Eureka, MO Bariatric Surgery

If you are having a difficult time losing and keeping off weight that may be causing health issues such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, then you may want to consider getting bariatric surgery to help you lose the weight. If you are in the Eureka, Missouri area then you should consider going to Ricks Bariatrics. The Ricks Bariatrics team is passionate about helping you start living a healthier lifestyle through helping you lose weight through bariatric procedures. However, these procedures alone will not be enough to help you lose weight. Dr. Ricks and his staff will help create a diet and exercise plan that will be essential that you follow in order for you to lose and keep off the weight.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgery that is performed after the patient has tried everything in their power to lose the weight themselves through dieting and exercise, but have seen no results. There are multiple different types of bariatric surgeries. One kind will restrict the amount of food that your stomach can hold, another kind will limit the nutrient absorption that your body is able to perform, while other kinds will do both of these things. Depending on your circumstances, Dr. Ricks will make a personalized plan as to what surgery will best fit your individual needs.

What are the Different Bariatric Procedures?

As mentioned previously, there are multiple different kinds of bariatric surgeries that will best fit your specific needs. These different procedures include:

Duodenal Switch

The duodenal switch is a type of bariatric surgery where both the small intestine and the stomach are modified. In this procedure, part of the stomach is removed so that the stomach is smaller which will limit the amount of food that the stomach will hold. The small intestine will then be shortened. The result of this is that you will feel fuller after eating more quickly than previously in addition to less hunger hormones being produced, so that you will not feel hungry as often. This procedure alone will not guarantee sustained weight loss. It will be up to you to make sure that the diet and exercise plan is followed to ensure that the weight will stay off.

Gastric Bypass

One of the most common types of bariatric surgery is known as the gastric bypass. This surgery will modify the stomach to the point where the stomach is created into a small pouch that is about the size of a banana. After this is completed, the small intestine will be attached to the newly created stomach pouch. This will result in the food essentially bypassing the stomach and being directly absorbed by the small intestine. Once again, it is imperative that you follow the diet and exercise plan in order to keep the weight off. 

Sleeve

The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is more commonly known as the “sleeve” is a restrictive type of bariatric surgery where the stomach is modified to restrict the amount of food that the stomach can hold. The stomach will be made into a sleeve that is about the size of a banana. This as a result will help you feel fuller after eating for a longer time. You will not be able to eat as much food as previously, as the stomach is much smaller than it originally was. You will have to follow each of the plans made with you by the doctor.

Lap Band

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is more commonly known as the “lap band”. This is another kind of restrictive surgeries that will help lessen the amount of food that is able to be in the stomach. The stomach is restricted by a silicone band that is placed on the upper part of the stomach. This results in the stomach pouch being smaller which will lessen the amount of food that the stomach will be able to hold. This will help you feel fuller faster and for longer. As with all of the other types of bariatric surgeries you will need to diet and exercise for the surgery to really have a lasting effect.

Orbera Balloon

The Orbera Balloon is a type of bariatric surgery where a balloon will be placed into your stomach for no longer than six months. While the balloon is in place, patients cannot expect to see any type of results if the diet and exercise plan is not followed. This type of bariatric surgery is only intended for those who suffer from obesity.

As you can see there are many different types of bariatric surgeries that have different purposes as to what you would get them. Because everyone has differing circumstances, Dr. Ricks will sit down with you to help you choose the best type of surgery that will help you in your circumstances. 

Why Choose Dr. Ricks?

Choosing the right doctor to help you on your weight loss journey, is no small decision. Dr. Ricks at Ricks Bariatrics provides highly skilled medical care to each of his patients. He is an advanced laparoscopic general surgeon who has specialized in bariatric surgery. He has performed 2000+ Bariatric Surgeries and is certified to perform laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch procedure. Dr. Ricks has received the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, designation. This means his Surgical Mastery has Proven Outcomes: BSCOE status is earned through measurable patient successes. He has consistently achieved outstanding weight loss results. He and his support staff are committed to treating each of his patients with care and compassion, to ensure the best experience possible. However, the expert care does not end once the procedure is complete. We strive to offer our patients the best care before, during and after the surgery is completed.

Contact Us

If you are in the Eureka, Missouri area and are wanting to start on your weight loss journey, then feel free to reach out to us and contact us today! We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your goals!