In the Season 5 finale of The Confidence Doc, Houston-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Eric Smith, a board-certified general, bariatric, and robotic surgeon, to explore the world of weight loss surgery. Dr. Smith shares how his surgical journey began, from performing open bariatric procedures to mastering laparoscopic techniques, and why he founded his own bariatric surgery program. They discuss the critical role of Centers of Excellence in bariatrics, including what it takes to achieve certification and why these standards matter for patient safety and outcomes. 

Dr. Smith explains how robotic surgery has revolutionized bariatrics and how AI is beginning to assist surgeons in delivering better, more precise results. He opens up about his decision to join TLC’s 1,000-Lb Sisters, initially hesitant about the portrayal of obesity and weight loss on television, but ultimately embracing the opportunity to change the narrative. Dr. Smith also introduces his supplement line, BariBalance, and shares the launch of Protein Water—created to support long-term wellness after weight loss surgery, but beneficial for anyone looking to meet their daily protein and vitamin needs.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Smith’s journey from general surgery to bariatrics
• The evolution of open to laparoscopic and robotic surgery
• What a Bariatric Center of Excellence is and why it matters
• How AI is transforming surgical precision
• Navigating public narratives through 1,000-Lb Sisters
• Supplements and protein water tailored for weight loss patients

Listen for Dr. Smith’s insights on how surgical innovation, robotic technology, and AI are transforming bariatric procedures, and how personal commitment and patient support play a vital role in long-term weight loss success.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith:
Kentucky Bariatric Institute: https://kentuckybariatricinstitute.com/
Instagram @doctorericsmith_
Dr.Smith’s Protein Water:https://drsmithsproteinwater.com/
BariBalance: https://baribalance.com/

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Contact Dr. Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston, TX and The Woodlands: drrukminirednam.com