Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric Bypass is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery, and is well studied and widely regarded as a safe and effective way to lose excess weight and treat obesity related disorders. At TLC, Gastric Bypass surgery is performed laparoscopically. The laparoscopic technique leads to shorter recovery time and less scarring.
The Benefits of Gastric Bypass*
- Gastric Bypass surgery may lead to significant improvement in obesity related diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol and high blood pressure 1
- Gastric Bypass may be an option for patients who are not candidates for Gastric Band procedures
- Patients typically report a great improvement in overall quality of life*
How Does Gastric Bypass Work?
Gastric Bypass works by limiting the body’s absorption of calories and by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. In a Gastric Bypass procedure the surgeon divides the stomach into two pouches and the smaller pouch is detached from the rest of the stomach and connected to the lower end of the small intestine. The patient then has a much smaller stomach capacity and will feel full with a very small volume of food. Food that is consumed bypasses the upper intestines so that the body absorbs fewer calories.
What is a Gastric Bypass
Dr. Scarborough provides a brief explanation of the Gastric Bypass or also known as Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.
Judy's Gastric Bypass Surgery Story
Judy talks about her experience so far with her Gastric Bypass procedure performed by the surgeons at TLC surgery.
Tommy's Gastric Bypass Surgery Patient Review
n this video, meet Tommy, a gastric bypass patient of Dr. Terry Scarborough's at Texas Laparoscopic Consultants.
Shelby, a TLC patientAfter my gastric bypass surgery, I am happy. I am confident. I am strong.”
Does Insurance Cover Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass surgery is often covered by health insurance, but each plan has different coverage details. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine exactly what your plan covers or what the requirements are for approval. At TLC, our team is experienced with the insurance process and we can help you determine if you have coverage for gastric bypass with a free insurance check.
What if My Insurance Plan Doesn’t Cover Gastric Bypass?
If your insurance plan doesn’t offer bariatric coverage, you may still be able to get the care you need. TLC partners with medical financing lenders to offer budget-friendly options for self-pay patients. Financing options can give you the freedom to invest in your health while avoiding insurance mandated prerequisites.
How Much Does Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost?
The team at Texas Laparoscopic Consultants has created special self-pay pricing packages and partnered with medical lenders to help you fit weight loss into your budget. Patients who qualify for financing can enjoy monthly payments as low as $340 per month.* Learn more about self-pay pricing.
*Prices are estimated and may change. Estimated monthly payments are subject to financing approval from independent lenders. Additional fees may apply, please see full disclaimer on payment options page.
Self Pay Package
Monthly Payments As Low As
$340
*Estimated monthly payment for those who qualify. Pricing is subject to change.
Information for Traveling Patients
We’re looking forward to your visit! TLC is excited to offer our services to the local community and traveling patients alike. In order to prepare for a stay in Houston, we have compiled some helpful information about what to expect and recovery after weight loss surgery.
For prospective patients that live out of town, we offer virtual appointments, online support and all new-patient paperwork can be completed online. Upon arrival in Houston, your pre-operative appointment must be completed in the office before surgery can take place, but this can be done up to the day before your surgery. All follow-up appointments can be done virtually or over-the-phone. Questions or concerns? Contact us today.
Life After Gastric Bypass: Keeping the Weight Off
Gastric Bypass is a proven weight loss success tool that can often mark the beginning of your journey to a healthier and happier life. In order to maintain weight loss after surgery, it’s important to stay consistent with your improved lifestyle changes. The enhancement in your overall health and the increased sense of confidence are all dependent upon your commitment to sticking to a more active and conscious lifestyle. The TLC Surgery team is here to support you and cheer you on throughout the process. By following these helpful tips, we are confident that you will stick to your weight loss goals:
- Maintain a healthy diet & develop positive eating habits
- Incorporate fitness into your daily routine
- Surround yourself with a supportive group of family and friends
- Keep up with follow-up appointments & call us for support
- Check-in with our team & get support to stay on track
- Follow us on Instagram for fitness tips, recipes, and weight-loss inspiration
Pre-Surgery: Liquid Diet
2 Weeks Before Surgery
Protein Supplements (3 to 5 servings daily, 60-150 grams of protein daily)
Choose supplements with >20g of protein, <10 grams of fat, <10 grams of sugar, <250 calories per serving
- Ready to Drink options: Premier Protein, Muscle Milk, Unjury, Iconic
- Protein Powder options (mixed with ice, water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk, no fruit/vegetables): Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement, Isopure, Orgain
- Avoid: smoothies, food
Clear Liquids (+64oz daily)
Choose products with <50calories, <10g sugar per 8oz serving
- Water with lemon, Crystal Light, G2/GZero, Proper, MiO
- Decaf tea/coffee, herbal tea with sugar substitute
- Sugar free gelatin/ice pops
- Broth (store bought, homemade)
- Avoid: any carbonated beverages, fruit/vegetable juice, soup
Post-Surgery Diet
Day 1-2
+48-64oz Clear Liquids
- Sip on clear liquids (same clear liquid options as pre-op): Crystal Light, G2, GZero, Mio, sugar free gelatin/ice pops, broth
- Do not drink: carbonated beverages, caffeine, protein shakes
- Avoid: drinking through straws, vitamins and do not eat any food.
Day 3-14 (2 weeks)
Full/Thick Liquids
- Start slowly taking Bariatric vitamins
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +40-60 grams of protein from 1-3 Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Smooth (strained) and thick, low fat soups (no rice/noodles, meats, vegetable pieces)
- Smooth, low fat, low sugar Greek yogurt
- Smooth, sugar free pudding
Day 15-28 (weeks 3 and 4)
Pureed Foods
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +40-60 grams of protein from 1 – 3 servings of Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Protein foods: Mashed scrambled eggs, mashed white fish/tuna, finely minced ground turkey, cottage cheese
- High fiber foods: Mashed beans, mashed fruits (bananas, raspberries, pears, etc), mashed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower, avocado, etc.)
- Plain, instant hot cereals
Weeks 5 and 6
Chopped Soft Solid Foods
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +40-60 grams of protein from 1 – 3 servings of Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Protein foods: soft, tender meats (skinless, dark meat chicken, pot roast/roast beef, baked fish), eggs, low fat cheese, low fat deli slices
- High fiber foods: beans, soft cooked vegetables, peeled fruits, high fiber crackers/breakfast cereals
- Avoid bread, pasta, rice and tortillas for 6 months after surgery.
Week 7 and beyond
Chopped Solid Foods (Maintenance Phase)
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +60-80 grams of protein from 1 – 3 servings of Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Protein foods: chopped meats, eggs, low fat cheese, deli meats
- High fiber foods: beans, chopped and shredded raw/cooked vegetables, chopped fruits with skin-on, high fiber crackers/breakfast cereals
Am I a Candidate for Gastric Bypass?
Gastric Bypass surgery is a life changing procedure for people seeking a treatment for obesity and help starting a more active lifestyle. Candidates for Gastric Bypass:
- May suffer from severe acid reflux or Barrett’s Disease
- Struggle to lose weight and control eating habits on their own
- Are on insulin or have a hard time controlling their diabetes with current medical therapy
- Are ready to commit to a new diet and exercise routine, and are able to follow all post-operative instructions
Learn More About Gastric Bypass
Our surgeons are highly skilled in Gastric Bypass and they will work with you to explain how the process could work for you. If you think that Gastric Bypass surgery might be the answer for you, contact us to discuss your options.
The TLC Surgery Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.