Matthew Brengman, MD, FACS

Weight Loss Clinic in Richmond, Virginia

Call +1 804-360-060012018 West Broad Street, Suite 102, Richmond, VA 00820

About Matthew Brengman, MD, FACS

Dr. Matthew Brengman is a board-certified surgeon with extensive expertise in bariatric surgery and comprehensive weight management solutions. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Brengman brings years of surgical experience and a commitment to evidence-based medicine to help patients achieve lasting weight loss and improved health outcomes.

Our practice combines surgical excellence with compassionate care, recognizing that successful weight loss surgery requires not just technical skill but also thorough patient education, careful selection, and long-term support. We work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their individual health status, weight loss goals, and lifestyle factors.

Services Offered

We offer the full spectrum of weight loss surgical options including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, and revision surgeries for patients who've had previous procedures. Our minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques reduce recovery time and complications compared to open surgery. Pre-surgical evaluation includes comprehensive medical clearance, psychological assessment, nutritional counseling, and insurance pre-authorization assistance. We provide extensive patient education through individual consultations, support groups, and educational seminars. Post-operative care includes regular follow-up visits, nutritional monitoring, vitamin supplementation guidance, and access to registered dietitians and mental health professionals. For patients not ready for surgery, we offer medically supervised non-surgical weight loss programs with prescription medications and lifestyle modification support. Our multidisciplinary team includes bariatric coordinators, nurses, dietitians, and mental health professionals who work together to ensure comprehensive care throughout your weight loss journey.

Surgeons

Weight Loss Centers

Medical Centers

Treatment Options

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy removes portion of stomach, reducing capacity and hunger hormones for effective long-term weight loss.

Outpatient or 1-night stay$18,000-25,000

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gold standard procedure creating small stomach pouch and rerouting intestines for maximum weight loss and health improvement.

1-2 night hospital stay$20,000-28,000

Revision Surgery

Corrective procedures for patients with complications or inadequate results from previous bariatric surgery performed elsewhere.

1-3 night hospital stay$25,000-35,000

Medical Weight Loss Program

Non-surgical option with physician supervision, prescription medications, and comprehensive lifestyle modification support.

6-12 months$300-500/month

What to Expect

Your surgical journey begins with an initial consultation where we'll review your medical history, current health status, and weight loss goals. If you're a candidate for surgery, you'll enter our comprehensive pre-operative program including medical clearance, psychological evaluation, nutritional assessment, and insurance approval process. This preparation phase typically takes 3-6 months and ensures you're fully prepared for surgery and long-term success.

After surgery, we provide close monitoring with frequent follow-up visits in the first year, then annual visits for life. Our bariatric coordinator helps navigate the entire process from initial consultation through long-term care, ensuring you have support every step of the way.

Why Choose Matthew Brengman, MD, FACS

Dr. Brengman's surgical expertise and fellowship training in advanced laparoscopic techniques ensure you receive the highest quality care available. Our comprehensive approach addresses not just the technical aspects of surgery but also the lifestyle changes necessary for long-term success. We maintain small patient volumes to ensure personalized attention and aren't part of a large corporate system that prioritizes numbers over outcomes. Our multidisciplinary team provides seamless care coordination, and we have established relationships with other specialists when additional medical management is needed. We're committed to lifelong follow-up care and have extensive experience managing both common and rare complications. Our patient outcomes consistently meet or exceed national standards for safety and effectiveness.

Insurance & Pricing

We accept most major insurance plans and work closely with insurance companies to obtain pre-authorization for bariatric surgery. Most insurance plans now cover weight loss surgery for patients who meet clinical criteria, which typically includes BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with significant health conditions. Our financial counselor helps navigate insurance requirements and provides cost estimates for any out-of-pocket expenses. For uninsured patients, we offer self-pay options with financing available through medical lending companies. Surgery costs vary based on the specific procedure but typically range from $15,000-25,000 for self-pay patients.

First-Time Patient Tips

Successful bariatric surgery requires significant lifestyle commitment and preparation. Start researching procedures and attending our educational seminars early in your decision-making process. Be prepared for a comprehensive evaluation process that may take several months - this isn't a quick decision but an investment in your long-term health. Follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including dietary changes, smoking cessation, and medication adjustments. After surgery, attend all follow-up appointments even when you're feeling great, take vitamins as prescribed for life, and stay connected with our support resources. Remember that surgery is a tool, not a cure - your commitment to lifestyle changes determines long-term success. Be patient with the process and celebrate non-scale victories like improved mobility, better sleep, and resolution of health conditions.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Bariatric surgery provides the most effective long-term weight loss for severely obese patients.
Many patients experience complete resolution of diabetes, sleep apnea, and other obesity-related conditions.
Dr. Brengman's surgical expertise and experience ensure optimal outcomes and safety.

Things to Consider

Surgery carries inherent risks including bleeding, infection, and potential complications requiring additional procedures.
Lifelong dietary restrictions and vitamin supplementation are required after bariatric surgery.

Service Area

We serve Richmond and all of central Virginia from our medical center location. Patients travel from throughout the state and beyond for Dr. Brengman's surgical expertise. We work with referring physicians across Virginia and coordinate care with your local healthcare providers for convenient follow-up when distance is a factor. Our central Richmond location provides easy access to major highways and medical facilities.

Local Insight

Richmond area patients benefit from access to excellent medical facilities and specialists for comprehensive care coordination. We understand the local food culture and seasonal challenges that affect long-term weight management. Our location provides easy access for patients throughout central Virginia, and we coordinate with referring physicians across the region for seamless care transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a candidate for weight loss surgery?

Generally, patients with BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with serious health conditions like diabetes are candidates. We evaluate each patient individually considering overall health, previous weight loss attempts, and commitment to lifestyle changes.

How much weight will I lose after surgery?

Most patients lose 60-80% of their excess weight within the first two years. Individual results vary based on the procedure, starting weight, and adherence to post-operative guidelines.

What's the recovery time for bariatric surgery?

Most patients return to desk work within 1-2 weeks and full activity within 4-6 weeks. Recovery varies by individual and specific procedure performed.

Will insurance cover my surgery?

Most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery for patients who meet medical criteria. Our financial counselor works with you to determine coverage and obtain pre-authorization.

What are the risks of weight loss surgery?

Serious complications are rare but can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and anastomotic leaks. We'll discuss all risks thoroughly during your consultation and how we minimize them.

Do I need to follow a special diet after surgery?

Yes, you'll follow a specific eating plan that progresses from liquids to soft foods to regular foods over several weeks. Long-term dietary changes include smaller portions and avoiding certain foods.

How often will I need follow-up visits?

Follow-up visits are frequent in the first year (every few months), then annually for life. Regular monitoring ensures optimal results and early detection of any issues.

Can the surgery be reversed?

Some procedures like gastric banding are reversible, while others like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are considered permanent. We'll discuss the permanence of each option during your consultation.