Annual Transformation Celebration Fashion Show To Spotlight Former Bariatric Patients Who’ve Thrived Post Surgery

To celebrate former patients who’ve maintained their post-bariatric surgery weight loss by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center is giving them the chance to rock the runway and share their inspiring stories

Obesity remains a serious public health concern in the United States. Currently, more than 100 million adults are considered obese, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and more than 22 million are morbidly obese.

In fact, more than 20% of adults are obese in every U.S. state. In Texas, the obesity rate stands at 35%, per the CDC.

Linked to severe chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, obesity causes one in five deaths in the U.S. each year, per the American Journal of Public Health.

For some individuals hoping to shed the extra pounds and lead a healthier lifestyle, weight-loss surgery is a crucial first step in their journey to better health.

Worldwide, nearly 580,000 people undergo bariatric procedures every year, per the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), a 154% increase since 2017.

In the Rio Grande Valley, the South Texas Health System Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center has been helping individuals struggling with excess weight get the long-term weight loss necessary to improve their health and well-being through its team of board-certified surgeons.

“For someone on a weight loss journey, bariatric surgery could be the key to living the life they have always dreamed of,” says Amy Flores, MSN, RN, Director, STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center. “Typically, our patients are looking for a way to not just lose weight but keep it off. Our program at STHS Heart has been helping these patients improve their health and stay there.”

Bariatric surgery has a long-term success rate of around 68% to 74%, per the ASMBS, with most patients maintaining 50-75% excess weight loss, and some studies showing these benefits can last for up to 20 years. In addition to shedding excessive weight, Flores says many of the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center patients report an improved quality of life and a reduction in obesity-related health conditions.

“Weight loss surgery is a proven treatment to help patients lose significant weight, improve health complications associated with obesity, increase their quality of life and even extend their lifespan,” says Flores. “But it’s not a quick fix. Bariatric surgery is meant to kick start your weight-loss journey, while building long-term lifestyle changes for sustained success.”

To celebrate the individuals who’ve maintained a healthy weight post-bariatric surgery, the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center is hosting its third annual Transformation Celebration Fashion Show, a special weight loss surgery success event featuring men and women who’ve transformed their lives through weight loss surgery and a commitment to maintaining a healthy weight through important lifestyle changes like exercising more and eating well.

Taking place on Saturday, March 22, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport, located at 2721 S. 10th St. in McAllen, the event will feature former bariatric patients sharing their inspiring stories and rocking the runway. The event is free and open to the public.

For complete details, please visit the STHS Facebook Events page. If you have any questions, please contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2033 or sthsmarketing@uhsinc.com.

For more information on the STHS Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center, visit southtexashealthsystemheart.com.

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.