Patient Shares Life-Changing Weight Loss Experience at Laredo Medical Center
1/18/2022
After struggling for over a decade with a number of chronic conditions due to weight gain, Roberto Vedia took the advice of his physician and sought to change his life with the help of Laredo Medical Center.
The 40-year-old Laredoan was on dialysis for about five years before he received a kidney transplant in 2010.
“And one of the side effects for getting a kidney transplant is weight gain. With the weight gain, I had sleep apnea and my blood pressure was high. I was tired all the time, and felt winded,” said Vedia who works in law enforcement.
Because diet and exercise were not helping him, Vedia took the advice of his doctor, nephrologist Adolfo Garcia, to seek alternatives for weight loss.
After doing some research, Vedia decided to learn more about Laredo Medical Center’s Bariatric Weight Loss Services.
“I chose LMC since I have always been treated great by staff there. I don’t have to travel too far from home, which is a plus, and I know I’ll be in great hands,” he said.
Vedia’s life-changing journey with Laredo Medical Center began in November 2020 with a specially trained team of professionals who worked closely with him and his primary care physician to create a personalized plan that promotes physical and emotional well-being.
Vedia’s plan included medical and psychological clearances, support group meetings, nutritional counseling and a pre-op class with general and bariatric surgeon, Michael Morris, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, to determine if he was a viable candidate for bariatric surgery.
“The Bariatric Weight Loss program focuses a lot on education. It’s what differentiates LMC’s program from others,” said Dr. Morris who has been the Medical Director of the hospital’s bariatric program since its inception 14 years ago.
“A team approach is what patients at Laredo Medical Center will receive. This includes support that doesn’t end when your procedure does. I personally take charge of my patients and make sure each understands the realistic outcomes of bariatric surgery, which is life-altering,” added Dr. Morris.
After getting the green light, Vedia underwent a sleeve gastrectomy in February 2021.
Dr. Morris performed the surgical weight-loss procedure in which 75-80% of the stomach is removed. Three days after his surgery, Vedia was discharged from the hospital, and today he is a different man. In less than a year, Vedia has managed to lose close to 150 pounds and rid himself of his chronic conditions.
“I sleep better. I feel better. I got to shop for new clothes,” said Vedia. “I have more energy for physical activities. I don’t sleep in like I used to, and I feel like I’m in my 20s again.”
He added, “This surgery is one of the greatest investments you can do to help improve the quality of life for you and your family. Just keep in mind that it’s not just about having surgery, losing the weight and you’re done. This is a lifestyle change which will require you to eat right and exercise to keep the weight off and be healthy.”
The Laredo Medical Center Bariatric Program was the first in town to be named a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®)-Accredited Center in January 2011.
The designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery. Furthermore, several insurance companies, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover the cost of bariatric surgery if it’s performed in a program designated a MBSAQIP®-Accredited Center.
Contact your insurance company to see if this applies to you.
“It’s a program based in Laredo for the people of Laredo and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Morris of the hospital’s Bariatric Weight Loss Services. “We not just help our patients resolve the medical problems related to their obesity, but we actually add healthy years to their lives.”
For more information about bariatric weight loss services, visit our bariatric services page to register for a free seminar or take an online assessment. You may also call LMC Bariatric Department Director Rosa Cavazos-Lopez at (956) 796-2662.
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