Skip to main content

The Medical Center of Southeast Texas is open and COVID-19 visitor restrictions still apply.

Learn More

The Medical Center of Southeast Texas
Patient Portal
Search
  • Services
    • Cardiology
    • COVID-19
    • Emergency Care
    • Imaging
    • Maternity Services
    • Orthopedics
    • Surgical Services
    • Weight Loss Surgery

    View our Full List of Services

  • DoctorFinder™
    The Medical Center of Southeast Texas Providers
    View All Providers
    DoctorFinder Providers
    View DoctorFinder Providers
  • Patient & Visitor Information
    Patients
    • Billing, Payment & Insurance
    • Medical Records
    • Patient Cost Estimates
    • Patient Rights & Responsibilities

    More Information

     

    Patient Portals

    • SMG Physician Office Portal
    • Hospital Patient Portal

    Contact Information

    Main Number: 409-724-7389
    Billing: 888-849-8941
    Media & Press: [email protected]

     

     

  • Contact
    Contact

    The Medical Center of Southeast Texas
    2555 Jimmy Johnson Blvd
    Port Arthur, TX 77640

    Main Number: 409-724-7389
    Billing: 888-849-8941
    Media & Press: [email protected]

     

    More Contact Info

    StewardConnect Patient Portal

    Our patient portal allows you to exchange messages with your health care team, review and pay billing statements, request appointments, research health topics, review personal health information, and update your profile and contact information.

    SMG PHYSICIAN OFFICE PORTAL

    Hospital Patient Portal

  • About Us
    About the Medical Center of Southeast Texas

    The Medical Center of Southeast Texas opened in April of 2005 with all private rooms, the most modern medical technology, and a commitment to making the patient experience as pleasant as possible. From its luxurious birthing suites to its high-tech operating rooms, The Medical Center offers a broad spectrum of healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of its community. 

    In partnership with physician owners.

    • About Us
    • Patient Safety
    • For Employees
    • Newsroom / Media
    • Careers 
    • Volunteers
    About Steward Health Care

    Steward Health Care is the largest private, tax-paying physician-led health care network in the United States. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Steward operates 37 hospitals in the United States and the country of Malta that regularly receive top awards for quality and safety. The company employs approximately 42,000 health care professionals. The Steward network includes multiple urgent care centers and skilled nursing facilities, substantial behavioral health services, over 7,900 beds under management, and approximately 2.2 million full risk covered lives through the company's managed care and health insurance services.

     

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram

  1. The Medical Center of Southeast Texas
  2. Services Directory
  3. Weight Loss Surgery

Weight Loss Surgery

Weight Loss Surgery
We are here to help you find what you need.
  • About ServiceABOUT
  • ConditionsCONDITIONS & TREATMENT
  • ResourcesRESOURCES
As the second leading cause of preventable death, obesity is a major health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of adults in America—more than 72 million people—are obese. If you have had trouble losing weight and/or keeping it off, surgical weight loss may be a solution.

Candidacy for weight loss surgery is determined by criteria published by the National Institutes of Health and is mostly based on an individual’s Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a mathematical measurement of a person’s weight in relation to their height, and is used to determine if a person is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight or obese. Surgical candidates have a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with one or more co-morbidities. A BMI of 35-40 is typically equivalent to 80-100 pounds of extra weight.

Calculate Your BMI

Our Bariatric Clinic respects your privacy and offers a separate entrance to our surgical weight loss center. Every patient enjoys an all-private custom built suite that includes

  • Spacious doorways
  • Specially-sized beds
  • Comfortably-sized gowns
  • Easy-access restroom and shower
  • Surgical Suites

 

Treatment Options Explained

  • Gastric Bypass: the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the United States. In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, about the size of a large egg. The pouch is created by dividing the small intestine just beyond the first 50cm of small intestine, also called the duodenum, for the purpose of pulling it up and attaching it with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end of the small intestine is connected into the side of the Roux limb (the portion of the small intestine attached to the new small stomach) creating the “Y” shape that gives the technique its name.
  • Revision Weight Loss Surgery: a surgical procedure that is performed on patients who have already undergone a previous bariatric surgery, and have either had complications from such surgery or have not successfully achieved significant weight loss results from the initial surgery.
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy: generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction, or reduced stomach volume. The stomach is restricted by dividing it vertically and removing more than 85%. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The remaining stomach is shaped like a banana and measures from two to five ounces, depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact to preserve the functions of the stomach while reducing the volume.

