Bariatric Surgery
Patient Appointment Scheduling Numbers:
New Orleans
Baton Rouge
225-761-5470West Bank
504-212-7036North Shore (Slidell)
985-639-3777
The Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner
Bariatric Surgery is a tool that aids in weight loss, resolution of co-morbid conditions and increased quality of life for patients. In order to achieve and maintain success following bariatric surgery, proper diet, vitamin supplementation and daily exercise are essential. Our staff have designed a nutrition binder that will help patients adhere to that success before and after surgery.
Click here to download Ochsner's Surgical Weight Loss Program's Nutrition Binder
Ochsner Surgical Weight Loss Program Locations
While we strive to serve all qualified patients, there are certain insurance plans that do not have sufficient bariatric surgery benefits, and some plans that we do not accept. Currently the Bariatric Surgery Clinic does not accept Medicaid or any Managed Medicaid Programs (such as Bayou Health). However, surgery is still an option for otherwise qualified patients at a cash price. All benefits are reviewed by our Patient Financial Services team prior to surgery, and cash prices and financing options may be discussed with the Bariatric Financial Counselor at, or prior to initial consultation.
Pre-Operative Consults, Labs and Studies
The pre-operative workup required for those individuals considering surgery may be extensive. The program is designed to obtain data preoperatively to identify and minimize any intraoperative or postoperative risk factors. This data is also used for long term follow-up care once you have been discharged from the hospital.
Your first appointment will be with the Bariatric Physician Assistant or Bariatric Surgeon (Baton Rouge). During this visit an extensive history and assessment will be done to determine what type of studies and consults will be needed. Some studies are routinely done on all bariatric patients while others are based on one’s history and assessment and previous studies from other physicians. Another person you will visit with early in the process is the nutritionist. She will want to do a dietary assessment and begin working on a nutritional plan with you. This may include a pre-operative weight loss plan designed especially for you. She will also begin reviewing the life-long changes that will be necessary for you to be successful with a gastric bypass and determine from a nutritional aspect whether you would be a candidate for the surgery.
During the initial visit, an appointment will also be made for you to meet with one of our behavioral health specialists. All of the individuals you meet with during this visit will be available for future appointments before or after surgery.
Who Should Consider Weight Loss Surgery
The National Institute for Health consensus conference in 1991 established widely accepted guidelines and indications for the surgical management of severe obesity and endorsed the gastric bypass with Roux-en-Y as the most effective means for treating the obese patient. Weight loss surgery is designed for individuals with a BMI of 40 or greater and whose weight severely impairs their quality of life. Individuals with a BMI between 35-40 who have known co-morbidities may also be considered for surgery.
There are many factors that determine whether a person would make a good candidate for bariatric surgery. A reasonable attempt at losing weight with a non-surgical method must be demonstrated. This may include a physician assisted program. Some insurance companies will require one to have attempted such a program as criteria for coverage of a weight loss surgery. Another factor in determining if someone is a candidate for surgery is their understanding and commitment to the life-long changes that will be required to make this a success. It is important that an individual make an informed decision and have the knowledge to do this. The benefits, risks and complications will all be explained in depth to enable one to decide whether they are able to make this commitment.
Good results after the surgical procedure require continued dieting and an exercise plan. It is essential that one understand this concept pre-operatively, and not have the expectation that the operation will remove personal responsibility and dedication from the weight loss equation.
Click here to calculate your BMI using our online calculator.
Take Your First Step Today
View our online seminar to begin your journey in weight loss.
Bariatric Surgery - New Orleans
This site is designed to serve as a tool to help you understand more about morbid obesity, weight reduction surgery and the Surgical Weight Loss Program here at Ochsner in New Orleans, Louisiana. The mission of our Surgical Weight Loss Program is to improve the health of the population we serve by providing medical and surgical weight loss options and helping the individual achieve the highest quality of life possible.
The bariatric program at Ochsner Clinic Foundation involves a multidisciplinary team who will consult and evaluate each patient individually prior to surgery. The pre-operative team encompasses two bariatric clinical care coordinators, a Registered Dietician and a psychiatric consult. The information gathered by the multidisciplinary team will be presented to the bariatric surgeon(s) and assist him/her in deciding whether an individual is a candidate for a gastric bypass surgery. Ochsner Clinic Foundation also has the privilege of having many specialties on staff. These specialized areas include Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Rehabilitation Services, Sleep Lab and a Support Group. Ochsner is also affiliated with Elmwood Fitness Center.
The Bariatric Surgery Program at Ochsner Medical Center on Jefferson Highway has received accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program and is a Comprehensive Center.
Besides helping you take those first steps towards a healthier life, we want to ensure that our patients are fully educated and are able to make an informed decision before undergoing weight reduction surgery. In keeping with the mission of Ochsner, The Surgical Weight Loss Program has the following objectives:
- Overcome the cultural bias towards the emotional and physical challenges of the morbidly obese
- Educate health care workers to the causes of morbid obesity and how to care for the special needs of these patients
- Help the patient address and treat the causes of morbid obesity
- Provide long-term follow up and support for both patients undergoing surgical solutions or remaining on medical therapy
- Provide a multi-disciplinary team approach to the management of morbid obesity through assessment, intervention and patient education
- To provide total patient care in a secure and comfortable environment
- To improve the health and quality of life for the patient population we serve by committing the resources and effort necessary to develop the specialized knowledge and experience required for the successful treatment of morbid obesity
BLIS
Drs. William Richardson and James Wooldridge are BLIS surgeons, (www.bliscompany.com). Becoming a BLIS Surgeon is a very selective process as determined exclusively by BLIS. This means that we meet very high standards of short term outcomes and long term patient success. As a result of our approval by BLIS, we are able to participate in an innovative new insurance coverage which allows us to make a commitment to our self-pay patients that should a covered complication occur within certain time frames following surgery; our patients are not responsible for the costs associated with the care of that complication.
Bariatric surgical options offered at the New Orleans facility
The Bariatric Surgery Department offers the following surgical options:
- The Lap Gastric Bypass
- The Lap Gastric Band
- The Lap Sleeve Gastrectomy
ORBERA™ Managed Weight Loss System
Ochsner now offers ORBERA™, a non-invasive weight loss procedure for patients to manage weight loss. ORBERA™ combines a clinically tested and proven medical device, with a customized plan developed by Ochsner’s care team to effectively manage weight loss. This weight loss program will help you create healthy lifestyle habits and maintain your weight loss over time.
The comprehensive, two-part program starts with a soft balloon placed in your stomach for six months to encourage portion control. This balloon occupies a large part of the stomach causing earlier fullness when eating. During this time, your Ochsner care team will help guide you through a diet and exercise program. At six months, the balloon is removed and your care team will continue to guide you toward making healthy lifestyle choices. They will help you retrain your appetite, adopt new nutritional habits and establish a reasonable exercise routine that will be essential to your long-term success.
ORBERA™ is a cash only procedure, not covered by insurance. Please contact a Financial Counselor at 504-842-0173 for more information
**The complication protection is exclusively part of the package price you will pay for your weight loss surgery. We are happy to provide this benefit to our patients and ease your mind and your wallet in this important decision to have a life-saving surgery.
**Other terms and conditions apply; please contact our office and review the self-pay contract for further details about this program.
Bariatric Surgery - Baton Rouge
This site is designed to serve as a tool to help you understand more about morbid obesity, weight reduction surgery and the Surgical Weight Loss Program here at Ochsner in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The mission of our Surgical Weight Loss Program is to improve the health of the population we serve by providing medical and surgical weight loss options and helping the individual achieve the highest quality of life possible. Besides helping you take those first steps towards a healthier life, we want to ensure that our patients are fully educated and are able to make an informed decision before undergoing weight reduction surgery.
The bariatric program in the Baton Rouge region involves a multidisciplinary team who will consult and evaluate each patient individually prior to surgery. The pre-operative team encompasses a Bariatric Surgeon, a Registered Dietician and a Psychiatric consult. The information gathered by the multidisciplinary team will be presented to the bariatric surgeon(s) and assist him/her in deciding whether an individual is a candidate for a gastric bypass surgery.
Note: The Bariatric Surgery Program in Baton Rouge only accepts patients under the age of 60. The bariatric surgery procedure available is the sleeve gastrectomy.
In keeping with the mission of Ochsner, The Surgical Weight Loss Program has the following objectives:
- Overcome the cultural bias towards the emotional and physical challenges of the morbidly obese
- Educate health care workers to the causes of morbid obesity and how to care for the special needs of these patients
- Help the patient address and treat the causes of morbid obesity
- Provide long-term follow up and support for both patients undergoing surgical solutions or remaining on medical therapy
- Provide a multi-disciplinary team approach to the management of morbid obesity through assessment, intervention and patient education
- To provide total patient care in a secure and comfortable environment
- To improve the health and quality of life for the patient population we serve by committing the resources and effort necessary to develop the specialized knowledge and experience required for the successful treatment of morbid obesity
Bariatric Surgery - West Bank
This site is designed to serve as a tool to help you understand more about morbid obesity, weight reduction surgery and the Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus in Gretna, Louisiana. The mission of our Surgical Weight Loss Program is to improve the health of the population we serve by providing medical and surgical weight loss options and helping the individual achieve the highest quality of life possible.
