Support Services (Counseling and Support Group)

Long-term weight management can be a daunting challenge. Whether you are looking to lose a few pounds or facing post-operative lifestyle changes, there can be numerous physical and mental roadblocks. Our multidisciplinary weight-loss team is here to help every step of the way – from assisting in meal plans to providing psychological support during rough times.

Diet and Nutrition Counseling


Our registered dietitians recognize that each patient is unique. We help determine the optimal approach for each individual based on their specific situation and preferences, as well as recommending the right vitamins, supplements, and food choices. Individualized nutrition therapies, as well as group sessions, are also part of dietary counseling weight-loss surgery patients will receive.

To achieve long-term weight management success, patients should:

• Accurately gauge the amount of calories in each meal
• Follow a daily diet and exercise regimen
• Have the motivation to sustain behavioral change
• Recognize that surgery is a tool, not a cure

Psychological Counseling


UT Southwestern Medical Center provides psychological counseling to prepare patients for the diet and exercise requirements essential to successful weight-loss management.

Through counseling, patients receive assistance with:

• Addressing undiagnosed or untreated depression, including using food to 
alleviate emotional difficulties
• Eliminating any substance abuse that may prevent a successful outcome from 
weight-loss surgery
• Integrating exercise into their daily activities
• Understanding and dealing with family dynamics that may hinder the lifestyle changes needed to achieve a healthy state of life and mind

Weight-loss surgery is an important step in the patient’s life and requires an uncompromising attitude regarding diet and exercise. Through nutrition and psychological counseling, we can provide the motivation needed to achieve successful weight-loss results.