Evaluating the economic impact of bariatric surgery: A multi-year comparative analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities, but data regarding its cost impact are mixed. We compared healthcare costs for bariatric surgery patients and non-operative controls through four years after surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent bariatric surgery in 2018-2019 were matched 1:5 with controls who met criteria for bariatric surgery but were medically managed. Post-operative costs were compared by year after surgery and healthcare setting.

RESULTS

Bariatric surgery patients (n ​= ​37) had higher mean total costs years 1-4 after surgery compared to non-operative controls (n ​= ​185) [$26,805(SD $47,039) vs. $14,547($30,170); p ​< ​0.001]. The largest differences occurred in the outpatient setting [$16,935($19,807) vs. $8972($14,690); p ​< ​0.0001] and during the first year after surgery [$12,616($36,422) vs. $3355($9367); p ​< ​0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery patients had higher post-operative costs through four years after surgery compared to non-operative controls, primarily due to higher costs within the first year after surgery and increased outpatient costs.