Bariatric Surgery FAQ

Christina Lundeen, RN – 205.975.3000 or clundeen@uabmc.edu

Shakera Duncan – 205.996.5182 or shakeradduncan@uabmc.edu

Call 205-934-7053 and choose option 1 to notify the Access Center that you are interested in surgery.

Marie Stoves – 205.996.6984 or mstoves@uabmc.edu

Bariatric, or weight loss surgery, involves altering your digestive process in order to restrict food intake and alter calorie absorption. The goal of bariatric surgery is to induce weight loss and improve overall health.

We offer two types of bariatric surgery at UAB. Click to learn more about gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

There are several factors to consider in determining if weight loss surgery may be right for you. If the following descriptions apply to you, then you may be a candidate.

You must be least 18 years old, and:You Either:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40, or
• Have a BMI of 35 to 39 with obesity-related medical conditions, such as:
  • Diabetes requiring medication
  • Abnormal cholesterol, lipids, or triglycerides requiring medication
  • Hypertension requiring medication
  • Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
  • Severe osteoarthritis

And:

• You have tried to lose weight with diet and exercise but have been unsuccessful.
• You have been morbidly obese for at least three years.
• You are healthy and young enough to undergo surgery.
• You understand the surgical risks, benefits, and limitations of surgery, and how your life may change after surgery.

You do NOT have any of the following conditions:

• Active peptic ulcer disease
• Alcoholism
• Drug abuse
• Serious psychiatric disability

Not all insurers provide coverage for weight loss surgery, so it is important that you contact your provider to find out. 

In the event that your insurance does not approve you to have the operation or does not pay for these procedures:

Initial Consultation: Approximately $461 (Cost incurred for pre-op assessment appointment prior to surgery not included)

Blood Work: $600-$1,200

Psychological Evaluation: Depends on each individual’s insurance coverage. Patient must call insurance company to determine fees.

Nutritional Evaluation: $100

Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedure: Approximately $14,688

Payment Plans: We do not currently offer the option for payment plans. The full amount will need to be paid 2 weeks prior to surgery.

Like any major surgery, there are risks associated with bariatric surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your individual risk.

Each patient will have a different experience depending on the surgery option they choose, and there is no guarantee of success. Patients who continually diet and exercise have the best results. With that in mind, losing 25-30% of weight is common, though some patients lose more or less than that. 

The typical hospital stay is 1–2 nights.

Most patients are able to return to work within 2-3 weeks of surgery, but the amount of time required varies with the individual and the type of work they do.

You will be instructed on a diet progression after surgery. Initially, patients start on thin, clear liquids but progress to a regular but healthy and weight-conscious diet over 3 months. You can find more detailed information regarding your expected diet on the Meal Plan page.

Weight Loss Medicine Clinic information: Call 205-934-7053 and select option 1 for a new patient appointment. The Bariatric Clinic number is 205-975-3000.

In order to guide patients through the bariatric surgery approval process, priority appointments are scheduled in the Weight Loss Medicine Clinic. This helps determine patient’s eligibility and evaluate the benefits and risks of surgery and get started right away, if appropriate.