Comparing the Costs: Bypass vs. Sleeve

The type of procedure you choose directly impacts the total cost due to differences in surgical complexity and operating room time.

Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

The gastric sleeve is generally the less expensive option. It involves removing a portion of the stomach but does not reroute the intestines. The average cost ranges from $15,000 to $20,000.

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

Gastric bypass is a more complex procedure that involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the digestive tract. Because it requires more surgical time and often a longer hospital stay, it is typically more expensive, averaging between $20,000 and $25,000.

When deciding between the two, cost should be weighed alongside medical recommendations, expected weight loss, and potential complications.