Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, can lead to significant weight loss and improve weight-related health conditions. With additional benefits that include increased energy and self-confidence, weight loss surgery is a step toward a new you.
The decision to have weight loss surgery is an important one, as is determining which doctor and hospital are right for you. Houston Methodist’s team of surgeons, nurses, care navigators, dietitians, counselors and exercise physiologists offer comprehensive care throughout your weight loss journey.
Find a Houston Methodist Bariatric Surgeon
Find Cutting-Edge Care for Your Weight Loss Surgery
Houston Methodist’s board-certified bariatric surgeons have decades of experience and employ minimally invasive weight loss surgery techniques. We offer a comprehensive range of procedures, carefully tailoring each treatment to meet your unique needs.
Gastric Sleeve (Gastrectomy)
A minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, the gastric sleeve promotes weight loss by permanently removing two-thirds of the stomach. This induces a feeling of fullness with smaller amounts of food while also preserving the pylorus, a valve that regulates stomach emptying and slows the digestive process.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
A minimally invasive metabolic procedure, gastric bypass diverts food to a surgically constructed pouch in the stomach, bypassing a section of the small intestine. This effectively decreases hunger while increasing satiety.
Bariatric Revision Surgery
Our surgeons are experts in weight loss surgery revisions, which may be necessary due to inadequate weight loss, severe reflux, gastric ulcers, bowel obstruction or nutritional issues. While these complications are rare, our specialists have the experience and skills to correct such issues.
Duodenal Switch Procedures: Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileostomy with Sleeve (SADI-S) and Classic Duodenal Switch (DS)
These minimally invasive procedures can be performed robotically or laparoscopically, removing approximately 75% of the stomach and bypassing a significant section of the small intestine. This effectively limits food intake and alters hunger hormones.
Endoscopic Bariatric Procedures
These minimally invasive procedures are performed using an endoscope and involve inserting devices or administering treatments through the gastrointestinal tract to restrict food intake, alter gut hormones or enhance feelings of fullness.
Our Expertise and Approach for Weight Loss Surgery
Helping you achieve long-term weight loss — every step of the way
Houston Methodist’s board-certified bariatric surgeons and specially trained team of bariatric coordinators, dietitians, counselors and exercise physiologists, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities, help each patient achieve long-term weight loss success. When you choose Houston Methodist for bariatric surgery, your benefits include:
- Skilled, board-certified surgeons using the most advanced and least invasive surgical weight loss approaches available
- Ongoing care after surgery, including monthly support groups, nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian and exercise advice and tips
- Access to different weight loss surgery options, including gastric sleeve (or gastrectomy), gastric bypass (or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass), and weight loss surgery revisions
Houston Methodist hospitals are nationally accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The MBSAQIP recognizes weight loss surgery programs that meet national quality standards and provide safe, high-quality bariatric patient care.
Improving your overall health and well-being through weight loss
Carrying excess weight for long periods of time can put you at risk for developing serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It can also affect your mental and emotional health.
The benefits of weight loss surgery include:
- Safe and effective weight loss
- Improvement in medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and high cholesterol
- Reduction or elimination of medications needed for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and acid reflux
- Improvement in fertility
- Increased energy and interest in physical activity
- Greater self-confidence
Understanding your eligibility and goals
Determining if weight loss surgery is the right choice depends on several factors, including your health, past weight loss efforts and readiness for change.
Candidates for weight loss surgery have:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
- A BMI of at least 35 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Surgery may also be an option for individuals who have struggled to lose weight and keep it off, despite previous weight loss attempts — especially if excess weight affects your health and daily activities.
While weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, lasting success requires a commitment to long-term changes. Healthy eating, regular activity and addressing any personal or social factors may all impact your progress. Our weight loss programs offer structured guidance to help you build sustainable habits for a healthier future.
Bariatric Surgery Options From Leading Experts Across Houston
The specialists at Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery are dedicated to supporting patients on their path to a healthier life.
A Team to Meet Your Needs Before, During and After Surgery
Each specialist on our team plays an important role in helping you achieve your long-term weight loss goals. The team includes:
- Board-certified bariatric surgeons skilled in minimally invasive surgical weight loss procedures.
- Bariatric coordinators who can help answer your questions about the process of weight loss surgery.
- Registered dietitians offering presurgical nutrition assessments and dietary advice after surgery.
- Counselors providing mental and emotional support before and after surgery.
- An exercise physiologist offering exercise advice and tips.
Support Throughout Your Surgical Weight Loss Journey
Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery provides the full range of bariatric surgery services, including extensive postoperative care designed to help each patient achieve lifelong weight loss success. That’s why we are dedicated to supporting you through routine follow-up care after surgery, nutrition resources and access to support groups with other patients of similar experience.
