Book Now At The Bariatric Experts™, we are experts in helping patients achieve their weight loss goals. Our experienced team understands that no two bodies are the same, so each person’s weight loss journey is unique to them. Our mission is to help our patients identify goals that are healthy for their bodies and guide them to the most effective weight loss solution for them. We offer a full range of options at our weight loss practice, including weight loss surgery as well as non-surgical options such as weight loss prescriptions and lifestyle and wellness coaching. With offices in Frisco and Abilene, we make it convenient for patients in Plano, McKinney, Allen, and the Greater DFW Area to access the care they need to live healthier lives.
Unlike some other weight loss clinics, we aren’t here to tell you it’s going to be easy. Weight loss takes commitment and hard work. What makes us different is that we do the work with you as your partners on your weight loss journey. You won’t feel any shame here, only encouragement and motivation from a dedicated team that believes in you.
What is a Healthy Weight?
The truth is, a healthy weight looks different for everybody—and it very rarely looks like what we see in magazines and on TV. Being at a healthy weight means that you feel good, and it also means that your body is able to function as it should.
Doctors use body mass index (BMI) as a tool to evaluate where patients are in terms of a healthy weight, and BMI can also help us customize each patient’s weight loss plan to point them towards success.
Our team of experts goes even further than weight and BMI, with the InBody570 we are able to see the makeup of each patient’s body. This allows us to tailor a program to the individual and meet goals even more quickly.
Calculate Your BMI
- BMI < 20
- Underweight
- BMI 20 - 24.9
- Healthy Weight
- BMI 25 - 29.9
- Overweight
- BMI 30 - 34.9
- Class 1 Obesity
- BMI 35 - 39.9
- Class 2 Obesity
- BMI 40 - 49.9
- Class 3 Obesity
- BMI > 50
- Class 4 Obesity
Understanding Obesity
People who are overweight often feel stigmatized by society, but it’s important to remember that obesity is actually a chronic medical condition. The good news is that this means that obesity can be medically treated. At our weight loss clinic, we’ll provide you with the tools you need to reclaim your health.
Health Risks Associated with Obesity
Patients who struggle with obesity know very well that this condition is about much more than appearance. Scientific research shows that people with a BMI over 30 are more likely to suffer from chronic
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Accessed October 18, 2023
1016/S0140-6736(16)30175-1
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disease.
Diseases or conditions that are amplified by obesity are called comorbidities.
Comorbidities most frequently associated with obesity include:
-
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Obesity and Comorbid Conditions
Lim Y, Boster J
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Hypertension
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart Failure
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Stroke
- Sleep Apnea
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Gallbladder Disease
- Infertility
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
-
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Psychiatric disorders and obesity: A review of association studies
Rajan TM, Menon V
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Psychiatric Disorders
-
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Obesity and cancer risk: recent review and evidence
Basen-Engquist K, Chang M
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Cancer Mortality
The Cost of Obesity
Obesity can also affect a person’s finances. In addition to food costs, people with obesity often face increased medical expenses, lost wages due to work absences, higher insurance premiums, and higher prescription and medical costs. This can raise their annual expenses by $9,000 to
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Lifetime health and economic consequences of obesity
Thompson D, Edelsberg J, Colditz GA, Bird AP, Oster G
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$17,000.
Understanding Weight Loss
While some people are able to lose weight by cutting back on calories and exercising a bit more, that is not the case for everyone. If it were, there would be far fewer people who suffer from obesity. Yes, there are some factors that contribute to obesity that are within a person’s control. However, there are some factors that are simply part of their biology.
Body weight is determined by a delicate balance between a person’s basal metabolic rate (BMI, the rate at which calories are burned while bodily functions are sustained), hormones, organ systems, and even brain function. When these components are not balanced, it becomes easier to gain weight and much more difficult to lose it. Lifestyle changes can help with weight loss, but for many patients medical assistance is necessary in order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Diet & Physical Activity for Weight Management
Diet and physical activity are essential components for any healthy lifestyle, and they are key factors in weight management. Even for patients who undergo weight loss surgery, it is necessary to make life-long lifestyle changes to attain lasting success.
A Healthy Diet
Any person who struggles with being overweight will tell you: yo-yo dieting is a dangerous cycle. It’s easy to feel motivated at first when adopting new eating habits, but old habits and “cheat days” quickly creep in. Unfortunately, many patients who adopt on-again, off-again diets regain the weight within one year because they don’t have the support they need to stay on
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Obesity: pathophysiology and intervention
Zhang Y, Liu J, Yao J, Ji G, Qian L, Wang J, Zhang G, Tian J, Nie Y, Zhang YE, Gold MS, Liu Y
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track.
