You’ve been thinking about losing weight for months, or even years. Perhaps you’ve joined a gym, hired a personal trainer or even consulted a nutritionist and have been met with disappointing results. And the thought of visiting two or three places every week can be overwhelming.
It’s time to consider weight-loss surgery as an alternative. This is a major step you are considering, which means there is some “homework” to do before you make your final decision. The bariatric surgeon you go with is one of the most important decisions you will make. Like any other profession, not all doctors have the same skill set.
That means you want to be sure you go with someone who is not only proven to offer superior results but who will work closely with you to make the right choices that fit your unique needs. Our surgeons are highly experienced and among the best in the region.
Why leave Missouri for weight loss surgery?
The weight loss surgeon that suits your needs may not be in your neck of the woods. There’s no reason you need to feel committed to one in your hometown. The Missouri weight loss surgeons near you may not offer the same results we have at WeightWise.
If the right choice for your health is a little further away, aren’t you worth going the extra mile? Because at WeightWise, we go the extra mile for you with onsite dietitians, exercise physiologists, and patient advocates. This weight loss journey is important, and we’re with you every step of the way.
To help bridge the gap between your Missouri home and our Oklahoma offices, WeightWise offers a free online seminar. You can watch our free online seminar in the comfort of your own home, as many times as you want. We also offer virtual consultations, so you can meet with Dr. Broussard or Dr. Walton online before coming to our Edmond, Oklahoma location.
It’s also worth noting that, unlike many other weight loss surgery clinics, WeightWise offers our patients a complete supporting staff onsite. Our weight loss professionals work together under the same roof, as opposed to communicating with outside contracted health professionals, to give you a complete and more convenient support system.
Services for Missouri resident
Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, the bariatric surgeons at WeightWise and our support staff work closely with patients to ensure they understand all their options and are comfortable with the ultimate decision they make.
If you aren’t familiar with the differences in surgical options, here’s a brief overview of the weight loss procedures we perform at WeightWise:
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery remains one of the most popular procedures after many decades of being available. In this procedure, doctors surgically alter the stomach into a smaller pouch. And when the person eats food, it will bypass part of the small intestine. Dr. Broussard and Dr. Walton have performed many gastric bypass procedures, helping our patients begin a new healthier chapter in their life.
Lap Band
The lap band, also known as an adjustable gastric band, is a weight loss procedure that also creates a smaller stomach, but with an inflatable silicone device which is placed around the top of the stomach. The tightness of the belt is adjustable after the procedure at routine office visits. Lap band patients should look for a healthy one to two pounds of weight loss each week.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery, or a sleeve gastrectomy, is a relatively new weight loss procedure. Weight loss surgeons reduce the size of the patient’s stomach and there is no bypassing of the intestinal tract. This is beneficial since it lowers the risk for nutritional deficiency and other side effects. Left with a smaller stomach, patients will need to eat less food, which leads to weight loss.
If you live in Missouri but would like to come to WeightWise for a weight loss procedure, rest assured you get the same access as our local patients. Missouri weight loss surgery patients can take advantage of our Long Distance Program, which is tailored to the needs of our out-of-state clients. You have access to our staff and weight loss program just as if you lived in our area.
Missouri Weight Loss FAQs
Will my Missouri-based insurance cover bariatric surgery?
Without seeing the coverage offered by your employer or private insurance, we won’t be able to know for sure. However, bariatric surgery is recognized as a health care solution for several large, nationwide insurers. Our patient advocates can look at your insurance to see what kind of coverage your policy has.
If you have more questions about the financial aspect of surgery, visit our financial faq page. We cover several methods for paying for surgery and we will work you to find the best solution for your situation.
How quickly can I return to my life in Missouri after surgery?
We recommend staying at least one night after surgery. You may want to think about staying the night before as well so you can be rested and relaxed for the procedure. To make things easier for our Missouri patients, we have a partnership with SpringHill Suites in Oklahoma City that includes reduced rates. It’s less than a 30-minute car ride to our state of the art facility.
Think of the trip as a quick two- or three-day vacation that will leave you rested, rejuvenated, and ready to begin your new, healthier life. There’s plenty do in Edmond or Oklahoma City and there are no physical limitations on what you can do after surgery. Once back home, you’ll be able to resume your normal day-to-day activities.
However, you will have to follow our strict diet for the two weeks following the surgery. This diet is specifically designed to get you and your body prepared for the weeks, months, and years ahead.
Will I have to change the way I eat?
Absolutely. For many of our patients, a lifestyle change is a major component of losing weight and keeping it off. We firmly believe surgery is just the first step: monitoring what you eat, how much you eat, and how often you eat will determine just how successful you are with weight loss.
However, the surgery itself will help transform both the mental and physical aspects of the process. The initial two-week diet after the procedure was crafted to help your body from a hormonal perspective. It will train your body to expect less food, become satisfied sooner, and decrease the desire to eat.
What can I do to help the process along?
You’ve already made the first move towards a healthier lifestyle by visiting our website. After watching our FREE online seminar, then contact our office for appropriate paperwork that can be completed before the initial meeting. If you have insurance, get a copy from your human resources department or insurance carrier and bring it with you.
From there, regular communications with your patient advocate before and after the surgery will make sure you’re up-to-date on everything you need to do have a successful surgery. Your advocate will help you navigate insurance and payment options, schedule conversations with dietitians and exercise physiologists, and provide words of encouragement all along the way.
If you’re looking for a weight loss surgeon or have additional questions, contact the WeightWise Bariatric Program today. We perform bariatric procedures for residents in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Joseph, St. Charles and many other communities.