Exploring the Cost of Weight Loss Surgery

Embarking on the journey to a healthier you through weight loss surgery can be a life-changing decision. However, navigating through insurance company requirements and prolonged waiting periods can be daunting. 

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery (BMI), we understand the importance of a swift and hassle-free process, offering cash pricing options for various weight loss surgeries. Today, our team will explain the cash pricing details for five different weight loss procedures, empowering you to make an informed decision about your health and well-being.

BMI Priority Pass Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Before we discuss the cost of each weight loss surgery, it’s important to note that BMI Surgery offers a Priority Pass program that helps patients receive weight loss surgery at an affordable cost. In as little as three days, you can get quality gastric sleeve surgery at unmatched prices. Take a look at the details and contact us today to schedule your life-changing appointment.

Sleeve Gastrectomy – $8,999

Sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve surgery, is the most common bariatric procedure in the US. It is a suitable treatment if your BMI is 40 or higher or 30-40 with related health issues like diabetes or sleep apnea. This surgery reduces your stomach size by about two-thirds, promoting quicker fullness and limiting calorie intake. Laparoscopically performed, sleeve gastrectomy uses a camera-equipped tube to enhance precision and minimize invasiveness.

Cash Pricing Includes:

• Pre-operative testing, including blood work and EKG, if necessary
• The surgeon’s fee for the procedure
• Anesthesiologist fee
• Post-operative office visits for 90 days
• Surgery center fee (Outpatient) Inpatient adds extra cost: $12,800 with a one-night stay
• Monthly support group meetings

Pricing Doesn’t Include:

• Pre-operative office visit: $195
• Pre-operative nutrition evaluation/education and postoperative nutrition follow-up: $80 (total)
• Post-operative office visits at 6 months and yearly: $125 per visit

ORBERA® Gastric Balloon – $5,999

ORBERA®, also known as Apollo Orbera Surgery, offers a temporary and less invasive solution for weight loss. The non-surgical procedure, taking only 20-30 minutes, involves placing a saline-filled balloon in the stomach, promoting a feeling of fullness and controlling portion sizes. With a mild sedative, this cost-effective option, supported by educational seminars and support groups, helps patients lose the most weight in the initial months.

Cash Pricing Includes:

• Insertion and removal of the ORBERA balloon in 6 months
• The surgeon’s fee for the procedure
• Anesthesiologist fee
• Surgery center fee (outpatient basis)

Additional Information:

• ORBERA coach (12-month program with a registered dietician): $750 (not included in the balloon insertion/removal price)
• Not all patients are candidates for ORBERA.

LAP-BAND® – $19,999

The LAP-BAND® procedure involves placing a special band around the upper stomach, forming a small pouch and a narrow passage. Adjusting the saline solution in the band allows for control over the size of the path. This laparoscopic method induces weight loss by reducing stomach capacity and limiting food intake. Lap-band surgery is performed with small incisions for minimal invasiveness.

Cash Pricing Includes:

• Pre-operative testing, including blood work and EKG, if necessary
• Pre-operative nutrition evaluation
• Surgeon’s fee for the procedure
• Anesthesiologist fee
• Surgery center fee (outpatient basis)
• Post-operative visit with the nutritionist within 4 weeks of surgery
• Monthly support group meetings

Gastric Bypass – $15,999

During Gastric Bypass Surgery, the stomach is divided into a smaller upper pouch and a larger lower pouch. The small intestine is then rearranged to connect to both pouches, creating a Y-shaped configuration. This alters the digestion process, reducing the amount of food absorbed by the body. Gastric Bypass induces weight loss by limiting both the stomach’s capacity and the absorption of calories.

Cash Pricing Includes:

• Pre-operative testing, including blood work and EKG, if necessary
• Pre-operative nutrition evaluation
• Surgeon’s fee for the procedure
• Anesthesiologist fee
• Hospital fee with one night in the hospital after the surgery
• Post-operative visit with the nutritionist within 4 weeks of surgery
• Monthly support group meetings

Revisional Weight Loss Surgery: Price Depends on Service

Revisional weight loss surgery refers to a secondary procedure performed after a previous bariatric surgery to address complications, inadequate weight loss, or other issues. It involves reevaluating and modifying the initial weight loss surgery to optimize results. 

The specific type of revisional surgery varies based on individual needs and may include adjustments, conversions, or removals of previous surgical interventions to enhance overall effectiveness.

Cash Pricing Includes:

• Pre-operative testing, including blood work and EKG, if necessary
• Pre-operative nutrition evaluation
• Surgeon’s fee for the procedure
• Anesthesiologist fee
• Facility fee
• Post-operative visit with the nutritionist within 4 weeks of surgery
• Monthly support group meetings

Pricing Depends on Procedure Needed:

• Remove LAP-BAND® and convert to Sleeve Gastrectomy (Outpatient Basis): $10,999
• Remove LAP-BAND® and convert to Sleeve Gastrectomy (Inpatient Basis – one night stay): $15,999
• Remove LAP-BAND® and convert to Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (Inpatient Basis – one night stay): $16,999
• Convert Sleeve Gastrectomy to Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (Inpatient Basis – one night stay): $15,999
• Remove LAP-BAND® (Outpatient Basis): $3,999

Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Surgery?

Many insurance companies impose strict weight loss surgery coverage requirements, leading to prolonged waiting periods and physician-supervised diets. By opting for cash pricing at BMI, you can kickstart your journey towards a healthier life without unnecessary hurdles. Weight loss surgery is a proven tool for addressing issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, reflux disease, and sleep apnea.

Take Charge of Your Health With BMI Surgery

Take charge of your well-being today by exploring the cash pricing options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery. Our experienced team is committed to providing you with personalized care and guiding you through every step of your transformative journey. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Learn More About Our Cash Pricing for Weight Loss Surgery: