For over four decades, Houston Methodist medical professionals have been at the forefront of helping individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Guided by evidence-based practices and a commitment to individualized care, Methodist Healthcare offers a multifaceted approach to weight loss, encompassing medical weight management, surgical options, and comprehensive support services.
Why Choose Methodist for Weight Loss?
Enrolling in a Methodist weight loss program means becoming a patient for life. Recognizing the physical and emotional challenges associated with obesity, Methodist is dedicated to providing ongoing support throughout every stage of the weight loss journey. This commitment is reflected in their comprehensive services, experienced team, and dedication to patient success.
Individualized Approach to Weight Management
Methodist Healthcare distinguishes itself through its thorough and individualized approach to patient care. This involves:
- Comprehensive Medical History Review: A detailed assessment of each patient's medical history, including weight history, comorbidities, medications, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors.
- Collaborative Care: A multidisciplinary team of specialists in nutrition, behavior, physical activity, surgery, and obesity medicine working together to support lasting results.
- Experienced and Dedicated Experts: Weight management experts who meet national education and training standards set by their professional organizations, ensuring top-tier care.
Houston Methodist doctors and providers are leaders in obesity management who actively participate in research, education and national meetings. Our doctors bring together extensive clinical experience and the latest research to inform every decision.
Surgical Weight Loss Options
Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option for individuals who have struggled with obesity and related chronic conditions. However, it is not the ideal solution for everyone. Methodist offers a range of proven surgical options, each with its own set of risks and benefits, which are carefully discussed with patients. These options include:
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- Gastric Balloon: A deflated balloon is inserted into the stomach through the esophagus and then filled with saline solution. The expanded balloon creates a feeling of fullness, reducing the amount of food that can be consumed.
- Lap Band (Adjustable Gastric Banding): A band is surgically placed around the stomach to restrict food intake. The band can be adjusted via a small port implanted under the skin. This procedure is reversible and involves no surgical modification to the anatomy.
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: This popular procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch that is then connected to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small intestine.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed, reducing food intake and temporarily decreasing the production of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite.
Moving forward with a weight loss surgery or procedure is an important decision. Ultimately, a successful procedure is just one part of a comprehensive weight loss plan.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Program
For individuals who are not candidates for surgery or prefer a non-surgical approach, Methodist offers a medically managed weight loss program. This program focuses on lifestyle changes and may include:
- Evaluation of Eating Habits and Physical Activity: A thorough assessment of current lifestyle habits to identify areas for improvement.
- Extended Appointment Times and Health Coach Calls: Providing ample time for consultations and ongoing support to discuss progress, challenges, and setbacks.
- Customized Nutritional Plan: Tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Prescribed Weight-Loss Medications: As deemed appropriate by the physician.
This program helps patients embrace the lifestyle changes necessary for healthy weight loss. Some participants who considered weight loss surgery decide against it after success in the program.
Comprehensive Support Services
Methodist understands that weight loss is a journey that requires ongoing support. To ensure patient success, they offer a variety of support services, including:
- Lifelong Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ins with the medical team to monitor progress and address any concerns.
- Monthly Support Groups: Providing a platform for patients to connect with others, share experiences, and receive emotional support. These meetings are facilitated by a dietitian and a certified bariatric nurse offering virtual and in-person options.
- Nutritional Workshops: Educating patients on healthy eating habits and strategies for maintaining weight loss.
Support groups provide a system of accountability.
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Locations and Outreach
Methodist Healthcare's weight loss services are available at various locations, including:
- Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery (Houston, TX)
- Methodist Hospital Metropolitan Weight Loss Center (San Antonio, TX): Recognized as a Bariatric Center of Excellence.
- Methodist Hospital | Landmark Bariatric and Weight Loss Center
- Methodist Weight Loss Solutions (Crown Point, Indiana): Led by Dr. Sonia Sharma and Dr. James Siatras.
- Outreach services in Columbus, Nebraska
- Bariatric services in Omaha and Council Bluffs
Benefits of Weight Loss
Achieving a healthy weight can have numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Improved overall health and quality of life.
- Potential cure for some chronic conditions, such as type II diabetes.
- Lowered cholesterol levels and stabilized blood sugar.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
If you’re overweight and have other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, or gastrointestinal issues, bariatric surgery could greatly improve your overall health.
What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery has benefits and disadvantages, which can vary depending on the patient. All patients, regardless of procedures, follow a specialized eating plan post-surgery. Our staff carefully shares your diet progression, ensuring the plan is understood. To prevent pain or serious complications, it's important to follow the plan correctly. This is mandatory for our program.
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