Learn more by attending a free seminar
We’re here to help you start your journey to better health. We offer free online seminars to explain every step of the weight loss process and what you can expect.
Attend a Seminar
Attend a free weight loss surgery seminar
Weight loss surgery is a big decision that can change your life for the better. That’s why we are excited that you want to learn more about the first steps to a new you. Our experienced medical staff and community is here to answer your questions and help you every step of the way to your weight loss success.
The benefits of weight loss surgery
When diet, exercise and medication aren’t working, weight loss surgery may be an option for treating morbid obesity. Research shows weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is the most effective way to achieve long-term weight loss. The benefits go beyond what you see on the scale. It can also improve a wide range of other health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea.
Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program
The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) is a collaborative initiative aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of care for patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. Watch this video to learn more:
FAQ
When it comes to weight loss surgery, each insurance has its own benefits and exclusions. It’s important to know what your plan covers. If your insurance doesn’t provide coverage for bariatric surgery, we also offer private pay.
Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. If you have other serious health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, bariatric surgery may be beneficial if your BMI is between 35 and 40. If your BMI is below 35, you will not qualify for surgery.
Use the BMI calculator below to see if you qualify.
UT Health Tyler Bariatric Center offers several types of procedures, including:
Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass
This is the most common procedure. A surgeon creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine. This helps lower the amount of food you can eat in one sitting.
Sleeve gastrectomy
This procedure removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a long, tube-like pouch. This smaller stomach can't hold as much food. It also produces less of the appetite-regulating hormone ghrelin, which can curb your desire to eat.
Duodenal switch
This procedure modifies your stomach and your small intestine. It combines a gastrectomy (removal of part of your stomach) with an intestinal bypass to shorten the path your food takes through your intestines.
A great first step is to watch our free, online seminar. In this seminar, you’ll get an overview of bariatric surgery from both Dr. Babineau and Dr. Keith, the bariatric surgeons at our clinic. They’ll discuss why someone should consider bariatric, who qualifies and what options are available. After the video, you can fill out a quick questionnaire and our clinic will be in touch with you
Next, you'll attend an orientation and consultation at our clinic. You will meet with our nurse coordinator to go over the steps required by your insurance company, such as preoperative weight management class. You'll also meet with one of our bariatric surgeons to discuss which procedure best meets your needs.
If you’re ready to meet with our team, click here to schedule a consultation.
Surgeries are performed at UT Health Tyler, which is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) as a Comprehensive Center – the highest level available. The facility is also accredited for pediatric and adolescent bariatric surgery. Our experience in bariatric care has allowed us to successfully perform over 6,000 procedures since 2001, while offering comprehensive care in pre-op and post-op programs.
UT Health Tyler is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities that show a commitment to delivering high quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations. The Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program provides a full range of bariatric surgery care; including surgical care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care, and patient education.
This facility is also designated an Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence from UnitedHealth Care.
