Cost & Financing

ESG Cost Guide: Pricing, Financing & Budget Planning

ESG is a defined, one-time procedure cost — generally meaningfully less than surgical sleeve gastrectomy, and predictable compared with ongoing GLP-1 medication expense. A personalized estimate requires a clinical review.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere, MD, FACS, FASMBS. Last reviewed: June 1, 2026.

What's typically included

  • Endoscopist and anesthesiology fees.
  • Facility, equipment, and Apollo OverStitch suturing supplies.
  • Pre-procedure clinical evaluation and labs.
  • Post-procedure nutrition guidance and structured follow-up.

What's typically not included

  • Flights, hotel, and meals.
  • Local medical care after returning home.
  • Additional procedures should they be clinically indicated.

Personalized estimates only

Final pricing depends on procedure plan, medical evaluation, comorbidities, and travel needs. A patient coordinator can provide a personalized estimate after an educational consultation. We do not publish a fixed price because doing so risks misleading patients whose situation requires additional care.

Cost in context — 3 years

The numbers below are illustrative, not quotes.

OptionTypical 3-year illustrative spend
ESG (one-time)Single defined cost; no recurring drug spend
GLP-1 medication out-of-pocketRecurring monthly cost (varies by agent and pharmacy)
Laparoscopic Sleeve GastrectomyHigher one-time surgical cost

Financing through HEVA Health Lending

HEVA Health Lending offers medical financing for qualifying patients. Pre-qualification is a soft credit pull and does not affect your credit score. The patient coordinator can share the application link during your educational consultation.

Monthly payment examples (illustrative only)

Amount financed12 months24 months
$10,000~$890 / mo~$470 / mo
$12,500~$1,110 / mo~$585 / mo
$15,000~$1,335 / mo~$705 / mo

Estimates only. Actual rates and terms depend on credit approval and lender policies.

Budget planning checklist

  • Procedure cost (financed or upfront).
  • Round-trip flights for patient (and companion, if traveling with one).
  • 2-4 nights of hotel accommodation.
  • Local meals and ground transportation.
  • Post-procedure nutrition supplies (protein, vitamins).
  • Time off from work (typically 5-10 days).

FAQ

Is ESG covered by insurance?

In most countries, ESG is currently considered out-of-pocket. Some U.S. employer plans and international insurers are beginning to provide partial coverage. Always verify with your insurer.

Can I finance ESG?

Yes. HEVA Health Lending offers medical financing for qualifying patients, with terms typically ranging from 6 to 24 months. Approval depends on individual credit review.

Are travel and accommodations included?

Travel, hotel, and meals are typically not included in the procedure fee. The patient coordinator can outline expected travel-related costs during the educational consultation.

Related: Is ESG right for me? · Recovery Guide

Medical Review & Clinical Oversight

Reviewed by Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere, MD, FACS, FASMBS — bariatric and metabolic surgeon, Obesity Control Center. Last reviewed: June 1, 2026. Content is reviewed at least annually or when new significant evidence is published.

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