Bariatric Surgery & Comprehensive Obesity Management Program

About Bariatric Surgery & Comprehensive Obesity Management Program

What is the Bariatric Surgery & COMP program at GBMC?

The Bariatric Surgery & COMP program is part of GBMC HealthCare and works out of an office at 6565 N. Charles St., Pavilion East, Suite 501, Towson, MD 21204. Surgery is a large part of its work. For a cash-pay reader, the part that matters most is the Medical Weight Loss Program, which combines medication management, individualized counseling and behavioral therapy.

The two listed prescribers are Summer L. Esslinger, CRNP, MSN and Melissa Bearekman, PA-C. You start with a call to 443-849-3779 and a consultation with one of its advanced practitioners. Virtual appointments are offered. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, and Friday, 8:30am to 3:00pm. Google lists the program at 4 stars from 28 reviews.

This listing is for its Towson office at 6565 N. Charles St. Pavilion East, Suite 501.

What does it cost?

It does not publish prices or a consultation fee. It says it accepts insurance: "GBMC HealthCare participates in a wide range of insurance plans." It also says medication coverage depends on your insurance carrier or employer, and it recommends checking with your insurer before your appointment.

Nothing says whether medication is included in any price. A GBMC article on GLP-1 medicines gives a general out-of-pocket range of roughly $350 to $500 a month for injectables. That is a market figure, not this program's price. Patients must also take part in nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian at least once every 6 months to stay in the program. Cancellation terms are not stated.

What should you ask before you book?

Ask who will sign your prescription. The listed prescribers are the two named above. Dr. Emily Watters, who appears in the program's GLP-1 articles, is not among them, so ask whether she would be involved in your care.

Ask whether any monthly or program fee includes the medication, and which medications the program uses, since it does not name them. It does say: "All prescribed medications are FDA approved for weight-loss and are available through your own retail pharmacy. We do not offer compounded medications or on-site medication administration." Ask what your pharmacy would charge for that drug.

Ask what the dietitian visits and lab work cost. New patients need a primary care visit within the last two years, plus lab work. Eligibility also depends on BMI. At 30 or higher, no extra condition is required. Between 27 and 29.9, you need at least one obesity-related condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, for medication-based treatment. Ask how you cancel, whether stopping costs anything, and whether a virtual visit is available where you live, since no service area is stated.

Who is it a good fit for?

This is a good fit if you want medication paired with dietitian counseling and behavior work, you can get a recent primary care visit and labs, and you are willing to confirm your coverage before you pay for anything. It is a weaker match if you need a posted cash price before your first visit.

Sources: gbmc.org/services/bariatrics, gbmc.org/services/bariatrics/medical-weight-loss-program, gbmc.org/provider/shauna-m-costinett-md-bariatric-general-surgery, gbmc.org/greater-living/gbmc-rx-glp-1s

Services Offered