Surgical Weight Loss
Treatment Options
Better Weigh Center offers the full spectrum of bariatric surgical procedures — from the most common to the most advanced. Our board-certified surgeons help you find the right procedure for your body, your goals, and your life.
All Procedures, All in One Place
These are the most commonly performed bariatric operations — each designed to help patients lose weight and improve obesity-related health conditions. Click any procedure to learn everything you need to know, including how it works, who it's for, and what to expect.
Gastric Bypass
The gold standard in bariatric surgery for 50+ years. Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the intestine — producing powerful restriction and hormonal changes. Best for patients with severe GERD or Type 2 diabetes.
Gastric Sleeve
The most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the U.S. (61% of all procedures). Removes 70–80% of the stomach, creating a sleeve-shaped tube. Simpler than bypass with excellent results and a faster recovery.
Duodenal Switch
The most effective bariatric procedure available. Combines a gastric sleeve with an extensive intestinal bypass for the highest weight loss and diabetes remission rates of any surgery. Best for BMI 55+ or severe metabolic disease.
SADI-S
The most innovative bariatric procedure — delivers results nearly identical to the traditional Duodenal Switch with just one intestinal connection instead of two, resulting in lower complication risk and fewer nutritional side effects. Also excellent for sleeve revision.
Adjustable Gastric Band
The only reversible and adjustable bariatric procedure — a silicone band placed around the upper stomach. Outpatient surgery with minimal recovery time. Now accounts for only ~3% of U.S. procedures. We also support existing band patients from other surgeons.
Bariatric Revisions
If a previous bariatric procedure hasn't delivered results or has caused complications, revision surgery can get you back on track. We accept patients from other surgeons and offer the full range of revision and conversion options — including Band to Sleeve, Sleeve to Bypass, and Sleeve to SADI-S.
Intragastric Balloon
A soft silicone balloon placed inside the stomach endoscopically — no surgery, no incisions, no hospital stay. Helps patients eat less by taking up stomach space. Available for 6 months. Note: Our surgeons are trained on both systems but do not currently offer balloon treatment at Better Weigh Center.
Procedure Comparison at a Glance
Use this table to compare key outcomes across all surgical options. Your surgeon will help you determine which procedure is best suited to your individual situation.
| Factor | Gastric Bypass | Gastric Sleeve | SADI-S | Duodenal Switch | Gastric Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excess Weight Loss | 65–75% | 60–70% | 80–85% | 80–90% | ~50% |
| Diabetes Remission | ~75% | ~60% | ~90% | ~95% | Minimal |
| Resolves Acid Reflux | ✓ Yes (90%+) | May worsen | Mostly yes | Mostly yes | Variable |
| Intestinal Bypass | Yes | No | Yes (~50%) | Yes (~75%) | No |
| Hospital Stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days | 2–3 days | 2–4 days | Outpatient |
| Nutritional Risk | Moderate | Low | Moderate–High | Highest | Low |
| 30-Day Mortality | ~0.1–0.2% | ~0.08–0.1% | ~0.2% | ~0.5–1% | ~0.03% |
| Ideal BMI | 35–55+ | 35–50 | 40+ | 50+ | 35–45 |
| Long-Term Data | 50+ years | ~15 years | ~6–8 years | 20+ years | 30+ years |
Individual outcomes vary. Rates represent experienced center averages. Sources: ASMBS 2025, peer-reviewed literature.
How Do You Know Which Procedure Is Right for You?
There is no universal "best" bariatric procedure — the right choice depends on your unique combination of health factors. Here are the key considerations your surgeon will evaluate:
Your BMI
BMI is the starting point. Sleeve is most effective at BMI 35–50; bypass excels from 35–55+; SADI-S and DS are preferred at BMI 50+. But BMI is just one factor — health conditions matter equally.
Acid Reflux / GERD
If you have significant GERD, gastric bypass is strongly preferred — it resolves reflux in 90%+ of cases. The sleeve can worsen reflux in some patients. This single factor can shift the recommendation significantly.
Type 2 Diabetes Severity
For severe or medication-resistant diabetes, the DS or SADI-S (both ~90–95% remission) dramatically outperform the sleeve (~60%). The metabolic benefit often happens before significant weight is even lost.
Supplement Commitment
Procedures with intestinal bypass (bypass, SADI-S, DS) require lifelong daily vitamin supplementation. This isn't optional — deficiencies can be serious. Your willingness to commit to this long-term affects which procedures are appropriate.
Prior Abdominal Surgery
Previous abdominal surgeries create scar tissue that can affect which procedures are feasible. Our surgeons evaluate your complete surgical history to determine what's safe and practical for you.
Future Surgical Options
The gastric sleeve is the only procedure that can be converted to multiple different operations (bypass, SADI-S, DS) if more weight loss is needed later. If keeping options open matters to you, this is worth discussing.
No website table or online quiz can tell you which procedure is right for you. Our board-certified bariatric surgeons take the time to review your complete health picture and give you an honest, individualized recommendation — with no pressure and full transparency. Book your consultation →
How to Get Started at Better Weigh Center
The process is simpler than most patients expect. Here is exactly what happens from first contact to surgery day.
Watch the Free Seminar
30–45 min online seminar covering all your options — hosted by our surgeons. No registration required.
Check Your Candidacy
Use our Step 1 BMI calculator and candidacy checklist to see if you meet the basic NIH criteria for surgery.
Book a Consultation
Meet our bariatric team. We review your history, health conditions, and goals — and give you an honest procedure recommendation.
Medical Evaluation
Lab work, nutritional assessment, cardiac clearance if needed, and insurance authorization. We guide you through every step.
Surgery & Lifelong Care
Your procedure at an accredited facility in Corpus Christi — followed by comprehensive, lifelong follow-up and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Out Which Procedure Is Right for You?
Our board-certified bariatric surgeons will evaluate your complete health picture and give you an honest, individualized recommendation — with no pressure and full transparency.
Serving Corpus Christi, South Texas, Victoria, Laredo, McAllen & surrounding areas