Weight Loss Surgery Options: 5 Steps to an Informed Decision

Weight loss surgery can be life-changing, but choosing the right procedure requires careful consideration. Which one is best for your goals and lifestyle? Exploring your options is the perfect place to start.

While traditional weight loss surgery options like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve have helped many achieve significant weight loss, they aren’t the only options available. Non-surgical weight loss procedures, like ESG Stomach Tightening and gastric balloon, offer exceptional results without the risks and long recovery times of traditional gastric surgery.

This guide will help you compare the pros, cons, and costs of the most popular weight loss procedures. We’ll also walk you through five key steps to ensure you’re making the best decision for your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Comparing Weight Loss Surgery Options and Costs

Undergoing weight loss surgery is a big decision. Naturally, you want to feel confident that you’re choosing the best option for your health and future. Every procedure comes with its own set of benefits and considerations. Let’s explore the most common weight loss surgery options to gain a clear picture of how they work, what to expect, and the typical costs. 

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Roux En Y Gastric Bypass, commonly referred to as gastric bypass, is one of the most well-known and widely performed options for weight loss surgery. It’s a tried and true procedure for individuals struggling with severe obesity and related health conditions. Candidates for gastric bypass must typically have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.

During gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is divided into a small upper pouch and a larger lower section. The small intestine is then rerouted to connect to the small pouch, bypassing a significant portion of the stomach and digestive tract.

This procedure works by restricting how much food you can eat at one time and reducing the number of calories your body absorbs. It typically results in significant weight loss and dramatic improvements in obesity-related health conditions.

Pros:

• Significant Weight Loss: Patients can achieve 30% weight loss in the first year.

• Health Improvements: Substantial weight loss can lead to rapid improvements in obesity-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

Cons:

• Irreversible: Once the surgery is done, the digestive system cannot be returned to its original state.

• Nutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin and mineral absorption are reduced, requiring lifelong supplementation.

• Extended Recovery Time: The procedure requires a short hospital stay, and patients typically need 3-6 weeks for recovery. During this time, they may miss work and will likely need to avoid physical activity or exercise.

• Potential Risks and Complications: Due to the invasiveness of the procedure, there is an 18% risk of complications with gastric bypass, including a higher risk of bleeding, infections, hernias, and other surgical complications.

Cost:

Gastric bypass is one of the most expensive weight loss surgery options, with prices ranging from $18,000 to $35,000. However, many insurance plans may cover at least part of the cost, especially for patients with health conditions related to obesity. 

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is the most popular weight loss surgery performed in the United States. In this procedure, approximately 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a small, sleeve-shaped pouch. The procedure limits the amount of food that can be consumed, leading to rapid and significant weight loss. 

Gastric sleeve surgery also triggers beneficial hormonal changes. It reduces the production of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” helping to reduce appetite and cravings. These hormonal changes, combined with significant weight loss, may improve conditions like type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Patients with a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related conditions may be eligible for gastric sleeve. 

Pros:

• Effective Weight Loss: Patients typically achieve 23 - 25% weight loss within the first year.

• No Intestinal Rerouting: Since the intestines aren’t bypassed, patients are less likely to experience nutrient deficiencies compared to gastric bypass.

• Shorter Hospital Stay: Gastric sleeve is less invasive than gastric bypass, so the required hospital stay is typically shorter. Many patients can return to their normal activities in about 2-4 weeks.

Cons:

• Irreversible: Because part of the stomach is removed, gastric sleeve surgery cannot be reversed. However, it can be revised if you’re not seeing the results you expected.

• Risk of Complications: Gastric Sleeve typically has a complication rate of 12-15%. Acid reflux is one of the most common side effects, with 20% of patients developing the condition after surgery. Treatment requires long-term medication, and the condition leads to an increased risk of esophageal cancer..

• Recovery Time: While the recovery period is shorter than that of a gastric bypass, gastric sleeve still requires 2-4 weeks of recovery, during which patients may miss work and need to avoid strenuous activity.

Cost:

The cost of gastric sleeve surgery typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. Insurance may cover a portion of the costs, especially for patients with qualifying medical conditions.

