Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga Offers Affordable Bariatric Surgery to Transform Lives

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Dec. 16, 2024 - PRLog -- Obesity is a significant public health challenge, with an estimated 37% of Hamilton County residents affected, according to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. Despite its proven safety and life-changing benefits, weight loss surgery remains out of reach for many due to financial barriers. The Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga, PLLC is tackling this issue head-on by offering high-quality, affordable bariatric surgery options to patients without insurance coverage.

Dr. Jaime Ponce, President and CEO of The Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga, underscores the urgency of this mission: "Nearly one in three patients seeking treatment for severe obesity lack insurance coverage, and even those with coverage often face financial obstacles. With fewer than 1% of eligible candidates undergoing bariatric surgery, we are determined to bridge the gap and provide access to transformative care."

Bariatric surgery, such as gastric sleeve procedures, is minimally invasive and has been shown to be as safe or safer than gallbladder surgery. Patients typically lose 25-35% of their body weight within the first year, leading to significant health improvements. Unfortunately, the high cost of surgery often drives approximately 50,000 Americans annually to seek bariatric surgery abroad in countries like Mexico, where follow-up care and long-term outcomes can be compromised.

To address this gap, Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga has become a premier partner of the American Bariatric Centers, and working in collaboration with Hamilton Ambulatory Surgery Center in Dalton, Georgia, and Medtronic, we are proud to offer weight loss surgery at an affordable price of $8,995 for patients without insurance coverage who meet specific medical criteria for outpatient procedures. For patients requiring overnight care, our partnership with Parkridge Medical Center enables us to provide this life-changing surgery at a competitive price of $11,995.

These rates are among the lowest in the Nation, significantly below the U.S. average of $19,000 for a gastric sleeve procedure, as reported by Forbes¹. Patients also benefit from local access to comprehensive follow-up care, including dietary counseling, psychological support, and exercise resources, eliminating the need for costly flights or concerns about the quality of care in overseas clinics.

Dr. Rami Lutfi, CEO of American Bariatric Centers, highlights the significance of this initiative: "Dr. Ponce is an internationally recognized leader in the field, and with his team bring unmatched expertise and dedication to bariatric surgery, offering high-quality care at an accessible cost while embracing value-based care principles."

Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, supports Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga's efforts by providing cutting-edge surgical devices and educational resources. Frank Bisceglie, U.S. Market Development Consultant in Bariatrics at Medtronic, states: "We are honored to work with Dr. Ponce and his team to expand access to life-changing bariatric surgery while maintaining the highest standards of care." Chris Cosby, CEO of Parkridge Medical Center, underscores the hospital's commitment to this initiative: "By partnering with Dr. Ponce, we aim to provide more patients access to comprehensive, affordable care that addresses the growing obesity epidemic in our community."

For more information about affordable bariatric surgery options or to schedule a consultation, visit WeightLossCenterChattanooga.com or call (423) 362-LOSE.

¹https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/gastric-sleeve/

About the Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga

The Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga PLLC is the region's expert provider of comprehensive obesity care. Under the leadership of Dr. Jaime Ponce, the center combines over 22 years of expertise with cutting-edge treatments, ensuring patients receive the highest quality care and long-term support. www.WeightLossCenterChattanooga.com

About Hamilton Ambulatory Surgery Center

Hamilton Ambulatory Surgery Center, a state-of-the-art facility in Dalton, GA, offers a combination of technology, comfort, and experience that has brought its surgeons and staff national recognition for patient satisfaction. www.vitruvianhealth.com/locations/hamilton-ambulatory-surgery-center

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is a leading global healthcare technology company dedicated to addressing humanity's most challenging health problems through innovative solutions. Its mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of over 95,000 professionals across more than 150 countries. Medtronic's technologies and therapies address 70 health conditions, including cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. www.Medtronic.com

About Parkridge Medical Center

Parkridge Medical Center, part of the HCA Healthcare system, is a 275-bed hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, offering a wide range of medical and surgical services. Its mission is to improve human life through high-quality, affordable healthcare. www.parkridgehealth.com/locations/parkridge-medical-center

About American Bariatric Centers

American Bariatric Centers, established in Chicago in partnership with Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga, is committed to improving access to bariatric surgery. Through innovative collaborations and patient-centered solutions, the organization strives to provide high-quality, affordable care to those in need.www.abcbariatrics.com