Insurance companies will only cover the cost of gastric bypass surgery if the candidate is qualified. A qualified candidate is firstly at least 100 pounds overweight and has demonstrated in the past a serious effort to control their weight through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Candidates must have been obese for at least 5 years prior to the surgery, not have a history of alcohol abuse, and not have depression or other serious psychiatric disorders.

After surgery, there are other things to consider when factoring in the cost of gastric bypass surgery. A new lifestyle commitment will include a membership to the gym, a healthy choice diet, a wardrobe that may have to be replaced on a continual basis for a year, even transportation and furniture.

Beyond the material cost, there is also a physical and emotional cost. Gastric bypass surgery permanently changes your digestive system making it impossible to eat certain foods or combinations of foods. You will also have to make a commitment to exercise regularly and avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods that may hurt your system. Emotionally, an adjustment will have to be made as you adapt to your new lifestyle and continually changing body. People important to you may also treat you differently after weight loss, which can cause stress and conflict. Any surgery is serious and a surgery to promote weight loss should only be undertaken when all other avenues have been explored.