The Hidden Costs of Surgery

Many programs advertise discounted prices for gastric banding surgery. Be sure to "read between the lines" when comparing program charges.

Here are some very important things to consider when comparing and choosing a bariatric program:

Is the program a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE)? Quality and patient safety are the top priorities in a BSCOE & maintaining a BSCOE is expensive and labor intensive.

NCMC is a BSCOE through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. We have no deaths in over 1100 cases.

Is the price list complete? Are unexpected bills sent separately by physicians for X-rays, EKGs, laboratory tests and pulmonary & sleep studies?

Our price list has no hidden costs; we include testing in our fee and estimate your TOTAL cost. 

In case I need to stay in the hospital, do I have to pay extra for a hospital stay? How many days are covered? 

Our fee includes a hospital stay for 48 hours - Just in case you need it!

What are the chances I may have to go back to surgery for a slipped band (including symmetrical dilitation)? What does it  cost?

Reoperations cost as much as or more than the first surgery! Reoperations usually occur many months after the original surgery - after much weight is lost.

What is the surgeon's "slipped band" rate?

Dr. Johnell has a slipped band rate of  <2% - below the national average.  0% in the last 180 patients.

In what percent of patients does the surgeon repair hiatal hernia to prevent a future slipped band?

Dr. Johnell repairs hiatal hernias on over 25% of his band patients and has a special technique to help prevent slips and reoperations.

What is the surgeon's yearly rate of reoperation for slipped bands?

Dr. Johnell's rates: 2006: 5%; 2007: <2%; 2008 <2%