NGMC moves to make weight loss surgery more affordable

GAINESVILLE - The Bariatric Weight Loss Center at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) recognizes that insurance doesn't always cover weight loss surgery, even when it's beneficial to a person's health. That's why NGMC is offering a special pricing discount for patients interested in LAP-BAND® gastric banding surgery.

"This is a limited time, special pricing discount for patients who either wish to self-pay, without insurance, or whose insurance may not cover weight loss surgery," says Rita Shingleton, RN, CBN, NGMC's bariatric program manager. "It is our goal to make weight loss surgery more affordable than it's ever been. That's why we are offering our lowest pricing ever for this procedure."

New guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have made weight loss surgery a possibility for people who previously were not considered candidates. In 2011, the FDA expanded its guidelines to approve LAP-BAND® adjustable gastric banding surgery for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 34 who also have an existing health condition related to their obesity, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea.

Patients who undergo minimally invasive LAP-BAND® surgery may experience improvement or resolution of other obesity related health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and acid reflux, which may lead to decreased healthcare costs due to fewer physician visits and medications.

To learn more about this special pricing, or to find out if you qualify for LAP-BAND® adjustable gastric banding surgery, please call the Bariatric Weight Loss Center at 770-219-0446.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/2/258619