Danny Liu, MD
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
Bariatric surgery can be life-changing for people suffering
obesity-related conditions.
Dr. Danny Liu is fellowship-trained in bariatric surgery, which is
also known as metabolic surgery or weight loss surgery.
“Bariatric surgery not only helps patients have longterm
control of their weight, it actually works by
changing the metabolism in the body,” said Dr. Liu.
Dr. Liu is an expert in three types of bariatric surgery: Gastric
Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Adjustable Gastric Banding,
though the former two are the most commonly practiced today.
He has performed approximately 500 bariatric surgeries since
coming to Mercy Joplin in 2013 to spearhead the hospital’s
bariatric program. He performed an additional 300 bariatric
surgeries during his fellowship training alone.
Those who qualify for the surgery have a BMI of 40 or above and
have been diagnosed with morbid obesity. People with a BMI
over 35 can also qualify if they are suffering from obesity-related
medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or
heart disease.
Patients preparing for bariatric surgery at Mercy Hospital will be
part of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary process that includes
meeting with a dietician, keeping a food journal and undergoing
a psychological evaluation.
“We don’t just do surgery on any patient who wants to have
this done,” Dr. Liu said. “We look for patients who are good
candidates for this life-altering change. Somebody who is
committed to following the specific lifestyle and dietary changes
necessary for long-term success.”
Dr. Liu noted that while the lifestyle changes may initially be
challenging, the payoffs are exponential.
“With bariatric surgery, people are able to overcome a lot of their
medical problems and go off many of their medications. To make
these kinds of changes with a single surgery is truly amazing,” he
said. “We are also committed to following up with our patients
for the long term, and see continued success 3, 4 or 5 years out
from surgery, which is reassuring and a testament to the work
we do here.”