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.

02/15/2026

The honest truth is that bariatric surgery has saved many lives and helped people take their health back. It’s not the easy way out. It’s not cosmetic. It’s a powerful medical tool for treating obesity and the diseases that come with it. When used the right way, it can truly change lives.

02/14/2026

Nobody wants to hear this, but I’m here to be honest. Weight regain after surgery is possible. The good news? It is almost completely dependent on how you use this tool and whether you avoid slipping back into old habits. We are here to help every step of the way!

02/03/2026

Yes, you can still have coffee after bariatric surgery. It’s not banned, but timing and moderation matter.

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 30 days post-op before reintroducing caffeine. That’s because early on, your stomach is healing and caffeine can irritate it or increase acid production.

Once you’re cleared, black coffee or low-acid options in small amounts are typically fine. What you do want to avoid is loading it up with sugar, cream, or syrups that add unnecessary calories and can trigger dumping syndrome.

Also, caffeine is a mild diuretic, so make sure you’re still getting enough water throughout the day.

Bottom line: you don’t have to give up coffee, just be smart about how and when you bring it back in.

02/03/2026

Everyone wants to know how fast the weight comes off after bariatric surgery.

The short answer? It’s quicker at the beginning, then it naturally slows down. Most patients see the biggest changes in the first few months, and then things even out as the body adjusts. That slowdown is normal and actually a good sign. Bariatric surgery isn’t about rushing the process, it’s about steady progress you can keep long term.

02/01/2026

Any more questions for me? :)

01/31/2026

Everyone focuses on the weight loss, but the emotional side of this journey matters just as much. Learning new habits, changing your relationship with food, and adjusting to a new body takes time and grace.

01/25/2026

Surgery is a powerful tool, but it’s not magic. If lifestyle changes, follow-up care, and long-term habits aren’t in place, weight regain can happen. Success comes from using the surgery as a tool and committing to the process for the long run. You got this!!

01/25/2026

Bariatric surgery isn’t about weight alone. It’s about giving patients their life back. I see people walk in exhausted, frustrated, and out of options and walk out months later with more energy, fewer medications, and a renewed sense of hope. This surgery is a tool, not a shortcut, but in the right hands and with the right support, it can be truly life-changing. I’m honored every day to be part of my patients’ journeys toward better health, confidence, and longevity.

01/16/2026

We’re proud to share that our bariatric clinic, PGS, is the only Center of Excellence in Cameron County, and this is the 4th time we’ve earned that designation. We’ve held this standard since 2014, shortly after I arrived and built a program focused on safety, outcomes, and truly caring for our patients. This title isn’t about awards on a wall. It reflects years of consistency, experience, and a team that shows up every day for our community. Our patients deserve the highest level of bariatric care, and we’re honored to continue providing it.

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.

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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