Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center

The Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center at Baylor College of Medicine specializes in surgical weight loss – known as bariatric surgery – to improve the health and well-being of those who are severely overweight. We offer expert, compassionate care, highly trained surgeons and a variety of surgical options, including minimally invasive procedures that result in less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and fewer infections.

Obesity rates continue to increase in the United States, with serious health implications. An estimated one-third of all Americans today are overweight or obese, increasing the risk of weight-related health conditions that include:

Coronary artery disease
Diabetes mellitus
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
Obstructive sleep apnea
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
Degenerative joint disease
Depression

Bariatric surgery is reserved for those who have been unable to achieve long-term weight loss through diet and exercise. For many, it may offer the only remaining hope for improved health, a longer lifespan and a better quality of life.

Are You a Candidate?

The Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center welcomes all qualified candidates, often taking on cases others deem too challenging.

Our patient selection process is based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria, as follows:

100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater
BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health conditions

To ensure the safety and long-term success of each patient, we also consider a variety of other factors including weight-loss history, age, prior surgeries, smoking habits, psychological evaluation, and lifelong commitment to dietary, exercise, medical guidelines and follow-up care.

Bariatric surgery is a serious decision that requires careful consideration of pre- and post-operative requirements and a commitment by the patient to permanent lifestyle changes.

Free Seminars

For those interested in bariatric surgery, we offer free seminars twice a month. Each session provides an overview of the surgery, dietary information, and a roundtable discussion with former bariatric surgery patients. To reserve a space in an upcoming seminar, call 713.798.5700 or email bariaticsurgery@bcm.edu.

All bariatric surgery procedures are performed at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital.