Key Takeaways
CLS Health offers three main bariatric surgery options: Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, and Revisional Bariatric Surgery. (Duodenal switch and gastric band are not performed.)
Bariatric surgery is a medical treatment for obesity and related conditions, not a cosmetic procedure. It can help improve diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and quality of life when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough.
A comprehensive, long-term care approach is essential. Success requires medical evaluation, nutritional guidance, follow-up visits, and ongoing support from your bariatric and primary care teams.
Bariatric surgery helps support significant, sustained weight loss by changing how the stomach and digestive system function. It is considered when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to achieve meaningful progress and can benefit individuals living with obesity or related health conditions. Our Houston-area bariatric team provides comprehensive, patient-centered care to guide you through every step of the process.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery includes several procedures that modify the stomach and digestive system to support weight loss and improve metabolic health. Unlike cosmetic procedures, bariatric surgery is designed to treat obesity as a medical condition and help reduce risks related to diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and other health issues.
Bariatric surgery differs from weight-loss programs because it involves anatomical changes that can support long-term weight management. Our multidisciplinary approach includes close collaboration with nutrition, endocrinology, and primary care teams.
Who We Treat
We care for adults living with:
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, or joint pain
Who Is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Candidates for bariatric surgery typically:
- Meet general BMI thresholds used in bariatric care
- Have obesity-related conditions that may improve with weight loss
- Demonstrate readiness to follow nutritional guidance and lifestyle recommendations
- Understand the need for long-term follow-up
Insurance plans may require documentation, prior to weight-loss attempts, or medical clearances. Requirements vary.
Final candidacy is determined during a medical evaluation with our bariatric team.
Types of Bariatric Surgery We Offer
Our colorectal surgeons provide several safe, effective bariatric procedures. Each option has unique benefits depending on your health needs and goals.
Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Removes part of the stomach to create a sleeve-shaped pouch, helping patients feel full sooner. A commonly performed procedure with fewer anatomical changes than gastric bypass.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. This procedure may be considered for individuals with certain metabolic conditions or previous unsuccessful weight-loss attempts.
Revision Bariatric Surgery
Supports patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery and need surgical adjustment or correction. Revision may be recommended for complications, inadequate weight loss, or anatomical concerns.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery may support:
- Long-term weight management
- Improvements in metabolic conditions
- Better energy, mobility, and daily functioning
- Reduction of obesity-related complications
- Overall quality-of-life improvements
Results vary from person to person.
Risks & Considerations
All surgeries carry some degree of risk. Bariatric procedures require long-term nutrition guidance, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle adjustments. Choosing a qualified bariatric surgeon and staying engaged with your care team are essential for safe, successful outcomes.
Your Bariatric Surgery Journey at CLS Health
A guided, step-by-step process—from evaluation and nutrition prep to surgery, recovery, and long-term support—to help you achieve safe, lasting results.
Initial Consultation
Your first visit includes a review of your medical history, discussion of your goals, and an overview of potential procedure options.
Pre-Surgery Requirements
You will meet with our nutrition team and receive general guidance on pre-operative diet preparation. Lab work or other evaluations may be required depending on your plan.
Surgery Day
Your care team will guide you through arrival, preparation, and what typically happens during a surgical visit.
General Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies but usually includes a progression of diet stages, gradual return to activity, and scheduled follow-up visits with your surgeon.
Ongoing Support
Long-term success is supported by:
- Nutrition counseling
- Behavioral and emotional support
- Regular surgeon follow-ups
- Support groups and education programs
Why Choose CLS Health for Bariatric Surgery in Houston
Expert care from Dr. Harmouch, a collaborative multi-specialty team, onsite diagnostics, and convenient Clear Lake access—everything you need for safe, long-term bariatric support.
Meet Our Bariatric Specialist
Specialties: General Surgery • Bariatric Surgery • Colon & Rectal Surgery
- ⭐ 4.9/5.0 (242 ratings) – Accepting New Patients
- Location: CLS Health Colorectal Surgery Associates – Clear Lake
- 600 North Kobayashi, Suite 213, Webster, TX 77598
- Phone: 281-332-3909 • Fax: 281-336-1616
Dr. Harmouch is a board-certified colorectal and bariatric surgeon who provides comprehensive, patient-centered care using advanced minimally invasive techniques.
He also provides surgical management of bariatric complications and revision procedures.
His training includes:
- Colon & Rectal Surgery Fellowship (UT Southwestern / UT Health, 2020)
- Advanced GI MIS Fellowship (Our Lady of the Lake, 2019)
- General Surgery Residency (UT Health, 2018)
- Medical Degree (Northeast Ohio Medical University, 2013)
Additional Advantages of Care at CLS Health
- Collaborative multi-specialty team including nutrition, primary care, and endocrinology
- Experience in caring for complex bariatric and gastrointestinal cases
- Onsite diagnostics and long-term follow-up
- Convenient Houston–Clear Lake location
Insurance & Financing
Many accepted insurance plans provide coverage for bariatric surgery, depending on your benefits and medical criteria. Pre-authorization is often required, and our team can help you navigate the process. Financing options are available for self-pay patients.
Contact our team to verify your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs address what patients most often want to know about bariatric surgery. Your bariatric team will tailor recommendations to your medical needs and long-term goals.
Weight loss varies from person to person, but many patients lose a significant amount of weight in the first year. Results depend on the type of surgery, your starting weight, metabolic health, and long-term lifestyle habits. Your surgeon will help set realistic expectations based on your individual goals and health needs.
Most people begin losing weight immediately after surgery, with the fastest changes occurring within the first 3–6 months. Weight loss typically continues for 12–18 months before stabilizing. Your progress depends on factors such as diet, activity level, and overall health.
Successful long-term weight management requires ongoing changes, including mindful eating, portion control, staying active, attending follow-up visits, and working closely with a nutrition professional. These habits help support healing, prevent complications, and promote lasting results.
Most patients need long-term vitamin and mineral supplementation after bariatric surgery. This helps prevent deficiencies that can occur due to reduced stomach size or changes in nutrient absorption. Your care team will recommend personalized supplements based on the procedure performed.
Many people experience improvement in obesity-related conditions—such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and joint pain—after bariatric surgery. The degree of improvement varies, but metabolic benefits often begin soon after surgery and may continue as weight loss progresses.
Some weight regain is common over time, but significant regain can occur for various reasons, including changes in eating habits, reduced activity, or anatomical issues related to a previous surgery. Your bariatric team can evaluate the cause and recommend nutrition counseling, behavioral support, or, when appropriate, revision surgery.
Most patients return to non-strenuous work within 1–2 weeks, depending on the procedure and individual recovery. Light activity often begins early, while more strenuous exercise may take several weeks to months. Your surgeon will guide you on safe timelines based on your healing progress.
Schedule a Bariatric Surgery Consultation
Take the first step toward a healthier future. Our Houston-area bariatric team is here to help you understand your treatment options, know what to expect, and guide you with support before and after surgery.
Book with Dr. Harmouch
General Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery