Too many variables to really answer that question.  Insurance carrier, state, hospital you select, dr. you select, etc. will all have an impact.  You really need to check with your surgeon's office on "typical" fees for each of the surgeries.  Also, does your insurance have a maximum out of pocket?  Or does it have a cap on surgery?  Those are questions, that you should also ask them.  As a reference my sleeve back in July 2009 (3 days in the hospital, new york cityAetna Insurance) cost $65K.).  I was out of pocket a total of $3K.  The rest my provider covered. 

NOTE:  My insurance has a cap of $10,000 for bariatric surgery.  A fact that was communicated AFTER my surgery - they told me I would be out of pocket 55K.  I had to fight them for four months to get them to pay.  However, I was lucky because I successfully proved that no where in their handouts to the employees did they talk about a cap and on my approval letter, no where was it also stated about a cap. 

I caution you to make sure you know how much you will pay out of pocket so that you don't have a similar experience to me.   Also, if you want a specific operation (ex. sleeve, or DS and your insurance carrier states they do not pay, appeal it.  Many people on the board have successfully appealed and won!

What are some requirements for surgery?
Most insurance companies and surgeons will require you to be on a doctor's supervised diet for a minimum of 3 to 6 months prior to surgery - so be patient.  You will not wake up one day to have surgery and three days later be on the operation table.  But trust me --  it is so worth the wait.  Some tests that I had to do include:

Three Months supervised diet with bariatric nutritionalist.  I had to visit her once a month for three consecutive months and go over my food log with her.  I had to show an effort to lose weight, however, my surgeon did NOT tell me a specific amount that I had to lose. 

Letter from primary care doctor stating the necessity of surgery.

Psychological Evaluation.  Personally I found this to be a joke.  Sat in a room by myself and answered about 300 multiple choice questions.  Then spoke barely 10 minutes to the psychiatrist and handed over a check for $175.  While I do agree that it is important step ... I don't really think this sufficiently tells them how I will handle the fact that I can't eat when I am stressed, etc.

Cardiologist - Had to do a stress test.  They just made me run/walk very fast on the threadmill.  Also, had to do an EKG.

Gastro - Had to have an endiscopy.  They send down a camera down your throat to see what your digestion area looks like to make sure surgeon aware of any potential problems.

Pulmonary - Check to make sure your lungs are okay.

Labs - Get used to this one.  They will take around 15-20 vials of blood from you and the receptionist will give a loud sigh when she realizes she has to input all this in the computer.  :)

How Long Will I be Out of Work?
Some people will go back to work 1-3 weeks after lapro surgery and six weeks for open.  I was lucky, my company gave me six weeks of short term disability. Bottom line:  Your body needs time to heal, if possible, take enough time off.
 
You Need to Work Your Tool
While I am far from being a "weight loss expert", I do know what has worked for me over the years when I had successful weight loss.  Surgery is not a magic pill.  While there are some on the board that have lost weight without exercising, etc. I would not recommend it.  For long-term success we must change our bad eating & health habits.  Don't set yourself up for failure.  Healthy lifestyle changes incorporate daily exercise.  Also, I am a propnent of journaling.  I like to have a handle on the food that I intake and record the calories/carbs/protein/fat.   I have weighed and journalled all my food and it really has helped.  First, it gives me a sense on how much protein/calories/carbs/fats I am getting.  Second, it is a reference for me.  I can see how my calories, etc. have progressed over time.  Third, On weeks that I am not losing as much weight, I take a look at weeks that I did better to see if there are any items that I should change.  

Food Diary - If you Eat It, Write it Down
There are a number of internet sites.  I use sparkpeople.com, however, thedailyplate is another site highly recommended and of course there is the OH site.  Out of the three, I had found sparkpeople.com the easiest to lose.  Here is a link in case you want to use it:

http://sparkpeople.com/

It is important to write down every bite, lick and taste. It is very common for people to underestimate their caloric intake.  Another option is just to get a journal from Staples or Walmart and write it by hand what you eat.  It doesn't matter how you do it, just do it. 

To Tell or Not Tell People About Your Surgery?
This is entirely up to you.  I was 100% honest with my friends, family and colleagues and had overwhelming support.  However, not everyone is so lucky.  Some people may be critical that you are taking the easy way out, some friends/family may actually prefer you to be fat for their own selfish reasons.  Bottom line, you don't owe anyone an explanation. 

Will I have Excess Skin?
This depends on several factors.  The older you are, the longer you have carried weight, and the amount of excess weight you carried will play a factor.  I am now 45 years old, at my highest weighed over 432 lbs and I have been at least in the 200+ area since 20 years old.  Needless to say, I look like a Sharpei dog.  I would love to tell all of you that we should love ourselves no matter what little imperfections that we have, however, if it truly bothers you, there is always plastic surgery.  Sure, plastic surgery is cosmetic and in most cases insurance will NOT pay for it, however, invest the money in yourself if it is something that is very important to you. 

Last Minute Pre-Surgery Jitters
This is perfectly normal.  We all question at the 11th hour am I making the right decision?  Will I have complications, etc.  The day before my surgery I cried. I was very upset with myself that I had destroyed my body and had to resort to surgery. 

What Should I Bring to the Hospital?
Pack light.  The clothes I were to the hospital, were the ones that I wore home.  Wear sensible shoes and an outfit that is easy to get on and off.  My hospital had all the toiletries, so I only needed chapstick (your lips will get dry), slippers and a robe.  I watched TV, however, bring a book/magazine to occupy yourself.  Try not to bring too many electronic gadgets - you will be in and out of it, and you don't want it to get lost or stolen.

Helpful Pre-op Documents
Again, you should ALWAYS heed the advice of your surgeon, however, in case they are not good at sharing information, my Surgeon's office offered the below sample documents on their site:

Pre-op Surgery Instructions
Pre-op Shopping List
Food Log
Protein Supplement Shakes List
Pre-op Evaluation Form
Psychological Evaluation Sample Letter
Letter of Necessity with Nutrition Information
Pre-op Nutritional Assessment Form

 

Weight Loss Progression: