Weight Loss Surgery (Obesity Surgery) Cost & Prices

Once you have exhausted your insurance options, funding the surgery yourself, maybe your next option.  Some surgeons are less likely to take on patients not covered by insurance because of the liability involved.  There are options to pay via a payment schedule, spreading the financial burden.  You will need to be aware that you may have to cover not just the cost of the actual surgery but if there are complications repeat surgeries.  The bill could potentially run into many thousands of pounds. You will need to ask yourself if you can foot the bill and how you are going to pay for the surgery.  It is not just the surgery you need to meet the cost of but also the costs post surgery.  Many weight loss surgery patients underestimate how much time they will need to take off work.  The recovery from surgery is a bit of an unknown quantity and it could be very swift or very lengthy and you will need to financially plan for either circumstance.  There is help available in advising you on how to meet the costs of weight loss surgery.  There are payment plans on offer to help you break down the costs into smaller installments and advice on how to budget for your treatment.  Always take professional advice on budgeting, particularly if you are not good at planning your finances.  Even if you think you can budget yourself for the treatment, there is often hidden costs and things that you will not have thought of.  The advantage of taking advice from a professional is that they will be familiar will all the potential costs of weight loss surgery.  From their experience they will also be able to discuss with you some of the follow up surgeries or treatments that you might consider such as liposuction and tummy tuck. 

The cost of weight loss surgery will depend on which procedures you decide on.  The costs will differ from clinic to clinic.  As a general guide the cost of having a gastric band privately is in the region of £4,000 - £8,000 whilst the gastric bypass procedure ranges from £8,000 - £15,000.


When you pay for surgery you are paying for tests pre surgery, the x-rays, anesthesia, your hospital stay and the surgeon’s fee.  The costs will vary depending on the procedure, how complex the surgery is, the length of your hospital stay, how many x-rays you might need and if there are any complications afterwards.  Beware of hidden costs and the costs you will have to meet post surgery.  For example loss of earnings from time off work, dietary plans, membership to health clubs, a fitness regimen, nutritional supplements and plastic surgery.  Costs do vary but can escalate if you have any complications post surgery and recovery issues. 

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