Bariatrics and Weight Care

Our weight loss team at UnityPoint Health is committed to providing each patient the help they need to achieve personal weight loss goals. With both surgical and non-surgical methods, we provide coordinated care with a team of experts to serve all aspects of your weight loss journey. Our board-certified surgeons offer both minimally invasive and traditional surgical approaches to weight loss. 

• Non-surgical weight loss care includes individualized meal plans, exercise recommendations and lifestyle behavioral therapy. 
• Surgical weight loss options at our facilities can include gastric sleeve, lap band or gastric bypass surgery. Surgical weight loss is not a quick and easy fix for obesity; it is a lifelong process.

Because every person is different, our team will help find the approach that will produce the best results for you. Whether you need to lose a few pounds or more, the first step in your journey is contacting our weight loss team for a complete evaluation so we can develop a safe, personalized and comprehensive approach to achieving your desired results.

Who Should Consider Weight Loss?

Anyone who is overweight or obese should consider weight loss and learn about the benefits it provides. Excess body weight may lead to physical health conditions, mental health issues and decreased physical ability. People experiencing obesity-related health issues are strongly encouraged to lose weight. People who are 100 pounds over their ideal body weight and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more may qualify for surgical weight loss.

What Health Conditions Does Obesity Cause? 

Those who are obese are at higher risk for developing health conditions and chronic diseases including:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Osteoarthritis
• Respiratory conditions
• Sleep apnea
• Stroke

Weight Loss Specialists

Weight loss teams are dedicated to helping you meet your weight loss goals through surgery or nonsurgical methods like healthy diet and exercise. Teams may vary depending on the method of weight loss. Weight loss teams for both nonsurgical and surgical weight loss options might include:

• Dietitian: Food, diet and nutrition experts. Dietitians teach patients how to eat balanced meals, avoid overeating and form a healthy relationship with food.
• Psychiatric counselor: Provide mental health counseling for overweight and obese patients. Obesity and mental health often intertwine.
• Nurse coordinator: Make sure patients have all the resources they need for successful weight loss and reaching their goals.
• Physician assistant: Certified and licensed medical professional practicing medicine with a team of other medical professionals. Physician assistants detect, diagnose and treat patients for obesity-related diseases.