Taylor Bariatric Institute

Weight Loss Clinic in Ypsilanti, Michigan

Call (734) 547-4900135 S Prospect St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198

About Taylor Bariatric Institute

Taylor Bariatric Institute has served the Ypsilanti area with focused surgical weight loss care for patients who've struggled with obesity and haven't found lasting results through diet and exercise alone. The team takes time to understand each patient's health history, goals, and what's realistic for their situation. It's not a one-size-fits-all practice. Staff includes bariatric surgeons, registered dietitians, and care coordinators working together throughout the entire process.

Before any procedure, patients go through a thorough medical evaluation to confirm surgery is the right path. Insurance pre-authorization, psychological evaluation, and nutritional assessment are all part of how things work here. The team stays involved well after the procedure is done. Follow-up appointments, lab monitoring, and access to a support group help patients manage the long-term changes that come with bariatric surgery. That continued involvement makes a real difference in outcomes over time.

Services Offered

Taylor Bariatric Institute offers both surgical and non-surgical weight loss options for patients dealing with obesity and related health conditions. The surgical program includes sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding. Each procedure is matched to the patient based on BMI, current health status, and personal goals. The team doesn't push any single approach without first reviewing your full clinical picture. For patients who don't yet qualify for surgery or prefer to avoid it, the clinic's medical weight loss program provides structured support through prescription medications, meal planning, and behavioral counseling. This pathway suits patients who want to build healthier habits before considering surgery, or those whose insurance requires a supervised diet period first. Pre-surgical preparation is thorough. Patients complete bloodwork, a psychological evaluation, and a nutritional consultation before being cleared. Post-surgical care includes phased diet progression, regular follow-up visits, and lab monitoring to catch nutritional deficiencies early. The institute also handles revision bariatric surgery for patients whose prior procedures didn't deliver expected results. The goal goes beyond weight loss to include improved metabolic health, better mobility, and reduced medication dependence for conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Weight Loss Centers

Surgeons

Treatment Options

Sleeve Gastrectomy

A surgical procedure that removes roughly 80 percent of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped pouch. It reduces hunger hormones and limits food intake without rerouting the intestines, making it simpler than bypass. It's one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures in the country.

1 to 2 hours surgery, 1 to 2 night hospital stay$15,000 to $25,000 without insurance

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The stomach is divided into a small pouch connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the original stomach. Widely regarded as the gold standard in bariatric surgery, it produces strong results for weight loss and metabolic conditions including type 2 diabetes.

2 to 4 hours surgery, 2 to 3 night hospital stay$20,000 to $35,000 without insurance

Adjustable Gastric Banding

A silicone band placed around the upper stomach creates a small pouch that limits how much food you can eat. The band's tightness is adjusted over time through saline injections. It's a less invasive option but typically produces slower and more modest results than other procedures.

1 to 2 hours surgery, outpatient or 1 night stay$10,000 to $20,000 without insurance

Medical Weight Loss Program

A non-surgical structured program combining prescription weight loss medications, personalized meal planning, and behavioral counseling. Suited for patients who don't qualify for surgery yet, prefer to avoid it, or need to meet insurance requirements for a supervised diet period before surgery is approved.

3 to 6 months for initial program$200 to $500 per month depending on services

What to Expect

Getting started at Taylor Bariatric Institute begins with a consultation where the team reviews your medical history, current health, and past weight loss attempts. They want to know what you've already tried and what came of it. That information helps them figure out whether surgery is appropriate and which procedure fits your situation best.

After the initial visit, you'll typically go through a series of pre-surgical assessments. These include bloodwork, a psychological evaluation, a nutritional review, and a meeting with your surgeon to walk through your options. Some insurance plans require documented participation in a medically supervised diet program before approving surgery, so this phase can take several months depending on your coverage.

Once cleared, a surgery date is scheduled. Procedures are performed laparoscopically on an outpatient or short-stay basis. After surgery, you'll follow a phased diet plan and attend regular follow-up appointments. The team monitors your progress over months and years to help you hold on to results and address any complications before they become serious.

Why Choose Taylor Bariatric Institute

A few things stand out about Taylor Bariatric Institute. Their surgical team focuses specifically on bariatric procedures rather than general surgery. That distinction matters because bariatric patients have different clinical needs, and surgeons who handle these cases regularly develop a depth of experience that shows in outcomes.

The team-based model is another real strength. You're not just assigned to a surgeon and sent home. Dietitians, behavioral health professionals, and nursing staff stay involved throughout your journey, from the first consultation through years of follow-up care. That kind of wraparound support structure improves long-term results.

