Texas Laparoscopic Consultants

Weight Loss Clinic in Houston, Texas

Call (713) 493-77005115 Fannin St, Ste 950, Houston, TX 77004

3.2 (26 reviews)

About Texas Laparoscopic Consultants

Texas Laparoscopic Consultants is a Houston-based surgical weight loss practice specializing in bariatric and laparoscopic procedures for patients with significant weight to lose who haven't achieved adequate results through non-surgical methods. The clinic offers several established bariatric procedures performed by surgeons with focused training in this area. They've been part of the Houston healthcare landscape for a number of years and handle both primary and revisional bariatric surgery.

The practice carries a 3.2 rating, which reflects a mixed patient experience. Surgical outcomes for many patients have been strong, and the clinical team's technical skill is generally not where the criticism lands. Frustrations tend to center on wait times, communication, and the administrative side of the practice. It's worth going in with that context and being proactive about confirming appointments, following up on authorizations, and advocating for yourself through the pre-op process.

Services Offered

Texas Laparoscopic Consultants offers bariatric and metabolic surgery as its primary service. Procedures include laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and revisional bariatric surgery for patients who've had prior procedures and need correction or conversion. All procedures are performed laparoscopically through small incisions rather than open surgery, which generally means shorter hospital stays and faster recovery than traditional approaches. The pre-surgical process includes a comprehensive evaluation, nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, and clearance from relevant specialists. Most insurance plans require documentation of prior non-surgical weight loss attempts and comorbid conditions before approving bariatric surgery, and the clinical team helps patients assemble that documentation. Post-operative care is a structured part of the program. The clinic provides dietary guidance for the recovery period and long-term follow-up appointments that track your progress and catch complications early. Revisional surgery is also offered for patients who've had prior bariatric procedures done elsewhere and are seeking correction, which is a meaningful capability that many bariatric practices in Houston don't have. The full continuum from pre-op evaluation to long-term monitoring is available within the practice.

Weight Loss Centers

Treatment Options

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

A surgical procedure that removes roughly 80% of the stomach to create a narrow sleeve-shaped tube, significantly limiting food intake capacity and reducing levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which helps control appetite and supports sustained weight loss after the operation.

1-2 hour procedure, 1-2 night hospital stay, 2-4 week recovery$15,000-$25,000 without insurance; often covered with qualifying criteria

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

A two-part procedure creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting part of the small intestine, producing both restriction and malabsorption for significant long-term weight loss that typically exceeds sleeve outcomes and has well-documented benefits for type 2 diabetes control.

2-3 hour procedure, 2-3 night hospital stay, 3-6 week recovery$20,000-$35,000 without insurance; frequently covered by major plans

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Corrective or conversion procedures for patients with a previous bariatric surgery experiencing complications, inadequate weight loss, or significant weight regain, requiring careful surgical assessment to determine the safest and most effective revision approach for each patient's specific prior procedure.

Varies by procedure, typically 2-4 hours$20,000-$40,000 without insurance; coverage varies by plan and clinical indication

Pre-Surgical Medically Supervised Weight Loss

A supervised weight loss program required by most insurance plans before bariatric surgery approval, designed to reduce your surgical risk through gradual weight loss, demonstrate your commitment to post-operative lifestyle changes, and build the documentation your insurer needs for authorization.

3-6 months depending on insurance requirements$100-$300 per month

What to Expect

The process at Texas Laparoscopic Consultants starts with an initial surgical consultation. The surgeon reviews your health history, BMI, previous weight loss attempts, and any existing health conditions. This first appointment determines whether you're a surgical candidate and, if so, which procedure is the right fit.

If you're moving forward, you'll go through a pre-surgical clearance process that includes nutritional counseling, a psychological evaluation, and medical clearance from your primary care provider and relevant specialists. This process typically takes weeks to a few months depending on your insurance requirements and how quickly appointments can be scheduled. Being organized and following up proactively on each step helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Once cleared, your surgery is scheduled and you receive detailed pre-operative instructions. After the procedure, follow-up appointments happen at regular intervals starting within the first week and continuing at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Long-term follow-up beyond the first year is recommended to monitor nutrition, weight maintenance, and late complications.

Why Choose Texas Laparoscopic Consultants

Texas Laparoscopic Consultants offers focused surgical capability for patients who need more than a medical weight loss program can provide. Bariatric surgery produces more significant and durable weight loss than most non-surgical interventions, and for patients with a BMI above 40 or above 35 with serious health complications, surgery is often the most evidence-backed path forward.

The surgical team handles the full range of laparoscopic bariatric procedures and can also perform revisional surgery. If you've had a prior bariatric procedure and it's not working or needs correction, that capability matters and it's not available everywhere.

That said, the 3.2 rating means you should go in informed. Surgical quality is the practice's real strength. Administrative experience, communication, and wait times have been pain points for some patients. Being organized about confirming your appointments, tracking your insurance authorization status, and following up when you don't hear back will make your experience considerably smoother than going in passively and hoping the process takes care of itself.

