According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), there are several health risk factors related to being overweight or obese. A person’s risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, among many others, are increased.
If you are overweight or obese, it is important to know you are not alone and that you have advocates to help you better yourself. Washington University bariatric surgeons are here to help you take the next steps in your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. After some weight loss surgeries, health conditions that are brought on by obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea, may even be cured.
Starting your weight loss surgery journey is as simple as 1-2-3.
ONE: Find out if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.
Weight loss surgeon Shaina Eckhouse, MD, recently explained the fundamentals behind calculating body mass index (BMI) and the tools provided by her team for prospective patients. She also explained the eligibility requirements.
“Our team makes it very simple for patients who may be interested in weight loss surgery to determine if they may be eligible,” says Eckhouse. “Patients can use our integrated BMI Calculator tool on our website to determine their BMI based on their weight and height in both kilograms and pounds.”
TWO: Sign up for an online seminar or a virtual information session to learn more about Washington University’s Bariatric Surgery Program.
Prospective patients can fill out a simple, two-question form to gain instant access to Washington University bariatric surgery’s online seminar. This option gives you access seminar materials you can view at your own pace with no added pressure or worry from joining a larger, populated information session.
Free, virtual bariatric surgery information sessions with Washington University bariatric surgeons and program coordinators are held on a regular basis. Prospective patients can register for a free information session planned by the team at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. During the session, you will learn about treatment options, including gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch surgery, and revisions to bariatric surgery. Our team of weight loss surgery specialists will help you understand your options, explain how to work with your health insurance to be sure your bariatric surgery is covered and answer all of your questions about getting started with your weight loss journey.
THREE: Take the next step by contacting a Bariatric Surgery program coordinator.
Are you ready to take the next step and start your weight loss journey? Kick-start your journey by contacting one of the Washington University Bariatric Surgery program coordinators at (314) 542-9378. From here, the program coordinators will answer any additional questions you may have along the way, schedule your initial meetings with an expert weight loss surgeon, and assist you on your journey toward a healthier lifestyle.
Washington University Bariatric Surgery
J. Chris Eagon, MD
- Phone: 314-454-7224
Professor of Surgery
Section of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Division of General Surgery
J. Chris Eagon, MD, Shaina Eckhouse, MD, and Francesca Dimou, MD, MS, offer life-changing obesity treatment through minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. The Bariatric Surgery Team consults with patients and performs procedures at the Center for Advanced Medicine and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. For additional information, please call (314) 454-7224.