If you have contacted your insurance provider only to discover that weight loss surgery is not a covered benefit under your particular policy, don’t despair.

Self-pay is a clear, flexible path to lasting weight loss – on your terms.

For many people, the decision to pursue bariatric surgery comes after years of trying every diet, every program, every plan that promised change but didn’t deliver. By the time you’re ready to make a real, lasting investment in your health, the last thing you want is to wait.
Self-paying for bariatric surgery allows you to take ownership of your care, choose the surgeon and procedure that best fit your goals, and move forward at your own pace.

Some of the most common reasons our patients choose the self-pay route are:

• Faster Scheduling: Insurance approval can take months. Between mandatory diet programs, multiple evaluations, and lengthy approval processes, the wait can stretch six months or longer. When you self-pay, you can often schedule surgery within weeks. That means less waiting and more time focusing on recovery and results.
• Freedom to Choose: Insurance networks can be restrictive, limiting patients to certain hospitals, surgeons, and even the type of procedure. With self-pay, you have complete freedom to choose the bariatric surgeon and procedure that feel right for you. Whether you’re considering a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or something else, you and your doctor can make the decision based on your medical needs, not your insurance company’s coverage list.
• Transparent Pricing: Insurance coverage can sometimes come with unexpected costs, like deductibles, copays, and out-of-network fees. Self-pay patients appreciate knowing exactly what their investment covers. Our team will provide a clear, all-inclusive estimate before surgery so you can plan with confidence. No surprises, no hidden charges – just straightforward information.
• Less Red Tape: Insurance often requires a long list of prerequisites: months of supervised weight loss programs, psychological evaluations, and documentation of diets you’ve tried. While medical clearance and pre-op testing are still important for your safety, self-pay patients can often complete the process much more efficiently. You’ll work directly with our team to complete only the necessary evaluations and get to surgery safely, without unnecessary delays.

Every program differs slightly, but most self-pay bariatric surgery packages include:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Hospital and anesthesia fees
• Pre-operative testing and labs
• Post-operative follow-up visits

Our coordinators will walk you through each item in detail so you know what’s covered. Some additional procedures (such as a hiatal hernia repair or gallbladder removal, if needed) may involve separate costs, and we’ll discuss those transparently before surgery.

Your total cost depends on the procedure type and your individual needs, but many of our patients are surprised by how cost-effective self-pay surgery can be, especially compared to paying a high insurance deductible or dealing with ongoing obesity-related medical costs.

True Cost of Waiting

Bariatric surgery is a major financial decision, but it’s also an investment that can pay off in more ways than are readily apparent. The cost of living with obesity often exceeds the cost of surgery when you factor in:

• Long-term medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol
• Frequent doctor visits and lab work
• Lost productivity and missed workdays
• Emotional and physical tolls that affect everyday life
• Joint pain, mobility issues, and obesity-related health conditions

If you look at it over time, the surgery that improves your health and restores your quality of life often costs less than living with obesity. The question becomes, Can you afford not to do it?

Ask “How” Versus “Can”

How you’ll afford weight loss surgery is a much different question than can you afford it.

Our team believes that finances should never stand in the way of better health. But we also recognize that dealing with finances is part of the process. So, we’ve put together a few ideas to make surgery more accessible.

• Medical Lines of Credit: Companies like CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending offer medical credit lines with short- and long-term payment options. Many applicants qualify for low- or no-interest, fast approvals, and flexible monthly payments designed to fit your budget.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): If you have an HSA or FSA through your employer, bariatric surgery expenses may be eligible. These accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars toward qualified medical costs, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket burden.
• Personal or home equity loans: Some patients explore personal loans or home equity loans to finance their surgery. These options often have fixed interest rates and predictable payments that can be spread out over time, giving you financial flexibility while you invest in your health.
• Credit unions or banks: Credit unions and community banks may offer medical or personal loans with competitive interest rates and straightforward terms. Because they often have a more personal approach, you may find it easier to discuss your goals and options directly with a loan officer.
• Early 401(k) withdrawals: Sometimes, patients choose to use a portion of their retirement savings for medical care, but it’s important to fully understand the tax implications and potential penalties before making this decision. Talk to a financial advisor or plan administrator to figure out what makes sense for your situation.

Note: Please keep in mind that any financial option comes with its own obligations and considerations. Our team is happy to provide guidance, but we always recommend reviewing your choices carefully and consulting with a financial professional before committing.

You’re the Priority

Even though you’re paying out of pocket, clinical standards stay the same. Your safety and success are always our top priorities. You’ll still undergo essential medical clearances, such as lab work, an EKG, and a pre-op diet, to make sure your body is ready for surgery.

Our team will guide you through every step, from your first consultation through long-term follow-up. You’ll receive nutritional guidance, lifestyle support, and regular check-ins to help you maintain your results and overall well-being.

Many self-pay patients tell us they feel more accountable and motivated because they’ve made a personal investment. And while that’s not a requirement, it often becomes a powerful part of their success story.

If you’ve decided it’s time to take charge of your health, our team is here to help you make it happen. We’ll walk you through your options and explain every cost upfront.

Contact the MIIS Weight Loss Institute team to schedule your consultation. It all starts with a conversation about your goals, your health, and your future.