Insurance & Pricing

Bariatric surgery is covered by many major insurance plans when specific criteria are met, including a qualifying BMI, documented obesity-related comorbidities, and evidence of prior non-surgical weight loss attempts. Some plans also require a medically supervised diet period before approving surgery. Texas Laparoscopic Consultants works with most major commercial insurers and Medicare. The pre-authorization process can be lengthy, and the clinical team helps assemble the required documentation. For patients without coverage or whose plans exclude bariatric surgery, self-pay pricing is available. Contact the billing department directly for current cash-pay rates.

First-Time Patient Tips

Before your initial consultation, put together a clear summary of your weight history, the approaches you've tried, and your current health conditions. Bring a complete medication list and any records of prior weight loss treatments or programs. The surgeon needs this context to evaluate your candidacy properly and choose the right procedure.

Be prepared for the pre-op process to take time. Insurance approvals for bariatric surgery move slowly, and the required evaluations add up across multiple providers. Don't get discouraged by the timeline. Stay organized with your appointments and follow up proactively if you haven't heard back about authorizations rather than assuming everything is on track.

After surgery, follow the dietary guidelines strictly. The post-op diet progression isn't optional, and skipping steps can cause serious complications. Stay in close contact with the nutritional team during the first few months.

Given the mixed patient reviews about communication at this practice, consider keeping a personal log of what was discussed at each appointment and any next steps you were given. Being organized on your end reduces friction when there are administrative gaps on the practice's end.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

The surgical team offers the full range of laparoscopic bariatric procedures including revisional surgery, which many Houston bariatric centers don't perform.
Bariatric surgery produces more significant and durable weight loss than non-surgical approaches for qualifying patients, and this clinic delivers that clinical outcome for many of its patients.
The practice works with most major insurance plans and has experience guiding patients through the insurance authorization process for bariatric surgery, which can be complicated.

Things to Consider

The 3.2 patient rating reflects real frustrations with wait times, communication gaps, and administrative responsiveness that some patients have found discouraging during the pre-op process.
The pre-surgical clearance process can feel slow and disorganized according to some reviews, requiring patients to be proactive and self-directed to avoid losing momentum.

Service Area

Texas Laparoscopic Consultants is located in Houston, Texas, and sees patients from across the greater Houston metro area. The practice draws patients from Houston proper as well as surrounding communities including The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena, and Katy. Because bariatric surgery is a specialty service, patients sometimes travel from other parts of Texas to see a qualified bariatric surgeon. The clinic has experience helping out-of-area patients coordinate the pre-op and post-op logistics that come with that distance.

Local Insight

Houston is one of the largest cities in the United States and a major regional hub for specialized healthcare. Bariatric surgery centers here serve not just Houston residents but patients from across South Texas who are seeking qualified bariatric surgeons. Texas Laparoscopic Consultants is part of a broader bariatric surgery landscape in a city where the prevalence of obesity and related conditions makes specialized weight loss care a genuine public health priority. Patients in Houston have several bariatric options, so comparing practices before committing to one is a reasonable thing to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Standard candidates have a BMI of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35 or above with a significant obesity-related health condition like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. Your surgeon will review your full history at the initial consultation to determine whether surgery is appropriate and which procedure makes sense.

Which is right for me, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass?

That depends on your health history, BMI, and specific goals. Sleeve gastrectomy is technically simpler and has fewer nutritional complications long-term. Gastric bypass typically produces greater weight loss and is often preferred for patients with significant diabetes or acid reflux. Your surgeon will help you decide based on your situation.

How long does the insurance approval process take?

Plan for 2-4 months from initial consultation to surgery date in a best-case scenario. Some plans require a 3-6 month medically supervised diet period before they'll approve the procedure, which extends the timeline further. Staying organized and following up proactively with the clinic and your insurer helps avoid unnecessary delays.

What does recovery look like after sleeve gastrectomy?

Most patients spend 1-2 nights in the hospital and can return to light activity within 2-3 weeks. Full recovery takes about 4-6 weeks. Diet progresses through stages starting with clear liquids and advancing to pureed and then soft foods over the first 4-6 weeks before returning to a modified solid diet.

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Results vary significantly based on procedure, starting weight, and adherence to post-op guidelines. On average, sleeve patients lose 60-70% of excess body weight over 18-24 months. Bypass patients average 70-80% of excess body weight over the same period. Individual results can vary considerably.

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

All surgery carries risks including bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications. Bariatric surgery specifically carries risks of anastomotic leaks, strictures, nutritional deficiencies, and in rare cases complications requiring additional procedures. Your surgeon will discuss the risks specific to your health history and the procedure you're considering.

What should I know going in about the patient reviews for this practice?

The practice's 3.2 rating reflects mixed experiences. The surgical team's clinical skill is generally well regarded, but some patients have reported issues with wait times, communication, and administrative processes. Being organized and proactive on your end helps you navigate those areas more smoothly.

Does the clinic offer post-op nutritional support?

Post-operative nutritional counseling is part of the standard program. Ask specifically about support group availability during your consultation, as offerings can change over time. Long-term success after bariatric surgery correlates strongly with ongoing follow-up and support, so it's worth asking exactly what the clinic provides beyond the scheduled surgical follow-up appointments.