STHS: TRANSFORMATION CELEBRATION

To shine a spotlight on the successful weight loss journeys of some of its former patients, the South Texas Health System Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center hosted its second annual Transformation Celebration Fashion Show on Saturday, March 23.

This year’s models, who have positively changed their lives and improved their overall health through bariatric surgery and post-surgery lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy diet and being physically active, included Phylisia Tamayo, Dina Salinas, Ellie Torres, Donico Godinez, Selene Rojas, and Zoraida Martinez. In their individual quests to shed excess weight and lead healthier lives, this year’s participants have lost a combined 588 pounds while improving their overall health and well-being.

During the fashion show, each of the patients – all stepping out of their comfort zone to do something they had never envisioned doing presurgery – strutted down the runway twice in casual and formal attire as dozens of attendees, including family and friends, cheered them on. While on the catwalk, the audience learned more about them through pre-recorded audio that highlighted their own personal struggles with weight, the aha moment that ultimately inspired them to help improve their health through bariatric surgery, the daily steps they’ve taken to maintain a healthy weight and how their lives have been forever changed following surgery.