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Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Bariatric Program
Treating the Disease, Obesity
With an estimated 1.3 billion overweight adults worldwide — 600 million of whom are classified as obese — excessive body weight has become a contributing factor in premature death for many Americans. Being obese is strongly linked to over 40 medical conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and the development of cancer.
Having just a 10% reduction in body weight has shown positive effects on improving conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood glucose, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. More importantly, patients who take steps to reduce their body weight often begin to feel better thanks to improved sleep patterns which help to decrease sleep apnea and overall inflammation.
Weight Loss Options in Beaumont
At Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, we perform a number of weight loss surgeries to help your body achieve peak health. Being overweight can cause problems for your body such as higher blood pressure, greater risk for diabetes, and higher risk of heart disease. By performing surgery to lower your weight and moderate your body composition, you can lower the risk of these health complications.
Helping Patients Build Lifelong Healthy Habits
Our program at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas was designed to help our patients lead and achieve a healthier lifestyle. The New Life Now Support Team will be with you throughout your entire process. This includes support groups to help you on your journey.
All surgical services are performed in the safety of an accredited acute care center where a professional medical staff will be there in case of emergencies. If you have any questions about weight loss surgery or want to see if you are a candidate, please contact our team.
Why Choose a Nationally Accredited Center?
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas received status as a Comprehensive
Accredited Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation
and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint program of the
American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic
and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
Core standards as outlined by MBSAQIP, semiannual reports on quality, and annual compliance reports ensures that weight loss surgical patients receive a multidisciplinary program, not just a surgical procedure, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. After submitting an application, we underwent an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon, who reviewed our center’s structure, process, and clinical outcomes data.
Our program at Baptist Hospital, Beaumont is led by a board-certified surgeon in bariatric surgery providing essential support for the specific needs for patients. This sets our center apart from others because having our leadership with additional expertise in bariatrics enhances the structure, process and outcomes of the center.
Weight Loss Procedures
How We Help Our Patients Take Control of Their Lives
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every three Americans is obese. This trend has continued upward for the past few decades, and if it continues, 43% of Americans will be obese by 2018. Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas is performing Sacred Work by helping patients regain control of their health through better habits as well as medical procedures.
Even a weight reduction of just 10% can result in significant health benefits including better sleep, less chronic pain, and a reduced risk of heart disease. While there is a common misconception that those who undergo weight loss surgery usually regain their weight, studies show that more than 90% of weight loss surgery patients maintain a successful weight loss.
A patient must understand and commit to making lifelong changes to have the best success for weight loss and safety for healing after surgery. Some patients will lifelong need to take medications to reduce stomach acid for safety to minimize complications and also vitamins and minerals to support nutritional status.
This procedure is intended for people who have a large amount of weight to loose, high BMI >50, managing multiple medical conditions, and/or on multiple medications for conditions. Changes made to the stomach size and small intestine result in your body being unable to handle as much food while also absorbing fewer calories. With intestinal area bypassed and the body experiencing changes in absorption of nutrients, this type of surgery minimizes the chance for weight regain. To experience the best success with outcomes patients must be very compliant with all diet instructions and medication recommendations.
Potential Complications:
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the operative morbidity (complications) associated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the hands of a certified skilled surgeon is less than 2- 5%.
General and Specific to Gastric Bypass
- Bleeding*
- Complications due to anesthesia and medications
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Dehiscence (separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together)
- Infections
- Leaks from staple lines
- Marginal ulcers
- Spleen injury*
- Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as valve)
- Internal hernias
- Gallstones
- Changes in body image
- Death
Possible Side Effects
- Need to avoid pregnancy temporarily
- Lactose intolerance
- Sensory changes (taste and smell)
- A stretched pouch when chronic overeating occurs
- Dumping syndrome
- Triggered by eating too large amounts of food or choices high in sugar.
- Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, excessive sweating, increased gas and dizziness
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Potential poor absorption of calcium, B12, iron, causing bone pain, loss, or chronic anemia.
- Changes in effectiveness of screenings such as x-ray or endoscopy, so be sure to document medical history.
* To control operative bleeding, removal of the spleen may be necessary, this is very rare.
The sleeve gastrectomy removes part of the stomach to create a tube or “sleeve” to limit the amount of food intake to support weight loss. Changes in appetite occur due to the part of the stomach removed is the section that produces the “hunger hormone” ghrelin. The stomach that remains is the size of a small banana and holds about 3-5 ounces. Because experiencing a fullness sensation quicker it is important for the lifelong changes for health to include smaller portions and select healthier food choices to maintain weight loss during aging.
