Missouri Bariatric Services

Perhaps no other medical condition has been more misunderstood, mistreated or misrepresented than obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health, morbid or clinically severe obesity - at least 100 pounds over ideal body weight - is a serious disease. Individuals who suffer from obesity are at risk for such life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, infertility, orthopaedic problems, gall bladder disease and sleep apnea.

People who are obese suffer not only severe health risks, but discrimination, ridicule and misunderstanding. Surprisingly, there are even people within the medical profession who do not understand the most important aspects of the disease. Due to misconceptions held by patients, families, friends and some doctors, treatments of clinically severe obesity have been misguided, poorly administered and sometimes even harmful.

The good news is there is a solution that may help people achieve and maintain a more normal weight ... even if they have struggled with excessive weight for most of their lives. Bariatric surgery is a procedure that helps people lose weight by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts food intake. Patients feel full after eating small amounts of food.

MU Health Care's Missouri Bariatric Services provides a multidisciplinary approach to the weight-loss surgery process that guides you from pre-surgery consultation and testing through surgery, recovery and continuing support.

It is important to understand that surgical treatment is considered only when other methods of treatment have failed. We make a long-term commitment to our patients and, in return, we require them to make a long-term commitment to their health and this program. Anyone considering this procedure needs to know the benefits and potential risks of the surgery, and appreciate precisely what is involved in treatment and long-term follow-up. The purpose of this information is to help potential patients and their families clearly and realistically understand how their lives may change after the operation...for the better!