follow up care is covered. Keep every quote in writing.
When a doctor orders it
A doctor may suggest weight loss surgery when diet and exercise have not worked and your weight harms your health. Care teams often check body mass index and health problems like type 2 diabetes. You will meet the surgeon, a dietitian, and sometimes a mental health expert. Ask what the surgery can and cannot do for you.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the price is a bundle or if bills come separately.
- Ask what pre surgery tests and follow up visits cost.
- Ask what happens to the price if there are complications.
- Ask if the center is accredited and what your plan covers.
- Compare the total with the range above: $9,500 to $35,000 per procedure for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Ask about an independent accredited center. CoveredUSA lists self pay bundles at $9,500 to $16,000 there, against $18,000 to $30,000 at hospital inpatient care.
- Ask for a bundled price. MDsave lists bundled prices with no surprise bills, such as $16,621 for an outpatient gastric sleeve.
- Check your insurance first. Many plans have rules for who qualifies, so ask what your plan needs before you book.
- Compare more than one surgeon and center. BetterCare lists wide ranges, such as $15,000 to $35,000 for a gastric bypass.
- Ask what follow up care costs. Plan for visits and diet care after surgery so the full cost is clear.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from CoveredUSA, BetterCare and MDsave. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does weight loss surgery cost?
It runs $9,500 to $35,000 per procedure in 2026. CoveredUSA lists a national median of about $17,000. MDsave says the full range is $9,694 to $31,150.
How much does a gastric sleeve cost?
BetterCare lists $9,500 to $23,000. MDsave lists an average of $16,621 outpatient and $18,126 inpatient.
How much does gastric bypass cost?
BetterCare lists $15,000 to $35,000. MDsave lists an average of $21,345.
Is surgery cheaper at an independent center?
Often, yes. CoveredUSA lists independent accredited centers at $9,500 to $16,000. Hospital inpatient care runs $18,000 to $30,000.
How much does a gastric balloon cost?
BetterCare lists a gastric balloon at $3,000 to $9,000. It is not surgery in the same way, so it costs less.