Weight Loss Surgery

Our bariatric surgery options

If other weight loss methods have not been effective, it might be time to consider bariatric surgery. The UT Health Tyler Bariatric Center offers specialized procedures, such as the gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, Lap Band and more. In addition to weight loss, these procedures can improve and in some cases resolve health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint pain and more. 

Bariatric surgery is performed by one of our two surgeons, Dr. Hugh Babineau and Dr. Charles Keith. Both are board-certified in general surgery and specialize in bariatrics.  At Tyler Bariatrics, we provide the following weight loss surgical treatments:

• Conversion of Lap-Band to sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass
• Conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to duodenal switch or gastric bypass
• Duodenal switch
• Gastric bypass
• Lap-Band placement, management and removal
• Panniculectomy (removal of excess abdominal skin following weight loss)
• Revisions of previous bariatric operations
• Robotic surgery
• Sleeve gastrectomy

Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. If you have serious health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, bariatric surgery may be beneficial if you BMI is between 35 and 40.

According to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, patients generally experience the greatest weight loss within the first one to two years following their surgery. Six months after undergoing bariatric surgery, patients often lose up to 60% of their excess weight. This figure can increase to 77% within the first year. On average, individuals maintain about half of their excess weight loss even five years after the surgery.

The majority of patients suffering from obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea see a remission of these diseases following bariatric surgery. In terms of overall health impact, these surgeries have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of premature death by 30-50%.

For more information and to find out if you qualify for weight-loss surgery, visit our Tyler Bariatric Center page. You can also call our office at 903-593-0230 or send us an email to UTH-TylerBariatrics@uthet.com.

Obesity and cardiovascular health

Weight plays in important role in heart health. Carrying extra weight puts extra stress on your heart, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Obesity is often linked to the following conditions that lead to a greater risk of heart failure:

• Enlarged left ventricle
• Gallbladder disease
• High blood lipids
• High blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Metabolic syndrome
• Osteoarthritis
• Some cancers
• Type 2 diabetes

The most common ways to assess your risk of obesity and heart disease are by your body mass index (BMI) and weight circumference. 

BMI is a formula that uses a person’s weight and height to determine the level of obesity. In most cases, BMI is calculated into the following classifications: 

• BMI below 18.5 – Underweight
• BMI between 18.5 – 24.9 – Normal weight
• BMI between 25 – 29.9 – Overweight
• BMI 30 and above – Obesity

Waist circumference is a good judge of abdominal fat, which is a risk of heart disease. This risk increases with a waist circumference over 40” for men and 35” for women.

Weight management clinic at UT Health North Campus Tyler

Dr. Ryan Menard practices in the weight-management clinic at UT Health North Campus Tyler. Dr. Menard is a board-certified family medicine and obesity medicine physician who strives to help his patients reach a healthy weight. During your visit at the weight-management clinic, Dr. Menard will cover many aspects related to weight including:

• Dietary and activity assessment
• Sleep and stress assessment
• Body measurement/ratios
• Cardiovascular and metabolic risk assessment
• Cancer risk assessment related to weight
• Family history and risk associated with excess weight
• Laboratory metabolic profile
• Medication assistance to help lose weight and improve health
• Collaboration with registered dieticians, behavioral coaches/counselors, physical therapists and sleep specialists

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Menard, call 903-877-7200.

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