If you've struggled with weight issues, the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center offers hope through its comprehensive Weight Loss Management and Surgery Program. This program provides qualified patients with both surgical and non-surgical options to help them achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?
Weight loss surgery might be an option if you are 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight and traditional diets have been unsuccessful. While qualifications can vary, they often include:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater.
- A BMI of 35-40 with significant co-morbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
Commitment to Quality and Safety
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco and Baylor Trophy Club are accredited by the American College of Surgeons METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY ACCREDITATION AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (MBSAQIP). This accreditation recognizes weight loss surgery centers that maintain high standards of care and strive for continuous improvement in quality and safety. Choosing an MBSAQIP-accredited center ensures you receive care from an experienced team committed to optimal outcomes.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery involves procedures that help individuals lose weight by impacting their weight and metabolism. These operations can treat obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol, and may even prevent future health problems. Patients who undergo treatment often experience a better quality of life and a longer lifespan.
Modern metabolic and bariatric operations have evolved over decades and are well-studied. Minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic and robotic surgery) result in less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. These operations are extremely safe, with complication rates lower than common operations like gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, and hip replacement.
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The goal of these operations is to modify the stomach and intestines to treat obesity and related diseases. The operations may make the stomach smaller and also bypass a portion of the intestine. This results in less food intake and changes how the body absorbs food for energy resulting in decreased hunger and increased fullness.
Types of Bariatric Procedures Offered
Baylor facilities offer a range of bariatric procedures, including:
- Gastric Bypass: Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, limiting food intake and reducing calorie absorption.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes a portion of the stomach, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach that restricts food intake.
- Adjustable Gastric Band: Places a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch, restricting food intake.
- Duodenal Switch: A more complex procedure that combines a sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal bypass to limit both food intake and calorie absorption.
The most appropriate procedure for you will be determined based on your individual history and the surgeon's recommendation.
The Cost of Weight Loss Surgery
The price of weight loss surgery depends on:
- The type of surgery.
- The surgeon’s fee, which varies based on the procedure's complexity.
- The hospital you choose.
Most surgeons will work with your insurance company to determine your out-of-pocket expense and will be able to provide you with your full cost.
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Insurance Coverage for Weight Loss Surgery
Insurance coverage varies between insurance carriers. Contact your insurance provider to determine if your policy covers surgical weight loss. Insurance companies often require medically supervised diets that can span up to 6 months. The length of time for insurance approval depends on each insurance plan and its qualifications.
Important Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider:
- Do I have coverage for weight loss/bariatric surgery?
Medicare covers weight loss surgery in most cases assuming you meet the coverage requirements. Medicare will not cover surgery for individuals who smoke and mandates that the patient has been tested for nicotine and its metabolites to ensure that they are not smoking. Not every weight loss procedure is covered. If the criteria are met, Medicare covers Gastric Bypass, Lap Bands, and Gastric Sleeve surgeries.
The following criteria must be met in order for Medicare to cover a weight loss surgery:
- BMI (body mass index) of 35 or greater - BMI Calculator
- At least one co-morbidity - This is a serious illness directly related to your obesity.i.e. sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
- You must have documented evidence that you’ve been obese for the last 5 years.
- Documented participation in a medically supervised weight loss program. Typically, you must show that you have participated and failed more than one program.
- A letter from your physician recommending or supporting weight loss surgery.
- Passed a psychological evaluation.
- All other treatable medical diseases have been ruled out as a possible cause of your obesity.
The Importance of Vitamins After Bariatric Surgery
Your vitamins after surgery are crucial to your health and well-being. In general, most surgeons will ask you to take a chewable bariatric multivitamin, calcium, Vitamin B12, Iron, and Vitamin D3 supplements. Bariatric vitamins contain more of each vitamin than regular ones, as the patients cannot absorb the entire amount taken any longer after bariatric surgery.
Preparing for Life After Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery requires a commitment to lifestyle changes, including what you eat and how often you exercise. Your surgeon will help you set the groundwork, so you’re mentally and physically prepared for life after bariatric surgery. The entire process, from consultation to surgery, generally takes about six months to complete.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options
Baylor also offers non-surgical weight loss options, including:
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- Medically Supervised Weight Management: A supervised approach to weight management that helps you make a healthy lifestyle the cornerstone of your weight loss journey. A team of experts will help you learn about the gradual changes that make the biggest difference in your weight and overall health to help you benefit from improvements to many weight-related conditions.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Assessment of health history, weight loss goals, and any underlying conditions to determine if medication is a safe and effective option.
- Individualized Treatment Plans and Medications: Development of tailored plan that may include medications such as appetite suppressants, or other prescription options.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins to ensure the medication is working effectively and safely, adjusting treatment as needed.
- Integrated Support: Nutritional counseling, behavioral support, and coordination with surgical teams if bariatric procedures become a consideration.
Weight Loss Medications
Several weight loss medications are available, each with its own mechanism of action, dosage, and potential side effects:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic): A GLP-1 receptor agonist administered as an injection, approved for adults and children aged 12 years or more with obesity or some adults with excess weight who also have weight-related medical problems. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro): Both a GLP-1 and a GIP receptor agonist, administered as an injection, and works by reducing appetite.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): A daily injectable medication that acts on hormones from the gut to decrease hunger signals. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, and decreased appetite.
- Phentermine (Adipex, Suprenza): An older medication used to jump-start weight loss, now used in long-term therapy. Side effects include headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, and rapid heart rate.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): A combination medication that decreases appetite and cravings. Side effects include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, and constipation.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): Combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to decrease cravings and appetite. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, and insomnia.
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree): A melanocortin-4 receptor agonist indicated for chronic weight management in patients with obesity due to specific rare genetic disorders.
- Orlistat (Xenical and Alli): A lipase inhibitor that blocks the absorption of dietary fats. Common side effects include oily discharge from the rectum, flatus with discharge, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence.
It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of each medication with your doctor to determine the best option for you.
Additional Resources at Baylor
Baylor offers additional resources to support your well-being:
- Baylor Physical Wellbeing program: Helps you recognize and make the most of your health care opportunities.
- Emotional Wellbeing Solutions: Provides access to support for emotional health needs.
- Virtual Doctor Visits: Allows you to consult with a doctor from the comfort of your home.
- Wellness Coaching: Offers experienced coaches, on-demand workouts, and a science-backed approach to help you set and reach practical health goals.