Festus, Missouri Bariatrics

Do you suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes, as a result of excess weight? If so, and you have tried dieting and exercise to help lose the extra weight, to no avail, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. If you are living in Festus Missouri, then Ricks Bariatrics may have a solution for you. At Ricks Bariatrics, there are multiple procedures that are offered to help you in your specific situation. Dr. Ricks will sit down with you to come up with a personalized plan that will include which type of procedure will be done, as well as a personalized diet and exercise plan that will help you lose the weight.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a type of surgery that will help you lose the excess weight that you have not been able to lose yourself. There are multiple kinds of procedures that are offered. Some of the procedures are restrictive and will restrict the amount of food that your stomach will be able to hold, other types of surgeries will limit the amount of nutrients that your body is able to hold, while others will do both of these things. Just as your own situation is unique to you, the type of procedure that will be performed will also be unique to you. This surgery alone will not be enough to help you lose the weight, you will need to follow the diet and exercise plan that is created with Dr. Ricks.

Am I a Candidate?

There are certain qualifications that must be met in order to be a candidate for bariatric surgery. Some of the qualifications include having a BMI that is 40, having a BMI of 35 with health conditions as a result of the excess weight, or having previous experiences of trying to lose the weight with unsuccessful results. These are the guidelines that are set by the National Institutes of Health, but there may be other requirements by your insurance company in order to get bariatric coverage. Our staff will go over this with you in the appointment.

Different Bariatric Procedures

As mentioned, there are different types of bariatric surgery that you could get in order to help you on your weight loss journey. Our team will create a plan with you so that you can get the best personalized care that will work the best for you in your situation.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is the type of surgery where the stomach will be made into a small pouch that is the size of a banana. Then, the small intestine will be attached to the newly created pouch. This surgery will essentially result in the food bypassing the stomach to be absorbed by the small intestine. This is a very common type of bariatric surgery and is one of the most common types that people get. The surgery alone is not enough to ensure long term weight loss. It is essential to make sure that the plan that is created with Dr. Ricks is followed in order to see long term results from the weight loss procedure. 

Duodenal Switch

Another type of bariatric surgery is called the duodenal switch. This type of surgery is one where both the stomach and the small intestines will be modified to help create a solution that will help you lose weight. In this procedure, part of the stomach will be removed to create a smaller stomach. This will restrict the amount of food that the stomach will hold so that you can feel fuller faster, and for longer. There will also be an intestinal bypass in this procedure which will shorten the intestine, which will shorten the path that the food will travel through the small intestine. This will result in a reduction in the hunger hormones that are produced so that you will not feel as hungry. Just as with the other bariatric surgeries, this procedure will not work if the diet and exercise plan is not followed, you will not see the results that you want.

Lap Band

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, also known as a “lap band” is a restrictive procedure in which there is a silicone band that is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This restricts that amount of food that the stomach can hold, and results in a smaller stomach pouch. Which will help you feel fuller faster, and for a longer period of time. In order for the weight loss to occur, you will need to follow the personalized plan that is created. 

Sleeve

The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, also known as the sleeve, is a restrictive type of bariatric surgery. In this procedure, there will be a sleeve that is created from the stomach that is about the size of a banana. This will limit the amount of food that is able to be in the stomach so that your stomach will not be able to hold as much food. This will help you feel full for longer. As with the other types of bariatric surgery, you will need to do your part in watching diet and exercise throughout the process.

Orbera Balloon

The Orbera balloon is a procedure that is intended for people who suffer from obesity. Patients who qualify for the Orbera balloon will have the balloon placed in their stomach for no longer than 6 months. While the balloon is in the stomach, patients cannot expect to see any results unless they follow the diet and exercise plan that will be made with Dr. Ricks.

Why Choose Ricks Bariatrics?

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 believe that you may qualify to get a bariatric procedure done and are in Festus, MO, Ricks Bariatrics wants to help you on your weight loss journey. Contact us today so that we can help you get started on our weight loss journey.