Adjustable Gastric Band

Gastric banding, also called LAP-band, was once a popular weight loss surgery option. During this procedure, a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch to restrict food intake. The size of the band can be tightened or loosened, and it can be removed.

While gastric banding was widely used in the past, it has lost popularity due to its ineffectiveness and increased need for additional surgeries. Many patients experience insufficient weight loss, band slippage, and other complications over time, requiring further procedures to adjust or remove the band. Much like other options for weight loss surgery, this procedure requires a BMI of 40 or higher or 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.

Pros: 

• Reversible: The band can be removed if you do not see the results you expected or if complications arise.

• Adjustable: The tightness of the band can be modified to control weight loss over time, providing greater flexibility for patients.

Cons:

• Ineffective Weight Loss: Although patients can initially achieve 15% weight loss with a gastric band, many patients regain the weight they’ve lost. With 31% of patients failing to achieve satisfactory weight loss, it’s easy to see why this procedure is now the least commonly recommended weight loss surgery option in the US.

• Frequent Adjustments: The band requires excessive postoperative care and possible readjustments, which can be inconvenient and lead to additional expenses and lost work.

• No Positive Hormonal Changes: Gastric banding does not trigger the beneficial hormonal changes that can lead to healthy lifestyle changes and help with long-term appetite control.

Cost:

Gastric banding typically costs between $10,000 to $20,000, but there may be additional costs associated with the potential need for future procedures to adjust or remove the band. Insurance coverage also varies, and patients should verify whether upfront costs and follow-up care are covered by their plan.

Exploring Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options

For those seeking substantial weight loss without surgery, non-surgical weight loss procedures like ESG Stomach Tightening and gastric balloon offer promising alternatives. These procedures are ideal for patients who want to avoid the risks and extended recovery times associated with traditional gastric surgery. If you’re looking for a safer, non-invasive approach, these options could be the best choice for you.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

ESG Stomach Tightening, or Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, is a non-invasive weight loss procedure pioneered by Dr. Christopher Thompson, co-founder of Bariendo. During the procedure, a flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach, where sutures are placed to reduce the size of the stomach.

The procedure creates a sleeve-like shape, similar to gastric sleeve, but without the need for incisions or removal of part of the stomach. The procedure works by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to reduced calorie intake and significant weight loss. It also leads to reduced ghrelin production and a decrease in cravings and appetite.

A key benefit of ESG vs gastric sleeve is its quick recovery time and lack of a hospital stay. ESG is performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients go home the same day and return to their normal activities, including exercise, within just a few days. This makes ESG an attractive option for those who lead busy lifestyles and want to remain active to support their weight loss journey. A BMI of 30+ or 27 - 29.9 with certain obesity-related health conditions is typically required to qualify for ESG.

Pros: 

• Substantial Weight Loss: Patients can expect to achieve 18-20% weight loss within the first year.

• Non-Invasive: ESG is performed endoscopically with no external incisions, eliminating the risk of scarring. Patients also experience less pain after the procedure due to its non-invasive nature.

• Quick Recovery: Most patients can return to work and exercise within just a few days.

• Fewer Risks and Complications: ESG doesn’t involve the removal of any part of the stomach or intestines, reducing the risk of complications like infections or nutrient deficiencies.

• Reversible: The procedure can be reversed if unexpected complications arise.

Cons:

• May Not Be Suitable for Some Patients: ESG may not be suitable for patients with severe obesity and a BMI of 40 or higher, who may benefit more from gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery.

• Insurance Coverage: Despite its recent approval by the FDA, ESG is still considered an elective procedure by most insurance companies.

• Limited Availability: There are currently only two advanced fellowship training programs available in the United States for ESG, one of which is run by Bariendo’s own Dr. Pichamol Jirapinyo at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Cost:

ESG is exponentially more affordable than traditional weight loss surgeries, with costs of less than $12,000. Bariendo also offers financing options to help patients break down the costs into manageable monthly payments over time.

Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon is another highly effective non-surgical weight loss option performed endoscopically. The procedure involves placing a soft silicone balloon to reduce the amount of space available for food. The balloon is filled with saline, making patients feel fuller faster and helping them reduce their caloric intake. The balloon is removed after six months, giving the body time to adjust to new eating habits and portion sizes.

