General surgery

At North Houston Specialty Surgery, our services meet various surgical needs, including general, weight loss, laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries. Our team consists of some of the top specialists in general and bariatric surgery Houston, TX has to offer.

Our surgeons treat many different conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Acid reflux
  • Gastric (stomach) cancer
  • Gastroesophageal disease and fundoplication
  • Skin and soft tissue concerns (moles, masses, infections)

To treat these conditions and others, our surgeons can perform various procedures, such as:

  • Abdominal wall hernia repair including:
    • Complex abdominal wall reconstruction
    • Inguinal/groin hernia repair
    • Ventral hernia repair
  • Appendiceal disease and removal
  • Catheter placement including:
    • Gastric and jejunal feeding tubes
    • Peritoneal dialysis catheter placement
    • Venous port placement for chemotherapy
  • Diaphragmatic hernia repair
  • Gallbladder disease and removal
  • Hiatal hernia repair
  • Minimally invasive surgery (robotic and laparoscopic surgery)
  • Solid organ removal, including splenectomy, adrenalectomy

It is our hope each experience a patient has is a pleasant one and we continue to accept and rely on patient feedback to improve our services.

Making a change through weight loss surgery

Making a decision to undergo weight loss surgery is a very important one, affecting every aspect of your life. Some people can feel overwhelmed or concerned about feeling alone on this journey, but that isn’t the case with our team.

With us, your long-term success is our primary goal. Our team of weight loss surgery professionals, registered dietitians, psychologists and affiliated surgeons keep you supported every step of the way, from preoperative needs to post-surgery and beyond.

We know living at a healthy weight can not only extend your life, but make the life you have a happy, hopeful and healthy one.

Is weight loss surgery an option for me?

You qualify for bariatric surgery if you:

  • Are 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight or
  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or
  • Have a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with a diagnosed weight-related health problem, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnea
  • Are at least 18 years old

If you have tried other methods of weight loss without success and want to explore bariatric surgery as an option, reach out to our bariatric team to see if you qualify. Call (281) 312-4838 for more information.

Insurance coverage

If you meet the medical criteria for morbid obesity, Medicare, HMOs and many private insurance companies may cover surgical treatment. If your insurance does not approve the procedure, we have financing options available. If you have questions regarding insurance coverage and benefits, call (281) 312-4838 to speak to one of our qualified bariatric specialists for more information.

Preparing for surgery

Our team of surgery professionals, including our dietitian, will help determine the right course of action for you. They work closely with you to determine if the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks and assess if you are medically ready to undergo the procedure. The team considers many factors, including:

  • Age
  • Medical conditions and history
  • Motivation
  • Nutrition and dietary history
  • Nutrition conditions and history
  • Psychological status

Attendance at one of our free bariatric surgery seminars is the first step in the path. During these sessions, we discuss the history and implications of obesity, the treatment options, the risks and complications of surgery. During the session, we also discuss with you what to expect after surgery and answer all your questions. Once determined if surgery is a good fit for you, then you will have a one-on-one surgical consultation with Dr. Garay and begin the journey to a healthier one.

What to expect after surgery

Surgery is only part of the solution. The path toward a healthier lifestyle will have challenges. Studies have shown behavior modification is one of the most critical components to any weight loss surgery.

Changing behaviors related to eating, exercising and weight control is certainly a challenge and does not happen overnight. North Houston Specialty Surgery understands these challenges and has assembled a dedicated team to support and promote your success. Your multidisciplinary team includes surgeons, bariatric nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals, exercise specialists, bariatric advocates and other medical specialists who offer continuous compassionate support and guidance in a respectful environment. The focus is to help patients establish and achieve realistic goals.

The ultimate factor to improving health is sustained weight loss. Conquering obesity is about restoring and preserving your health, extending your life and improving the quality of your life. Call (281) 312-4838 for additional information.