Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza

Weight Loss Clinic in Houston, Texas

Call (713) 796-64006400 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77045

3.9 (11 reviews)

About Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza

Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza is part of the Memorial Hermann Health System, one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in Texas. Located in the Texas Medical Center area of Houston, this facility offers weight management services integrated within a full-service hospital system. Patients benefit from access to a wide range of specialists under one roof, which is a real advantage for complex cases.

The weight management program at Memorial Hermann takes a clinical approach, with bariatric physicians, dietitians, and behavioral health providers working together. It's a larger operation than most standalone weight loss clinics, which means more resources but also a more structured, appointment-driven experience. Patients with obesity-related complications or who are exploring surgical options often find this system well suited to their needs.

Services Offered

Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza offers comprehensive weight management services through its bariatric and metabolic health program. Services start with a thorough clinical evaluation that includes labs, metabolic testing, and a physician consultation to determine the right approach for each patient. Non-surgical options include medically supervised dietary programs, behavioral health counseling, and physician-managed pharmacotherapy for weight loss. For patients who qualify and are interested in surgical solutions, the system offers bariatric surgery including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding through its affiliated surgical team. Dietitian counseling is available throughout the process, including pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical nutrition support. The program also includes group education sessions on topics like reading nutrition labels, managing emotional eating, and building sustainable activity habits. Care coordination is built into the system, so patients moving between departments don't have to manage referrals entirely on their own.

Medical Centers

Weight Loss Centers

Treatment Options

Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program

A non-surgical program combining physician oversight, dietitian counseling, and behavioral health support. Built for patients with significant weight to lose or complex medical backgrounds requiring clinical monitoring.

6 to 18 monthsVaries by insurance; self-pay $200 to $400 per month

Bariatric Surgery Evaluation

A comprehensive pre-surgical assessment process including medical, psychological, and nutritional evaluations to determine candidacy for procedures like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

3 to 6 months pre-surgeryCovered by most insurers when criteria are met; self-pay $15,000 to $25,000

Pharmacotherapy for Obesity

Physician-managed prescription weight loss medications including newer GLP-1 receptor agonists and other FDA-approved options, monitored within the broader care plan.

Ongoing with quarterly reviews$100 to $500 per month depending on medication

Post-Surgical Nutrition Support

Structured dietitian counseling for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, covering dietary progression, supplement protocols, and long-term eating habits.

12 to 24 months post-surgeryTypically covered by insurance as part of surgical aftercare

What to Expect

New patients start with a referral or self-referral to the weight management program. An intake coordinator schedules the initial physician consultation, which typically includes a review of your health history, current medications, and weight loss goals. Lab work is often ordered at or before this visit.

Based on the evaluation, patients are placed into a care pathway that matches their clinical needs. Non-surgical patients begin a structured program with regular physician and dietitian visits. Surgical candidates go through a separate evaluation process that includes psychological screening, additional medical clearances, and insurance authorization if applicable.

Follow-up care is consistent and documented within the Memorial Hermann electronic health record system, meaning any provider in the network can see your history. This level of coordination is useful for patients who see multiple specialists.

Why Choose Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza

The primary advantage of Memorial Hermann is access to a full health system. If your weight is connected to other medical conditions, having cardiologists, endocrinologists, and surgeons available within the same network significantly simplifies your care. You're not trying to coordinate between disconnected providers.

The bariatric surgery program has an established track record and meets criteria for accreditation, which matters for surgical outcomes. Non-surgical patients also benefit from the depth of clinical resources, particularly if their case is medically complex.

For patients considering surgery as a long-term option, starting here means you can move through evaluation, preparation, and post-surgical follow-up within one system. The scale of the organization also means specialists are available when you need them, rather than waiting months for a consult.

Insurance & Pricing

Memorial Hermann accepts most major insurance plans, including commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid for qualifying services. Prior authorization is often required for weight loss medications and bariatric surgery. The billing team can help verify coverage before your program begins.

Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on the services used and your insurance plan's deductible and copay structure. Bariatric surgery costs can range from $15,000 to $25,000 without insurance, though most major plans cover it when medical criteria are met. Non-surgical program costs are generally lower and more variable.

First-Time Patient Tips

Start by calling Memorial Hermann's weight management intake line or requesting a referral from your primary care physician. Having a PCP referral can streamline insurance authorization for certain services, though self-referrals are accepted.

Bring complete medical records to your first appointment if you have complex health issues. The more the team knows about your history upfront, the faster they can build an appropriate care plan. If you're considering surgery, ask specifically about the surgical evaluation timeline and what insurance documentation you'll need to gather.

Be prepared for a process that moves at a clinical pace. This isn't a quick-start commercial program. Patients who get the most out of Memorial Hermann tend to be those who engage fully with the multi-disciplinary team, including the behavioral health component, rather than treating it as just a diet program.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Access to a full health system means cardiologists, endocrinologists, and surgeons are available within the same network.
The bariatric surgery program is accredited and has an established track record for complex surgical cases.
Insurance coverage is broad, and the billing team can help navigate authorization for weight loss services.

Things to Consider

The large institutional environment can feel impersonal compared to smaller specialized weight loss clinics.
Wait times for initial consultations and specialty referrals can be longer than at independent clinics.

Service Area

Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza primarily serves patients across greater Houston and the surrounding metro area. The Texas Medical Center location is accessible from most Houston neighborhoods via major freeways. The system also has satellite campuses in Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Pearland, which means patients in the suburbs can access affiliated services closer to home. International patients seeking advanced bariatric care also travel to this facility.

Local Insight

The Texas Medical Center in Houston is the largest medical complex in the world, and Memorial Hermann is one of its anchor institutions. The surrounding area includes a dense concentration of research hospitals and specialty clinics. Houston's size and diversity mean the patient population is broad, and the system is experienced treating people from all backgrounds. Parking at the Medical Center can be challenging, so budget extra time for appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral to access weight management services at Memorial Hermann?

A referral isn't strictly required for all services, but having one from your primary care physician can help with insurance authorization. You can also self-refer through the intake line.

Does Memorial Hermann offer bariatric surgery?

Yes, the system offers sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding through its bariatric surgery program. Candidates go through a structured evaluation process before surgery is scheduled.

How long does the surgical evaluation process take?

Most patients complete the pre-surgical evaluation process in three to six months, depending on insurance requirements and how quickly medical clearances can be completed.

What insurance plans are accepted?

Memorial Hermann accepts most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid for qualifying services. Contact the billing department to verify your specific plan before scheduling.

Are GLP-1 medications like semaglutide available through this program?

Yes, physicians in the weight management program can prescribe GLP-1 receptor agonists when clinically appropriate. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary significantly by insurance plan.

Is behavioral health support included in the program?

Yes, behavioral health counseling is part of the multi-disciplinary approach at Memorial Hermann. It's especially important for surgical candidates but available to non-surgical patients as well.

Can I transfer my care from another weight loss provider to Memorial Hermann?

Yes, the system accepts transfers and can request records from your previous providers. Bring whatever documentation you have to your first consultation.

What happens if I plateau during the non-surgical program?

Your care team reviews your protocol and adjusts the plan, which might include changing your dietary approach, adding or modifying medications, or introducing additional behavioral health support.