Obesity results from the excess accumulation of fat that exceeds the body’s skeletal and physical standards. According to the American Obesity Association, Obesity is a disease.

Morbid Obesity is typically defined as being 100 lbs or more over ideal body weight, or having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher. Morbid Obesity reaches a point of significantly increasing the risk of co-morbidities that result in either significant physical disability or even death. Morbid Obesity is a serious and chronic disease. Treatment is available, and surgery is an extremely viable option for you.

• Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: $15,999
• Gastric Sleeve: $8,999
• LAP-BAND®: $19,999
• Remove Gastric Band and convert to Gastric Sleeve: $10,999
• Remove Gastric Band and convert to Gastric Bypass: $16,999

Most health insurance companies will cover most of this surgical procedure. However, there are so many plans that it is best to contact us and to schedule an appointment.

Like every operation, there is a risk. Because our patients already have health-related problems, there is an increased risk of complications. However, our team makes sure they thoroughly screen you to make sure that there are no surprises on the operating table. If we feel that it is not safe to operate on you, we will not proceed. However we will gladly work with you in order for you to be eligible for the operation. Your team will be behind you 100% before, during, and after the surgery.

No matter if you’re private pay or paying with insurance, every patient is required to attend an online nutrition/prep class that is led by our bariatric coordinator and bariatric nutritionist. The bariatric coordinator had gastric bypass surgery herself, so she’s very familiar with the process, along with the emotions that go along with it. Here, they’ll address all your questions and concerns while giving you information on pre-op nutrition, post-op nutrition, and everything else you’ll need to know about the surgery, including mental preparations.  

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The average stay of our patients depends on the surgical procedure. Most patients that undergo LAP-BAND® placement will go home the day of surgery. Patients that undergo laparoscopic gastric bypass usually go home on the second day after the operation.

For patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, patients will typically stay overnight in the hospital after surgery.

Most patients can go back to work one week after surgery. Some patients have gone back to work as early as three days after surgery. The only restriction when you return to work is no lifting more than ten pounds for four weeks from the day of your surgery.

We strongly recommend for you to not get pregnant for the first 18-24 months after your surgery. Most of the excess weight is lost during this time, and your fetus’ health may be endangered.

We prefer for you not to drink alcohol after surgery, especially because of the excess calories.

Many of our patients opt for plastic surgery, but we recommend you wait until your weight loss has “plateaued” or stopped before undergoing plastic surgery.

We strongly recommend you exercise after your operation to help you lose the weight the fastest. Feel free to take some light, brisk walks when you return home. You can start low-impact exercise one week after surgery, but don’t lift greater than 10 pounds for four weeks. After four weeks, you can exercise without restrictions.

Your body needs to receive the proper vitamins in order to survive. The nutritional supplements that you need to take after surgery will be discussed in the nutrition/prep class just before your procedure.

The diet after the operation will be discussed in the nutrition/prep class just before surgery. Also, you will follow up with a nutritionist 4 weeks after surgery to make sure you are eating properly.

For patients that undergo laparoscopic gastric bypass, most of the weight loss occurs in the first six months, and the weight loss usually stops after one year. For patients that undergo laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, they will typically lose 4-5 pounds per month, and the weight loss usually stops after 18-24 months. This surgery is a tool to help you lose weight, and exercise and diet will help you achieve your ideal body weight. We even have had patients reach a size zero! Our team will be with you 100% to support you after the operation.

*Individual results may vary

The gastric bypass is considered non-reversible. The adjustable gastric band is reversible, but if it is removed, patients will typically gain all of the weight back and then some.

The sleeve gastrectomy is not reversible since 80% of the stomach is removed.

In our local area, we have support groups set up that are specific to gastric bypass and adjustable gastric band. The support groups are run by our bariatric coordinator, and our bariatric team is also readily available by phone or email.

Find out more about our support group.