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.