Weight Loss & Surgery Center: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for surgical weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is for the individual:
- whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or higher, or whose BMI is 35 or higher and has other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea,
- who has tried to lose weight through diet, exercise and/or appetite-controlling medications without long-term success
- who has gone through diagnostic tests/labs and other rigors of surgical evaluation by a qualified surgeon, and a team of supportive healthcare professionals that may include a Dietitian, Psychologist/Psychiatrist, Exercise Specialist, or other medical specialists.
How much does weight loss surgery cost?
If you have healthcare insurance you should call your insurance company. Ask whether your policy includes a benefit for weight loss surgery, or whether they exclude weight loss surgery and treatment of obesity. If your policy does cover weight loss surgery, your insurance company will probably pay for the majority of your surgery, but you will be responsible for any deductibles and/or co-pays.
We cannot estimate how much your surgery will cost because it will vary according to the length of your surgery time, the number of days/nights you stay in the hospital, and the number of supplies your individualized care demands.
If you do not have insurance, or your insurance does not cover your surgery and you plan on paying for the surgery yourself, we have discounted, lump-sum costs for each surgery type.
Self-pay costs:
Lap-Band - $12,000.
Sleeve Gastrectomy - $18,000
Gastric Bypass or Revision - $25,000
These prices include much of your surgical care before surgery, during hospitalization, and after surgery, but does not include everything. Please call our office for details about what is covered and not covered.
What if I have Medicare or Medicaid/IL Public Aid?
Medicare (insurance for people 65 years old and above and some people with qualified disabilities) does cover weight loss surgery; however, you must go to a Medicare-approved facility.
Always ask the facility you want to use whether they are approved for Medicare, or follow this link for a list of approved facilities.
Medicaid covers weight loss surgery. Methodist Weight Loss & Surgery Center accepts Medicaid on a limited basis. This means we limit the number of appointments and surgeries per month for persons on Medicaid. For first appointments, there may be more than a 3-month wait for patients on Medicaid.
How long will it take to have my surgery?
From your first surgical visit, it will take approximately 3-6 months to ensure a thorough medical evaluation is completed for a safe and effective weight loss surgery. In some cases is may take less or more time, depending upon your payment/insurance verification process and specialty healthcare evaluations and/or clearances.
We will move you through the pre-surgery process as quickly as possible, but your safety is our number one goal. The length of time required for patient education and medical clearances is tailored to you and your medical needs.
What is the $420 program fee used for?
This is a "bundled" fee for the first evaluation and follow-up needed by our Registered Dietitian and Exercise Specialist. Since diet and exercise are key factors to successful weight loss (with or without surgery), we ask you to pay for these services up front as a commitment to your education, training and agreement to follow recommended lifestyle changes.
The $420 fee includes your first 2-hour evaluation from our Dietitian and Exercise Specialist and multiple follow-up appointments before and after surgery. You do not pay this fee at your first surgical visit. The $420 is due in full at the time of your 2-hour appointment. (Installment payments are not accepted.)
Most insurance policies do not cover this expense. We do not bill your insurance. However, we would be happy to supply the necessary documentation you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement to you.
