Frequently Asked Questions

Candidates for bariatric surgery typically have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. However, eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific procedure and the patient’s overall health.

Dr. David Brown and the team at Idaho BMI in Boise, Idaho is dedicated to offering individual suggestions for you. Scheduling a consultation is the best way to determine which procedure is right for you. During a consultation you will meet with Dr. Brown and our staff, and we will review in detail bariatric procedures, and the pathway to get there – whether that be through self-pay or through your insurance plan.

At Idaho BMI, the location of your surgery will be determined on your health history and your method of payment. If you are a self-pay bariatric patient, your surgery will likely be performed at Everest Surgical Institute. If you are a bariatric insurance patient, your surgery will likely be performed at a hospital. Details about where your surgery will be performed will be reviewed with you during a consultation at Idaho BMI.

Each procedure varies in length in the operating room and depends on where your procedure is performed. The typical surgery time for a 3-incision gastric sleeve is approximately 35-45 minutes.

The recovery period for bariatric surgery depends on a few factors; your specific health history and the type of procedure performed, along with the location in which you have your procedure. Whether you have your procedure completed at Everest Surgical Institute or a local hospital partner, we will provide specific discharge and after-care instructions.

Yes, at Idaho BMI our dietitians will work closely with you to provide detailed information on what to eat and when, along with specific after-care instructions for post-op success.

Yes, at Idaho BMI, our team is experienced in general surgery, first-time bariatric surgery, gastric band removal, and bariatric revision surgery. We understand that some patients experience complications from a prior surgery that require a revision. Some patients require a revision because they did not experience the results they were hoping for with their preliminary procedure. These are all details that we will discuss with you during your consultation at Idaho BMI!

Weight loss surgery and weight loss medication are two distinct approaches to managing obesity. Dr. David Brown has a unique view on the risks associated with weight loss medication. To understand his approach, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62B2C5I2zFQ

Weight loss outcomes vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the type of surgery performed, adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes, and individual metabolism. On average, patients can expect to lose 50% or more of their excess body weight within the first two years after surgery. At Idaho BMI, our approach to weight loss surgery success is different. We offer the tools and techniques that are proven to reprogram your brain to redefine your future.
Will I need to take vitamins or supplements after bariatric surgery?
Yes, bariatric surgery can impact nutrient absorption, so patients often need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of their lives to prevent deficiencies. Common supplements may include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and multivitamins. At Idaho BMI, we will have specific recommendations and special discounts for our preferred supplements.

The cost for self-pay gastric sleeve surgery can be upwards of $20,000 in the US. Some insurances do offer coverage for bariatric surgery, but it’s important to determine exactly what is covered and your insurance companies’ specific process toward surgery. At Idaho BMI, serving Boise and surrounding areas, we offer a competitive self-pay rate through our Quickstart program, as well as financing options through CareCredit.

During your consultation at Idaho BMI, you will meet with Dr. Brown and our staff, and we will review in detail bariatric procedures, and the pathway to get there – whether that be through self-pay or through your insurance plan. If you do not have insurance, or you do not have the bariatric benefit, we are proud to offer the Idaho BMI Quickstart program for self-pay bariatric surgery at Everest Surgical Institute. These options will be reviewed with you during your consultation.

Yes, Idaho BMI has worked with hundreds out of state patients looking for an affordable option for self-pay weight loss surgery. We have preferred rates at two hotels near our clinic and your patient coordinator can provide additional details for traveling patients.