Finding Confidence and Care Close to Home: Ed McRay’s Weight Loss Success Story
12/12/2025
POPLAR BLUFF, MO, December 12, 2025 – Edward McRay has called Poplar Bluff home for more than 20 years. Like many, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges, including inactivity and weight gain. Chronic knee and back pain made daily movement difficult, and over time his regular workouts stopped. As his activity level declined, his weight steadily increased, eventually reaching 360 pounds.
In the beginning of 2025, McRay sought care for his torn ACL and back pain but was told the surgery would be unsuccessful if he did not lose some weight. McRay wanted to move freely without pain and to lose weight but knew he needed guidance after speaking with his primary
care provider, who suggested bariatric surgery. McRay preferred to stay close to home for the procedure and met with Luis Pina, MD, a bariatric and foregut surgeon with Regional Physician Services in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to explore weight loss options. “I wasn’t sure I could go
through with it, but after meeting with Dr. Pina, I immediately felt confident in my decision.”
McRay admits the bariatric process seemed overwhelming at first. There are multiple steps before surgery, such as meeting with a dietitian, psychologist, and surgeon several times over a span of several months, and he wasn’t sure he could manage them. But his uncertainty eased
after Dr. Pina walked him through the benefits, risks, and what to expect. With a clear understanding of the process, McRay decided to move forward.
On June 25, 2025, McRay underwent gastric bypass surgery at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC). From start to finish, his experience at PBRMC exceeded his expectations. Every staff member he met was “professional, compassionate, and committed to his comfort
and progress.”
He said. “Everyone was wonderful.”
McRay was especially grateful for the outpatient surgery team, who recognized his nerves and made sure he felt supported every step of the way. He credits much of his confidence to Dr. Pina, describing him as “a thorough, patient-focused physician who explains the entire process
from beginning to end and even calls patients after surgery to check in.” McRay says he has never experienced that level of personal care and now recommends Dr. Pina to everyone he knows.
Before surgery, McRay weighed 360 pounds. By November 12, 2025, he had dropped to 286 pounds and is still losing weight. His goal is to return to his “fighting weight” within the next year. Once an active athlete who enjoyed mixed martial arts and cycling, he is now excited to get
back on his bike, take daily walks, and even race his nieces and nephews again.
McRay acknowledges the first few weeks after surgery were challenging, but once he saw the changes taking place, he knew he had made the right choice. Today he has a renewed appreciation for his health, his care team, and the support system around him.
For anyone considering bariatric surgery, McRay encourages them to see Dr. Pina. “If weight loss surgery is something you’ve been thinking about, go see Dr. Pina immediately. I highly recommend him!”
To learn more about Dr. Pina and to schedule an appointment, please visit www.regionalphysicianservices.com/pps-bariatric-surgery.
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