Updates

Bariatric Surgery Program

 Patient Resources

Types of Bariatric Surgeries

All bariatric surgeries are performed at the new, state-of-the-art surgery suites at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands.

Currently, we offer two options – the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Both are laparoscopic procedures which means they are minimally invasive and use small incisions. Both are equally as effective, and the patient and their health care team will work together to determine which one is most appropriate.

What to Expect After Bariatric Surgery

The post-operative course is different for everyone, but patients usually go home the day after surgery. We will see patients at two weeks after surgery to monitor healing, then we will meet again at one month, three months, six months and then annually for the next four years. Bariatric patients may come in at any time during those four years with questions or problems.

Caregiver Groups

Bariatric surgery is a tool to help with weight loss. Adolescents undergoing this major surgery will need the support of their family to initiate and maintain lifestyle changes including healthy eating and regular exercise. Because sustaining these changes can be difficult, patients and caregivers are required to attend Patient and Caregiver Resource/Support Group meetings each month with other patients and their families. This support is beneficial to gain clarity on why you need to make healthier choices and to maintain motivation for doing so.

Other Health Resources

Our Bariatric Surgery Program partners with the YMCA to provide memberships to our patients and their families.  They must attend 8 times per month to keep the membership active.

Check your body mass index using the CDC’s BMI Calculator.

Learn more about our accreditation with the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).

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