Tag: fast weight loss

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:

With nearly 41.9% of adults struggling with obesity, this health concern has become a pressing global issue. Obesity is a complex health condition characterized by excess body fat and is linked to a variety of health risks. Among multiple interventions, bariatric surgery has proven to be a transformative option for those looking for significant and sustainable weight loss results.

This surgical approach not only addresses the physical aspects of obesity but also offers a comprehensive solution by promoting long-term improvements in overall health. As the obesity rate continues to rise, the professionals at BMI Surgery are dedicated to providing residents in Birmingham, AL, and the surrounding areas with effective weight loss solutions. If you’re questioning whether or not bariatric surgery is right for you, keep reading.

Signs & Symptoms of Obesity

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of obesity is crucial for each intervention and management. The primary indicator of obesity is an elevated body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters. A BMI of 30.0 or higher categorizes an individual within the obese range. Elevated BMI levels signify an increased risk of health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Additional symptoms of obesity in adults include:

• Sleep apnea
• Back and joint pain
• Excessive sweating
• Persistent fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Stretchmarks

To learn more about your body mass index, take a look at our BMI calculator.

Understanding if Bariatric Surgery is Right For You

Weight loss surgery isn’t an option for everyone. This surgery is designed to help those who have been actively trying to lose weight through traditional methods—diet and exercise—and have seen little to no success. Whether it be due to genetics or a lack of self-discipline, some individuals have a harder time than others losing weight and maintaining results. For this reason, bariatric surgery may be an option.

Those seeking relief from obesity symptoms must meet a variety of qualifications to undergo weight loss surgery. You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if:

• Your BMI is greater than 30
• You have weight-related health issues
• You’ve lost weight and can’t stop gaining the weight back
• You haven’t been able to lose weight through exercise and diet

Weight Loss Surgery Options

ORBERA® Gastric Balloon

This temporary weight loss solution is ideal for those who struggle with self-control when it comes to eating. While your workout regimen may be showing signs of improvement, your urge to eat large portions at all hours of the day could be hindering your weight loss journey. With Orbera Gastric Balloon, you’ll feel fuller from eating less, and your body will begin to get used to ingesting smaller amounts of food.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

As the most common bariatric procedure, sleeve gastrectomy is designed for those who are severely obese—BMI is greater than 30. The structure of your stomach will be altered, reducing its size by about two-thirds. This will ultimately limit the amount of food you can eat and the number of calories that will be absorbed by your body.

Lap-Band® 

Just like other forms of bariatric surgery, Lap-Band procedures will minimize your overall food intake by altering your stomach size. However, this weight loss surgery is customizable in that it can be reversed and modified. 

Talk to the BMI Professionals About Bariatric Surgery

For those in search of a long-term solution to their weight loss struggles, BMI Surgery is here for you. Our team of professionals will perform an in-depth evaluation of your current condition and discuss your bariatric surgery options with you. Whether you’ve struggled with obesity your entire life or have recently been experiencing a weight loss plateau, our licensed and highly trained surgeons can help you achieve permanent weight loss for our patients.

Join Our Ever-Growing List of Success Stories

Just like anything you read about on the internet, bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, has its own set of rumors going around. This medical intervention helps those dealing with obesity, giving them a way to a healthier and happier life. But there are a lot of myths about how we see these procedures, clouding the understanding of their effectiveness, safety, and overall impact. 

The professionals at BMI Surgery are here to dispel these myths and can provide you with clarity and insight into the realities of bariatric surgery. Together, we can separate fact from fiction and make an empowered decision based on accurate information.

5 Myths About Weight Loss Surgery

Myth #1: Bariatric Surgery is the Easy Way Out

Continuously attempting traditional weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, without achieving the desired results is similar to the definition of insanity—repeating the same actions while expecting a different result. For those struggling to lose weight, they might think taking the “easy way out” means sticking to methods that don’t work well, even when they’re not seeing much progress.

