Obesity is a growing concern, and for individuals who have struggled with traditional weight loss methods, bariatric surgery offers a promising solution. In Dallas, Texas, numerous options are available for those seeking surgical weight loss interventions. This article provides a detailed overview of the different types of weight loss surgery available in Dallas, including the benefits, procedures, and resources available to support patients throughout their weight loss journey.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery has been proven to significantly reduce and improve medical co-morbidities and diseases, leading to improved short and long-term health outcomes. Many health problems can be corrected and even reversed with the right weight loss surgery. Sustained weight loss through bariatric surgery offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Resolution or improvement of type 2 diabetes
- Reduced risk of certain cancers
- Improved joint pain and mobility
- Enhanced quality of life
Types of Weight Loss Surgery in Dallas
Dallas offers a range of bariatric surgery options to suit individual needs and preferences. The surgeons in Dallas are experts in proven techniques for every type of weight loss surgery and will help you decide which procedure is perfect for you. The most common procedures include:
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has recently become the most frequently performed weight loss surgery. During this procedure, 60-80 percent of the stomach is removed creating a sleeve or tube-like structure. As a result, this restricts the amounts of food you can eat.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
As the most established and proven procedure, gastric bypass surgery is often chosen as the benchmark to evaluate any new procedure against. This is when the surgeon staples a small pouch in the stomach. The remainder of the stomach is divided from the stomach pouch. The digestive tract is rerouted, which decreases the amount of nutrients, fat and calories your body absorbs.
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Duodenal Switch
The duodenal switch surgery results in the largest amount of excess weight loss and the least weight re-gain. During this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch shaped like a tube, making the stomach smaller. The lower part of the small intestine is attached to the new, smaller stomach.
Gastric Banding
This is when a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to regulate food intake. This procedure allows for the adjustment of the band to meet your needs.
Revisional Surgery
Surgeons on the medical staff work with patients whose previous weight-loss surgeries did not achieve their desired outcomes, for whatever reason. The surgical team provides revision surgery for patients who have experienced complications or inadequate results from bariatric surgery. No matter where your initial procedure was done, a physician on the medical staff of a Texas Health Hospital can discuss your options for a revisional procedure that may meet your needs.
Robotic Weight Loss Procedures
Robotic surgery allows your doctor to perform surgery using only a few small incisions with enhanced vision, precision and control.
Choosing the Right Procedure
Selecting the most appropriate weight loss surgery is a collaborative decision between the patient and the surgeon. Factors to consider include:
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- BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Overall health and medical history
- Personal preferences and goals
- Risks and benefits of each procedure
Bariatric surgery candidates who undergo a weight loss procedure can discuss average and anticipated weight loss with their surgeon.
Bariatric Surgery Centers in Dallas
Medical City Dallas
Medical City Dallas maintains the longest continuously running bariatric program in North Texas, offering weight loss surgery since 1979. The bariatric surgery specialists and general surgeons are some of the most experienced in Dallas, and the dedicated bariatric team is committed to your lifelong post-surgical needs. Medical City Dallas is a bariatric center of excellence with several insurance carriers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and United HealthCare.
In August 2023, the hospital celebrated the completion of its 20,000th robotic surgery, a milestone that makes it one of the busiest robotic programs in the region. Many of these procedures have been weight-loss surgeries. This achievement underscores an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation by our physicians and care teams.
UT Southwestern’s Bariatric Surgery and Weight Wellness Clinic at Texas Health Dallas
UT Southwestern’s Bariatric Surgery and Weight Wellness clinic at Texas Health Dallas offers comprehensive treatments for weight management to patients who are overweight or obese - from education to bariatric surgery. To achieve this recognition, the program was put through a comprehensive review of clinical practices, patient outcomes, and facility compliance with MBSAQIP standards.
New You Bariatric Center
The founding surgeons of New You Bariatric Center, Dr. Bryan D. Brewer and Dr. Charlotte Hodges, are dedicated to providing individualized care for every patient who strives to lose weight. Friends and colleagues since 2006, Drs. New You Bariatric Center Surgeons are experts in proven techniques for every type of weight loss surgery.
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What to Expect
Before Surgery
For patients who have insurance, the first and most important requirement is to know if your insurance plan covers bariatric surgery. You will also want to find out what requirements your insurance company has in order to pre-approve you for the specific procedure in which you are interested. Qualification criteria include weight vs. height (BMI), the presence of health conditions, age and surgical risk, among other factors. We will perform a full evaluation of your condition after your consultation and let you know if you qualify under our guidelines and, if applicable, under those of your insurance company.
Day of Surgery
You will check in for surgery at building A registration and then go to day surgery on the second floor. The surgical team will guide you through the surgical process.
After Surgery
After your surgery, you can expect to walk within four hours. You will be discharged when your pain is under control, you are tolerating liquids and you are able to urinate adequately. Generally speaking, the average patient will leave the hospital on the same day for gastric banding procedures and the next day for gastric sleeve procedures. Of course, every case is unique.
Post-Operative Care and Support
Follow-up is the key to success with bariatric surgery. Every patient receives compassionate and individualized care to achieve maximum long-term success. The more you surround yourself with support, you are, statistically, more likely to achieve a better outcome. Support can come from many sources including organized groups, family and friends and exercise classes. The most important thing is to find the support that you need and fits into your life.
Texas Health Dallas offers a virtual support group to all interested patients. In support group, we are surrounded, encouraged and learn from others who have struggled with weight. Adopting a new lifestyle, while exciting, can still bring challenges so taking time to share with others is particularly beneficial to your success.
At Medical City Dallas, they are there for you throughout your weight loss journey. The group meets virtually.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
Bariatric surgery is a tool for those who have been unable to lose weight and keep it off and for those with health conditions related to their weight. Bariatric surgery, like any other surgery, does have risks and should be discussed with your primary physician and our surgeon. However, there are times when the surgical risk of bariatric surgery is lower than the risk of living with obesity and its related co-morbidities. That’s when surgery is ideal. Complication and mortality rates have been dropping over the past decade and laparoscopic techniques have further reduced the incidence of surgery-related complications.
In the end, you along with your surgeon will be able to answer that question. Every case is different and while some patients enjoy great success after surgery, there are many potential patients on whom we never operate because they are not ideal candidates. Your particular health situation, your willingness to work hard to lose weight, and the results of your testing will let us know if surgery is right for you.
Costs and Insurance
Our program offers flat rates for bariatric surgical services in order to reduce your total-out-of pocket expense. Cash pay patients should speak to our patient coordinator for the specific contracted rates.