Weight Loss Through Bariatric Care Helps Mother Reclaim Her Health

1/29/2026

POPLAR BLUFF, MO, Jan 28, 2026– For one local mother, bariatric surgery at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center was more than just life-changing – it was potentially life-saving.

Tina Holt, a mother from Dexter, Missouri, never imagined how quickly her health would change after welcoming her son, Nathaniel, in 2021. Becoming a mother at 37 felt uncertain, and her ability to be present for her son was deeply personal. By 2022, Holt began experiencing serious health challenges, including significant weight gain, fatigue and emotional strain.

“I did everything for my son, but I didn’t really like myself,” Holt shared. “I was depressed, and I was constantly out of breath. I couldn’t even get on the floor and play with him.”

Holt’s journey started with her primary care provider, Stacy Edgar, FNP, with Regional Physician Services Primary Care, who Holt says took a thorough and attentive approach to her care. After multiple tests, it was discovered that Holt was retaining too much fluid, leading to a cardiology referral. As a patient at the Regional Physician Services cardiology clinic, Holt learned she was in the early stages of congestive heart failure at just 40 years old.

“When I was told I might not live to see my five-year-old graduate, that really hit home,” Holt said. “That was the moment I knew something had to change.”

That same day, the cardiology clinic shared Holt’s story with bariatric surgeon Dr. Luis Pina, who was in his first week at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. He met with Holt the following day, beginning a care journey that would require surgical intervention, lifestyle changes, and long-term commitment.

Holt recalls being struck by the personal nature of her care. “I had never had a doctor call me on a Saturday just to check on me,” she said.

The process was not without challenges. Holt committed to significant changes in her daily habits and mindset while also navigating personal hardships, including the loss of her job. “Change doesn’t happen if you don’t commit,” she said. “My body changed, and I had to retrain my brain to match it.”

About six months after her gastric bypass procedure, Holt began noticing meaningful improvements. She gradually regained energy and mobility, losing nearly 90 pounds and returning to activities she once enjoyed. “Before, I could barely play with my son,” Holt shared. “Now I can run with him, go to the park and chase him up the stairs.”

At her one-year follow-up appointment in January 2026, Holt had lost 90 pounds. While she is proud of that progress, she remains focused on continuing her weight loss journey. “I still have more to go," Holt said. “I’m determined to lose another 100 pounds this year.”

During her weight loss journey, Holt committed to going back to school and earned her associate degree, and moved into a new home - one she intentionally chose because it had stairs. “I never would have done that before,” she said. “Now my son and I race up them every day.”

Reflecting on her experience, Holt credits her care team for helping her through a critical period in her life. “Dr. Pina and his team literally saved my life,” she said. “They fought for me when I was about to give up.”

Today, Holt says her journey has been about improving both her physical and mental well-being. “I feel better within myself, about myself,” she said. With continued support from her care team at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Holt remains focused on her health and on being present for the moments that matter most with her son.

For anyone considering bariatric surgery, Holt encourages them to see Dr. Pina. “Don’t wait, I highly recommend Dr. Pina; he will change your life!”

To learn more about Dr. Pina and to schedule an appointment, please visit www.regionalphysicianservices.com/pps-bariatric-surgery.

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