For the severely obese, carrying around extra pounds is not only life threatening, but may limit life activities others take for granted.  Severe obesity means being overweight to the point where your body may be prone to diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and a wide range of other serious disorders. The Bariatric Program at Des Peres Hospital offers surgical hope and help to those who have tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully to lose excess weight and keep it off.

The surgical procedure performed at Des Peres Hospital is Laparoscopic Adjustable Banding. It  reduces the size of the stomach to a small pouch that can only hold a small amount of food.  The pouch fills rapidly and empties slowly, making you feel full for a much longer time after eating.   This procedure is a tool that allows you more control over your consumption of food.

Our multidisciplinary medical team, including physicians, psychologists, anesthesiologists, nurses and dietitians,  works together to assess each patient’s need and help them achieve a healthier lifestyle.  The goal is to help you lose weight and enjoy your new life. 

Watch our video and hear from patients.

Who May Qualify for Surgical Weight Loss Management?

Surgery for obesity is not for everyone.  To be considered a candidate for bariatric surgery at Des Peres Hospital,  individuals must:

• Be between 18 and 65 years of age. 
• Have a body mass index equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities (conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease)and weigh up to 350 pounds.
• Have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through a structured, medical weight loss program.
•  Have obesity-related physical problems that interfere with employment, walking or family function.
• Undergo a psychological evaluation and counseling to determine if they are emotionally healthy enough to understand the ramifications of their decision.
• Be willing and able to commit to long-term medical follow-up, as well as rigorous lifelong changes in eating, exercise and lifestyle habits.

Bariatric surgery is not a temporary solution or a guaranteed way to lose weight.  It is a lifelong commitment to behavioral change.  Success is only possible if you follow your doctor’s instructions and continue to follow-up for the rest of your life.

Before deciding if bariatric surgery is right for you, make sure you understand the risks and benefits.  Most patients lose weight quickly after surgery and continue to lose for 18 to 24 months.  While most patients also regain five to 10 percent of the weight they lose, many maintain a long-term weight loss of about 100 pounds.  Bariatric surgery may also improve many obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

There are risks associated with any surgery.  Possible risks and complications with Laparoscopic Gastric Banding include nausea, post operative blood clots, port or band revisions and sigmoid eshophagus.  This procedure has a mortality rate of 0.05% (one in 2,000). 

Free Seminars

Learn more about our Bariatric Program by attending one of our free seminars.  Lectures are held twice a month in Community Room 2 at Des Peres Hospital.  We are conveniently located at I-270 and Dougherty Ferry Road in St. Louis county.  To make reservations, see our Find an Event section or call toll free 1-888-457-5203.

Insurance

The surgical treatment plan may be covered by insurance policies. Please check with your insurance carrier. 

Support Group

Share tips for success with others who’ve had surgery for weight loss.   Meetings will be held monthly at Des Peres Hospital, in Community Room 1 at 7 p.m.,  typically the fourth Thursday of the month.  Hospital staff will share nutrition, exercise and lifestyle tips and allow time for the group to network.

 Click here for a schedule. Walk-ins Welcome!  

Printed Materials

If you would like to receive written information about obesity, the various ways to treat obesity or post-surgical information on nutrition, exercise and lifestyle, call 1-888-457-5203.

For more information, call Michelle Leassner, RN, BSN Bariatric Program Coordinator, 314-966-9369.