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 Frisco, Texas
The Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Medical City Frisco is committed to providing high-quality care for weight loss.
We use a multidisciplinary team approach that includes highly skilled and compassionate surgeons, nurses, registered dietitians and behavioral health specialists.
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.
As a facility accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), we offer treatment options that focus on long-term weight loss success, from bariatric surgery to personalized diet plans. Our team is here to help you make sustainable changes through support groups and educational seminars.
Recognized for excellence in bariatric surgery
At the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Medical City Frisco, we are focused on providing patients in Frisco with the highest level of care possible. Because of this, we are recognized as:
- A Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Accredited Center
- A Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Plus Center for Bariatric Surgery
- A Cigna Certified Bariatric Center
Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery?
If you've exhausted traditional methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, but still haven't found success, bariatric surgery may be an excellent option for you. To qualify, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more of the following conditions:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Osteoarthritis
- Gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Non-alcoholic liver disease
- Sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders
Once it is determined you are a bariatric surgery candidate, the team at the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute will walk you through the insurance approval process and discuss the best treatment plan for you.
Types of bariatric surgery we offer
Sleeve gastrectomy
The sleeve gastrectomy is a non-reversible procedure that restricts the amount of food your stomach can hold. A gastric “sleeve” is created by removing roughly 70 to 80 percent of the stomach. This restricts the amount of food that can be eaten, allowing weight loss without bypassing any portion of the stomach or intestine.
Benefits of sleeve gastrectomy
- Reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold
- Encourages speedy and significant weight loss similar to that of the gastric bypass
- Does not require implanting an artificial device in the abdomen or rerouting the flow of food
- Produces positive changes in gut hormones, causing patients to feel less hungry
Risks of sleeve gastrectomy
- Leaks can occur from staple lines or poor healing
- Vitamin and mineral deficiency can occur
- Intolerance to certain foods can occur
- Weight gain can occur if patients do not follow the appropriate dietary guidelines
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
During a gastric bypass, staples are used to divide the stomach into a smaller upper section and a larger bottom section. The smaller section will be the size of a walnut or large egg and is typically referred to as a pouch.
Next, a section of the small intestine is attached directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass the lower stomach and a portion of the small intestine. The rerouting of food makes you feel full faster and improves blood glucose control.
Benefits of gastric bypass surgery
- Generates 60 to 80 percent weight loss
- Restricts the quantity of food that can be consumed
- Produces positive changes in gut hormones, causing patients to feel less hungry
- Does not require implanting an artificial device in the abdomen
Risks of gastric bypass surgery
- Leaks can occur from staple lines or poor healing
- Vitamin and mineral deficiency (patients will be on lifelong vitamin supplementation and should have their vitamin levels checked at regular intervals)
- Intolerance to certain foods can occur
- Dumping syndrome, which can cause vomiting, nausea, faintness, sweating and diarrhea after consuming foods high in sugar or carbohydrates
- Weight gain can occur if patients do not follow the appropriate dietary guidelines
Duodenal switch
First, a smaller, tubular stomach pouch is created by removing a portion of the stomach. Then, a large portion of the small intestine is rearranged separating the flow of food coming from the smaller stomach from the digestive juices and not allowing the two to mix until it reaches the last portion of the small intestine. This surgery decreases the number of calories absorbed but also the quantity of food that can be held inside the stomach.
Benefits of duodenal switch
- Results in greater weight loss than the sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, i.e. 60 to 70% excess weight loss or greater, at 5 year follow up
- Allows patients to eventually eat near “normal” meals
- Reduces the absorption of fat by 70% or more
- Produces favorable changes in gut hormones — patients often feel less hungry and state the desire to eat is reduced.
- Is the most effective against diabetes compared to the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.
Risks of duodenal switch
- Has higher complication rates and risk for mortality than the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Patients should make sure that they have discussed these risks with their surgeon.
- Has a greater potential to cause protein deficiencies and long-term deficiencies in a number of vitamin and minerals. Patients will be on lifelong vitamin supplementation and should have their vitamin levels checked at regular intervals.
- Compliance with follow-up visits and care and strict adherence to dietary and vitamin supplementation guidelines are critical to avoiding serious complications from protein and certain vitamin deficiencies. It is recommended that all patients follow up at regular intervals during the first year and then on at least a yearly basis thereafter with their surgeon.
Revision surgery
We also offer bariatric revision surgery for patients who have already undergone weight loss surgery. This procedure may be used if you experienced complications or did not achieve your desired weight loss with the first surgery. Reasons for revision surgery may include:
- The stomach pouch has become larger
- The gastric pouch outlet may have increased in diameter
- Increase in intestine intake abilities
- Gastric band slippage
Medically managed weight loss program
If you don't qualify for, or opt not to undergo bariatric surgery, we also offer a medically managed weight loss program. This program incorporates educational resources and a diet plan to help you lose weight with behavioral changes. Prescription medications may also be used to supplement the weight loss process.
Bariatric Surgery Support Group
At Medical City Frisco, 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.
Our Support Group meets virtually on the first Thursday of each month from 6 PM to 7 PM CST. For any questions or further information about joining, please email our Bariatric Coordinator Dasha McGregor. You can also register using the QR code below!
- January 4: Getting Back on Track
- February 1: It Takes Guts (inside the OR)
- March 7: Finding Fitness that Fits You
- April 4: Medical Weight Loss
- May 2: Chair Yoga
- June 6: Mindful Eating
- July 11: Q & A Panel Discussion
- August 1: DFW Activities: Resources for Making Fitness Fun
- September 5: Body Contouring and Plastic Surgery
- October 3: Vitamin Needs and Deficiencies
- November 2: The Psychology behind Wt. Maintenance, Motivation, and Staying Consistent
- December 5: Life Beyond Surgery: Ensure Long Term Success