Specialties & Services

Weight Management

Excess weight is associated with several medical conditions, including diabetes and chronic joint pain. Our weight management programs—both surgical and non-surgical—are led by providers who will work with you to develop a custom treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

 Find a provider Request an appointment

Why choose us for weight management?

Together with WashU Medicine, BJC HealthCare offers options to men and women who are significantly overweight and who haven’t been able to lose weight with diet and exercise. We prioritize your medical needs, personal preferences, and overall quality of life. 

At BJC HealthCare you’ll find:

  • Recognized excellence: Weight management is challenging because we are all different in our genetic make-up and lifestyle. By using the most current methods of weight loss and health management, our providers are able to help people manage their weight safely through individualized programs.
  • Multidisciplinary treatment: BJC HealthCare is committed to helping you reach your goals. Our multidisciplinary programs involve physicians, psychologists, registered dietitians, and physical therapists who collaborate with you to fully understand your health needs and overall goals.
  • Support when you need it most: Our Weight Management Center offers opportunities to connect with your care team through our program orientation, additional screenings, and in-depth assessments so you feel supported throughout your care.

Surgical weight loss treatments

Weight management is complex because each person’s genetics, diet, and lifestyle are different. To qualify for surgical weight loss, patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40, or a BMI of 35-39 with an obesity-related condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. There also needs to have been previous unsuccessful attempts of a structured weight-loss program and no diagnoses of Crohn’s disease or cirrhosis of the liver.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass

 This is the most widely performed weight-loss surgery. Surgeons create a smaller stomach pouch by bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine.

Gastric sleeve

 A large portion of the stomach is removed with the remaining stomach connected to the small intestine. People with severe obesity find they can adapt easier to this surgery because it doesn’t reroute the digestive tract.

Duodenal switch

 This surgery is more extensive than other types of bariatric surgery but has the greatest potential for weight loss. First a gastric sleeve is performed, then the intestine is divided into two parts and reattached to the upper and middle parts of the new stomach, reducing the number of calories absorbed.

Bariatric surgery revision

 Revision surgery is performed to modify or correct previous weight loss surgery that wasn’t successful.

Non-surgical weight loss program

Our non-surgical treatment programs provide regular group sessions, a non-surgical endoscopic procedure, medical monitoring, individualized meal planning with a registered dietician, counseling from a behavior coach, and instruction in movement and exercise.

Intragastric balloon

 A temporary inflatable device which slows down digestion, creating a feeling of fullness and reducing the amount of food that can be consumed.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty

 This minimally invasive procedure involves using an endoscope and sutures to reduce stomach size without surgery.

Endoscopic gastric outlet repair

 A minimally invasive procedure for people who have previously had a gastric bypass to minimize the size of an enlarged stomach pouch that can sometimes happen after surgery.

Search for a specialist

Our highly trained team of specialists offer advanced treatments as well as compassionate, personalized care.

Locations near you.