The bariatric program at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank involves a multidisciplinary team who will consult and evaluate each patient individually prior to surgery. The pre-operative team encompasses a bariatric clinic coordinator, a registered nutritionist, and a psychiatric consult. The information gathered by the multidisciplinary team will be presented to the bariatric surgeon and will assist him/her in deciding whether an individual is a candidate for a bariatric procedure. Ochsner West Bank has the privilege of having many specialties available for our patients.
Besides helping you take those first steps towards a healthier life, we want to ensure that our patients arefully educated and are able to make an informed decision before undergoing weight reduction surgery. In keeping with the mission of Ochsner, The Surgical Weight Loss Program has the following objectives:
- Overcome the cultural bias towards the emotional and physical challenges of the morbidly obese
- Educate health care workers to the causes of morbid obesity and how to care for the special needs of these patients
- Help the patient address and treat the causes of morbid obesity
- Provide long-term follow up and support for both patients undergoing surgical solutions or remaining on medical therapy
- Provide a multi-disciplinary team approach to the management of morbid obesity through assessment, intervention and patient education
- To provide total patient care in a secure and comfortable environment
- To improve the health and quality of life for the patient population we serve by committing the resources and effort necessary to develop the specialized knowledge and experience required for the successful treatment of morbid obesity
Bariatric Surgery on the North Shore
Schedule an Appointment Today! (985) 639-3777
Our office is located at: 1850 Gause Boulevard East, Suite 303, Slidell
Welcome to Ochsner’s Bariatric Surgery Program for the North Shore! We’re proud to provide excellent surgical weight loss options to the communities of Slidell, Covington, Southwest Mississippi and everywhere in between.
We offer a variety of surgical options, including Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, and Lap-Band surgery, to fit the needs of all our patients. Plus, you can rest easy knowing all surgeries are done within Ochsner Health System, with immediate and direct access to its world-renowned and nationally-ranked care.
- Weight Loss Surgery Seminars - New Orleans
- Surgical Weight Loss Support Groups - New Orleans
- Weight Loss Surgery Seminars - West Bank
- Bariatric Surgery Support Group - West Bank
- Weight Loss Seminars - Baton Rouge
- Weight Loss Seminars - Slidell
Weight Loss Surgery Seminars - New Orleans
Learn more about weight loss surgery options at Ochsner during our free seminars. Hear from a physician or physician assistant, RN and dietician. You’ll also have a chance to speak directly with the experts during a Q&A session.
Seminars are held at Ochsner Medical Center in the Brent House Conference Center: 2nd Floor, Caldwell and Burns Rooms.
Please call 504-842-2701 to RSVP or additional information.
All patients are required to attend a seminar before booking an appointment for a consultation.
| 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. |
| 2017 |
| January 24 |
| February 23 |
| March 21 |
| April 20 |
| May 23 |
| June 22 |
| July 18 |
| August 24 |
| September 19 |
| October 19 |
| November 14 |
| December 14 |
Surgical Weight Loss Support Groups - New Orleans
Support Groups are held in the Brent House Conference Center 2nd floor, from 5:30-6:30pm.
No registration required!
Please call 504-842-2701 for questions.
Check back for updated dates!
| 2017 |
| January 10 |
| February 21 |
| March 14 |
| April 11 |
| May 9 |
| June 13 |
| July 11 |
| August 8 |
| September 12 |
| October 10 |
| November 7 |
| December 12 |
Weight Loss Surgery Seminars - West Bank
The seminar includes:
- An overview of surgical weightloss options
- Before and after nutrition and exercise commitments
- Indications for bariatric surgery
- Post operative care
- Question and answer session
Where: Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus, 1st Floor River Room
When: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Talk to your physician to find out if weightloss surgery is an option for you. Call 504-212-7036 for more information about the information process.
Bariatric Surgery Support Group - West Bank
A Weight Loss Support Group for individuals interested in having or who have already had a bariatric procedure. Patients are able to interact with each other by sharing stories, recipes and helpful information. Occasionally guest speakers will present on various topics. Anyone interested is invited to attend!
