Missouri bariatric surgeons offer weight loss alternatives to patients that can result in drastic weight loss. Unlike plastic surgery, which can be performed to remove areas of fat, these surgeons have studied the anatomy of the gastronintestinal tract where food is absorbed and digested. Over time gastric bypass has been perfected for minimal invasion, faster recovery and decreased chances of harmful and fatal side effects.
Eligibility
To be eligible for bariatric weight loss surgery, Missouri candidates normally must have a body mass index of 40 or more, meaning they have at least 100 pounds to lose or a BMI of 35 to 39, with obesity-related diseases such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and heart and/or lung disease. Candidates must also be fully informed about the surgery, possible complications and be able to commit to long-term followup, dietary and exercise changes.
Types
Missouri weight loss surgeons offer different kinds of bariatric surgery. These include adjustable gastric banding, also known as lap banding, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. All of these reduce the stomach's holding capacity but in different ways. Lap banding literally places a band around the stomach that can be adjusted according to a patient's weight loss. Gastric bypass involves the permanent cutting and reattachment of the stomach to the intestinal tract. Gastric sleeve surgery is normally reserved for patients weighing 500 pounds or more and involves removing approximately 60 percent of the stomach and leaving the remaining portion, which looks like a sleeve that connects naturally to the small intestine.
Potential Complications
There are many risks associated with bariatric surgery. The University of Missouri categorizes them according to time out from the surgery. Early complications include breathing difficulty, leaks where the intestine and stomach are newly joined together in bypass patients, post-operative infections, internal bleeding and deep vein blood clots that can migrate to the lungs. Problems that may occur months or years after surgery include weight gain from overeating, incisional hernia in which the abdominal wound seams unravel, bowel obstructions, stomach ulcers, constipation and the development of gallstones.
Locations
Missouri residents may seek weight loss surgery from several area locations. Among these are the University of Missouri Bariatric Surgery clinic in Columbia, Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis, Heart of America Bariatrics in St. Louis and the Weight Loss Surgical Center with locations in Independence, Springfield, St. Peters and Kansas City.
Private Insurers
Missouri private insurers that cover bariatric surgery are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Coventry Healthcare, Definity Health (UHC), Humana, UHC and Tricare. Most of these insurers require surgical candidates to have participated in a six-month physician-assisted weight loss program prior to surgery.
Member Comments