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Weight Loss

A healthier you starts here

At UTMB Health, we recognize that obesity is a complex disease, not simply a matter of willpower, and weight loss isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment approach. That’s why our specialists offer various minimally invasive treatment options to support your long-term health, including incisionless procedures, comprehensive bariatric surgeries, and medications to support your weight loss. No matter where you are in your journey, our team provides compassionate, personalized care to help you achieve safe, sustainable results and improve your overall quality of life.

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Incisionless Weight Loss Procedures
Bariatric Surgery
Medical Weight Loss

  Additional Resources

 Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What weight loss options does UTMB offer?
    What weight loss options does UTMB offer? We offer minimally invasive procedures in the form of incisionless (endobariatric) treatments and bariatric surgery. We also offer medical weight loss options.

  • What’s the difference between UTMB’s incisionless and bariatric weight loss options?

    Incisionless procedures are performed through the mouth with a device called an endoscope without external cuts, making them lower risk and quicker to recover from. Bariatric surgery is more invasive but often provides greater, long-term weight loss.

    How do I know which weight loss treatment option is right for me? Your care team will evaluate your health history, weight loss goals, and medical conditions to recommend the most-effective treatment for you.

  • Are these weight loss procedures safe?

    Yes. Both incisionless and surgical weight loss procedures are considered safe when performed by experienced specialists. Like all medical treatments, they carry some risks, but advances in minimally invasive techniques have made them much safer and more effective.

  • How much weight can I expect to lose with UTMB’s treatment options?

    Results vary depending on the procedure and your commitment to lifestyle changes. Many patients lose a significant amount of weight and experience improvements in obesity-related conditions.

  • Will insurance cover weight loss treatment?

    Coverage depends on your insurance provider, plan, and medical criteria. Our team can help you understand your benefits and options.

 BMI Calculator

Myth Busters

Myth #1:

All bariatric patients eventually regain all the weight they lost.

Based on long-term studies, over 80% of patients maintained their weight loss 20 years after surgery.

Myth #2:

Bariatric surgery is dangerous.

Bariatric surgery is actually safer than a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is the removal of the gallbladder. This is one of the most common general gastrointestinal surgeries performed at UTMB Health. Because bariatric surgery is minimally invasive, it’s generally considered a safe procedure. Patients typically stay only one night in the hospital and can go home the next day. While there’s a possibility for both short-term and long-term risks after surgery, such as infection or ulcers, the likelihood of most risks is very low.

Myth #3:

Bariatric surgery treatment only involves surgeons.

UTMB Health’s bariatric weight loss services incorporate a multidisciplinary team approach. This means that our surgeons, nurse practitioners, dieticians, psychologists, and coordinator work closely together to set patients up for success in their long-term obesity care.

Myth #4:

After bariatric surgery, you’ll be expected to keep the weight off on your own.

Unlike at other hospitals, UTMB Health believes in lifelong follow-up. We don’t want to just operate on patients and leave them to take care of themselves, by themselves. We want to be part of their journey. This includes a post-surgical follow-up after two weeks, six weeks, six months, and a year. We also follow up annually for life and give patients the option to schedule additional follow-up visits.

Myth #5:

Women can’t get pregnant after a weight loss procedure.

Women can still get pregnant and give birth after bariatric surgery or an incisionless weight loss procedure. However, we strongly recommend waiting a specific amount of time before conceiving. We suggest waiting at least two years after bariatric surgery and at least 12-24 months after an incisionless procedure. Your surgeon will provide you with an exact period, depending on which procedure you have.

Bariatric Surgery Educational Booklet

  Our Locations

General/Bariatric Surgery, League City
Weight Management, Clear Lake Campus
Weight Management, Lake Jackson
Weight Management, League City Campus