Bariatric Surgery

(Surgical Weight Loss)

Everything You Need to Know About Bariatric Surgery

DFW Bariatric Institute in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas is overseen by experienced weight loss specialists, but we do more than perform bariatric surgery. We are committed to empowering patients by providing the knowledge and tools that they need to reclaim their health and renew their confidence. Whether you are just beginning to consider professional help for weight loss or you’ve been thinking about bariatric surgery for a long time, our experts explain the different types of weight loss procedures and everything you need to know when considering bariatric surgery.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery refers to a range of weight loss surgeries that are designed to help people successfully lose weight in order to overcome obesity. While bariatric surgery is typically reserved for patients with severe obesity, there are also non-surgical procedures that are designed to help people who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. In addition to significant weight loss benefits, bariatric surgery may also be recommended to treat a number of health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Learn more about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.

Weight loss procedures generally utilize two methods to promote weight loss – Restriction and Malabsorption.

  • Restrictive procedures limit the amount of food a patient is able to eat.
  • Malabsorptive procedures reduce the number of calories that are absorbed by the body.

which weight loss procedure is right for me graphic

Types of Surgical Weight Loss Procedures

There are a variety of weight loss procedures available, each with their own benefits and indications. If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is important to find a qualified bariatric surgeon in your area. An experienced weight loss specialist will help you determine which weight loss procedure may be right for you. Weight loss procedures include:

  • Gastric Sleeve Also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or VSG, the gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive procedure that is highly effective in helping patients lose significant excess weight. The surgeon removes 75 to 80% of the stomach, and the new stomach is small and tube-shaped. The stomach retains the natural digestive openings. Patients lose weight because the smaller stomach holds less food, which allows them to feel full with fewer calories, and the surgery also re-calibrates the body’s hunger hormones. In addition to weight loss, patients may also experience improvements in Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension.
  • Gastric Bypass Also called roux-en-y surgery, is both restrictive and malabsorptive, which means that it limits the amount of food a patient is able to eat and also changes how that food is digested. At DFW, we typically perform bypass surgery laparoscopically, which means that only tiny incisions are made in order to access the organs. The stomach is reduced to a fraction of its original size and part of the intestine is bypassed. Gastric bypass typically allows patients to lose up to 80% of excess weight and can also cure Type 2 diabetes.
  • Mini Gastric Bypass simplifies the Roux-en-Y procedure by utilizing a single anastomosis, resulting in shorter operating times and reduced technical complexity. It restricts food intake and impairs nutrient absorption. In comparison, Roux-en-Y involves a more complex surgical technique with two anastomoses. While both surgeries yield significant weight loss and resolution of comorbidities, the choice between them depends on individual patient factors.
  • Gastric Banding is a restrictive surgery in which a band is placed around the stomach to limit the amount of food a patient can take in. Patients feel full with less food, which can help them achieve weight loss. The band is adjustable so it can be customized for each patient, and it is removable if needed.
  • Duodenal Switch Also called the Biliary Pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch, this surgery may be particularly helpful for patients with a BMI over 50. In this restrictive and malabsorptive procedure, the bariatric surgeon removes about 75% of the stomach and adjusts the digestive system to significantly decrease calorie absorption. This procedure can lead to nutrient deficiencies for some patients, but may also resolve serious obesity related health conditions.
  • Weight Loss Revision Surgery We believe that everyone deserves a second chance. If you have had weight loss surgery but are not happy with your results, or feel that a different type of procedure will be better suited to you, we may be able to help. We offer a number of revision procedures, including band-to-sleeve conversions for patients who are seeking gastric band removal.

Do I Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery?

There are several factors that determine if someone is a candidate for bariatric surgery. The most important qualification for bariatric surgery is a willingness to change your life and commit to healthier habits and significant lifestyle changes. The best way to figure out if bariatric surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a bariatric surgeon near you. One measurement that doctors use is a patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI). While candidacy will vary depending on the procedure type as well as a patient’s health and medical history, if your BMI is over 30 you may be a candidate for a bariatric procedure.

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Is Bariatric Surgery Safe?

Any surgery or medical procedure carries some risk, but bariatric surgery has a very favorable safety profile. Consider these facts:
how safe is weight loss surgery graphic

  • The risk of dying from bariatric surgery is extremely low and, with a 99.9% survival rate, is on par with many routine surgeries.1
  • Scientific evidence is mounting that bariatric surgery may in fact be the only reliable method of curing obesity.2
  • For patients suffering from life-threatening obesity related conditions, or comorbidities, bariatric surgery may actually be life-saving. In fact, a clinical study showed that patients with morbid obesity who underwent bariatric surgery were 89% less likely to die over any 5 year period than individuals with morbid obesity who did not have bariatric surgery.3

Your individual risk for any procedure will depend on your medical history and overall health. Talk to an experienced bariatric surgeon about the potential risks of bariatric surgery.