Where: Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus, 1st Floor River Room
When: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Weight Loss Seminars - Baton Rouge
Our comprehensive weight management team provides an informational online seminar on surgical and non-surgical weight loss options. The online seminar is free of charge registration is not required.
To start the online seminar, click here.
For any questions about the online seminar, call 225-761-5459.
Weight Loss Seminars - Slidell
Ochsner now offers bariatric surgery in Slidell. Watch a video online from Dr. Gridley, click here.
Learn more about weight loss surgery options at Ochsner during our free informational seminar. Hear from our surgeon, Dr. Gridley and have a chance to ask your questions during a Q&A session.
Seminar will take place at: Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore in the Camellia Room from 5:30 - 7:00pm
Call to RSVP: 985-898-7255
2017 Seminar Dates:
- May 3 at 5:30pm
- June 14 at 5:30pm
- August 9 at 5:30pm
- October 11 at 5:30pm
- November 8 at 5:30pm
Proteina Colada
Mix one scoop Vanilla protein powder, eight ounces skim milk, two drops McCormick Imitation Pineapple Extract, two drops McCormick Imitation Coconut Extract-adjust to taste.
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp is the perfect texture - soft and moist. Serve to your family over linguini or rice - and have your shrimp and sauce in a small bowl - with diced tomato or broccoli.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, about 1 ½ pounds
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook for one minute and season with salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook 1-2 minutes, until sauce has thickened. Add parsley and lemon juice; toss well to coat. Cook until shrimp are done.
4 ounce portion: Calories 177, fat 6.5 g, carbs 2 g, protein 23 g
Makes six servings
Cauliflower Mash
This dish is truly creamy and delicious. Hard to tell this from mashed potatoes!
- One 1 1/2 pound head Cauliflower, cut into large florets
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Butter
Combine cauliflower, garlic, and broth in a large saucepan. (add water to cover if vegetable is not completely covered by broth) Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until cauliflower is tender, 12 to 14 minutes.
Drain cauliflower, reserving a cup of the cooking liquid. Transfer cauliflower and garlic to food processor and process until very smooth adding a tablespoon or two of cooking liquid if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of butter to taste.
Serves 8
Per 1/2 cup serving: Calories 40, fat 3g, carbs 6g, protein 4g
Chocolate Ricotta Pudding Cake
This is a flourless ricotta cake that uses boiled eggs as the stiffener. And it has the texture of classic English puddings. Note: Desserts are for special occasions - not for everyday...
Nutritional Values per serving:
- Calories 150
- Total Fat 9.7g
- Saturated Fat 3.8g
- Trans Fat 0.0g
- Cholesterol 63mg
- Sodium 91mg
- Total Carbohydrates 5.4g
- Dietary Fiber 0.9g
- Sugars 1.9g
- Protein 8.8g
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons butter, softened
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg whites
- 3/4 pound ricotta cheese, drained
- 4 tablespoons granulated Splenda (Or Truvia or Whey Low)
- 2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate, finely grated, plus more for garnish
- 1/8 pound blanched almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
- Lemon zest, for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Use the butter to thoroughly grease the bottom and sides of a 1 quart loaf pan.
Hard boil 2 eggs.
In a medium bowl add the ricotta and whisk until free of lumps.
Add the Splenda, chocolate and almonds and stir to blend.
Set aside.
Peel the hard-boiled eggs and put the yolks through a small strainer to break them into small bits. Add the egg yolks to the ricotta mixture.
Beat the 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer - longer with a whisk!.
Gently fold the egg whites into the ricotta mixture with a rubber spatula, retaining as much fluffiness as possible.
Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan.
Put the loaf pan into a roasting pan and add hot water to roasting pan to make a water bath and bake, undisturbed, for 50 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and the water bath.
Allow to cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with a touch of lemon zest and some chocolate over each portion.
Serves 8
Cook's Note: How to make Hard Boiled Eggs: Add eggs to a pot and cover them by at least 1 inch with COLD water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat (between 8 and 10 minutes). When the water boils, remove the pot from the heat, cover and allow to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Remove the eggs from the pot and run them under cold water to stop them from overcooking. No green ring around the yolk!!!
**Recipes come from www.bariatriceating.com
Contact Information
- Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner - New Orleans by calling 504-842-2701 or by bariatricsurgery@ochsner.org.
- Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner - Baton Rouge by calling 225-761-5470 or by bariatricsurgerybr@ochsner.org.
- Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner - West Bank Campus by calling 504-212-7036.
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Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner - North Shore in Slidell: To speak with Yvette about the cost of surgical weight loss, call (985) 646-5008. To schedule an appointment, call (985) 639-3777.
Team Members
Bariatric Surgery Staff- New Orleans
William S Richardson, MD
Section Head, General Surgery; Director, Laparoscopic Surgery
Dr. Richardson earned his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his internship, residency and surgical research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He completed his fellowship in laparoscopic surgery at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Richardson is board certified in surgery and has been on staff at Ochsner since 1997. His expertise includes laparoscopic, minimally invasive surgeries and bariatric surgery. He has a special research interest in laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.
Dr. Wooldridge earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and completed his internship and residency at the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics in Columbia, Missouri. He completed his fellowship in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. Dr. Wooldridge is board certified in general surgery and has been on staff at Ochsner since 2009. His expertise includes laparoscopic, minimally invasive surgeries and bariatric surgery. He has a special interest in laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.
Amber Weydert, PA-C
Amber Weydert is a native of New Orleans, who earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in physician assistant studies and a Master of Medical Sciences from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ms. Plaisance is certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistant. She is a member of the AAPA (American Academy of Physician Assistants) and LAPA (Louisiana Academy of the Physician Assistants.)
Mellanie Merrit, PA-C
Mellanie Merrit is a native of New Orleans who earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Medical Sciences from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. Ms. Merrit is certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants. She is a member of the AAPA (American Academy of Physician Assistants).
Bariatric Surgery Staff- Baton Rouge
Louis Jeansonne, IV, MD
Dr. Louis Jeansonne earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana. He completed a surgical residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Laparoscopic fellowship at Emory University. Dr. Jeansonne is Board Certified in Surgery and has been on staff at Ochsner since August 2008. His special interests include laparoscopic hernia repair, laparoscopic colectomy, laparoscopic fundoplication, transoral incisionless fundoplication, robotic surgery and bariatric surgery.
Arthur Kim, MD
Dr. Kim received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Korea University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. He completed a Surgery Residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition, Dr. Kim is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Society of Breast Surgeons.
Ashley Reda, PA-C
Ashley Reda earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology, and a Master of Medical Sciences from University of Alabama at Birmingham. Ashley is certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants.
Angelina LeBlanc, CDE, LDN, RD
Angelina LeBlanc provides Medication Nutrition Therapy and is a Certified Diabetes Educator. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics from LSU Baton Rouge, where she graduted Summa Cum Laude. She has been practicing at Ochsner since 2003 and was previously at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
Scott Dufrene, LCSW
Scott Dufrene earned his social work degree from Louisiana State University in 1996. He received his state license for social work in 1998 and has worked in psychiatric social work since then. He works with bariatric patients on a preoperative and postoperative basis since 2008. He utilizes cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, and 12-step techniques.
Bariatric Surgery Staff- West Bank
Michael Cook, MD
Dr. Michael Cook earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee -College of Medicine in Memphis, TN and completed his residency at Ochsner Clinic Foundation. He also completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at Emory in Atlanta, GA. He is board certified in General Surgery and has been on staff at Ochsner Medical Center since 2009. He has a special interest in laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.
Bariatric Surgery Staff- North Shore - Slidell
The Surgical Weight Loss Program on the North Shore includes a multidisciplinary team that will be by your side before, during and after your weight loss surgery. With a customized approach, to each individual patient, our team provides everything you’ll need to achieve your weight loss goals and to keep it off.
Asahel Gridley, MD
Asahel Gridley, MD is our Bariatric Surgeon and Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery on the North Shore. Dr. Gridley graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed his residency at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans. He holds a Bachelor’s in Biology and Neuroscience, as well as a Minor in Chemistry from Baylor University.
Dr. Gridley is a Board-Certified General Surgeon and completed his fellowship at the University of Texas-Houston studying new technologies in Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Gridley holds clinic experience in the following areas: minimally invasive surgery, endoscopy, and robotic surgery-Da Vinci trained.
Yvette Leonard
Yvette Leonard is our financial coordinator. She has been with Ochsner for many years and works closely with our patients to verify insurance coverage and develop a plan to meet all insurance authorization requirements. Yvette also works to make weight loss surgery an affordable option for those choosing to pay for surgery themselves rather than through insurance.
