Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas – Obesity is more than a weight concern. It’s a complex chronic disease that significantly increases the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Left untreated, it can reduce quality of life and shorten life expectancy.
Approximately one in three adults and one in six children nationwide are affected by obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contributing to nearly $173 billion in annual medical costs.
While medications such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have expanded treatment options, bariatric surgery remains one of the most effective interventions for individuals with severe obesity, offering the potential for substantial and sustained weight loss.
“Bariatric surgery is one of the most thoroughly studied and effective treatments available for severe obesity,” said Luis Reyes, MD, a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon who serves as Medical Director of the South Texas Health System (STHS) Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center. “In addition to helping people lose weight, these procedures can significantly improve, and in some cases resolve, conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. For many individuals, it’s the first step toward a healthier, more active life.”
For Rio Grande Valley residents who have struggled to achieve long-term success through traditional weight-loss methods, the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center, operated by STHS Heart, offers comprehensive surgical services, education and ongoing support to help patients improve their health and well-being.
The center has once again earned the prestigious Center of Excellence (COE) designation from Optum, a leading healthcare services company that annually evaluates bariatric surgery programs and facilities nationwide.
Located at 416 Lindberg Ave., Suite B in McAllen, the fully accredited center has maintained the designation since 2015 by consistently meeting rigorous standards for patient safety, surgical outcomes and quality care.
“Maintaining this designation for more than a decade reflects our team’s dedication to clinical excellence and positive patient outcomes,” said Brenda Ivory, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Heart. “We are proud to offer a comprehensive bariatric program that combines advanced surgical care with the education, support and follow-up services individuals need to make lasting changes and live healthier lives.”
To earn the Center of Excellence designation, bariatric surgery programs must meet strict standards related to surgical volume, provider experience, certifications, complication and mortality rates, program longevity and multidisciplinary care.
According to previously reported Optum data, its Centers of Excellence have demonstrated 19% lower mortality rates and 24% lower reoperation rates for bariatric procedures compared to non-COE providers. Additionally, COEs help lower overall healthcare costs while supporting improved outcomes.
At the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center, patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique needs, from pre-surgical preparation and education to long-term lifestyle changes and follow-up support. This multidisciplinary approach helps individuals develop healthier habits and work toward sustainable results.
In addition to the Optum designation, the center has earned the Blue Distinction Center+ designation for bariatric surgery from Blue Cross Blue Shield. It is also accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint initiative of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
“For individuals who have struggled with obesity for years, bariatric surgery can provide an opportunity to regain control of their health and improve their quality of life,” said Amy Flores, RN, MSN, Director of the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center. “Our team is committed to helping patients understand their options while providing the education, guidance and encouragement needed to support long-term success. Receiving this recognition once again validates the impact of the work we do every day.”
Dr. Reyes said the center’s continued recognition reflects its unwavering commitment to patient safety, quality outcomes and comprehensive care.
“Successful weight loss isn’t just about the procedure itself. It’s about providing patients with the tools, education and support they need to make lasting changes,” Dr. Reyes said. “That’s what sets a comprehensive bariatric program apart. We’re proud to help our patients transform their health, reduce their risk of obesity-related diseases and achieve goals they may have once thought were out of reach.”
For more information on the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center, including its weight-loss surgery seminarsand Beary Buddies support group, visit sthsheart.com.
