Baylor Scott & White Center for Medical & Surgical Weight Loss Management

Bariatric weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgeons on the medical staff of Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, have performed more than 8,000 weight loss procedures since the program began in 2001. A majority of the procedures are performed robotically or using a minimally invasive approach, often on an outpatient basis. Most patients go home within 24 hours, which reduces time off from work, lessens the risk of infection and promotes a speedy recovery.

The types of weight loss surgery we offer include:

• Adjustable gastric band removal
• Duodenal switch
• Gastric sleeve
• Gastric bypass

For most patients, the most significant weight loss is experienced during the first six to 12 months. Of course, individual results may vary. With substantial weight loss, medical complications associated with obesity, including diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) significantly improve or resolve completely.

Metabolic surgery

We offer metabolic surgery for those struggling with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. The American Diabetes Association has adopted metabolic surgery as the new standard of care for patients with Type 2 diabetes who are overweight.

Metabolic surgery is similar to traditional bariatric surgery, but unlike bariatric surgery, this type of surgery focuses on affecting the underlying metabolic disease in addition to weight loss.

Metabolic surgery is appropriate for patients with BMI of 30 or higher.

Revisional surgery

Revisional surgery is an option for patients who have already undergone a weight loss procedure and may need another one to repair complications from the first procedure or for patients who have gained weight or not lost sufficient weight. Most revisional procedures at Baylor University Medical Center are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic methods.

You may be a candidate for revisional surgery if:

• You have not lost enough weight after your first surgery
• You regain enough weight that medical problems such as diabetes or gastric reflux have returned
• You regain weight to a point where you no longer have lost 50 percent of your original excess weight
• Your BMI is 40 or above

Nutrition counseling

A registered dietitian who specializes in bariatric nutrition works one-on-one with weight loss surgery patients during this time. Because weight loss surgery changes the digestive process, nutritional counseling is essential to learning new techniques for eating.

The dietitian provides education and tools about food intolerances and avoiding nutritional deficiencies. The techniques you learn from the Baylor University Medical Center dietitian and nutrition classes are lifestyle changes that assist you the rest of your life. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, if you become discouraged or need clarification, the dietitian is available to create or modify your individual eating plan.

Upon approval for the surgery, you will attend a nutrition class that focuses on post-surgery nutritional guidelines. Additional classes are available at six weeks, six months and one year after surgery. You may attend classes as often as desired and one-on-one nutritional counseling is available.

Nutrition and Weight Management Center

The medical weight management program is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program with a lifestyle change focus.

The program provides:

• Group and individual lifestyle support
• Registered dietitian visit
• Comprehensive physician consultations
• Behavioral health specialist available for consultation
• A 12-week program where participants learn how to eat healthy, plan meals, work on being active, manage stress and stay motivated

Other referral criteria include:

• BMI 30 or greater
• BMI 27 or greater and one or more of the following:
  • Elevated waist circumference
    • Males: Greater than 40 inches
    • Non-pregnant females: Greater than 35 inches
• Medical co-morbidities associated with obesity (i.e., diabetes, prediabetes hypertension, coronary artery disease)

Education and support groups

Baylor University Medical Center Weight Loss Surgery Program is pleased to provide patients, family and friends with educational and support tools to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Support groups offer continued education through distinguished speakers and other post-surgery patients. The groups build a community for mentoring, additional support and accountability.

Support group educational and fun events are coordinated by a licensed therapist. These groups can help you learn what to expect before, during and after your surgery. Baylor University Medical Center offers in-depth educational workshops on such topics as body image, weight maintenance skills and relapse prevention. Specific groups for men, singles, couples and families are offered.

Fun and interesting events planned on a semi-annual basis may include fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, food shopping tips, a field trip and holiday celebrations. For your convenience, evening support groups are held at several locations in the Dallas area. You may attend these support groups as often as you’d like at no charge.