Getting Started
Lap Band surgery is the safest option in bariatric surgery. Dr. Bagnato has performed thousands of Lap Band procedures, and continues to help people in Macon, Albany and the surrounding areas achieve lasting weight loss.
At Palmyra Surgical, we have a dedicated team of weight loss specialists who are here to guide you through this process. In addition to board certified bariatric surgeon Dr. John Bagnato, our team includes five people who have personally undergone Lap Band surgery, giving us a unique and in-depth perspective on your upcoming journey and the surgery process.
Making the Right Choice
If you are just deciding if weight loss surgery is right for you, we invite you to attend our free online seminar.
Am I a Candidate?
As you determine if Lap Band surgery is the right choice for your needs, you may wonder if you qualify for weight loss surgery. Most people with a BMI greater than 35 will qualify for surgery.
If you do not meet the listed criteria for surgery based on your health insurance coverage, or if you are not extremely obese or overweight but are still interested in Lap Band surgery, Dr. Bagnato can still help. Contact us to learn more about self-pay options and getting Lap Band surgery as a cosmetic procedure.
Your First Visit
Before you visit our office, we ask that you please complete several forms to make your first visit easier for you. When you contact us to schedule an appointment, we will provide you with a “patient access code.” Please enter this code and your last name into our patient portal to begin this process.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Bagnato will review your medical history and conduct a full medical assessment. If your insurance company rules it necessary, we will also complete a nutritional and mental health assessment.
Please bring the following documentation to your first visit:
- Current insurance card
- Valid picture ID
- Medical records covering primary care for the past 3-5 years
- Documentation of past weight loss efforts
- Printed list of current medications from your pharmacy
Please do not fax any documents to our office. Submit paperwork using our online portal, and bring accompanying documentation with you to your first visit.
Payment Options and Insurance Coverage
In some situations, Lap Band surgery is covered by health insurance policies. Contact your policy representative and ask if they cover CPT code 43770.
Medicare patients do sometimes qualify for Lap Band surgery under their existing coverage. Dr. Bagnato will soon be able to schedule consultations and surgeries for Medicare patients at Coliseum Northside Hospital. Current Medicare policy holders interested in Lap Band surgery should call our office for more information.
For those who cannot obtain insurance coverage for Lap Band surgery, self-pay options are available.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to take the next step and get started, please contact us.