Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery

David E. Hargroder, M.D.

Dr. David Hargroder is a graduate of LSU Medical School, completed his surgical residency at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, and completed his kidney and liver transplant fellowship in 1993.

He has been in private practice since 1993 and served as vice-chairman and chairman of the Department of Surgery at Mercy Hospital in Joplin from 2008 through 2012.

He currently serves as chairman of the division of General Surgery.

He is a trauma surgeon, general surgeon, bariatric surgeon and was the first surgeon trained to perform the Mini-Gastric Bypass by Dr. Robert Rutledge, the founder of the Mini-Gastric Bypass procedure.

For nearly two decades Dr. Hargroder has worked with, studied, and helped people struggling with obesity.

He is quickly becoming known as “America’s Weight Loss Doctor”, and is loved by patients literally around the world!

His compassionate approach to each of his patients and depth of knowledge concerning those who struggle with obesity is without rival.

In addition to a thriving weight loss practice, Dr. Hargroder is a sought after speaker/trainer, and travels both nationally and internationally to help teach and advise other surgeons and medical professionals about not only the scientific side of weight loss, but also the “Human Side” of those who struggle with obesity.

Carla Hubenthal

Patient Care Coordinator

Primary Duties: Initial contact with patients, assist potential patients by answering questions and providing emotional support as they explore the option of weight loss surgery.

Carla Hubenthal is our Patient Care Advocate and the person you are most likely to talk to during your MGB Journey. Carla’s life was dramatically changed almost a decade ago when she had her MGB done. Carla is the Founder of a personal and professional development company called Sleeping Giant Within. Her experience teaching and training people to maximize their own potential has made her the perfect choice to conduct our educational seminars and walk beside you through each phase of the MGB process.

Sherry Hemhill

Office Manager

Primary Duties: manages pre-op patient guidance, Dr. Hargroder’s scheduling, patient inquiries, and shares personal insights from her own surgical experience, often bringing in new patients through her scrapbooking network.

Sherry Hemphill, who underwent mini-gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Hargroder in 2014, now serves as the office manager and primary pre-op coordinator. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare, she guides patients through the surgical process, handles Dr. Hargroder’s scheduling, and provides valuable personal insights from her journey, often connecting with new patients through her scrapbooking network.

In her role, Sherry is a trusted contact for patients, assisting them with everything from pre-op preparation to post-surgery questions and concerns. Known for her empathy and firsthand understanding of the patient experience, she is able to answer nearly all patient inquiries, helping them feel informed and supported. Beyond the office, Sherry’s passion for scrapbooking has even become a source of new patient referrals, as she connects with people at events and shares her success story, extending her influence and care beyond clinic walls.

Chelley Odle

Patient Care Coordinator

Primary Duties: Initial contact with patients, assist potential patients by answering questions and providing emotional support as they explore the option of weight loss surgery.

Chelley Odle is our Patient Care Advocate a person you are most likely to talk to during your MGB Journey.