San Antonio, April 30, 2018 — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of all U.S. adults are obese, and the rate of adult obesity in the U.S. nearly tripled from 1960-2010. People with obesity are often stigmatized, preventing the effective treatment of the disease. Recognizing that obesity is an epidemic, but much more work needs to be done so that people have access to preventative and treatment options, the Bariatric Medical Institute of Texas (BMI of Texas) recently partnered with Foundation Surgical Hospital of San Antonio to provide a San Antonio resident with weight loss surgery and follow-up care at no cost in recognition of National Obesity Care Week (NOCW).
“Despite the undeniable evidence of the dangers of obesity and the efficacy of metabolic and bariatric surgery, coverage for treatment is minimal across the United States. At BMI of Texas, we are inspired daily by the healthier lives our patients are living,” said Dr. Terive Duperier. “In honor of these patients and in hopes of raising awareness of the effectiveness of weight loss surgery, we recently donated a sleeve gastrectomy procedure to a deserving local young lady. I’m very proud of her and the changes she’s made in her life as a result of our weight loss program.”
In honor of National Obesity Care Week, Dr. Duperier conducted weight loss surgery on college student Alejandra M. at Foundation Surgical Hospital of San Antonio in November 2017. Dr. Cindy Gleason, a board-certified anesthesiologist with Tejas Anesthesia donated anesthesiology services, and Ethicon* provided some of the minimally invasive surgical instruments used in the procedure. Alejandra has already lost 60 pounds and dropped three clothing sizes.
According to Alejandra, “I struggled with my weight my whole life. Many members of my family have diabetes and I was extremely worried that I would develop diabetes too. I began researching weight loss surgery options when I was 18 years old but wasn’t able to afford it. I knew BMI of Texas was the right practice for me because of the successful track record of their surgeons, and the professionalism of their office staff. I came back three years later and I was shocked when they told me that I was chosen for the donated surgery. My life will never be the same.”
“As a family, we used to eat a lot of fast food and now we cook almost every day. We are making better choices and I’m motivated to keep going because I’m no longer tired and lethargic all the time. I’m working out five days per week and have set goals for myself. I am going to run in a marathon, fit in a bikini and ride in a roller coaster. Weight loss surgery is the tool I’m using to get healthier and it gets easier every day. The doctors at BMI of Texas have been so informative and supportive. The entire staff is attentive and my weight loss is right on schedule.”
Obesity is a multi-factorial and complex disease, which is why BMI of Texas created a unique, comprehensive program to help patients maintain their health and weight long-term. The physicians and staff are dedicated to creating an enduring partnership with patients in order to ensure their long-term success by providing care in a supportive, compassionate, and guilt-free environment. BMI of Texas helps patients achieve their weight loss goals and improved health through various surgical procedures including gastric bypass, Obalon Balloon System, LAP-BAND, duodenal switch and gastric sleeve, as well as a comprehensive medical weight management program.
BMI of Texas weight loss surgeons Terive Duperier, MD, FACS, Richard Englehardt, MD, FACS, and Michael Seger, MD, FACS, have been recognized by San Antonio Scene in the magazine’s annual listing of the city’s top physicians. Dr. Jennifer Seger, who heads up the practice’s medical weight loss program, was recognized as a “Best of 2016” doctor in the Bariatric Medicine category. The BMI of Texas doctors have repeatedly been recognized by their peers dating back to the awards’ inception in 2005.
About BMI of Texas
Founded in 2008, the Bariatric Medical Institute of Texas is focused on helping patients achieve their long-term weight loss goals. More information on the practice can be found online at www.bmioftexas.com.
*Ethicon represents the products and services of Ethicon, Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC and certain of their affiliates.
About Foundation Surgical Hospital of San Antonio
Foundation Surgical Hospital of San Antonio is an award-winning hospital specializing in the care of the surgical patient. Ranked #1 in the state of Texas for Medical Excellence/Patient Safety/Patient Satisfaction in Bariatric Surgery by CareChex, the hospital is a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery and received the 2018 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery. For more information visit www.fshsanantonio.com.
For more information, please contact:
Melinda Hart
210 240 4669
melinda@melindahartpr.com