Home > Hospital Services > Weight-Loss Surgery

Weight-Loss Surgery (Bariatric)

Lose the mystery of losing weight. Discover yourself.

Bariatric Weight-Loss Surgery now at Doctors Hospital.

Attend a free information seminar.
Call 956-523-2020 for dates and times.

Weight-Loss Surgery (Bariatric)Whether you have surgery to make your stomach smaller and bypass some of your intestine (Roux-en-Y) or have an adjustable silicone band placed to decrease your stomach pouch (Lap Band/Gastric Banding), bariatric surgery is the only hope many people have to live. For those who are overweight by at least 100 pounds, it can work wonders with long-term weight-loss and management necessary to live a longer and healthier life. And something else wonderful happens along your path to physical health: You'll discover a new happiness about yourself.

It's a big decision and life change, but you owe it to yourself and those who love you to live and be healthy.

Is it weight-loss surgery for me?

It's not what you've got to lose, it's what you'll gain. How do you know if you're a good candidate for bariatric surgery?
  • If you're a man, you are more than 100 pounds over your ideal weight.
  • If you're a woman, you are more than 80 pounds over your ideal weight.
  • Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 35 and 40.
  • Or you may have weight-related life-threatening conditions such as: heart problems, sleep issues or diabetes.
  • You have tried, unsuccessfully, more than one medically supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification plan.
  • You will attend a weight-loss seminar.
  • You agree to undergo preoperative testing.
  • You agree to attend postoperative testing, counseling and attend support groups.
  • You are willing and capable of making substantial changes in your behavior and nutrition—for the rest of your life.

Some conditions, such as alcoholism, psychiatric issues, hormone-related obesity or liver disease may prevent you from being a candidate for weight-loss surgery.

Ask your physician for a complete evaluation and to advise you. If you need a doctor, click here to find one.

What kind of results do people experience?

How much weight you lose will depend on the type of procedure you have (Roux-en-Y or Lap Band). It will also depend on how drastic your new nutrition and exercise plans are from your old habits. Your age and gender also affect your results. But typically, most weight-loss surgery patients lose 36 to 90 percent of their excess weight in their first year or so following surgery.

In addition to weight-loss, many patients no longer need medication for diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sleep apnea or back pain.

How do you prepare for bariatric surgery?

  • If you smoke, you'll need to stop.
  • Your doctor will prescribe a list of tests and lab work.
  • You'll have to cease alcohol consumption and aspirin or arthritis medication approximately one month before your surgery.
  • You may want to discuss blood donation options with your surgeon should you need transfusion during surgery. Do this at least one month before surgery as you may want to donate your own blood.

Risks and side effects.

Please talk with your doctor, your surgeon and other bariatric surgery patients. And do your own research. This kind of alteration of your body will require you to make lifelong changes in your eating and exercise. Complications from either the surgery or your postoperative behavior can be dangerous. Remember, no matter what form of procedure you have, you will have a radically reduced stomach and a reduced capacity to absorb nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Immediately following your surgery.

We'll monitor you closely for at least 24 hours in a special care unit then in your hospital room. Prescribed medication will help with residual pain.

If you have Lap Band surgery, you'll probably be able to go home in a day.

If you have Roux-en-Y surgery, you'll stay in the hospital for 3–5 days.

There may be exercises to do right away to help the blood circulate in your legs properly. And we'll help you get up on your feet and walking as soon as you're able.

Postsurgical food.

Liquid. Everything will be pureed or liquid. And you'll eat in very small amounts—very frequently. If you feel nauseous, sucking on ice chips will be helpful. Your surgeon and doctor will advise you as to when you can start on your new diet of whole foods.

While you're here in the hospital with us, specialists will come to visit you and talk about:

  • Nutrition and new meal plans
  • Exercise plans
  • Support groups
  • What to watch for

Your new life.

Some foods will be too rich or too fatty or too bulky. What you eat and how much will change drastically. Your nutritionist and doctor will help you experiment with diet and supplements.

It's important that you keep your medical and support teams up to date on how you feel. And remember that it could take a full year to feel "normal." But you'll find that your increased energy and improved psychological state will pull you along to a healthy new life.

Location

Doctors Hospital Weight Loss and Wellness Center
10700 McPherson Rd.
Laredo, TX 78045 

Calculate your body mass index

Adult BMI

Adolescent and Child BMI

Insurance/Payment

Many insurance plans accepted by Doctors Hospital of Laredo cover weight-loss surgery to assist with life-threatening obesity. Your plan may have deductibles, copayments and other items to consider. Please contact your health insurance administrator and your physician.

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Doctors Hospital of Laredo, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.
 
The information, content and artwork provided by this Web site is intended for non-commercial use by the reader. The reader is permitted to make one copy of the information displayed for his/her own non-commercial use. The making of additional copies is prohibited.