betterLife Bariatrics is a comprehensive weight management program in the heart of South Texas with offices in Corpus Christi and Victoria. Our clinics are under the direction of Dr. B. Dean McDaniel and Dr. Stephen T. Hougen, bariatric surgeons widely respected as experts in advanced weight loss surgery.
Our program is recognized as a Certified Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery that has safely cared for thousands of patients across South Texas. We are the specialty leaders in a complete team approach. Our experience and technology assures you the safest and best weight loss treatment.
betterLife Bariatrics is designed to meet the needs of the today overweight individual. Our entire office is dedicated solely to obesity.
Every patient at betterLife Bariatrics receives a custom treatment plan with the most advanced options. We offer a proven track record of success with the Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, LAP-BAND™, Laparoscopic, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Laparoscopic Conversions of other weight loss operations.
Our state-of-the-art Band Fill program offers precision adjustments with fluoroscopic technology. betterLife Bariatrics works closely with an on-site medical clinic for patients who do not qualify for surgery or need medical weight management before surgery.
The first step in conquering obesity is asking for help. You cannot do this alone. Our staff understands and will take the time to listen and provide you with straightforward, honest answers.
Back Row: Dr. McDaniel, Cindy, Michele, Ron, Vicki, Dr. Hougen
Front Row: Pam, Ninfa, Toi, Sherry, Debbie, Melissa
Several of our staff members are weight loss surgery patients. Let us gently walk you through the entire process. We know obesity robs you of precious life, but you don't have to live that way any longer. There is Hope!
B. Dean McDaniel, DO, FASMBS*
Dr. McDaniel has performed advanced laparoscopic weight loss procedures since 2000. He has a 100% success rate for completing laparoscopic procedures without converting to an open incision. He is Board Certified in General Surgery and a Center of Excellence Surgeon with the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. Dr. McDaniel has served two terms as Chief of Surgery at Citizens Medical Center. He continues as the director for Citizens Bariatric Center.
Dr. McDaniel frequently appears on TV and newspapers addressing the various issues of obesity. He has trained other surgeons on the technical difficulties of advanced weight loss surgery.
*Fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Stephen T. Hougen, MD, FACS*
Dr. Hougen (pronounced How-Gun) has been a surgeon in Victoria since 1985 and in partnership with Dr. McDaniel since 1997. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Medical School. He completed a general surgery residency at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts followed by a vascular surgery fellowship under the direction of Dr. Michael DeBakey at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. Hougen performed his first gastric bypass operation in 1980 and has followed the evolution of bariatric surgery for over 25 years. In those early days of weight loss surgery, all procedures were performed using an "open" surgical incision. Today, he has extensive operative experience with advanced laparoscopic weight loss procedures.
*Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Ron Herrmann, PA-C
Ron Herrmann is a certified physician assistant who has been dedicated to our bariatric clinic since 2003. He was born and raised in the Houston area. Ron received his bachelor's from Sam Houston State with a degree in psychology. He went on to graduate from UTMB-Galveston in 1976 with a degree in physician assistant studies.
Patients are deeply appreciative of "Doctor Ron", as they so often refer to him. He offers a unique compassion and understanding to those with weight problems. Ron has worked in the clinic setting for over 30 years. He is readily available to betterLife patients both in the clinic and during their brief hospitalization.
Kendra D. Blaschke, MS, RD, LD
Kendra Blaschke is a registered and licensed dietitian specializing in bariatrics. She is a native of South Texas. Kendra completed her BS in Nutritional Sciences and graduated with honors from Texas A&M University. She received her MS and graduated with top honors from Texas Women's University.
Kendra completed her dietetic internship at the Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, and went on to complete a fellowship through Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. She is available for individual and group sessions.
Sherry Chambliss, LPC-S
Sherry Chambliss is the Director of Behavioral Services at betterLife Bariatrics. She is a member of the International Academy for Eating Disorders and the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery.
As a weight loss patient herself, Sherry understands the different social and emotional issues associated with bariatric patients. She offers individual and group counseling for patients before and after surgery.