Potential Complications
General and Specific to Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pneumonia
- Splenectomy
- Gastric leak and fistula
- Postoperative bleeding
- Wound infection
- Stricture
- Death
Possible Side Effects
-
Vitamin deficiencies
- May lead to hair loss or changes in skin
-
Esophageal spasms or pain
- May cause heartburn or food intolerance
-
Changes in digestion
- May be slower or have changes in bowel habits based on food & beverage intake
- Weight regain
Overall, complications happen in less than 1% of patients who undergo the sleeve gastrectomy procedure.
Revisional surgery is typically considered in patients who have complications from prior bariatric/weight loss procedures. Most of the time, this surgery is needed due to severe nausea, difficulty swallowing, severe acid reflux, or if a previous condition of hernia repair was not completed at the initial surgery time. Because it is a re-operation, there are higher risk for complications (about 10%).
Lap band surgery implanted an inflatable band to create a smaller stomach pouch. This band can be adjusted as needed to better match the limits on food needed by the patient or at times it is removed to then convert to another gastric surgery for weight loss.
Overall, post-operative care is similar to other procedures, requiring diet changes, and strong recommendations to continue follow-up care for life with a certified bariatric surgeon to minimize risk and complications. This supports better health during life changes because having a history of gastric surgeries changes the specific needs of a patient.
Meet Our Team
Baptist Hospital in Beaumont Texas Delivering Quality Care
At Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, we are performing Sacred Work every day. By helping overweight patients practice healthy habits that help them feel better, our bariatric weight loss program in Beaumont is making progress in the battle against heart disease, sleep apnea, and chronic pain. Meet our medical team below.
Alex Ordonez – MD, FACS, FASMBS
Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Baptist Hospitals
Leads Southeast Texas as a specialty trained surgeon in Bariatric Surgery.
Credentials
- Board Certified, American Board of Surgery
- Fellowship Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, Cleveland Clinic – Weston, Florida
- Verified Surgeon, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality & Improvement Program
- Fellow, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- Certificate of Surgery, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- General Surgery Residency, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Doctor of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University- School of Medicine, Quito, Ecuador
Professional Honors
-
Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Abstract Reviewer and Bariatric Surgery Committee
-
Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS)
- Abstract Reviewer for World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery
-
Bariatric Times
- Editorial Board
Publication Contributions
- SAGES Manual of Bariatric Surgery, 2nd edition
- Prevention and Management of Complications in Bariatric Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery in Obesity
- USMLE ™ Step 3 White Coat Pocket Guide, General Surgery
- Many, many, more manuscripts, abstracts, and international presentations
Patients’ Corner
Is Weight Loss Surgery for Me?
Weight Loss Surgery is not for everyone. These surgeries and procedures are intended for people who have not had success with other medical weight loss therapies and who are approximately 100 pounds or more overweight/have a Body Mass Index of 30 or greater. Most insurance companies propose that a patient have a Body Mass Index of 35 or greater with additional co-morbidities such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep disorders, reflux disease, and/or osteoarthritis.
Important Considerations
Weight Loss Surgery should not be considered until you have discussed all options with your surgeon and determined the best pathway and type of surgery to establish long-term success. Patients must also commit to lifelong follow-up care with a certified bariatric surgeon to ensure adequate weight loss as well as appropriate care specific to bariatric needs.
Some insurances benefits cover the surgery once their set pre-operative pathway for clearances and preparations is completed and filed. A person without insurance coverage may still be a candidate and have financing options available.
To learn more about your candidacy for weight loss surgery, you can use this BMI calculator here.
Success Stories
Patients begin their journey before surgery. This helps them prepare for long-term success, and our program exists to celebrate all victories. Non-scale victories are so very important, and they will help guide a patient for sustaining their new healthy behaviors.
Melissa's Story
Samantha's Story
Diet Overview
Your surgical team will provide instructions and recommendations for diet prior to surgery. Having a guide for lifelong eating is key to your success. Most importantly following all instructions in detail and not progressive diet phases too quickly is for your safety and healing. Surgery is the “tool” which allows a patient the opportunity to adopt healthier habits and learn new skills for food choices and preparations.
After surgery taste may change, sensations during eating may change, but focusing of a healthy variety supports weight management and reduces risk for disease. Each phase of diet is intended to allow your staple line from surgery heal and decrease complications or side effects. It is for your SAFETY
Maintaining a healthy diet through aging supports you to maintain a healthy weight.
Know before you go
What medical tourism doesn’t want you to know about the risks of unregulated surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Answers to Your Weight Loss Surgery Questions
At Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, we are performing Sacred Work every day by helping overweight patients regain control of their lives through advanced medical procedures and ongoing health education. You can learn more about some of the details by reading answers to frequently asked questions here. You can also contact us by phone at 409.212.5469. Also follow us on Facebook. Email us at BRMC@bhset.net.
Why do I need to schedule follow-up visits with my surgeon for life?
