Carlos A. Barba, MD, PLLC

Carlos A. Barba, MD, PLLC Dr. Barba is the founder of Premier General Surgeons (PGS Clinic), serving Brownsville and Cameron County.

He specializes in general and weight loss surgery, offering expert, compassionate care to help patients achieve long-term health and wellness. As the Brownsville and Cameron County’s premier general surgeon, Dr. Carlos Barba is dedicated to treating each of his patients like family. The moment you walk into our office you should rest assured knowing that Dr. Barba will do everything possible to make certain that you receive the best care available. Specialized in a variety of surgeries and procedures, Dr. Barba is an experienced surgeon are at the forefront of the latest and most advanced techniques.

01/15/2026

Obesity isn’t a character flaw. It’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of willpower.
Obesity is a chronic disease and like most diseases, it’s complex.

Hormones, genetics, metabolism, medications, stress, sleep, mental health, environment, trauma, food access all play a role. For many people, the body is literally fighting against weight loss by slowing metabolism and increasing hunger signals. That’s biology, not bad choices.

Telling someone to “just eat less and move more” is like telling someone with asthma to “just breathe harder.” It ignores the science and places blame where it doesn’t belong.

And here’s the important part. Having a disease does not define your worth. Seeking help does not mean you failed. Using tools like medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or surgery is not cheating. It’s treatment.

We don’t shame people for treating diabetes or high blood pressure. Obesity deserves the same respect, understanding, and medical care.

01/13/2026

One of the most common questions I hear is “How much weight will I lose after bariatric surgery?” The honest answer is that weight loss is measured in percent of excess weight lost, not a specific number on the scale.

With gastric sleeve, most patients can expect to lose about 50–70% of their excess weight over 12 to 18 months. With gastric bypass, that number is often a bit higher, around 60–80% of excess weight, depending on individual factors.

What matters just as much as the surgery itself is starting weight, consistency with nutrition, protein intake, movement, follow-up visits, and mindset. Two patients can have the same procedure and very different results and that is normal.

Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, but it is not magic. It helps reset hunger hormones, portion sizes, and metabolic health so weight loss becomes achievable and sustainable. The goal is not just pounds lost, but improved health, energy, mobility, and quality of life.

If you are considering surgery, focus less on someone else’s number and more on what healthy, realistic success looks like for you.

01/10/2026

The scale is a tool. Not a mirror, not a report card, and definitely not a reflection of your value.

You matter more than what shows up on the screen. Keep showing up. Your journey is bigger than weight loss.

01/08/2026

Yes! Hernias can cause reflux. One of the most common types is called a hiatal hernia.

This happens when the top part of your stomach pushes up through the opening in your diaphragm. That shift can weaken the valve that keeps acid in your stomach, making it easier for acid to move up into your esophagus. That’s why you might feel heartburn, regurgitation, or chest discomfort.

If you’ve been on reflux medications for a long time and still have symptoms, it might not just be about what you eat. It could be structural.

In many cases, repairing a hiatal hernia can significantly reduce reflux, improve sleep, and help you get off daily meds.

If your reflux is persistent, it’s worth talking to your doctor to see if a hiatal hernia might be the cause. It’s a lot more common than people realize, and it’s treatable.

12/27/2025

Let’s talk about something most people don’t realize: bariatric surgery doesn’t just help with weight, it can actually put type 2 diabetes into remission. That means normal blood sugar, without medications, and in many cases, without insulin.

Procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy trigger powerful metabolic changes that go far beyond the scale. They improve how your body responds to insulin, reduce inflammation, and even reset certain gut hormones responsible for blood sugar regulation.

I’ve had patients walk away from years of medication, and finally feel in control of their health, not just their weight. It’s not a miracle cure, but it is a life-changing tool for those who qualify.

If you’ve been battling high blood sugar and obesity, despite doing everything right, this might be the missing piece.

12/23/2025

The office needed a little Christmas cheer… so I showed up ready🎅🏾🎄How did I do?

12/17/2025

A common question I hear is: “Will I get sick more often after bariatric surgery?”
Let’s clear this up with facts, not fear.

Bariatric surgery does not weaken your immune system. It does not make you “fragile.” In fact, for many patients, long-term health actually improves after surgery because inflammation decreases, blood sugar control improves, and obesity-related immune dysfunction reverses.

That said, there is a short adjustment period after surgery where your body is healing and relearning how to absorb nutrients. During that time, nutrition matters more than ever. Protein, iron, B12, folate, vitamin D—these are not optional. Skipping supplements or under-eating protein can lead to fatigue, hair loss, anemia, and yes, feeling run down more often.

This is why follow-up care is not “extra,” it’s part of the operation.

