Begin your path to a vibrant, new you

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

Call our nurse coordinator at 903-593-0230.

WHY UT HEALTH TYLER

We offer complete care throughout the entire process with modern treatment options combined with education and support programs. Our multi-disciplinary team works together to create customized plans to provide the most individualized experience possible.

UT Health Tyler is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. The Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program provides a full range of bariatric surgery care; including surgical care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care, and patient education.

This facility is also designated an Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence from UnitedHealth Care.

WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR MY SURGERY?

When it comes to weight loss surgery, each insurance has its own benefits and exclusions. We can help. Our financial counselors will reach out to your insurance to verify benefits. If your insurance doesn’t provide coverage for bariatric surgery, we also offer private pay options.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. If you have other serious health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, bariatric surgery may be beneficial if your BMI is between 35 and 40. If your BMI is below 35, you will not qualify for surgery.

WHAT TYPES OF WEIGHT LOSS PROCEDURES DO YOU OFFER?

UT Health Tyler Bariatric Center offers several types of procedures, including:

Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass - This is the most common procedure. A surgeon creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine. This helps lower the amount of food you can eat in one sitting.

Sleeve gastrectomy - This procedure removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a long, tube-like pouch. This smaller stomach can't hold as much food. It also produces less of the appetite-regulating hormone ghrelin, which can curb your desire to eat.

Duodenal switch - This procedure modifies your stomach and your small intestine. It combines a gastrectomy (removal of part of your stomach) with an intestinal bypass to shorten the path your food takes through your intestines.

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

We offer free virtual seminars that answer many patients’ most frequently asked questions. You can also reach out to our bariatric coordinator anytime at  903-593-0230.