Owensboro Health Surgical Weight Loss Center

Owensboro Health has been a trusted medical provider in Western Kentucky for more than a century. The Surgical Weight Loss Center combines that legacy with cuttingedge bariatric surgery, multidisciplinary support, and a compassionate care team. Patients receive a personalized plan that addresses not only the surgical procedure but also nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and longterm followup.

We offer three FDAapproved procedures, each selected based on individual health status, weightloss goals, and lifestyle.

• Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) Removes about 80% of the stomach, creating a narrow tube that limits food intake and reduces the hungerhormone ghrelin.
• Laparoscopic RouxenY Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes a portion of the small intestine, leading to both restriction and malabsorption.
• Adjustable Gastric Band (LapBand) Places an inflatable band around the upper stomach; the band can be tightened or loosened to control portion size.

All procedures are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery.

Before any surgery, patients undergo a thorough assessment:

• Medical Review: Cardiologist, pulmonologist, and endocrinologist consultations as needed.
• Nutritional Screening: Registered dietitians evaluate eating patterns and nutritional deficiencies.
• Psychological Assessment: Licensed psychologists assess readiness, coping strategies, and potential mood disorders.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood work, sleep studies, and imaging to identify hidden risks.

This multidisciplinary approach ensures that candidates are optimally prepared for surgery and longterm success.

Recovery is closely monitored in our stateoftheart inpatient unit. Typical milestones include:

1. Day 01: Observation, pain control, and early ambulation.
2. Day 12: Clear liquids, gradual advancement to pureed foods.
3. Week 24: Transition to soft diet, start of structured exercise program.
4. Month 13: Regular followup visits with surgeon, dietitian, and behavior therapist.

Most patients are discharged within 2448hours after a sleeve gastrectomy and within 4872hours after a gastric bypass.

Weight loss is a lifelong journey. Our center provides continuous resources:

• Monthly support groups led by bariatric nurses.
• Quarterly workshops on cooking, portion control, and mindful eating.
• Access to a dedicated bariatric coordinator for scheduling labs and appointments.
• Online portal with educational videos, recipe ideas, and progress tracking.

Generally, candidates meet one of the following:

• BMI 40kg/m (90lb over ideal body weight) regardless of comorbidities.
• BMI 3539.9kg/m with at least one obesityrelated condition (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.).

Patients must be 18years or older, able to understand the procedure and its implications, and committed to postoperative lifestyle changes.

Emily, 34 Lost 115lb after a sleeve gastrectomy. I regained energy, my blood sugar normalized, and I can now chase my kids without getting winded.

Mark, 58 Underwent gastric bypass and dropped 140lb. My sleep apnea disappeared, and I no longer need blood pressure medication.

We maintain a library of full patient testimonials on our website (see the Patient Voices section).

Owensboro Health works with most major insurers, including Medicare, Medicaid, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and local employer plans. Our financial counselors help you:

• Verify coverage and preauthorization requirements.
• Understand outofpocket costs.
• Explore payment plans, healthsavings accounts, and medical credit options.

Ready to take the first step? Call the Surgical Weight Loss Center at 8005551234 or email us to schedule a free initial consultation.

Our office hours are MondayFriday, 8am5pm. New patients are welcome to attend an upcoming Bariatric Education Night details posted on the events calendar.