What I tell my patients:
• Surgery doesn’t make you sick—malnutrition does
• Supplements are lifelong, not a phase
• Bloodwork is how we catch issues early, before you feel them
• When done correctly, most patients get sick less, not more, as weight comes off

The goal of bariatric surgery is not just weight loss. It’s metabolic healing. When you respect the process, fuel your body properly, and stay connected to your care team, you are not trading one health problem for another—you’re building resilience.

Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.

12/16/2025

Let’s talk about pain after bariatric surgery.
Because I’d rather you be informed than surprised.

Yes, there is discomfort after surgery. Surgery is a controlled trauma to the body, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone. What matters is what that discomfort actually feels like, how long it lasts, and how we manage it.

For most patients, the pain is not sharp or unbearable. It’s more commonly described as:
• Pressure
• Tightness
• Soreness
• A deep ache in the abdomen or shoulders

That shoulder pain? That’s from the gas used during surgery, not your incisions. And it fades as your body absorbs it.

The first 24–72 hours are usually the hardest. After that, most patients notice steady improvement day by day. By one to two weeks, many are surprised by how manageable things feel.

Here’s what I tell every patient:
• Pain is expected
• Suffering is not
• If you’re hurting, we treat it

We use a multimodal approach to pain control, which means we don’t rely on just one medication. We combine strategies to keep you comfortable while helping you heal and move safely.

Movement matters. Gentle walking actually reduces pain and speeds recovery. Lying still makes things worse.

And this part is important:
Post-op discomfort is temporary. The improvement in health, mobility, energy, and quality of life is long-term.

12/06/2025

Let’s talk about soda and carbonated drinks after Bariatric surgery…

This is one of the most common questions I get. Carbonated drinks can cause bloating, pressure, discomfort, and can even stretch your new stomach pouch over time. They also tend to be high in sugar, acids, and empty calories that work against your progress. For most patients, the best option is to avoid them completely.

Here is what you need to know:

• In the first month after surgery your stomach is healing. Carbonation can be painful and unsafe at this stage.
• Even in the second month your pouch is still sensitive. Small amounts may be tolerated, but many patients still feel discomfort.
• Sugar sweetened sodas slow weight loss and can trigger dumping syndrome.
• Zero calorie sodas may seem harmless, but carbonation and artificial sweeteners can still cause cravings and irritation.
• Sparkling water has the same carbonation effect and should be treated the same way.

If you absolutely feel the need to have something carbonated, wait at least one to two months, take very small sips, and let the drink go mostly flat first. Never gulp. Never drink it fast. Listen to your body.

Your stomach is healing. Your habits are resetting. This is your window to build a foundation that truly lasts. When in doubt choose water, protein drinks, decaf tea, or electrolyte solutions that help your recovery rather than slow it down.

12/01/2025

What if it does work? What if you actually win?

Becoming a doctor isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up again and again, even when it’s hard. Doubt is loud, but so is the possibility that you’re closer than you think.

Keep studying, keep pushing, keep betting on yourself. The payoff is real.

11/26/2025

A question I hear almost every week: “Do my medications stop working after bariatric surgery?” or “Will they mess up my progress?” The truth is that most medications do not harm your results, and bariatric surgery does not cancel out your medications. What really changes is how your body absorbs them.

After surgery, your stomach empties faster, your surface area changes, and your metabolism shifts. That means some medications may hit your system quicker or stronger than before. So instead of stopping them, we usually adjust the dose, switch the form, or monitor your levels more closely.

Your blood pressure meds, diabetes meds, anxiety meds, birth control, thyroid meds… the goal is not to eliminate them overnight. The goal is to keep you safe while your body goes through major physiologic changes.

So no, medications do not “block” your weight loss or slow your progress. We just tailor the dosage to your new anatomy. Stay in close contact with your surgeon and primary doctor, and always let us know what you’re taking. Your surgery and your medications can work together safely when managed the right way.

11/19/2025

I get this question all the time after weight loss surgery. Does your gallbladder stop working after bariatric surgery The answer is no. Your gallbladder does not shut down or quit. It still makes and releases bile the way it always has.

What can happen is this. Rapid weight loss changes the way your body handles cholesterol and bile salts, and that shift can make gallstones form more easily. About 30 percent of patients will develop stones in the months after surgery simply because the weight is coming off quickly. It is not because the surgery damaged the gallbladder. It is because your metabolism is moving fast and your body is adjusting.

Some people never feel a thing. Others might get symptoms like right upper abdominal pain, nausea, or discomfort after eating fatty foods. If that happens, we check an ultrasound and talk about next steps. Sometimes medication can help, and sometimes the safest option is to remove the gallbladder. It is a very common, straightforward procedure.

So do not panic. Your gallbladder did not stop working. Your body is just changing quickly, and stones can be part of that process. Stay on track with follow up visits, listen to your body, and always reach out if something feels off.

Address

4970 N Expressway Ste A
Brownsville, TX
78526

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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