If you are thinking about weight loss surgery, there are many things to consider. Like all major surgical procedures, you must carefully examine the risks and responsibilities just as much as the healthy rewards that come after the surgery.
Not all bariatric surgeons are equal. As such, you don’t want to just randomly pick the closest weight loss clinic to your home. There is no reason you have to feel restricted to a weight loss surgeon in Arkansas when there may be better options a little further from home.
To help bring you closer to our team of healthcare professionals, WeightWise has an online seminar. You can watch our free online seminar as many times as you’d like. In addition, we offer virtual consultations, so our patients in Arkansas can meet with Dr. Broussard or Dr. Walton online before coming to our Edmond, Oklahoma location.
After viewing the online seminar, you’ll start to see why so many Little Rock residents make the trip to Edmond for our services.
Why leave Little Rock for weight loss surgery?
The bariatric surgeons at WeightWise are located in Edmond, Oklahoma. While that may be a bit of a trip for you, our support staff will work closely with you to make sure your experience is comfortable and as seamless as anyone else who enters our clinic.
Arkansas weight loss surgery patients will feel right at home with our Long Distance Program. It’s tailored to the needs of our out-of-state clients, so you can have easy access to our staff and weight loss program.
Are there weight loss centers closer to home? Of course. Personal trainers, dietitians, nutritionists, and other weight loss programs are all over the place in Little Rock. Which means you’ll have to drive all over Little Rock to make your appointments.
And that’s what sets WeightWise apart from most other weight loss programs. Where a Little Rock surgeon may refer you to a dietician after the procedure, we provide one for you. While your nutritionist may refer to you a personal trainer, we have several exercise physiologists on staff.
We also provide each patient with an advocate that will be in your corner throughout the process. Explaining insurance coverage, exploring financial options, and providing an all-around support system, our advocates always put their clients first. We like to think of them as your own personal cheerleader!
Other weight loss clinics in the region just don’t offer that kind of service. We also have a special relationship with the SpringHill Suites in Oklahoma City, which includes special rates. We recommend coming in the night before to make sure you are well-rested for the life-changing surgery.
Weight loss services for Little Rock residents
For anyone not familiar with the various weight loss procedures available, here is a brief introduction to those we offer at WeightWise:
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery makes the patient’s stomach smaller. Food then bypasses part of the small intestine. This helps patients feel full faster, which normally leads to less food being ingested. Our weight loss surgeons have performed many gastric bypass procedures, giving patients a new start on a healthier life!
Lap Band
The lap band weight loss procedure creates a smaller stomach in patients, which helps shrink meal sizes in the process, since feeling full comes about much quicker than before. An inflatable silicone device acts as an adjustable belt around the top of the stomach. The tightness can be adjusted later during a routine office visit. Patients should expect to lose weight at a healthy rate of one to two pounds a week.
Gastric Sleeve
One of the latest weight loss procedures is the gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure involves reducing the size of the patient’s stomach with no bypassing of the intestinal tract. This comes with the added benefit of a lower risk for nutritional deficiency.
We also provide other procedures as well. When you consult with one of our surgeons, we’ll be able to decide what the best weight-loss course of action is for you. We want to make sure you’re presented with all options so you can make a well-informed decision.
Little Rock FAQs
While I’m looking forward to the surgery, I’m a little concerned about how I’ll feel afterward. Is there any residual pain that might keep me from daily activities?
Depending on the surgery, you will be able to return to day-to-day activities immediately. We complete most of our procedures laparoscopically, which uses a series of small holes instead of one large incision. While you may experience a little discomfort, it shouldn’t prevent you from going to the store, taking a stroll, or returning to work.
We put no limitations on your physical activity after surgery. But there are changes you will need to make, including your diet.
Speaking of that, will I be able to eat the food I enjoyed before surgery?
In the short term, no. For the first few weeks after surgery, we require all of our patients to follow a strict diet. Any deviation could reduce the amount of weight you lose, cause discomfort, and even lead to injury. This diet will prepare your body for a healthier lifestyle ahead.
Surgery is just one step of the process. By limiting what you eat afterward, your body will begin to change hormonally. It will require less food to feel full and will reduce the hunger pangs you may have felt beforehand. So while you may return to some of your favorite foods, you’ll discover you won’t need as much of it as you did before.
Will by Little Rock-based insurance cover the cost of bariatric surgery?
Without seeing your plan, we won’t know for sure. However, several nation-wide insurance plans do cover bariatric surgery, recognizing the health benefits of such surgeries. Some insurance companies require that you follow certain steps, such as quitting smoking, entering into a diet and exercise program, or monthly visits.
When you come to your initial consultation, bring your insurance plan with you so we can review it. You should be able to get a copy from your human resources department. Click here for more information on insurance or financial situations. We’ll be more than happy to discuss all the options available to you.
By losing a large amount of weight, I know I’ll feel better and look better. But will it help with other health problems I may have?
Absolutely. Weight loss surgery will improve and even correct some weight-related health problems. According to recent studies, a weight-loss procedure can help with diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, decrease the risk of cancer, alleviate back, hip, and joint pain, and much more. With surgery, an improved diet, and regular physical activity, you’ll increase your lifespan and be able to enjoy all the activities you’ve been missing out on.
If you’re looking for a weight loss surgeon in Arkansas, sign up for a FREE weight loss seminar today or contact the WeightWise Bariatric Program if you have additional questions. We perform bariatric procedures for residents in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff, and many other communities.