Bariatric Surgery Gives Elizabeth a Healthier Future

Elizabeth Crow loves racing around the backyard with her 9-year-old daughter, Zakiyah. 

However, a little more than a year ago, that was impossible because of the 36-year-old's weight.  

“I was sick all the time—in and out of the hospital—and as a single parent, it was really challenging,” Elizabeth says. “I want to be here for my kid. I knew that something needed to change.”  

That realization was underscored when Elizabeth developed a hernia and needed surgery, but physicians recommended she first lose weight before undergoing the procedure.

The Galena, Missouri, native who lives near Joplin, Missouri, had various weight-loss tactics since she was 14, including dieting, tracking calories, and taking GLP-1 medication. She’s also worked out with a personal trainer. The methods worked for a while, but then Elizabeth would gain back the weight.  

Motivated to reach her health goals, she started looking into a long-term solution: weight-loss surgery.  

A mother’s search for medical help  

Elizabeth was referred to Geoffrey Slayden, MD, a board-certified bariatric surgeon at Saint Luke’s South Hospital, to talk about weight-loss surgery options.  

The surgeons at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss offer three procedures using minimally invasive techniques, which speeds recovery time and minimizes the risk of complications.  

Dr. Slayden recommended sleeve gastrectomy, the most common weight-loss procedure. It involves removing a large portion of the stomach, limiting how much the patient can eat.

What happens before bariatric surgery?

Elizabeth completed a comprehensive program to prepare for surgery, which included education on her surgical options, nutrition counseling, an exercise plan, and psychological consultations both before and after the procedure.  

“The staff checked in to see how I was doing and talked to me about details and expectations at my preoperative appointments," Elizabeth says. "Before surgery, your mindset and lifestyle changes. It's something you have to prepare for."

In February 2025, Dr. Slayden performed a successful gastric sleeve surgery on Elizabeth, who calls recovery from the procedure smooth.

A sustainable lifestyle change

One year after her surgery, Elizabeth had lost 140 pounds. She can fit into booths at restaurants, ride rollercoasters at the carnival, and, most importantly, chase after Zakiyah.  

"Now, even walking is different because I'm not wheezing or out of breath," Elizabeth says.  

The young mother is grateful for her weight-loss surgery, calling it a tool that helped her reach her health goals.  

"Keeping weight off is hard," she says. "I'm glad I got the surgery. If you're considering it, stay focused on your goal and know that you can do it."

Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss is nationally recognized for high-quality and compassionate care. From extensive education through surgery and long-term post-surgery support, you can trust that our experts will be there with you throughout your journey. Learn more about  bariatric surgery.