 

Obesity-Related Health Threats

Obesity-related health conditions are health conditions that, whether alone or in combination, can significantly reduce your life expectancy. A partial list of some of the more common conditions follows. Your doctor can provide you with a more detailed and complete list:

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • High blood pressure/Heart disease
  • Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints
  • Sleep apnea/Respiratory problems
  • Gastroesophageal reflux/Heartburn
  • Depression
  • Infertility
  • Urinary stress incontinence
  • Menstrual irregularities

 

Checklist for Insurance Approval

Benefits: Call the customer service number at your insurance company, and ask for the benefits department. Ask if you have benefits for bariatric surgery. This information can also be found written in your policy on the exclusions page. You may be asked for CPT Codes, which are:

  • Lap Banding 43770
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy 43633
  • Gastric Bypass 43644

Surgical Clearance: This exam is used to determine that a patient does not have any underlying medical conditions that would prohibit them from having surgery. A letter/copy of the exam notes needs to be sent to our office after each exam is complete.

Pre-operative Lab Work: Each patient will be asked to have labwork completed, with a copy of your results sent to our office upon completion.

Diet Records: You will be asked to provide documentation of all recent medically supervised weight loss attempts. Most insurance companies require proof that you have tried physician-supervised weight loss attempts. We will review your insurance company requirements with you at you initial consultation visit. 

Medical Records: Any visits to a doctor, surgeries, lab results, diagnostic procedures and ER visits should be included. Request records pertaining to your weight and any conditions worsened by your weight, such as hypertension, diabetes, degenerative joint disease, etc. We need records dating back five years, unless insurance indicates a need for more.

Psychological Evaluation: The importance of obtaining a thorough psychological assessment cannot be overstated. A detailed clinical interview and objectively scored psychological tests should be part of a comprehensive psychological evaluation. Many insurance companies require an evaluation for benefits and our surgeons require an evaluation for all patients.

 

Preparing for Surgery

Our team is here to help you achieve your goals and to support you as you prepare for this exciting change in your life. Here are some suggestions that you can begin to work on right away.

  • Gradually decrease the amount of caffeine you consume. Patients who stop caffeine suddenly at the time of surgery may experience withdrawal symptoms such as intense headaches. 
  • If you drink carbonated beverages, now is the time to stop. When a cold compressed gas (carbonation) hits a 99.5 degree closed system (your stomach) it expands. That can be very problematic, especially after surgery.
  • Start a program of aerobic activity such as walking or swimming for 20 minutes, four times a week. BUT, get a physician’s approval before you start any program involving physical exertion!
  • Stop smoking. Cigarettes interfere with your lung’s ability to exchange oxygen, and nicotine can impair circulation, which can impede healing after surgery and increase the chance of infection.
  • Reduce the amount of refined carbohydrates you consume. Refined carbohydrates include foods such as white rice, pasta and cookies.

What to Expect After

Physicians, nurses, dieticians and therapists each bring their specialty to help you discover a new way of life and continue successful weight loss at home. You have just the right support, just when you need it most.

  • FREE Seminars: To register call 1-877-745-WELL
  • Monthly Support Group Meetings: Free and open to the public. The support group meetings are a great place to come and talk with others who have successfully had bariatric surgery at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas. The meetings are very informal yet, informative. We cook, eat, discuss nutrition and supplements, and everyone is willing to share thoughts and answer questions about their surgical weight loss experience.
  • Physical therapy and exercise program recommendations
  • Psychological assessment and treatment, if necessary
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Long-term follow-up care

Conditions

  • BMI of 40 or more
  • BMI of 35 to 39.9 with one or more co-morbidities

Treatments

  • Adjustable Gastric Banding
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Revision Weight Loss Surgery
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy

Resources

    Running shoes A Dozen Ways to Fit in Fitness With a little creativity, you might be surprised how much extra activity you can add to your day. Health and fitness experts agree that moderate exercise offers significant health benefits for us all.
Vonica's Story - The Medical Center of Southeast Texas Weight Loss Surgery
Richard Guerra Weight Loss Testimonial
Service Directory

Register for a Free Seminar

Port Arthur

Beaumont

1-877-765-WELL

151

Upcoming Events

calendar
Event date
Event title
Event text
See more events
Service Lines

Emergency Services
Heart Care
Imaging Services

Maternity
Orthopedics
Surgical Services

 

View our Full List of Services

Patients

Billing, Payment & Insurance
Price List
Medical Records

More Information

Our Policies
Privacy Policy
Non-Discrimination Notice & Interpreter Services
American With Disabilities Act
Site Disclaimer
Accessibility 

Contact Us
Main Number:
409-724-7389
Billing:
888-849-8941
 

The Medical Center of Southeast Texas
2555 Jimmy Johnson Blvd
Port Arthur, TX 77640

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PHYSICIAN OWNERS.

Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of Steward Health Care hospitals.

About Us

About Us
Patient Safety
Newsroom
Careers
Volunteers

For Employees
Employee
Employee Benefits

For Providers
Provider Forms
Online Verifications

 

StewardToday Receive the latest news from StewardToday!

By submitting your details, you are agreeing to receive occasional communications about Steward Health Care resources, events, or services. You also acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Statement.
Copyright © 2021 Steward Health Care Logo Steward Health Care