Louisiana Center for Bariatrics

About Louisiana Center for Bariatrics

What is Louisiana Center for Bariatrics?

Louisiana Center for Bariatrics is a weight loss practice at 8585 Picardy Avenue, Suite 510, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. It uses the name Louisiana Center for Bariatrics at Baton Rouge General and is run by physicians. Its main work is weight loss surgery. It also runs a non-surgical Medical Weight Loss program, and those are the two services it lists.

The Medical Weight Loss program is led by Drake Bellanger, MD, whom the practice describes as board certified in obesity medicine by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. The surgeons are Karalyn Bentley, MD, FACS, and Tuan Tran, MD. The care team also includes Alicia Brand, PA-C, nurse practitioners Ashley Cripps and Allison Graham, and registered dietitians. The medications named for the program are Ozempic and Mounjaro by injection, and Metformin and Phentermine by mouth. In its own words: "If needed, our team may prescribe medication to assist with your weight loss goals." Google reviews give the practice 4.7 from 14 reviews.

What does it cost?

The practice does not publish prices, and no consultation fee is stated. It does not say whether medication is included in any price, whether it accepts insurance for Medical Weight Loss, or how follow-up visits and cancellation are handled. For surgery, it describes an insurance authorization process and says Baton Rouge General has partnered with Bayou Federal Credit Union for financial options if a surgery is not covered. Those financing options are described for surgery only.

What should you ask before you book?

Ask who writes and signs the prescription. The program names one physician as its lead, but the medication section says "our team" may prescribe, and that team includes a physician assistant and two nurse practitioners. Ask whether any monthly price covers the medication, and whether the drug is brand-name or compounded. Ask what the initial assessment, lab work and follow-up visits cost, since the program describes labs and regular follow-ups without prices. Ask whether visits can be done by video, because telehealth is not described, and what the office hours are. Ask how to cancel and whether you would owe anything afterward. If you are also considering surgery, ask how long insurance authorization takes and what the financing costs. The office number is (225) 763-4903.

Who is it a good fit for?

This is a good fit if you want care in Baton Rouge from a physician board certified in obesity medicine, with prescription medication as one option alongside nutrition and lifestyle support, and you are willing to get the full cost in writing before you book. If you need a published price, a clear monthly fee or video visits, call first and settle those questions before you schedule anything.

Sources: lacenterforbariatrics.com, lacenterforbariatrics.com/medical-weight-loss, lacenterforbariatrics.com/about-us

Services Offered

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