Who do you know that has an extra $30,000 laying around? Not many. Unfortunately, that’s what some bariatric surgeries in the U.S. cost. Prices for obesity or weight loss surgeries average between $15,000 and $30,000, offering everything from laparoscopic gastric banding to vertical banded gastroplasty to gastric bypass.

Obesity weight loss surgery offers hope for health and longevity for many, but remains just out of reach for those who need it most. Most health insurance plans don’t cover gastric bariatric surgery or obesity surgery cost, though the effects of obesity continue to cause rises in cases of diabetes, heart disease and joint conditions for teens and adults.

Sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding and gastric bypass are common obesity and weight loss procedures that are available in other countries, at lower prices than those found in the U.S. The prices are not lower because they’re lower quality, but because health care systems of other countries are set up differently, and because doctors and surgeons don’t need excessive amounts of medical malpractice coverage that U.S. based physicians and surgeons.

Facilities like Mexicali Obesity Solutions in Mexicali, Mexico or 365 mc’s Bariatric Surgery Center in Seoul, South Korea are just two of dozens of obesity surgery centers found around the globe, offering state of the art techniques and procedures at vastly reduced costs.

Locations throughout Central and South America, Southeast Asia and Europe offer weight loss and bariatric surgeries that are effective, affordable, and life changing.