BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Metamor Institute on Baton Rouge’s Pennington Biomedical Research Facility is focused on treating patients with obesity and diabetes.
The institute started in 2020 and continues to grow.
The Director of the Institute, Doctor Schauer, said they plan to expand its services to children and teens in the near future. The doctor was asked by Governor John Bel Edwards to move to Baton Rouge to run the program.
“I got a call one Sunday morning from a very distinguished gentleman and he said his name was John Bel Edwards, he said, ‘Doctor I want you to come down here, Louisiana has a weight problem. We need a greater focus here and we want you to lead this effort.’ It took us about a year and a half to two years to put the institute together,” said Doctor Schauer.
The institute uses different approaches for each patient by utilizing experts in lifestyle interventions and medications. Surgery is also an option for those that are over 100 pounds.
“Our center has all of these. It has counseling, drug therapy, and surgery. All of these providers whether they are a psychologist, dietitian, surgeon, medical doctor, we all work shoulder to shoulder as a team,” said Schauer.
Dr. Schauer also said the exam rooms and renovated facility on the campus of Pennington Biomedical Research Center help patients feel welcomed.
“It’s only about a year old and renovated with the patient in mind, so every exam room is outfitted with comfortable seating that can accommodate larger people. Surrounded by us are some of the world’s top scientists and nutritionists,” said Schauer.
The price can vary for patients. It depends on the patient’s insurance and the services they receive.
Robin Bourgeois is a patient who decided to have a gastric bypass on July 28, 2022. She was once 267 pounds and suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and was prediabetic.
“If I would have stayed this way, I might not be here in five more years,” said Bourgeois.
About a year after the surgery, Bourgeois lost more than 100 pounds.
“We are going to amusement parks, we are going hiking, I want to zipline. I’m going to be 60 years old. It’s never too late to do this and change your life. I haven’t felt this good since I was 16,” said Bourgeois.
Doctor Schauer oversaw Bourgeois’ surgery and is pleased with the outcome.
“Robin is a wonderful lady, like many of our patients has struggled for decades. Her heart is extremely happy with this weight loss,” said Dr. Schauer.
“I trust Dr. Schauer and these people are amazing. I don’t regret this at all, I would do this all over again tomorrow,” said Bourgeois.
Click here for more information on the Metamor Institute.
