Medical Services > Bariatrics

Obesity contributes to the development of numerous critical or disabling disorders including coronary heart disease, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, Type II diabetes mellitus, degenerative joint disease and obstructive sleep apnea. After weight-loss surgery, a proper diet, exercise and long-term follow-up, many related medical problems will improve or be completely resolved.

Weight-loss surgery also helps increase psychological well-being and improve patients’ quality of life. Our patients can realize all of the important benefits derived from laparoscopic surgery or open gastric bypass surgery with a carefully constructed weight loss program designed by UT Southwestern Medical Center bariatric specialists.

Adult-onset diabetes is an obesity-related health risk that improves in more than 90 percent of patients, with about 80 percent becoming medication-free, including insulin. Hypertension and high cholesterol levels are also common health problems associated with obesity that improve with weight-loss surgery.

Other conditions that be improved by the procedure:

• Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Leg swelling or venous disease 
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Shortness of breath
• Urinary incontinence

Research indicates that overweight people become more prone to health complications as their weight increases. Weight reduction can significantly improve a person’s health. UT Southwestern’s bariatric specialists assist our patients in achieving desired weight loss goals through laparoscopic and open gastric bypass surgery and a regimented weight control program.