Gastric balloon is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that requires no external incisions. Most patients go home the same day and return to work and regular activities within a couple of days. While the balloon is in place, patients work with a medical team to develop healthier eating habits, making this a great option for those looking to jump-start their weight loss journey.

Pros:

• Non-Invasive: The gastric balloon requires no incisions or surgery, reducing the risks, complications, and recovery times associated with invasive procedures.

• Quick Procedure and Fast Recovery: The entire procedure takes about 20-30 minutes, and most patients return to work in a couple of days.

• Jump Starts Weight Loss: The balloon is removed after six months. It’s designed to jump-start weight loss and help patients develop healthier eating habits.

• Substantial Weight Loss: On average, patients achieve 10-15% weight loss after six months with a gastric balloon.

Cons:

• Not Suitable for Severe Obesity: The gastric balloon is not typically recommended for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher.

• Follow-Up Removal: After six months, the balloon is removed in another endoscopic procedure, which may be a drawback for some patients.

Cost:

A gastric balloon is one of the more affordable weight loss procedures, typically costing less than $7,000. However, insurance coverage varies widely, and many patients will need to pay out of pocket. That said, financing options are available to help patients break up the costs into manageable monthly payments over time.

How to Make an Informed Decision

Choosing the right weight loss surgery option can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step will help you feel more confident in your decision. Let’s walk through the key steps to help you find the best option for your health, lifestyle, and weight loss goals.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Weight Loss Goals

Start by thinking about how much weight you need to lose, the pace you’re comfortable with, and any related health concerns you may have. If you need to achieve significant weight loss quickly due to obesity-related health conditions, a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass might be the right fit.

On the other hand, if you’re aiming for substantial weight loss without surgery at a more moderate pace, non-invasive options like ESG or gastric balloon could be perfect for your needs. These procedures allow you to return to normal activities right away, including exercise, to further support your weight loss goals.

Step 2: Know the Eligibility Requirements

Each procedure has its own qualifications, so you’ll want to take those into consideration as well. For example, surgical options like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve are typically recommended for those with a BMI of 40 or higher or 35 or higher with certain health conditions.

If your BMI is 30+ or 27 - 29.9 with certain obesity-related health conditions, you may be a great candidate for non-surgical options like gastric balloon or ESG. Our team of compassionate experts can help you determine which procedures are suitable for your health profile.

Step 3: Consider Recovery Times and Lifestyle Impact

Recovery and lifestyle impact are important factors to consider when choosing a weight loss procedure. Surgical options, such as gastric bypass, may require 3-6 weeks of recovery, whereas non-surgical options like ESG and gastric balloon allow you to return to work and exercise in 1-3 days.

Consider how much time you can take off from work and how each procedure will affect your daily life in the weeks following treatment. If you want to get back to your normal routine right away, a non-surgical procedure might be the right choice.

Step 4: Assess Costs and Financing Options

Weight loss surgery and procedure options can vary significantly in cost. Surgical procedures like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve can range from $15,000 to $35,000, depending on your surgeon and where you plan to have the surgery.

On the other hand, ESG Stomach Tightening costs $11,995, and gastric balloons cost $6,995 at Bariendo. There are several financing options available to make these procedures accessible to more patients, including 0% interest plans and extended payment terms for qualified patients. While insurance coverage for these treatments varies, our team can help you navigate your options. 

Step 5: Consult with a Qualified Medical Professional

Making the right decision for your weight loss journey is a big step, and it helps to have a trusted expert to guide you along the way. At Bariendo, we understand that each person’s situation is unique, and our experts are here to provide guidance and support as you explore your options.

To help you get started, our quick two-minute quiz can point you toward the best treatment option based on your goals and health needs. Once you have your results, you can easily schedule a free consultation to discuss your personalized plan with one of our compassionate experts.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Weight Loss Goals

We understand that choosing the right weight loss procedure is a personal and sometimes overwhelming process. If you’re considering non-surgical options like ESG or gastric balloon, the team at Bariendo is here to guide you with expert advice and compassionate support throughout every stage of the journey.

Ready to get started? Take our 2-minute quiz to confirm your eligibility, and schedule your free consultation with Bariendo today!