Barker Bariatric Center

This is a then and now review of the practice.
I am approaching year 4 post surgery. I had a great experience and lost quite a bit of weight. I am thankful that I had the procedure done. When I first started my journey, the staff and MDs were attentive and inviting. I spoke with Dr. Barker and was confident in my decision. Now 4 years later the customer service has gone south. I go in for my follow up appointments and the changes in the practice are very visible. The MD with the best «bedside» manner has left. The office staff has gotten stale and almost cold or appear to be bored with being at work. Very little eye contact and you are shuttled through the office and offered more «no’s» than maybe’s or yes’s. I realize I am not the money maker any more, but I am still a patient none the less. As My wt. has stabilized now– and I know what to do– I’m not sure if I will return next year or if I could honestly recommend this practice without emphasizing a potential patient throughly research the procedure, practice, and staff. Make the best and most informed decision you possibly can.

Dr Hodges is great. She listened to me and was very understanding. I had revision surgery from a lap band to a bypass. Best decision I ever made. The communication from the office was good and everyone is super friendly. I am 10 mths out and have lost 80 lbs. Thank you Dr. Hedges for changing my life.

Go here if you want to be lost in the shuffle.
I arrived for appointment only to find out there were no doctors that day. They said they called to reschedule me, and according to their notes my cell voicemail had not been set up. I have had same cell for 15 years and it is my work phone. The voicemail is VERY set up.
Multiple appointments with preps for procedure (stress test and EGD). No one called to confirm or go over prep again, just in case. I had to call them. (I didn’t want to show up again and not have an appointment). I met with them early Dec 2014 for band removal. I asked of they thought we could get most done before end of year for insurance purposes. «Oh sure, shouldn’t be a problem,» said Dr Brewer and the male nurse I met with. It is Jan 22 and still no surgery scheduled. There is no follow up and no one accountable here. I am sure if I was getting band removal and changing to sleeve or bypass, I wouldn’t be lost in shuffle. Everyone I talk to from this office says «you’re not getting something else done?» No! I’m not. I’m going natural. The band has been a nightmare. It is my choice. Quit pressuring me to do something else.
I like Forest Park facilities and I like Dr Hodges is why I haven’t just went somewhere else. So annoyed!

I LOVE Barker Bariatric Center!
Started the process in October 2013. I went in for my consultation and met with one of the surgeons on staff that day. He was very helpful in helping me pick the right surgery for me. I had originally picked the Gastric Sleeve surgery, but after having an EGD done, I found out that I had a hernia and acid reflux, which the sleeve would have made worse.
After speaking with the doctor, we decided that I should have the Gastric Bypass surgery instead. I had my Gastric Bypass Surgery with Dr. Barker in October 2014.
My surgery went great and I had no complications.
I love all of the staff at Barker Bariatric, they are all so helpful and really nice!
Definitely would recommend Dr. Barker for anyone considering the surgery in the future.

Dr. barker hasn’t done most of the surgeries in years. His ex partners can be found elsewhere now. They are awesome! Dr. Hodges and Dr. Brewer started their own practice.

I work at a body contouring center that works with post-​bariatric patients — basically, we remove excess skin and tighten things up after someone has undergone weight-​loss surgery and has been at a steady weight. The patients we see coming from Barker Bariatric are very satisfied with their treatment and results. The doctors are recognized within the medical community as some of the best surgeons and the staff is really nice to work with — you can tell they care a lot about their patients.
Bariatric surgery is no easy matter and there are always risks involved, however, the risks are greatly minimized when you go to some of the best doctors in town. I would recommend these doctors to anyone looking for a caring and talented team to treat them.