Weight loss surgery is a non-reversible procedure that changes the approach to caring for your medical needs for life, even if it is a common condition. Following up with a certified bariatric surgeon can guarantee you are receiving the most up-to-date recommendations and your care is meeting your specific needs with having a history of a weight loss procedure.
When do I see my Primary care Physician (PCP) after surgery?
You should see your PCP within 2 weeks post-surgery. Any of your current medications need to be reviewed and potentially changes or adjusted. Communication is key so you must remain in contact with them to update any changes in your status as you experience change during the Rapid Weight Loss phase after surgery.
How long after surgery until I can go back to work?
Following a surgery, most people are able to return to work within one or two weeks, however, you will have notably less energy. It may be necessary to reduce your working hours, so take that into consideration.
How soon after surgery can I begin exercising?
You should exercise right away, although at low intensity. By starting slow, such as walking,, you give your body the chance to adapt to blood flow and movement without becoming exhausted. It will take weeks before you recover fully, so make sure you plan accordingly. Do not swim until wounds are healed. Clearance for heavy lifting, weight training, and other exercises may be discussed at your first post-operative appointment.
Strictly following all discharge instructions, diet phases, and continuing communications with your surgeon’s clinic is important to keep your healing stage progressing and maintain low activity levels.
Can I undergo weight loss surgery if I have other abdominal concerns such as a hernia or a stoma?
Yes, in general. It is important to let your surgeon and anesthesiologist know beforehand, but this should not affect your ability to undergo these surgeries. In some cases, the surgeon may want the surgery notes from your past surgeries.
Does my type 2 diabetes put me at risk?
In some cases, yes. It is important to let your surgeon know that you suffer from this condition. However, there is a good chance that weight loss surgery can help you reduce symptoms of diabetes. Studies show patients experience a response in overall blood sugar levels as early as Day 1 following surgery. Because there are drastic changes in the rapid weight loss period, it is important to have an appointment with your specialist to promptly adjust medication prescriptions.
Will heart disease hurt my chances of having weight loss surgery?
Yes. You will likely need clearance from a cardiologist first, but it is likely that weight loss surgery will help your heart disease problems. Those taking blood thinners will need to follow certain instructions before and after surgery.
Surgery often leads to improvement in heart disease symptoms such as:
- High blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Lipid problems
- Heart enlargement (dilated heart, or abnormal thickening)
- Vascular (artery and vein) and coronary (heart artery) disease
Why do I have to take Proton Pump Inhibitors after surgery?
It may be recommended to take medication to reduce the risk of ulcer formation in the new stomach pouch, as well has prevent gastric reflux. It is generally recommended to take antacids 2-3 months after surgery, even if you are not experiencing reflux to aid in allowing time for the area to adjust to changes and heal. If you should have, any questions always consult a pharmacist or physician and remember to tell them you had weight loss surgery.
When can I expect to get pregnant following weight loss surgery?
For many women, weight loss is likely to help them become more fertile. It is important to remember that birth control effectiveness can be greatly altered by a change in weight, so preventing pregnancy will still require other methods. You should wait 12-18 weeks after surgery to become pregnant. Babies born when the mother is not obese have a much lower risk of becoming obese themselves due to certain genes activated during fetal growth.
Will I need cosmetic surgery, and will my insurance pay for it?
Because the sudden and drastic weight loss results of a weight loss surgery, you may wish to undergo cosmetic surgery following your procedure to remove loose or excess skin. Oftentimes, insurance companies will cover the costs of plastic surgery for excess abdominal and breast skin removal as it can prevent moisture, hygiene, and rash issues.
Will bariatric surgery cause me to lose my hair?
Possibly. Minor hair loss is common, but it is almost always temporary. By taking the right proteins, vitamins, and minerals, you can stimulate growth and prevent long-term hair thinning.
What supplements will I need after surgery, and will my insurance cover them?
You should take a multivitamin in almost all cases. However, you may need more iron, calcium, and vitamin D following surgery. Most insurance plans won’t cover this, but your flex spending can. You will also need to undergo regular follow-up visits, and these will usually be covered by insurance.
Are there payment plans available in case my insurance won’t cover surgery?
Yes. Speak with your surgeon to learn the specifics of our possible payment assistance options. In some cases it’s possible to appeal a denial of coverage from your insurer or employer. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) has a helpful guide titled Working with Your Insurance Provider – A Guide to Seeking Weight-loss Surgery, which can help you work and your provider cover your surgery.
Will post-operative costs be covered by my insurer?
Likely not. You may have to appeal for coverage of these costs. In cases where the primary procedure took place in another country but revisional or intervention therapies are needed, insurance does not always support coverage and cost would be at the responsibility of the patient.