PLANO, Texas — Since diet and exercise weren’t enough to reverse Kenneth Yerrid’s metabolic syndrome, he chose a new bariatric surgery option available only at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano that is helping him improve his health while shedding pounds.

Kenneth Yerrid has lost 45 pounds since his surgery.

Yerrid’s gastric bypass surgery was the first time that the Levita Magnetic Surgical System^® (MARS), a new FDA-approved surgical platform, was used in Texas. With this magnetic technology, doctors can perform bariatric surgery, such as the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and duodenal switch, using fewer incisions.

Yerrid said he wanted to be healthier, addressing his diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. His ability to exercise was limited because of chronic arthritis pain.

“It felt like I was in quicksand,” Yerrid said. “I had aches and pains in my joints and that caused me to gain weight. I was not eating healthy. It wasn’t until I had the surgery that I was able to start on a path to improving my health.”

Since his surgery in March, Yerrid has lost 45 pounds. Along with his weight, his blood pressure, cholesterol levels and A1C levels are improved and better controlled.

“I can take my dogs for a walk now,” he said. “I can do light exercise. It’s been a game changer.”

Chad Carlton, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, DABS-FPMBS, a surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery and is on the medical staff at Texas Health Plano, performed Yerrid’s surgery.  He said he was able to eliminate a typically painful incision under the breastbone, which resulted in faster recovery, less pain and better cosmetic results for Yerrid.

“If patients can experience faster, safer surgeries, then they can recover more quickly,” Carlton said. “Since patients can recover more quickly, they can return to daily activities quicker.”

The new surgical system is approved for use in several types of abdominal surgeries, including bariatric, cholecystectomy, prostate, and colorectal procedures.

“Texas Health is committed to expanding and diversifying our minimally invasive surgical offerings so we can provide our patients with improved results,” said Fraser Hay, FACHE, M.H.A., Texas Health Plano president. “This commitment directly supports our Mission to improve the health of the people in the communities we serve.”

Gastric bypass surgery is a weight-loss procedure that is also an option for patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition that can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke, according to the American Heart Association.