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.

11/11/2025

The SADI procedure stands for Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy. It’s a newer variation of the duodenal switch, and while it can be effective for weight loss, it’s not the magic solution that some people make it out to be. In this surgery, we start with a sleeve to reduce stomach size, then connect the first part of the small intestine to a lower section so that food bypasses a portion of the intestine. This limits how many calories and nutrients are absorbed.

It can work well for the right patient, especially those with severe obesity or metabolic disease, but it’s not without drawbacks. Nutrient deficiencies, chronic diarrhea, and long-term vitamin dependency are real concerns. It also takes a very disciplined patient to follow up on labs, supplements, and diet changes for life.

So while SADI can be a powerful tool, it’s not automatically the best option for everyone. The right surgery is the one that matches your health, your goals, and your ability to commit to long-term follow-up. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in bariatric surgery.

11/09/2025

“You look happier.”

I am, and it is because I never forgot where I started.

I left Panama at 25 with a dream, not a guarantee. I did not come from money, connections, or a family of surgeons. I came with faith, discipline, and the hope that if I worked hard enough, one day I would be able to help people in a meaningful way.

The journey took me through years of training in places I never expected to be: McGill in Canada, UPenn in Philadelphia, trauma bays, operating rooms, long overnight calls, and a lot of learning and unlearning. I became a general surgeon, then a trauma surgeon, then a bariatric surgeon. Not because it was easy, but because helping someone regain their health is one of the greatest privileges I know.

I opened my first bariatric practice in Connecticut and learned so much from every patient who trusted me. Today, I am in the Rio Grande Valley, leading a Center of Excellence for weight loss surgery like the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and revision procedures, while still taking trauma call and doing the general surgeries that save lives every day.

I love Panama. I carry it in how I treat people, how I stay grounded, and how grateful I am for every door that opened along the way. I still remember the 25-year-old version of myself who hoped this life was possible.

So if I look happier, it is because I get to live the answer to many prayers. I get to help people heal and start again.

And I am thankful every single day.

11/09/2025

Hit a weight loss plateau years after bariatric surgery? It happens more often than you think, and it does not mean you have failed or that your surgery stopped working. It simply means your body has adapted, and now it is time to adjust the plan.

Here are the most common next steps I discuss with patients:

• Diet and lifestyle reset: return to protein-first eating, hydration goals, and structured meals

• Increase physical activity: combine strength training and cardio to support metabolism

• Prescription options: oral
medications like phentermine or topiramate, or GLP-1 based injectables such as semaglutide or tirzepatide

• Endoscopic sclerotherapy: tightens a stretched sleeve or bypass pouch without incisions

• Surgical revision: if you have a sleeve, converting to a gastric bypass can offer more durable weight loss and help with reflux and diabetes

The key is to remember that you still have options. A plateau is not the end of your progress. It is a sign to reevaluate, reset, and keep going. If you feel stuck, reach out to your bariatric team and let us help you move forward again.

10/30/2025

Deciding if weight loss surgery is right for you is a deeply personal choice and it should always start with your decision, not pressure from anyone else. The first step is making sure you truly want this surgery for yourself and your health goals. Second, surgery is most effective for people who are living with obesity and struggling with related health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These comorbidities not only make weight loss harder but also put long-term health at risk, and surgery can be a powerful tool to improve them. Finally, we have to talk about logistics. Bariatric surgery is an expensive procedure, and insurance coverage is often necessary to make it accessible, so checking your benefits is an important part of the process.

When all three of these pieces come together, your commitment, your medical need, and the practical support to make it happen, that is when it may be the right time to take this step.

10/28/2025

Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common weight-loss surgeries we perform. Right now, patients typically stay just one night in the hospital so we can keep a close eye on recovery, hydration, and comfort.

But here’s the exciting part: as techniques and recovery protocols keep improving, sleeve gastrectomy has the potential to be done as an outpatient procedure at an ambulatory surgery center. That means patients could go home the same day!

We’re not quite there yet, but the progress is promising. Even with the current one-night stay, it’s incredible to see how quickly patients are up, walking, and beginning their journey toward better health.

10/24/2025

There are many rules to follow after Weight Loss Surgery and this is one of them! When you receive this surgery, it is very hard to change your lifestyle but it is necessary to get the desired success. Carbonated beverages like Coca Cola, Spite, Sparkling water, etc. can all be harmful to your immediate recovery so steer clear of these to prevent discomfort and even leaks…

10/22/2025

From Panama to America. I didn’t speak the language, know the people or customs. But I always believed in myself. And I made it here. A surgeon. Not only proud of how far I have come but still excited to help as many people as I can. Where are my fellow first gens?

09/26/2025

Our phones are currently down, and we’re working hard to get them back up as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding

09/24/2025

stomach enlargement doesn’t mean you will regain the weight… it is up to you on how well this tool works. any questions?

09/17/2025

Fluctuations in weight are normal!! Even after weight loss surgery. Any questions? Ask in comments.

09/15/2025

I said what I said

09/09/2025

¿alguna pregunta?

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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