Mega Doctor News
Linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, obesity is a serious health condition that can significantly shorten an individual’s life span and be lethal if left unchecked.
Unfortunately, obesity is growing problem in the United States, and studies show it’s only getting worse.
Currently, obesity affects one in three adults and one in six children nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with the medical cost of obesity estimated to be nearly $173 billion annually.
While GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide and Dulaglutide have shown significant promise for weight loss, bariatric surgery is still generally considered the more effective and durable option for long-term weight management, particularly for individuals with severe obesity. Studies comparing both approaches consistently demonstrate that bariatric surgery leads to greater weight loss and a more sustained reduction in weight compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists.
In the Rio Grande Valley, individuals struggling with obesity can continue to depend on the South Texas Health System Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center to achieve the long-term weight loss they need to lead a longer and healthier life.
The STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center, a fully accredited bariatric center operated by STHS Heart, hasbeen once again recognized for delivering the gold standard in bariatric surgery by Optum, an American pharmacy benefit manager and healthcare provider that annually evaluates services and facilities nationwide.
The center – located at 416 Lindberg Ave., Suite B in McAllen – was recently named a Center of Excellence (COE) by Optum for providing clinically superior care, a designation the bariatric program has earned since 2015.
“To receive this designation for 10 years in a row demonstrates STHS Heart’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that every patient who entrusts us with their weight-loss surgery receives the highest standard of care,” says Brenda Ivory, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Heart. “The bariatric team works tirelessly to provide our patients with the highest level of care possible and have helped hundreds improve their health and well-being by taking control of their weight.”
To earn the COE distinction, bariatric surgery programs must meet rigorous criteria, including annual volume of surgeries, certifications, number and experience of surgeons, complications and mortality rate, length of program existence and multidisciplinary team.
Optum COEs have 19% lower mortality rates and 24% lower re-operation rates for bariatric procedures compared to non-COE providers. Additionally, COEs help lower total cost of care and support better outcomes.
STHS Heart’s bariatric program utilizes innovative, individualized approaches to help patients lose excess weight and improve overall health and quality of life, which includes guiding them through the process, empowering them with the tools to succeed in maintaining their weight loss and
In addition to the COE designation by Optum, the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center has received a Blue Distinction Center+ designation for bariatric surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield. It has also been accredited as accredited as a Center of Excellence by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
“Weight-loss surgery can be a lifesaving and life-changing treatment for severely obese patients who haven’t found success with traditional, medically supervised weight-loss strategies like diet, exercise or medication,” says Amy Flores, RN, MSN, Director, STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center. “Over the years, our bariatric surgeons have helped our patients improve their quality of life by shedding unhealthy weight and reducing their risk of life-threatening weight-related health problems. It’s an honor to be recognized for that dedication to providing quality bariatric surgical care.”
To find out if you might be a candidate for weight-loss surgery, take STHS’ no cost health risk assessment online by visiting southtexashealthsystem.com.
For more information on the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center, including its weight-loss surgery seminarsand Beary Buddies support group, visit sthsheart.com.
