Greg Walton, MD FACS in Oklahoma City: Bariatric Surgery With an Emphasis on Surgical Credentials

Greg Walton, MD FACS, is a bariatric surgeon in Oklahoma City who performs weight-loss procedures on adults seeking surgical intervention rather than diet and medication alone. He holds board certification in general surgery and fellowship credentials in the American College of Surgeons (FACS designation), which signals advanced training and commitment to surgical standards. Unlike many weight-loss centers in Oklahoma City that rely primarily on nutritional counseling and pharmaceutical management, Walton's practice is procedure-focused, serving patients who have already exhausted conservative options or qualify medically for surgery.

What bariatric surgery is and who performs it

Bariatric surgery reshapes the stomach or intestines to reduce food intake and nutrient absorption. The most common procedures are gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and lap-band adjustment. A surgeon performing these operations must complete general surgery residency plus additional bariatric training; the FACS credential requires peer review and demonstrated competency. Walton's surgical background distinguishes his practice from weight-loss clinics that employ nurse practitioners or physician assistants without operative privileges. In Oklahoma City, most bariatric surgery is offered through hospital-affiliated groups or larger multi-specialty centers; an independent surgical practice is relatively uncommon.

Procedures and consultation process

Walton performs gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and lap-band procedures. Most bariatric surgeons in Oklahoma City require a multi-step intake: an initial surgical consultation to assess candidacy, nutritional evaluation, behavioral health screening, and often a supervised diet or exercise trial of 3 to 6 months. Some insurers mandate this pre-operative phase before authorization. The exact pre-operative requirements and timeline should be confirmed directly, as they vary by insurance plan and individual health profile. Weight-loss surgery is not same-day; patients undergo general anesthesia and typically remain hospitalized for 1 to 2 nights.

Cost and insurance coverage

Bariatric procedures cost $15,000 to $35,000 in the Oklahoma City area when self-pay. Most major insurance plans cover gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy if the patient meets criteria (usually BMI 40 or 35 with obesity-related comorbidity). Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield Oklahoma, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare generally cover these procedures after pre-authorization. Lap-band surgery is less frequently covered. Out-of-pocket costs depend on deductible and coinsurance; verify coverage details with your insurer before your surgical consultation. Walton's office should provide an estimate once insurance authorization is in place.

How Walton compares to other weight-loss options in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City has three broad categories of weight-loss providers. Pharmaceutical-focused clinics (such as medically supervised weight-loss centers offering GLP-1 drugs) treat obesity without surgery and suit patients with BMI under 35 or those not ready for operation. Multidisciplinary weight-loss programs affiliated with larger hospital systems offer surgery plus ongoing nutritional and behavioral support; these are appropriate for patients seeking integrated post-operative care in a larger facility setting. Independent bariatric surgeons like Walton are the choice for patients specifically seeking operative intervention from a fellowship-trained surgeon outside a hospital structure. Surgery itself is the most aggressive intervention and carries anesthesia risk; it is not a first-line option.

Who is and is not a candidate

Bariatric surgery suits adults with BMI 40 or higher, or BMI 35 or higher with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea). Candidates must be willing to follow strict post-operative diet and take lifelong vitamin supplementation. Patients with untreated psychiatric illness, active substance abuse, or severe comorbidities that make surgery unsafe are not candidates. Pregnancy planning within 2 years may be a reason to delay surgery. Those seeking reversible weight loss or unwilling to commit to behavioral change should explore pharmaceutical or lifestyle options first.

What the first visit involves

A surgical consultation typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Walton will review your weight history, current health conditions, medications, and previous weight-loss attempts. He will examine you, discuss procedure options and expected weight loss (gastric bypass often produces 60 to 80 percent excess weight loss over 18 months), and explain risks including nutritional deficiency, gastric leak, and blood clots. You will leave with information about pre-operative testing, insurance authorization steps, and referrals to nutritionists or behavioral health providers if needed.

Hours and location

Confirm current office hours and location by phone or the practice's website before visiting. Bariatric surgery practices in Oklahoma City typically operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours; emergency bariatric consultations are rare.

Walton's surgical background and FACS credentials make him a viable choice for patients in Oklahoma City committed to bariatric intervention and preferring a fellowship-trained independent surgeon over a hospital-based team.