Let’s be honest — it’s not fun when you feel held back by your weight. Maybe you want to ride a roller coaster at Six Flags, go down a water slide with your child or have the stamina to take a long walk with your family, but right now you just can’t do it. Fortunately, there is hope.

For patients who meet the National Institutes of Health guidelines, which recommend either a body mass index (BMI) of 40+ or a BMI of 35 with serious accompanying health issues, such as hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea or Type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery may be an option. 

At Texas Health, we work with each patient on a case-by-case basis to determine which procedure is right for him or her before we move forward. For example, patients with esophageal issues probably won’t do well with a sleeve procedure. Some procedures are considered “reversible,” while others are more permanent, so that’s something to think about. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of malabsorption need to be considered carefully.

Patients often come to a consultation with a preference because of family members or co-workers who have had good or bad experiences with procedures, while others research online. There’s a significant amount of information out there about bariatric surgery, but not all of it is credible, and some of it is even dangerous. There are many things to consider, and we’ll look at the whole picture — your medical history, your personal preference and the possible drawbacks of one procedure over another — before we decide on a course of action.

It is important that any potential patient has the mental capacity to understand the implications of surgery. Most of our patients’ procedures are covered by insurance, but when they’re not, cash options are available. We work with patients every day to find out what coverage their insurance offers and how we can help them achieve their weight loss goals.

To ensure the best outcomes, our patients become part of a comprehensive program that offers support services from dietitians, physical therapists and Texas Health Behavioral Health professionals. We know there are many places to have bariatric surgery in the DFW area, but we believe a patient’s success is directly tied to support, before and after surgery. We’ve worked hard to create a warm environment where patients find personalized attention and they know we’re invested in their long-term health. 

For patients who fit the criteria, go forward with a procedure and follow the recommended post-surgery lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery has the potential not only to extend life expectancy but also to dramatically improve one’s quality of life. Including riding every roller coaster at Six Flags – twice.