• We're a Bariatric Center of Excellence
• Completed over 3,000 procedures
• A full team to support you through the process
• No program fee
• Baptist-run support groups
• Dedicated bariatric floor at hospital

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The primary goal is to improve or eliminate the diseases associated with morbid obesity and improve overall wellness, allowing patients to live a healthier, longer life. In most cases, major co-morbidities including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease and liver disease are improved or eliminated because of bariatric surgery.

When bariatric surgery is combined with healthy diet and regular exercise, it is proven to be the most effective, long-term weight loss option available.

Bariatric surgery has risks much like any other surgical procedure, but advances in medical knowledge and technology and the use of modern, minimally invasive techniques cut those risks dramatically.

Research shows the risks of doing nothing about morbid obesity far outweigh the risks of the surgery itself. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits and risks of surgery, please contact our office or watch our bariatric webinar.

“We’re starting to see patients who’ve tried one of these medications, but don’t want to take them for the rest of their lives,” Dr. Morgenthal said. “They’re looking for a better solution that will work long term.” Read more

There are pros and cons to each, but bariatric surgery is still the gold standard. “Bariatric surgery has a proven track record as a safe and effective solution, with the first procedures taking place in the 1960s,” said Dr. Hodgett. “Comparatively, there is no long-term data to verify the safety or efficacy of the new weight loss medications.” Read more

The National Institute of Health has outlined the criteria for the ideal bariatric surgery patient, which is a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39 with co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes.

In addition to your BMI, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical exam, and review tests to ensure you are a safe candidate for surgery.

More About Qualifying for Bariatric Surgery

The surgical team performs gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. Together with you we will determine which procedure is best for your individual circumstance.

More About Your Surgery Options

Insurance coverage varies between providers and plans, so be sure to check with your insurance company about the specifics of your policy. While most insurance companies will cover some form of bariatric surgery, not all procedures may be covered, and co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses will vary.

We will verify your benefits and submit all required documentation for approval at no additional cost to you, unlike some other programs. For patients without bariatric surgery insurance coverage, we will discuss options for financing your procedure.

More About Insurance & Financing

Recovery times vary between procedures and can depend on the health of the individual patient. Generally, minimally invasive surgery, which accounts for most of our procedures, has shorter recovery times than open procedures.

We treat you before and after surgery with principles of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery to help improve recovery. Most patients go home the day after surgery. You can expect to take off one or two weeks before returning to work.

After gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, you will eat small portions of healthy food and exercise regularly with cardio and weight resistance exercises. All patients are recommended to supplement their diets with a multivitamin, Vitamin B12, calcium, Vitamin D and possibly iron.

To help achieve the best outcomes, you’ll follow up with our Bariatric Physician Assistants and Dietitians 2 weeks, 2-3 months, 6 months, 12 months, then yearly after surgery.

We provide free support group meetings under the direction of a dietitian to help you through the post-operative lifestyle change. We also have bariatric specialized psychologists who are available to help patients have their best outcomes, and address any issues related to stress eating, grazing, carb addiction and more.