i
Loading Page
loading, please wait

Filters

FILTERS

Clear All Filters

NEW PATIENTS

GENDER

CONDITIONS / TREATMENTS

Search for Conditions/Treatments...

MEDICAL SCHOOLS

Search for Medical School...

PRACTICE AFFILIATIONS

Search for Practice Affiliations...

SPECIALTIES

SORT BY

Bariatricians - Hannibal, MO

We found 4 bariatricians in Hannibal, MO. See refinement options below.

Sort By
  • Default
  • Patient Rating
  • Distance

Related searches

You can further refine your search:

mammogram (2) , needle biopsy (2) , gastrointestinal procedures (2) , breast procedures (2) , preventive care (2) , weight management (2) , x-rays (2) , biopsy (2) , lab tests (2) , blood draw (2) , endoscopy (2) , minimally invasive surgery (2) , a1c test (1) , abdominal imaging (1) , immunization (1) , pulmonary function test (1) , vascular procedures (1) , major joint injection (1) , brain imaging (1) , ultrasound-guided core breast biopsy (1) , diabetes (1) , musculoskeletal imaging (1) , neck ultrasound (1) , pelvic ct scan (1) , gastric bypass surgery (1) , mri (1) , removal of lesion (1) , holter monitoring (1) , outpatient hospital care (1) , tb skin test (1) , esophageal manometry (1) , stress ekg (1) , hypertension (1) , thoracic imaging (1) , ultrasound (1) , spine imaging (1) , lung issues (1) , joint problems (1) , major joint aspiration (1) , ct scan (1) , cardiac procedures (1) , intravenous infusion (1)

in Nearby Locations

Kirksville, MO Lake St. Louis, MO Quincy, IL

Other Providers in Hannibal, MO

Dermatologists Endocrinologists Internists & Internal Medicine Doctors Interventional Cardiologists Neurologists Neurophysiologists Nutritionists Occupational Therapists Ophthalmologists Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Orthodontists Psychotherapists Radiation Oncologists Thoracic (Chest) Surgeons Urgent Care Doctors

What is Bariatrics (Obesity Treatment)?

Bariatrics is a medical specialty that prevents and treats obesity. It focuses on the underlying causes of obesity and methods to prevent or alleviate obesity-related disorders. Bariatrics treats obesity through a variety of weight reduction strategies. The field of bariatrics is divided between bariatric medicine and bariatric surgery. Bariatricians, or bariatric medicine physicians, treat patients through a variety of nonsurgical weight reduction strategies, which can include oral medication and behavioral modification techniques. Bariatric surgeons, on the other hand, perform gastrointestinal surgical procedures to induce weight loss in patients who do not respond to medicine or traditional weight loss programs.

Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index measurement (BMI number) greater than 30 due to excess body fat. Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and sleep apnea. Obesity may also have detrimental effects on patients' quality of life and impair physical function. Given these risks, individuals with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 (classified as overweight) may also be seen by bariatricians, particularly if they exhibit symptoms of high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes.

Obesity is primarily diagnosed through weight and height measurements, but bariatricians may also perform body composition analyses, electrocardiograms (heart rhythm test), and blood tests to evaluate patient blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Nonsurgical methods used by bariatricians may include:

  • Behavior modification, such as physical exercise plans
  • Nutritional guidance, such as reduced-calorie diet, supplements, and reduction of unhealthy food consumption
  • Oral medicine to induce weight loss, such as Phentermine, Saxenda, and Orlistat (also known as Alli)
  • Education courses and support groups
  • Counseling therapy or psychology appointments

If diet adjustment and exercise do not lead to weight loss, patients may consider bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgeons perform the following procedures, among others:

  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, where the size of the stomach is reduced, and food is directed into the small intestine before the stomach can fully absorb it
  • Vertical sleeve gastrectomy, where the stomach is surgically decreased to about 20% of its original size, inhibiting hunger
  • Adjustable gastric banding, where a tightened band is applied to the stomach to eliminate the quantity of food patients can consume

Even after patients have reached a healthy weight and achieved their health goals, they may wish to continue visiting a bariatrician for maintenance. Bariatricians and bariatric surgeons may collaborate with nutritionists, registered dietitians, and psychologists to provide comprehensive obesity care.