Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric Surgery

Persons with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or over 35 with at least one major health problem (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, or osteoarthritis) may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. As part of our team approach for long-term success, patients receive frequent follow up guidance from our surgical clinic and registered dieticians.

Surgical Options

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy: During the sleeve gastrectomy, your surgeon removes roughly two-thirds of your stomach, leaving behind a banana-shaped sleeve. Even though this procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach, it allows the stomach to function normally while decreasing the amount of food you can eat and hunger.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is designed to reduce the amount of food consumed and allow food to pass through to the intestine without being absorbed. A small stomach pouch is created that restricts food intake. This new stomach is then attached to the middle part of the small intestine, bypassing the lower stomach and portion of the small bowel.

For more information about surgical options, please call 903.315.4400.

The first step to bariatric surgery is participating in a free information seminar. The seminar is designed to introduce our surgical and medical team, review the most up-to-date surgical options, and discuss the benefits of a medically-based weight management program. These sessions will address many questions and concerns about bariatric surgery and help you decide which option is best for you.

To qualify for weight loss surgery, you should:

• Not have previously had bariatric surgery
• Not have Medicaid as a primary insurance
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40, be at least 100 pounds overweight, or more than twice your ideal weight; or have a BMI over 35 with a coexisting medical problem related to obesity (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, or osteoarthritis)
• Be able to demonstrate a serious past attempt to lose weight through exercise or programs
• Have no major medical, physical, emotional or psychological problems that would significantly increase the risk of surgery
• Be well-informed about the procedure you and your surgeon select as well as capable of participating in long-term follow-up and aftercare

Surgical candidacy depends on many factors and ultimately is at the discretion of the surgeon.

The center offers a comprehensive approach to the multitude of issues and hurdles you may confront in the immediate and extended timeframe after surgery. Through our on-going support groups, we offer you a chance to share your experiences and successes with other individuals, motivating all participants to improve their health by adopting a new and healthier lifestyle. We strive to provide the on-going education and support necessary for you to make sustained weight loss a reality.

Nutrition services are individualized and will cover both pre and after surgical topics. Our registered, licensed dietician will include post op nutrition, education, support and accountability to help you succeed long term.

Nutrition services are provided at regular interval after surgery.

The CHRISTUS Good Shephard Bariatric Surgery Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program so you can be confident you'll receive high-quality care for your weight loss surgery. The Center is also designated as a Blue Cross Blue Shield BlueDistinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery. By offering a variety of weight loss surgery options and full follow-up care after surgery, we’re committed to providing the care you deserve.