Weight-loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, is a safe and proven way to produce significant weight loss for morbidly obese people
If you are 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight and the usual diets have failed, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple can help you take control of your health and change your life forever.
With more than 3,000 surgeries performed, we have devoted the necessary resources to provide you with comprehensive care and achieve high standards in patient education and safety, surgical results, pre-surgical counseling and long-term post-surgical care. Learn more about our informational seminars, lifestyle change classes and bariatric support groups.
Our weight loss program has been received the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction + and a Healthcare Center of Excellence, meaning some patients who may not have qualified for insurance coverage may now qualify. Centers with the Center of Excellence distinction have lower complication rates and fewer readmissions.
Am I a candidate for weight-loss surgery?
Qualifications for surgery may vary by location, but can include a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. However, most insurances require a BMI of 35 or greater with a comorbid condition*.
*Comorbid conditions caused by obesity include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Arthritis and joint disease
- Reflux disease and heartburn
Surgery options
At the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, we offer two minimally invasive bariatric surgical procedures to qualifying patients weighing at least 100 pounds more than their ideal body weight.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
The current standard by which other weight-loss operations are measured. In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created that bypasses a portion of the small intestine. This restricts the amount of food you can eat and the calories your body can absorb.
Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy
In this procedure, the surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach. The smaller stomach limits the amount of food you can eat by making you feel full after eating small meals.
Bariatric surgery support services
Take your first step in the Baylor Scott & White Health bariatric surgery program for weight loss by contacting our department at 254.724.2397.
Our staff will assist you in determining if your insurance has bariatric benefits and help you schedule your consultation with one of our surgeons.
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Pre-operative education
Our pre-operative education classes for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are facilitated in a classroom setting by a bariatric board-certified dietitian. This education will help begin your transition to healthy lifestyle behaviors that will improve your overall health and well-being,
- You MUST attend one education class prior to surgery. This requirement is now combined with the New Nutrition education and available online, or in an in-person classroom setting. You can contact our department at 254.724.2397 to schedule.
- During this class, information about healthy food choices, meal planning, and exercise will be provided and discussed in detail. A review of our five program guidelines is incorporated into the discussion.
- If you have a Gastric Bypass/Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Patient Manual, please bring it with you.
Documents
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Bariatric surgery support group
Each month, Baylor Scott & White hosts virtual support groups for patients to share experiences and assist each other in the preoperative and postoperative process of weight loss and maintenance. All adjustable gastric band, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients are welcome to gain information and support.
Bariatric support groups are offered virtually every first Thursday of the month at 5:15 - 6:15 PM. A different topic will be covered each month. In 2022, groups are scheduled to meet on:
- January 6
- February 3
- March 3
- April 7
- May 5
- June 2
- July 7
- August 4
- September 1
- October 6
- November 3
- December 1
For schedule updates, please contact us at 254.724.2397.
After your surgery, our supportive staff will help you start your new life. Not only will you gain health, energy and confidence, but also the assurance that you have a strong and dependable support group available to help you modify and maintain your healthy new lifestyle. The support group meetings are normally facilitated by Rosemary Ramsey, LCSW.
If you are ready for a healthier and satisfying lifestyle, don’t let another day pass by without getting the information and support you need to make sustainable changes. Our dedicated professionals are here to help you reach your goals for good health and well-being.
Frequently asked questions
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Will my medical insurance cover weight loss surgery?
Contact our office at 254.724.2397 to have your benefits verified.
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How long after the procedure will it take to get my weight off?
This depends on which procedure is performed, how strictly you follow the after-surgery instructions and how much excess weight you need to lose.
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How will my diet and exercise routine change after weight loss surgery?
You will receive specific instructions based on the type of weight loss procedure you have, but the following five guidelines will apply:
- Eat your protein first—at least half of each meal
- No snacking! Eat only two to three small meals per day
- Drink lots of water—80 ounces per day
- Exercise 60 minutes every day, seven days a week
- Take your vitamin and mineral supplements daily collapse
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Can I drink anything besides water between meals?
Yes, but the choices are limited. You can drink sugar-free beverages that do not contain calories, caffeine or carbonation. For example, you may drink diluted sugar-free lemonade but not diet sodas.
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How often are follow-up appointments required after weight loss surgery?
After gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy surgery, the patient is typically scheduled for follow-up appointments at one week, two weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, and twelve months. Thereafter, follow-up appointments can be scheduled as needed.
After adjustable gastric banding surgery, the patient is scheduled for monthly follow-up appointments for the first 12 months. Thereafter, periodic weight checks are scheduled during the next six years; follow-up appointments can also be scheduled as needed.
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Can I continue to take my current medicines before and after surgery?
Before your surgery, you will receive specific medication instructions from the bariatric surgery team. There are some medications you may need to stop taking before surgery such as diabetes medications, female hormones, birth control pills, Plavix®, Coumadin®, diuretics or "water pills."
After your surgery, certain medications should only be taken with permission from our team, including: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy surgery patients: Following surgery, all of your medications will need to be in a liquid, chewable or crushable form for the first two months.
Adjustable gastric band surgery patients: Following surgery, all of your medications will need to be in a liquid, chewable or crushable form for the first 10 days. After 10 days, you can take solid pills with two ounces of water.