Lavera Strange

The start of a new year can inspire people to set goals and make changes in their lives. For Lavera Strange, the new year meant kickstarting her weight loss journey and committing to a more active lifestyle.

For years, Strange struggled with obesity and its related health issues including, diabetes, heart issues, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and acid reflux. She tried GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss, but the unpleasant side effects she experienced led her to consider weight loss surgery as a more permanent solution for weight management.

With the encouragement and support of her sister, who also underwent bariatric surgery, and her 26-year-old daughter, Strange met with the weight loss experts at HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center to learn about their bariatric weight loss program.

“I want to be here for my daughter now and in the future and that is what motivates me to make healthier choices,” says Strange.

Redefine Clinical Weight Loss is HCA Houston Healthcare's premier bariatric weight loss program. Our network, the largest of its kind in Houston and South Texas, features a comprehensive bariatric weight loss treatment program — from pre-surgery counseling and preparation to post-surgery support and education.

In January, Strange became the first patient to undergo gastric bariatric surgery and hernia repair using a new state-of-the-art robotic system at HCA Houston Medical Center. The newly acquired surgical system features groundbreaking technology that enables our surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with unprecedented precision, leading to improved patient outcomes.

"This new robotic surgical system allows for more precise movements of small instruments inside the patient’s body while performing multifaceted procedures,” says Dr. Terry Scarborough, Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at HCA Houston Medical Center. “While this is a step forward in robotic surgery at the hospital, this is a step in a new direction for Ms. Strange. With her comorbidities and persistent acid reflux, this less invasive procedure will support her weight loss goal. She values her family, health and goals and I look forward to the journey with her.”

This is the hospital's fifth robotic system, enhancing its fleet of surgical robotic equipment and allowing them to meet the growing demand for minimally invasive surgical options.

“This marks a significant breakthrough in our commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care while delivering exceptional healthcare to the Houston community,” said Robert Sabina, Chief Executive Officer at HCA Houston Medical Center. “Our surgeons have a great deal of experience in robotic-assisted surgery and this new technology will meet their evolving needs.”

As a Center of Excellence, HCA Houston Medical Center is an accredited Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This designation is reserved for weight loss surgery programs that have demonstrated a history of successful bariatric surgery patient outcomes. The hospital is also recognized as a Distinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield and as an Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence Network by UnitedHealthcare.