They're also straightforward with patients about whether surgery is actually the right choice. If your health history makes surgery risky, they'll tell you honestly and help you explore other paths rather than rushing toward a procedure. That combination of candor and clinical expertise makes the institute worth serious consideration if you're committed to addressing your weight and the health issues tied to it.

Insurance & Pricing

Taylor Bariatric Institute works with major insurance carriers including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Most commercial plans cover bariatric surgery when clinical criteria are met, typically a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with a qualifying condition like diabetes or sleep apnea. Medicare also covers bariatric procedures under certain criteria.

The billing team can walk you through your plan's specific requirements and help gather the documentation needed for prior authorization. Self-pay options and medical financing are available for patients without insurance coverage. It's worth calling the office before your first appointment to clarify your coverage situation and understand what you'll owe.

First-Time Patient Tips

If you're thinking about bariatric surgery, a few things are worth knowing before your first appointment. Insurance approval takes time. Most plans require three to six months of medically supervised dieting before authorizing surgery, so starting that process early makes a meaningful difference in your timeline.

Come prepared. Bring a list of your current medications, records from any prior weight loss programs, and notes on related health conditions you're managing. The more the team knows upfront, the more productive that first visit will be.

Think about your support system at home too. Recovery from bariatric surgery involves real lifestyle changes beyond just physical healing. How you eat and how you relate to food shift significantly after surgery. Having supportive people around matters more than most patients expect. The institute's support group is available before surgery as well as after, and connecting with others who've been through the process before you go in is genuinely valuable.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Surgeons are fellowship-trained specifically in bariatric procedures rather than general surgery.
Team-based care includes dietitians, behavioral health staff, and nurses who stay involved throughout treatment.
Revision surgery is available for patients whose previous bariatric procedures didn't deliver expected outcomes.

Things to Consider

Insurance pre-authorization can stretch the timeline by several months before surgery is approved.
Specific pricing information isn't listed publicly, so costs require a direct call to the billing team.

Service Area

Taylor Bariatric Institute is based in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and sees patients from throughout Washtenaw County and the broader southeast Michigan region. That includes Ann Arbor, Saline, Belleville, Dexter, and communities further out like Monroe and Jackson. The Detroit metro area is within reasonable driving distance, making the clinic accessible to patients from Wayne, Monroe, and Livingston counties. If you're not sure whether you're within their service range, calling the office is the easiest way to find out.

Local Insight

Ypsilanti sits just east of Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, an area with strong healthcare infrastructure and a sizable population managing weight-related health issues. The region includes university communities, working-class neighborhoods, and suburban households with diverse needs. Proximity to the University of Michigan Health system gives patients multiple options, but Taylor Bariatric Institute offers the focused bariatric specialty care that large hospital systems often can't match in terms of personal attention and dedicated follow-through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Most candidates have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI between 35 and 40 with a related health condition like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure. A full evaluation with the surgical team is the only reliable way to determine whether surgery is appropriate for your specific situation.

How long does the process take before surgery happens?

From first consultation to surgery date, the process typically takes three to six months. Much of that time is driven by insurance requirements, which often mandate a period of medically supervised dieting before authorizing the procedure. If you're paying out of pocket, the timeline can move significantly faster.

Does insurance cover bariatric surgery?

Many major commercial plans cover bariatric surgery when clinical criteria are met, and Medicare covers it under qualifying conditions. Coverage requirements vary by plan, so calling your insurer directly to ask about bariatric surgery benefits before your first appointment is the most practical first step.

What's the difference between sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass?

Sleeve gastrectomy removes most of the stomach without altering the intestines, making it a simpler procedure with a shorter recovery. Gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the intestines, which tends to produce stronger metabolic effects, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes. Your surgeon can help you understand which fits your health profile better.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to light activity within two to four weeks and resume normal routines within four to six weeks. The dietary changes after surgery are more gradual, with a phased transition from liquids to solid foods over several months. Full adjustment to a new eating pattern can take up to a year.

Will I need to change my diet permanently?

Yes. Bariatric surgery requires lasting changes to how you eat. Portions will be significantly smaller, and certain foods may cause discomfort or complications if consumed. Regular follow-up with a dietitian helps you navigate those changes and maintain proper nutrition long-term.

What happens if I regain weight after surgery?

Some weight regain is common over the years following bariatric surgery. The institute's follow-up program is designed to catch early trends and help you course-correct before regain becomes significant. In some cases, revision surgery or a renewed medical weight loss program can be appropriate for patients dealing with substantial regain.

Is there a support group available?

Yes, Taylor Bariatric Institute offers access to a support group for bariatric patients. You don't have to wait until after surgery to join. Connecting with others who've been through the process before your procedure helps set realistic expectations and prepares you mentally for the changes ahead.