Is Bariatric Surgery Covered by Insurance?

will health insurance cover weight loss surgery graphicYes, bariatric surgery may be covered by health insurance for qualifying individuals. Health insurance can be complicated and many prospective bariatric patients become overwhelmed trying to figure out the details of their insurance coverage. If you are interested in learning which procedures may be covered by your plan, fill out our Free Insurance Check form and one of our knowledgeable insurance coordinators.

Keep in mind that many health plans that do cover bariatric surgery also impose prerequisites or waiting periods. Patients who would like to avoid restrictions may opt to utilize financing in order to take advantage of the ease of a self-pay procedure. Additionally, some non-surgical weight loss procedures, such as gastric balloon, are not covered by health insurance. Learn about payment options at DFW Bariatric Institute.

How Much Does Bariatric Surgery Cost?

The cost of bariatric surgery and non-surgical weight loss procedures can vary depending on your individual medical needs. The prices at DFW Bariatric Institute are competitive, starting at $7,995 for gastric balloon. See our special pricing on self-pay packages. If you are comparing prices at bariatric surgery centers in your area, make sure to take into account what is included in the price, as well as the experience and reputation of the surgeon.

Jerry’s Weight Loss Success

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

“I have since lost 161 pounds. I am currently off ALL of my meds and I no longer need a CPAP machine to get a good night’s rest. I can work my shifts without hurting. I can see that my family looks at me differently. They know I am healthier and that I have taken the steps to be with them for many years to come. I am so much happier with myself and my life.” — Jerry

Read Jerry’s Story

Bariatric Surgery Results and Life After Weight Loss Surgery

In order to achieve weight loss success, it is important that patients are prepared for the lifestyle changes that will be necessary. Before you begin your bariatric journey, you must understand that weight loss surgery is not an easy way out. Patients who do decide to have bariatric surgery often report that they have an improved quality of life and they are able to be more active and confident than ever before. Some of the health benefits that patients may experience include:

life can be healthier and more active after weight loss surgery graphic

  • Over 70% of gastric sleeve and gastric bypass patients experienced improvement or total remission of their Type 2 diabetes.4
  • Improvement in sleep apnea and hypertension
  • Relief from joint pain
  • Improvement in fertility5

Learn more about life after weight loss surgery.

Before and After – Bariatric Surgery Success Stories

We are honored to have helped so many people in Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as the many patients who have traveled to us, achieve their weight loss goals. If you are interested in learning more about life after weight loss surgery, view our featured patient stories to read testimonials, view before and after photos and see videos of real patient stories.

What Kind of Diet Will I Eat After Bariatric Surgery?

Food choices and calorie needs will vary depending on your lifestyle and the type of bariatric surgery you have, but the there are a few things that any successful post-bariatric diet will have in common:
healthy eating habits after weight loss surgery graphic

  • Smaller Portions – most weight loss procedures are restrictive and will limit the amount of food you can safely eat at one time.
  • Nutrient Dense Foods – Since your stomach will be smaller, it is important that the food you do eat is rich in nutrition. Foods like fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy dairy will help ensure you are not deficient in nutrients.
  • Focus on Protein – Lean meats, low-fat dairy, and protein supplements will be in rotation to ensure adequate protein. Foods that are carb-heavy or full of sugar, such as desserts, bread, candy, or processed snacks will be strictly limited or eliminated.
  • Avoid Alcohol and Carbonation – Alcohol and carbonated drinks will be processed by the body differently after surgery and the empty calories that they contain should be avoided.

Get our free six day meal plan and check out our blog for bariatric friendly recipes.

Take the Next Step


If you have any questions about bariatric surgery or non-surgical weight loss procedures, our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about weight loss options, get a free insurance check, or schedule a consultation at one of our convenient offices in Colleyville, Frisco, or Rockwall, Texas.

References:
1JAMA Surg. 2014;149(3):275-287. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2013.3654
2JAMA and Archives. Study Examines Outcomes of Gastric Bypass Surgery in Morbidly Obese and Superobese Patients. April 2009. http://pubs.ama-assn.org/media/2009a/0420.dtl.
3Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Weight loss surgery extends lifespan. August 2007.
4Annals of Surgery 2010 Dec;252(6):966-71
5http://www.clevelandclinic.org/reproductiveresearchcenter/docs/agradoc366.pdf

Patient Testimonials


Janet S.

Lost 93 pounds*

"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."

Vivian P.

Lost 140 pounds*

“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”

Sherrie M.

Lost 110 pounds*

“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”

John E.

Lost 90 pounds*

“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”

Kathy D.

Lost 161 pounds*

“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”

Brian S.

Lost 130 pounds*

“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”

Lorna Q.

Lost 107 pounds*

"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”

Danielle L.

Lost 154 pounds*

“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”

Dennis H.

Lost 170 pounds*

“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."