How Bariatric Surgery Helps Transform Lives

FLOWER MOUND, Texas - Nikitas Paraskevopoulos recently crossed a milestone - a year since a robotic-assisted bariatric surgical procedure at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound^* helped him lose weight and live healthier.

In December 2024, Paraskevopoulos had a duodenal switch (DS), which is also known as biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS). The procedure is a complex type of bariatric surgery that makes a patient's stomach smaller and changes how the intestines absorb food.

The procedure helps patients who are managing chronic health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease and high blood pressure.

Paraskevopoulos lost weight and no longer has sleep apnea. "This procedure was the right fit for me."

Folahan Ayoola, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, bariatric medical director at Texas Health Flower Mound and a surgeon on the medical staff of the hospital, performed Paraskevopoulos' procedure using a robotic system that enhances precision. The system is used for minimally invasive surgical procedures for urologic, gynecologic, thoracic, colorectal, bariatric and general conditions.

"This surgery is one of several weight-loss alternatives available to patients in a landscape that includes lifestyle changes, medications and nonsurgical and surgical procedures," Ayoola said.

Ayoola said it is typically used for people with a high body mass index (BMI) or people who have regained weight after previous bariatric surgery.

Less invasive procedures, shorter hospital stays and less postoperative pain are among benefits to using the robotic system, according to an article in published by the American College of Surgeons.

"Patients have the power to transform their lives," Ayoola said, explaining that the surgery helps patients address health issues.

"They can protect their hearts, lower the risk of stroke and take control of chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure - paving the way for a stronger, healthier future," Ayoola said.

Paraskevopoulos said he now makes more intentional food choices that help his body. For example, he has replaced fried foods with lean selections such as fish. He has shed about 200 pounds.

Paraskevopoulos said he worked to reduce his weight for many years and tried different diets and procedures but was unsuccessful until he had DS surgery. Now he's traveling more. In 2025, he traveled to Mississippi, Kentucky, Colorado and New York - mostly catching his daughter's work with a traveling theater group.

"Life is really good," he said.

Ayoola remarked that his patient's outcome gives him a sense of fulfillment.

"Hearing a patient's success never gets old," Ayoola said. "I'm incredibly delighted to hear this."

^*Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound is a joint venture involving Texas Health Resources and physicians dedicated to the community and meets the definition under federal law of a physician-owned hospital. Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. © 2026 Texas Health Resources