Attending a free educational seminar is usually the first step in deciding if weight loss surgery may benefit you. All patients are encouraged to attend a free seminar prior to being evaluated by a bariatric surgeon and scheduling surgery. Surgical treatment is the only proven method of achieving long term weight control for the severely obese. Weight loss usually reaches a maximum between 18 and 24 months after surgery. Average excess weight loss at five years after gastric bypass surgery is 48 to 74 percent.
Follow us
Services
Gastric Sleeve surgery is essentially the newest weight loss surgery, and its popularity as a bariatric surgery for morbid obesity has expanded dramatically. The gastric sleeve is created by dissecting the outer part of the stomach, which is then stapled off and removed from the abdomen. About 75% of the stomach is removed and ultimately discarded.
The REALIZE Band procedure is a minimally invasive, reversible weight loss surgery option offered at our St. Louis-area practice. It results in less post-operative pain and quicker recovery time than other methods, and there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach. The REALIZE Band creates a smaller stomach chamber, allowing for less food intake and an earlier feeling of fullness.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass weight loss surgery, provided by our St. Louis-area bariatric surgeons, is on one of the most popular and effective procedures to combat morbid obesity and make you thinner and healthier. Although the Roux-en-Y ("end-to-side") gastric bypass has traditionally been performed through a large abdominal incision, Dr. Van L. Wagner specializes in the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y. This newer and safer technique is less invasive, requires less recovery time, and reduces the risk of infection.
ORBERA is a safe and effective weight loss solution with 20 years of global experience and real world results. More than 220,000 ORBERA balloons distributed worldwide in over 80 countries. Heart of America Bariatrics is one of the first in the country to offer this new tool in helping people achieve their weight loss goals.
Reviews (12)
Kevin K.
Mar 15, 2022
I just got an email, stating that my surgeon that operated on me 3 months ago recently retired due to health concerns 3 weeks ago. That's nice to know after the fact that he wasn't healthy probably when he operated on me, and I'm being notified by an email 3 weeks after he HAD to retire. This place is a joke, and that's just my opinion of course, so do as you will with the reputation of this place and check it out thoroughly before you start making decisions with your life.
Yvonne Overton
Apr 03, 2021
Lisa Hurst
Mar 16, 2020
I couldn't be more excited about my experience with HOAB, Dr. Wagner and all of his staff and one staff member in paticular Katie. Katie worked with me for a full year to meet my insurance requirements to have my gastric sleeve, which was completed in July 2019. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I feel wonderful. Thank you Dr. Wagner and your staff for all the support and being along for the ride of successful weight loss.
Yellow Ranger
Feb 28, 2020
I had my surgery 11/04/19 and I feel amazing! No complications what's so ever Dr. Wagner and his staff made this journey as stress free as possible. The staff is so organized and helped me with all my questions and concerns. I panic about everything and I'm glad I trusted wagner and his staff, I have no regrets and I highly recommend him. My husband believes he is the best dr for this procedure do to 0 complications post op!
Bob C.
Nov 23, 2019
Alice Rickert
Jan 09, 2019
I had gastric sleeve surgery in Jan of this year. I first saw Dr. Wagner in July 2018 and then started my 6 month medically supervised diet required by my insurance. Dr. Wagner was very thorough in his exam as well as very informative about each procedure option and what he thought was best for me. He also was up front with any risks involved and told me the statistics of those complications happening and how often he'd seen them in his own patients over his own career.
He has dedicated patient advocates who work with you to get all medical clearances and insurance auths and they're also SUPER supportive and encouraging. They really care for their patients. He also has a nutritionist which really helps! Loved my experience!
He has dedicated patient advocates who work with you to get all medical clearances and insurance auths and they're also SUPER supportive and encouraging. They really care for their patients. He also has a nutritionist which really helps! Loved my experience!
Melissa Jones
Jan 05, 2019
From my initial consultation with Dr. Kumaran, I have had nothing but positive experiences. He and everyone in his office are knowledgeable, kind and professional. It has been six months since my surgery and the entire process has been great. I researched options for about a year before making a decision to go with HOAB. I have absolutely no regrets.
Steven Herberts
Dec 12, 2017
I was recommended to Dr. Wagner and Heart of America Bariatrics earlier this year once I found out my health insurance would not cover Weight Loss Surgery. From day 1 Dr. Wagner and his staff made me feel welcome and comfortable with this huge life decision. The staff is always super friendly and I can tell in the first few visits since surgery they care about my well being just as much as Dr. Wagner.
I'm only 3 months post-op but have already lost a total of 100 pounds since my initial consultation in April. Pricilla the staff nutritionist is always available to answer any of my dumb questions and Katie or Jessica are quick to respond if something comes up. I could not be happier for everyone on the staff for helping me make myself into a better person. If you are thinking about WLS please visit their office they will make sure you are ready, comfortable and successful.
I'm only 3 months post-op but have already lost a total of 100 pounds since my initial consultation in April. Pricilla the staff nutritionist is always available to answer any of my dumb questions and Katie or Jessica are quick to respond if something comes up. I could not be happier for everyone on the staff for helping me make myself into a better person. If you are thinking about WLS please visit their office they will make sure you are ready, comfortable and successful.
Chelsea
May 30, 2017
I had my gastric sleeve surgery done by Dr. Wagner in March 2016. The process was very smooth and his staff is really knowledgeable in regards to insurance. I've been to other bariatric surgeons for consultations and the process with his office is by far the best. It doesn't take weeks or months to get an appointment, someone usually answers the phone and if they don't, they return your phone calls.
The nutritionist is onsite and she's wonderful. She's very responsive to emails as well. I highly recommend Dr. Wagner. He's very nice, patient, and knowledgeable. It's been a fantastic experience.
The nutritionist is onsite and she's wonderful. She's very responsive to emails as well. I highly recommend Dr. Wagner. He's very nice, patient, and knowledgeable. It's been a fantastic experience.
Summer Rister
Feb 11, 2017
Dr. Wagner and his staff are AMAZING! I had my gastric sleeve on Halloween 2016 and have never looked back! The weight is melting off! Dr. Wagner is very caring and patient. Priscilla, the dietitian, is full of fantastic ideas to help facilitate the weight loss. I recommend HOAB 100%! Best decision I ever made!
Cinnamon VanZandt
Mar 28, 2015
Going through this procedure with Dr. Wagner was the smoothest experience with a doctor/hospital that I've ever encountered. The office staff at his practice were very professional, and treated me like an actual human being, and not like just another number or insurance case coming through the front door. I appreciate the communication, professionalism, and care that I received by Dr. Wagner and all his staff, and would highly recommend them to anyone who is considering bariatric surgery.
Kathleen C.
Aug 27, 2009
Dr. Wagner and his staff treat you kindly and with respect. The staff deals with the insurance companies and they make it as easy as possible to get approved. I am one of the few patients that had complications (not Dr. Wagners fault, I seem to be prone to surgical complications) and Dr. Wagner quickly found the problem and fixed it without any delay. I highly recommend Heart of America Bariatrics.
