Gastric Sleeve Cost: Understanding the Price of Sleeve Gastrectomy
One of the most common questions patients ask when considering weight loss surgery is about the cost of gastric sleeve surgery. The price of sleeve gastrectomy can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s medical needs, the surgical facility, and whether insurance covers the procedure.
At our Los Angeles practice, Dr. David Davtyan, MD, FACS, FICS, FASMBS, works closely with patients to help them understand the financial aspects of bariatric surgery and ask the right questions before committing. Dr. Davtyan is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.
Patients exploring sleeve gastrectomy may also wish to learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and other bariatric surgery procedures. For a closer look at each cost factor, read what affects the cost of a gastric sleeve. To see costs across every option, use the weight loss options comparison or the bariatric surgery cost guide.
What Gastric Sleeve Surgery Can Cost
The cost of gastric sleeve surgery can vary widely depending on several factors.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says weight-loss surgery can cost between $15,000 and $25,000 or even more, depending on the type of surgery and whether there are complications, and that costs may be higher or lower depending on where you live. That is a national figure for weight-loss surgery in general, from a page last reviewed in September 2020. It is not a quote from this practice.
Your own total depends on your case, so ask for a written estimate. A written estimate may include:
- Surgeon’s fees
• Hospital or surgical center fees
• Anesthesia
• Pre-operative testing
• Post-operative follow-up care
Patients can learn more about the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery and how weight loss surgery improves long-term health outcomes.
Factors That Affect Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost
Several factors can influence the total cost of sleeve gastrectomy.
Surgical Facility
Procedures performed in hospitals may have higher facility costs compared to accredited outpatient surgical centers.
Ask where your surgery would take place and whether the estimate includes the facility fee. Your surgeon can explain how this applies to your procedure.
Surgeon Experience
The experience and qualifications of the bariatric surgeon can influence the cost of surgery.
Ask what the surgeon’s fee covers, including follow-up visits. You can read about Dr. Davtyan’s training and experience.
Pre-Surgery Testing and Preparation
Before surgery, patients may undergo several medical evaluations, including:
• Laboratory tests
• Medical examinations
• Nutritional assessments
• Psychological evaluations
Patients can learn more about how to prepare for bariatric surgery before undergoing treatment.
Post-Surgery Care
Follow-up care plays a critical role in long-term weight loss success.
This may include:
- Follow-up appointments
• Nutritional counseling
• Medical monitoring
Patients can learn more about gastric sleeve recovery and the broader bariatric surgery recovery process.
Does Insurance Cover Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Many insurance providers cover bariatric surgery when patients meet certain medical criteria.
Insurance coverage typically depends on:
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Obesity-related medical conditions
• Previous weight loss attempts
• Medical necessity documentation
Patients can learn more about who qualifies for bariatric surgery and gastric sleeve surgery candidates.
We work with PPO and HMO insurance plans that allow care with Dr. Davtyan. Ask us whether we can see patients on your plan, and get any coverage answer from your plan in writing. For more detail, see insurance requirements for a gastric sleeve and our insurance and financing page.
Financing Options for Bariatric Surgery
For patients without insurance coverage, financing may be one way to pay for surgery.
General types of payment include:
- Medical financing programs
• Monthly payment plans
• Healthcare credit options
Ask the office which of these, if any, are available for your surgery. If you use financing, read the rate and the monthly payment in writing before you sign.
What to Ask for in a Written Estimate
Before you compare prices, make sure each estimate answers the same questions:
- Which fees are included: surgeon, facility, anesthesia?
- Are tests before surgery included, or billed separately?
- How many follow-up visits are included, and for how long?
- Are vitamins and nutrition visits included?
- What happens to the cost if there is a complication or a return to the hospital?
- How long is the estimate valid?
Before your visit, you can read what happens at a first consultation, questions to ask a gastric sleeve surgeon and tests before surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
Understanding the cost of gastric sleeve surgery helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.
A consultation with Dr. David Davtyan allows patients to discuss surgical costs, insurance coverage, and determine whether gastric sleeve surgery is the right solution for their weight loss goals.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey
If you are struggling with obesity and have not found lasting success with diet and exercise alone, bariatric surgery may provide a path toward improved health.
By understanding the available procedures, risks, benefits, and preparation process, patients can take the next step toward long-term weight loss and better overall well-being.
A consultation with Dr. David Davtyan can help determine which treatment option is right for your health needs and weight loss goals.
Medically reviewed by Dr. David G. Davtyan, MD, FACS, FICS, FASMBS, California medical license G 70030 · October 2026