Contrary to popular belief, bariatric surgery is far from taking the easy way out. It’s an in-depth procedure that requires a lot of work before and after the operation. Patients engage in pre-operative classes, consultations, and post-operative lifestyle changes to sustain their results. Far from being a shortcut, bariatric surgery requires commitment and hard work.

Myth #2: Anyone Struggling With Weight Loss Can Receive Bariatric Surgery

Unfortunately, weight loss surgery is not suitable for everyone. The decision to undergo such a procedure depends on various factors, including your overall health, medical history, and severity of your obesity.

If you’re interested in learning more about whether bariatric surgery is right for you, please contact the professionals at BMI Surgery today. We’d be happy to walk you through your options—call us at (205) 850-1973.

Myth #3: It Doesn’t Matter What Form of Bariatric Surgery You Receive

While most bariatric surgery is placed under the umbrella of “weight loss surgery,” there is a difference in which procedure you choose. Most of these differences pertain to how the surgery is performed. From placing a small balloon in the stomach to completely changing the structure of your stomach, the professionals at BMI can walk you through the options best suited to your needs.

BMI Bariatric Surgery Options

• Orbera Gastric Balloon: This non-surgical procedure places a temporary balloon into your stomach to make you feel fuller and control portion sizes.
• Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: Effective in maintaining long-term weight loss, this bariatric surgery creates a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake. Then, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch so food can bypass the lower stomach.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy: During this weight loss surgery, the structure of your stomach is reduced in size by about two-thirds, leaving you feeling fuller quicker.
• Lap-Band: Here, we’ll induce weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach using a hollow band. The band is placed around the upper end of the stomach and inflated with a saline solution, limiting the passageway. 
• Revisional Weight Loss Surgery: Used for those who have regained weight after surgery, revisional weight loss procedures are offered to help you get back on track.

Myth #4: Bariatric Surgery Leaves a Large Scar and Is Painful

In the past, weight loss surgery would have left a large abdominal scar. But, with advancements in technology, most bariatric surgeries are now performed through “pinhole surgery,” or laparoscopic surgery. This procedure involves using a small tube-like instrument fitted with a camera on the end. The video monitor allows the surgeon to perform the surgery by seeing the inside of your abdomen.

Additionally, you may experience mild soreness after your procedure, especially in the stomach and abdominal area. You’ll be expected to limit physical activity for a few weeks, but most patients can resume their daily lives about one month post-treatment. The BMI professionals will provide you with aftercare instructions once we’ve performed your chosen bariatric surgery, making sure you’re informed about every detail. 

Myth #5: You’ll Never Be Able to Eat Normal Foods Again

While you will need to adjust to a dietary learning curve after bariatric surgery, we aren’t here to tell you that you’ll never be able to eat another Orea or piece of pie again. After surgery, your diet will be limited to liquids and soft or pureed foods. As you recover, you’ll be able to eat a variety of normal foods, but you will notice that your diet won’t be the same as it was pre-surgery.

Because your stomach has ultimately been shrunk, your portions will be much smaller, and you’ll feel fuller more quickly. Much like any other weight loss regimen, you’ll need to maintain healthy habits to avoid gaining the weight back. This will involve regular exercise and protein-focused meals. This doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate foods you love, but it will need to be done in moderation.

Take Control of Your Weight Loss Journey

At BMI, we understand how difficult and stressful it can be to work toward weight loss without seeing results. For this reason, we provide Birmingham, AL, residents with efficient and effective bariatric surgical procedures. Operating in a state-of-the-art facility and using the latest surgical procedures, our team of board-certified surgeons is here to help you take control of your weight. 

There’s no better time than the present to start making a healthier change. We’ll walk you through your weight loss surgery options and determine the best solution for your specific needs. Each member of our team will happily answer any questions or concerns you may have, providing you with peace of mind every step of the way.

Don’t Wait; Schedule a Consultation Today!