Weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is performed on patients with obesity. There are several types of bariatric procedures, but all focus on making modifications to the digestive system with the goal of significant weight loss.
Bariatric surgery in Dallas, Texas
Medical City Dallas maintains the longest continuously running bariatric program in North Texas, offering weight loss surgery since 1979.
The bariatric surgery specialists and general surgeons are some of the most experienced in Dallas, and the dedicated bariatric team is committed to your lifelong post-surgical needs. Medical City Dallas is a bariatric center of excellence with several insurance carriers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and United HealthCare.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
A healthier you
Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery? Determine if you qualify with our online assessment.
Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery? Determine if you qualify with our online assessment.
Advanced weight loss surgery in Dallas, Texas
Our Bariatric & Metabolic Institutes within the Medical City Healthcare system offer a full range of bariatric surgical options, including:
- Gastric banding—This is when a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to regulate food intake. The surgical team also performs gastric band removal procedures.
- Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)—This is when the surgeon staples a small pouch in the stomach. The remainder of the stomach is divided from the stomach pouch. The outlet from the newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum (part of the small intestine).
- Sleeve gastrectomy—This is when a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device. The excised portion of the stomach is then removed, which also causes ghrelin (the "hunger hormone") to decrease.
- Duodenal switch—This is when the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch shaped like a tube, making the stomach smaller. The lower part of the small intestine is attached to the new, smaller stomach. The procedure changes the flow of food by not mixing digestive enzymes until farther along in the digestive tract.
- Revision surgery—The surgical team provides revision surgery for patients who have experienced complications or inadequate results from bariatric surgery. This can be a result of a metabolic or a mechanical issue.
Robotic weight loss procedures
Robotic surgery allows your doctor to perform surgery using only a few small incisions with enhanced vision, precision and control. The surgeons perform the following robotic-assisted procedures:
- Gastric bypass (Roux–en–Y)
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Robotic duodenal switch and revisions
In August 2023, the hospital celebrated the completion of its 20,000th robotic surgery, a milestone that makes it one of the busiest robotic programs in the region. Many of these procedures have been weight-loss surgeries. This achievement underscores an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation by our physicians and care teams.
Recognized for excellence in bariatric surgery
At the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute, we are focused on providing patients in Dallas with the highest level of care possible. Because of this, we are recognized as:
How much weight will I lose?
Bariatric surgery candidates who undergo a weight loss procedure can discuss average and anticipated weight loss with their surgeon. The anticipated typical result is greater than 50 percent of excess weight.
Factors that affect how much weight you lose after bariatric surgery include:
- Type of surgery
- Age
- Body mass index (BMI)/starting weight
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Adherence to prescribed program
What to expect the day of your surgery
You will check in for surgery at building A registration and then go to day surgery on the second floor. The surgical team will guide you through the surgical process. This starts with a nurse taking your vital signs and then meeting with your surgeon and anesthesiologist.
After your surgery, you can expect to walk within four hours. You will be discharged when your pain is under control, you are tolerating liquids and you are able to urinate adequately.
Weight Loss Support Group
At Medical City Dallas, we are here for you throughout your weight loss journey. Our weight loss support group offers patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, or those who are considering it, an opportunity to support one another and ask physicians any questions they may have.
The group meets virtually on the dates below from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Please email Danielle Houston for information on how to join. Future topics include:
- Jan 4th – Getting Back on Track
- Feb 1st – It Takes Guts (inside the OR)
- Mar 7th – Finding Fitness that Fits You
- April 4th – Medical Weight loss
- May 2nd – Chair Yoga
- June 6th – Mindful Eating
- July 11th – Q & A Panel Discussion
- Aug 1st – DFW Activities: Resources for making Fitness Fun
- Sept 5th – Body Contouring and Plastic Surgery
- Oct 3rd – Vitamin Needs and Deficiencies
- Nov 7th – The Psychology behind Wt. Maintenance, Motivation, and Staying Consistent
- Dec 5th – Life Beyond Surgery: Ensure Long Term Success
Bariatric Ask A Nurse support line