Weight-loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, is a safe and proven way to produce significant weight loss for morbidly obese people

If you are 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight and the usual diets have failed, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple can help you take control of your health and change your life forever.

With more than 3,000 surgeries performed, we have devoted the necessary resources to provide you with comprehensive care and achieve high standards in patient education and safety, surgical results, pre-surgical counseling and long-term post-surgical care. Learn more about our informational seminars, lifestyle change classes and bariatric support groups.

Our weight loss program has been received the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction + and a Healthcare Center of Excellence, meaning some patients who may not have qualified for insurance coverage may now qualify. Centers with the Center of Excellence distinction have lower complication rates and fewer readmissions.

Am I a candidate for weight-loss surgery?

Qualifications for surgery may vary by location, but can include a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. However, most insurances require a BMI of 35 or greater with a comorbid condition*.

*Comorbid conditions caused by obesity include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Sleep apnea
  • Asthma
  • Arthritis and joint disease
  • Reflux disease and heartburn
Call 254.724.2397 to schedule
Calculate your body mass index, or BMI

Surgery options

At the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, we offer two minimally invasive bariatric surgical procedures to qualifying patients weighing at least 100 pounds more than their ideal body weight.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric byp​ass

The current standard by which other weight-loss operations are measured. In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created that bypasses a portion of the small intestine. This restricts the amount of food you can eat and the calories your body can absorb.

Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy

In this procedure, the surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach. The smaller stomach limits the amount of food you can eat by making you feel full after eating small meals.

Bariatric surgery support services

Take your first step in the Baylor Scott & White Health bariatric surgery program for weight loss by contacting our department at 254.724.2397.

Our staff will assist you in determining if your insurance has bariatric benefits and help you schedule your consultation with one of our surgeons.

Frequently asked questions

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple bariatric program distinctions

Aetna Institute of Quality

Blue Cross Blue Shield Distinction +

Cigna Bariatric Center of Excellence

United HealthCare Bariatric Center of Excellence - Optum