St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss

Weight Loss Clinic in Greenville, South Carolina

Call (864) 675-4819135 Commonwealth Dr, Ste 210, Greenville, SC 29615

About St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss

Treatment at St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss

St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss is part of the Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in Greenville, South Carolina. The program combines bariatric surgery with comprehensive medical support, helping patients who've struggled with obesity find a path that actually works long-term. The team includes board-certified bariatric surgeons, dietitians, and behavioral health specialists who work together from your first consultation through years of follow-up care.

This isn't a quick-fix clinic. The program is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, which means it meets strict national standards for patient safety and outcomes. If you've tried diet and exercise without lasting results, and you're ready to explore surgical options, this program gives you a structured, medically supervised environment to do that.

Services Offered

St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss offers a full range of bariatric procedures including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Each procedure is performed minimally invasively when possible, which typically means shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times compared to open surgery. Beyond the operating room, the program provides extensive pre-surgical evaluation to make sure you're a good candidate and that you understand what the process involves. Nutritional counseling starts before surgery and continues well after, helping you build eating habits that support your new anatomy. Behavioral health support is built into the program, not offered as an afterthought, because lasting weight loss requires addressing the psychological side of eating too. Support groups are available for both pre-op and post-op patients. These sessions give you a chance to connect with others who are going through the same experience and hear from people who are further along in their journey. The clinical team also monitors for nutritional deficiencies that can develop after bariatric surgery and adjusts supplementation as needed.

Weight Loss Centers

Treatment Options

Sleeve Gastrectomy

A surgical procedure that removes roughly 80% of the stomach, creating a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach that limits food intake and reduces hunger hormones. It's one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures.

1-2 nights hospital stay, 2-4 weeks to return to desk work$15,000-$20,000 self-pay

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Combines a smaller stomach pouch with rerouting of the small intestine, reducing both capacity and calorie absorption. Often recommended for patients with severe acid reflux or Type 2 diabetes alongside obesity.

2-3 nights hospital stay, 3-6 weeks recovery$18,000-$25,000 self-pay

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band

A silicone band is placed around the upper stomach and can be tightened or loosened over time. It's the least invasive surgical option and fully reversible, though weight loss tends to be more gradual.

Outpatient or 1 night stay, 1-2 weeks recovery$12,000-$17,000 self-pay

Revision Bariatric Surgery

For patients whose prior bariatric procedure didn't achieve adequate results or caused complications. The specific revision depends on the original surgery and current anatomy, requiring careful pre-operative planning.

Varies by procedure$20,000-$30,000 self-pay

What to Expect

The process starts with an information seminar, either in person or online, where you can learn about the procedures and ask questions before committing to anything. After that, you'll complete a medical evaluation that includes lab work, imaging, and consultations with the surgical and behavioral health teams.

Most insurance plans require a supervised diet period before approving bariatric surgery, typically three to six months. The St. Francis team will help you navigate that requirement and document your progress. Once you're cleared, surgery is scheduled and you'll receive detailed pre-op instructions.

After surgery, follow-up appointments are scheduled at regular intervals during the first year. The team monitors your weight loss, nutritional status, and overall health, adjusting your care plan as needed. Long-term annual check-ins are encouraged even years after surgery because bariatric health is a lifelong commitment.

Why Choose St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss

Choosing a bariatric program is a big decision, and hospital-based programs offer real advantages over standalone clinics. St. Francis has access to intensive care, anesthesiology, and a full surgical team in one place, which matters if anything unexpected happens during or after your procedure.

The program's MBSAQIP accreditation is worth paying attention to. Accredited programs track outcomes data and are held to higher standards than non-accredited facilities. That accountability shows in the quality of care patients receive.

The multidisciplinary team model means you're not just seeing a surgeon. You're working with dietitians, psychologists, and medical specialists who all contribute to your plan. That kind of coordinated care is harder to find at smaller weight loss centers, and it makes a real difference in long-term success rates after surgery.

Insurance & Pricing

St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss works with most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage for bariatric surgery typically requires documentation of a BMI over 40, or over 35 with an obesity-related comorbidity, along with completion of a supervised diet program.

For patients without adequate insurance coverage, the financial counseling team can discuss self-pay options and financing plans. Costs vary by procedure but typically range from $15,000 to $25,000 all-in for surgery and immediate follow-up care. Call the office to get a detailed estimate based on your specific situation.

First-Time Patient Tips

If you're considering bariatric surgery for the first time, start by attending one of the program's free information seminars. You'll get a realistic picture of what's involved and have a chance to ask questions in a low-pressure setting before you've committed to anything.

Bring a list of all your current medications and any prior medical records that document your history with obesity and weight loss attempts. Insurance companies want to see that you've tried other approaches first, so the more documentation you have, the smoother the approval process tends to go.

Be honest with the behavioral health team during your evaluation. The psychological assessment isn't a test you pass or fail. It's designed to make sure you have the support and coping strategies in place to succeed after surgery. If there are gaps, the team can help you address them before your procedure date.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

MBSAQIP accreditation means the program meets nationally recognized standards for safety and outcomes.
The hospital-based setting provides access to full intensive care and specialty support if complications arise.
A true multidisciplinary team, including behavioral health and dietitians, is integrated into the program rather than offered as an optional add-on.

Things to Consider

The pre-surgical approval process can take three to six months, which frustrates patients who want to move quickly.
Self-pay costs are significant, and not all insurance plans cover bariatric surgery even when medically indicated.

Service Area

St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss serves patients across the Upstate South Carolina region, including Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and surrounding communities. Many patients also travel from western North Carolina and northeastern Georgia to access the program. The clinic is located within the Bon Secours St. Francis Health System campus, making it easy to coordinate care with other specialists in the same network.

Interior of St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss

Local Insight

Greenville's healthcare landscape has grown significantly over the past decade, and Bon Secours St. Francis is one of its anchor institutions. The city's mix of working professionals, retirees, and families has driven demand for comprehensive weight management programs. Greenville's walkable downtown and outdoor recreation culture also give post-surgical patients good options for staying active during recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I qualify for bariatric surgery?

Most programs, including this one, require a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with an obesity-related condition like diabetes or sleep apnea. You'll go through a full medical evaluation to confirm candidacy.

Will my insurance cover the surgery?

Many major plans do cover bariatric surgery, but requirements vary. The program's insurance coordinators can check your specific benefits and help you understand what documentation you'll need to get approved.

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Results vary by procedure and individual, but most sleeve gastrectomy patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight within 18 months. Gastric bypass patients often see similar or slightly higher losses. Lifestyle habits after surgery play a big role in long-term outcomes.

Is the surgery safe?

Bariatric surgery at an accredited center carries relatively low risk for most patients. Serious complication rates at MBSAQIP-accredited programs are typically below 4%. Your surgical team will review your specific risk factors during the pre-op evaluation.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to desk work within two to four weeks after sleeve gastrectomy or bypass. Physical labor jobs may require six weeks or more. Your surgeon will give you a timeline based on your specific procedure and how your recovery progresses.

What do I eat after surgery?

You'll start with liquids immediately post-op, then move through pureed and soft foods before returning to solid meals over four to six weeks. The dietitian will give you a detailed plan and work with you through each stage.

Will I need to take vitamins forever?

Yes. Bariatric surgery affects how your body absorbs certain nutrients, so daily vitamin and mineral supplementation is a lifelong requirement. Your care team will specify which supplements you need based on your procedure.

Are support groups part of the program?

Yes, both pre-op and post-op support groups meet regularly. They're a genuinely useful resource, not just a box to check. Hearing from people who are six months or two years out from surgery can give you a realistic picture of what to expect.