More than 93 million Americans are affected by the obesity epidemic. Obesity is associated with a higher rate of multiple medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, reflux, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, stroke, arthritis and infertility.

Bariatric surgery, combined with changes in behavior and lifestyle, offers a way to lose weight and keep it off all while restoring your health during the process. The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Arkansas Heart Hospital is here to help you take the first step to regaining your health.

Am I a candidate?

To be eligible for bariatric surgery, you must have a BMI greater than 35 with comorbidities (such as type II diabetes), or a BMI greater than 40.   All insurance providers have different requirements. If you are interested in surgery, contact us and we will find out what your insurance requires.  If your insurance does not cover the surgery, call us and we will let you know if you qualify.

What types of procedures does the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute offer?

The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Arkansas Heart Hospital offers the gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve.  For in-depth information on both procedures, visit bmi.arheart.com.

What does recovery look like?

Both gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are laparoscopic procedures, so incisions are small. You will be walking the day of surgery, but there is a required overnight stay in the hospital.  You will have lifting restrictions for a month.

What can patients expect after surgery? 

Bariatric surgery is simply a tool — not a quick fix. Patients must change their lifestyle. Patients have access to many resources at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute to help with these changes, including our team of dietitians and online Facebook support groups.

How do I become a patient?

To become a patient, visit bmi.arheart.com to view our seminar, complete the form for insurance verification, then our patient liaison will be in touch with you shortly.