A typical weight loss surgery can run from $15,000 to $25,000. Every insurance company is different, but before agreeing to cover the surgery, most insurance companies want documentation of your struggle with obesity. They want a primary care doctor's records indicating you've tried to lose weight through diet, exercise, and psychological counseling. Also, medical causes of obesity must be ruled out. It pays to ensure that your doctor documents your efforts early on, so surgery is an option later.