At The Bariatric Experts, we understand that many of our patients struggle with food addiction that makes it especially difficult to maintain a healthy diet. This is why, in addition to nutrition counseling and meal planning, we also provide patients with the tools they need to understand what’s behind their overeating and the emotional support necessary to break the cycle.
Physical Activity and Weight Loss
Exercise is about much more than weight loss: even people who are at a healthy weight need to exercise regularly to stay at optimal
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The role of exercise and physical activity in weight loss and maintenance
Swift DL, Johannsen NM, Lavie CJ, Earnest CP, Church TS
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health.
In fact, research shows that regular exercise can help reduce a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers by
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Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence
Warburton DE, Nicol CW, Bredin SS
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up to 30%.
For people who struggle with obesity, exercise can be difficult for a variety of factors. Some of our patients have mobility issues. Some feel shame when they enter a gym or exercise in public. Some of our patients are simply discouraged after years of spotty exercise attempts and let-downs. Exercise doesn’t mean you have to run miles a day, it simply means intentional movement. This can mean walking your dog, playing pickleball, riding a bike with your kids…the list goes on and on. Our team is here to provide the accountability that comes with knowing you aren’t on this journey alone.
Weight Loss Options
At The Bariatric Experts, our goal is to empower our patients to achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle. This is why we provide a full range of weight loss treatments and options, and we walk hand-in-hand with each patient on their journey to success.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss
Our non-surgical weight loss program is a good option for patients who only need to achieve moderate weight loss, don’t feel ready for weight loss surgery, or who would prefer a non-surgical option for weight loss.
Under Dr. Stowers’ supervision, patients in this program have access to a full set of tools designed to help them achieve healthy and sustainable weight loss.
A key part of our non-surgical weight loss program is prescription weight loss medication, but that is only one component of this holistic approach. Patients also have access to:
- Support, including nutrition counseling and meal planning
- Exercise education and tracking
- Body composition analysis
- Virtual appointments to help stay on track
Weight Loss Surgery
When combined with healthy diet and lifestyle choices weight loss surgery can help patients achieve significant long-term weight loss and resolve potentially life-threatening conditions associated with obesity, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, works in two ways: it reduces the amount of food a person is able to eat and it also alters hunger hormones so the patient feels fuller, faster.
Learn more about gastric sleeve surgery
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is performed to reduce the size of the stomach and bypass part of the intestine. Patients who undergo gastric bypass are able to eat less food and they absorb fewer calories.
Lap Band Removal
Unfortunately, many patients experience complications or inadequate weight loss after their gastric band procedure. We offer laparoscopic Lap Band removal to help patients get back on track.
Learn more about Lap Band removal
Weight Loss Surgery Revision
Sometimes, bariatric surgery patients don’t achieve the results they desired. These patients may benefit from revisional weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve revision or conversion from gastric band to gastric sleeve.
Obesity is a Chronic disease. If you are struggling with your weight, regardless of where you are in your weight loss journey, we’re here for you!
FAQs About Weight Loss
The cost depends on your treatment path. Non-surgical options including prescription weight loss medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide typically start around $250/month. For weight loss surgery, the all-inclusive self-pay price for gastric sleeve starts at $10,950 and gastric bypass at $16,950. Both include facility fees, anesthesia, surgeon fees, pre-op education, lifetime nutrition support, and one year of follow-up appointments with no hidden fees. For those who prefer to spread out the cost, financing through CareCredit is available starting as low as $288/month for qualified patients.
Many insurance plans also cover bariatric surgery when medical criteria are met, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna. Our team will verify your benefits at no charge.
Does The Bariatric Experts offer semaglutide or Ozempic® for weight loss?
Yes. The Bariatric Experts offer prescription weight loss medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, under the supervision of Dr. Scott Stowers. These medications work by reducing appetite and regulating blood sugar to support sustainable weight loss. Treatment is part of a comprehensive non-surgical program that also includes nutrition counseling, body composition analysis, and virtual check-ins.
Most adults with a BMI of 27 or higher, especially those with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, may qualify for a medical weight loss program. Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for patients with a BMI of 30+. The best way to find out is to take our quick candidacy assessment.
Unlike general weight loss clinics, The Bariatric Experts is led by a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon, Dr. Scott Stowers, offering a full spectrum of options, from prescription weight loss shots to gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery. Every patient receives a personalized plan built around their body, goals, and health history. We don’t do one-size-fits-all programs.
No referral is needed to get started. You can book a consultation directly online or by calling our office (940) 577-2090. Our team will review your health history, discuss your goals, and recommend the right program for you.
Results vary based on the treatment chosen and individual factors like starting weight and lifestyle. Patients on prescription weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide typically lose 10–15% of their body weight over 6–12 months.9 Bariatric surgery patients often lose 60–70% of their excess body weight within the first year.9 Our team will help set realistic, healthy goals for your specific situation.
Yes, many major insurance plans cover bariatric surgery in Texas, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna. Coverage typically requires a BMI of 40+, or 35+ with a qualifying comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, along with documentation of prior weight loss attempts.
That said, insurance approval can involve a lengthy process. Most carriers require extensive documentation including a multi-year weight history, records of medically supervised diets, and prescription weight loss attempts. For some patients, that wait isn’t worth it.
Prefer to skip the insurance process? Our self-pay option is the fast track: no prior authorization, no loopholes, and no waiting. We work hard to keep our cash pricing among the lowest in the country, and you’ll receive your total all-in cost upfront after your initial consultation with no hidden fees. Gastric sleeve financing is available starting as low as $288/month for qualified patients through CareCredit®.
Whether you’re going through insurance or paying out of pocket, our team will walk you through every option.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey Today
Request a consultation to get started!
We hear this all the time, “I’ve tried to lose weight for years, and nothing worked.” If you are feeling discouraged after your attempts to lose weight fell short, you’ve come to the right place. At The Bariatric Experts, it’s our job to give you the tools and motivation you need to embrace a healthier, happier lifestyle. We don’t just think you can lose the weight—we KNOW you can!
1 The Global BMI Mortality Collaboration Published: 13 July 2016 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30175-1. Accessed October 18, 2023.
2 Lim Y, Boster J. Obesity and Comorbid Conditions. [Updated 2023 Feb 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574535/. Accessed October 18, 2023.
3 Basen-Engquist K, Chang M. Obesity and cancer risk: recent review and evidence. Curr Oncol Rep. 2011 Feb;13(1):71-6. doi: 10.1007/s11912-010-0139-7. PMID: 21080117; PMCID: PMC3786180. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21080117/. Accessed October 18, 2023.
4 Rajan TM, Menon V. Psychiatric disorders and obesity: A review of association studies. J Postgrad Med. 2017 Jul-Sep;63(3):182-190. doi: 10.4103/jpgm.JPGM_712_16. PMID: 28695871; PMCID: PMC5525483. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28695871/. Accessed October 18, 2023.
5 Thompson D, Edelsberg J, Colditz GA, Bird AP, Oster G. Lifetime health and economic consequences of obesity. Arch Intern Med. 1999 Oct 11;159(18):2177-83. doi: 10.1001/archinte.159.18.2177. PMID: 10527295. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10527295/. Accessed October 18, 2023.
6 Zhang Y, Liu J, Yao J, Ji G, Qian L, Wang J, Zhang G, Tian J, Nie Y, Zhang YE, Gold MS, Liu Y. Obesity: pathophysiology and intervention. Nutrients. 2014 Nov 18;6(11):5153-83. doi: 10.3390/nu6115153. PMID: 25412152; PMCID: PMC4245585. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4245585/. Accessed October 18, 2023.
7 Swift DL, Johannsen NM, Lavie CJ, Earnest CP, Church TS. The role of exercise and physical activity in weight loss and maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2014 Jan-Feb;56(4):441-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2013.09.012. Epub 2013 Oct 11. PMID: 24438736; PMCID: PMC3925973. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24438736/. Accessed October 18, 2023.
8 Warburton DE, Nicol CW, Bredin SS. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. CMAJ. 2006 Mar 14;174(6):801-9. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.051351. PMID: 16534088; PMCID: PMC1402378. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16534088/. Accessed October 18, 2023.
9 Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33567185. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/. Accessed May 12, 2026.
10 Hoyuela C. Five-year outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a primary procedure for morbid obesity: A prospective study. World J Gastrointest Surg. 2017 Apr 27;9(4):109-117. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v9.i4.109. PMID: 28503259; PMCID: PMC5406732. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5406732/. Accessed May 12, 2026.
Dr. Scott Stowers has either authored or reviewed the content on this site.
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