About the Expert
About the ExpertDr. Scott Stowers is a board-certified bariatric surgeon who has performed thousands of surgeries for over two decades. More importantly, the unique aftercare program he developed gives patients the tools to reach their goals far beyond surgery. After completing his undergraduate studies at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Dr. Stowers earned his medical degree at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Q&A
I’ve tried diets in the past What makes bariatric surgery different?
The brain’s job is to maintain where you are today. When you go on a diet and eat less, you have a large stomach that you barely fill. As a result, your brain thinks you’re starving, and turns your metabolism way down. When you stop your diet and start eating, the weight comes back. With surgery, we make the stomach smaller. So, you’re eating less but filling up the stomach, which tells your brain to speed up metabolism. This is why surgery is a game-changer.
How do I decide if I’m ready to have weight-loss surgery?
First, identify your “why.” The best reason is to be healthier, but bariatric surgery has other great benefits. From there, it’s important to come talk to us and see what weight-loss surgery will require. The surgery takes about 45 minutes to an hour, but there are other things that you’ll need to be willing to do. We will provide you with a complete roadmap when you come in.
Are there more benefits to bariatric surgery than just weight-loss?
Yes. Bariatric surgery is not just about getting smaller — it’s about getting healthier and feeling better about yourself. You gain a lot mentally and improve your self-esteem. It allows you to do things you couldn’t do before and to resolve conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure that come with excess weight.
How do you decide which surgery is right for me?
The best way to do that is to make the decision together with the patient. In my nearly 18 years of performing weight-loss surgery, I’ve seen the best results with the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. When deciding on a surgery, we look at other factors besides excess weight. We determine which surgery will work the best for your medical situation and lifestyle.
Is bariatric surgery safe?
Yes. It’s very safe. Honestly, the risks of severe obesity outweigh the risks of bariatric surgery for most patients. Risks are also decreased when the patient knows what to do. If you don’t educate people on what they need to do, complications can arise. You want to go somewhere that has a great surgeon with a complete program — a place that does more than schedule you for surgery and send you on your way.
Why should I choose The Bariatric Experts?
Extensive education and communication create long-term success for our patients. Our comprehensive program personalizes your care and includes an experienced surgeon, great facilities, and a dedicated team of support staff with a full-time dietitian. At The Bariatric Experts, you become a patient and a part of our family for life. If you’d like to learn more about us, give us a call at 940-577-2090. We will be with you every step of the way.
