THE BARIATRIC & METABOLIC INSTITUTE AT ARKANSAS HEART HOSPITAL
Dr. Samuel Bledsoe and Dr. James “JJ” Tucker will be joining University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) effective Oct. 1, 2026, and continuing to care for patients at Encore Medical Center. As part of this transition, Arkansas Heart Hospital’s Bariatric & Metabolic Institute will no longer provide bariatric surgery and related clinical services after that date.
Our goal is to make this transition as clear and helpful as possible for current and former patients, including providing information about ongoing care, medical records and resources you may continue to need.
Patients should continue with currently scheduled appointments unless contacted directly by their care team.
If you need a copy of your medical records, you may request them online at arheart.com/records.
Arkansas Heart continues to believe bariatric surgery is one of the most effective long-term treatment options for obesity and obesity-related health conditions. This decision does not change the value of bariatric surgery or the exceptional care our physicians and bariatric team have provided over the years.
Medical Services
- Bariatric and Metabolic Institute
- Cardiac CT
- Cardiology & Catheterization Procedures
- Clinic Research
- Device Clinic
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Heart Failure
- Heart Screenings
- Heartsaver CT
- Hypertension Clinic
- Medical Imaging
- Operating Room Procedures
- Strong Hearts Rehabilitation
- Structural Heart
- Vascular Procedures