Bariatric Surgery

If you have struggled with weight loss because of certain health conditions or other reasons, bariatric weight-loss surgery could provide an option. At Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, our Washington University surgeons have years of experience with research and patient education. We offer several treatment options for obesity.

Why Choose Barnes-Jewish for Bariatric Surgery?

People who need bariatric surgery for weight loss come to us for several reasons:

Latest, most advanced treatment options: We offer three major types of bariatric surgery using sophisticated, laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques.
All services on one campus: For many patients, you’ll receive all your weight-loss services and care at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. Our comfortable setting is conveniently located in Creve Coeur, with free parking and easy access.
Leading bariatric surgeon in the St. Louis area: Our program is led by an experienced Washington University bariatric surgeon, who has been performing these surgeries here since 1997. Physicians and surgeons throughout the St. Louis area refer their most complex bariatric cases to Christopher Eagon, MD. He has performed more than 3,000 bariatric procedures — currently 400 per year, 100 of which are completed at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. About 10 percent of his procedures are revisions of previous bariatric surgeries, which most bariatric surgeons do not tackle because of their challenging complexity.
Nationally recognized expertise: Dr. Eagon and his Washington University colleagues stand at the forefront of bariatric research and surgical advances. He helped Barnes-Jewish Hospital earn the prestigious Center of Excellence from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Our patients benefit from that same expertise.
Ongoing care for permanent weight management: Our team focuses on building long-term relationships with our patients, whom we continue to see for lifetime follow-ups and monthly support groups.
Comprehensive care: The care team works together to coordinate your entire weight-loss program, with staff from several disciplines, including:
- Surgeons
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioner
- Registered nurse
- Psychologists
- Registered dietitians (learn more about our nutrition support for weight loss)
- Exercise specialists
Plastic surgery for body contouring: Surgeons from Washington University and private practice offer plastic surgery for excess skin removal after weight loss, right on the Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital campus.
Highest quality standards: Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital bariatric surgical program has been recognized and reaccredited with national designation as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®). MBSAQIP is a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This designation recognizes the hospital and Washington University physicians for meeting the highest quality standards in delivering bariatric patient care.

Am I a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on a person’s height and weight. BMI is a major factor in your eligibility for weight-loss surgery, though there are other criteria, too. The criteria for bariatric surgery include:

BMI of 40 or higher
BMI of 35 to 39 with an obesity-related condition such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea
Previous attempts at a structured dietary weight-loss program for at least six months without success
No diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or cirrhosis of the liver
Age 18 to 70

Please use our BMI calculator to measure your body mass index. All patients must attend a bariatric surgery information session to learn more about the types of surgery and eligibility.