Meet your surgeon.

Dr. Mario del Pino, MD. FACS

Dr. Mario del Pino is a board-certified general surgeon who has completed advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive, bariatrics, and foregut surgery. He uses leading-edge, minimally invasive techniques including endoscopy and robotics to provide the best possible results for his weight loss, hernia repair, colon resection, gallbladder, and heartburn/hiatal hernia patients.

Dr. del Pino believes in giving his best to his patients and is continuously participating in surgical meetings and visiting other surgeons to expand and update his medical knowledge. He is very active in social media and is very passionate about educating others about the benefits of weight loss surgery and healthy living.

Dr. del Pino continues to remain actively involved in surgical education and is constantly participating in the training of healthcare students and teaching other surgeons how to operate with the Da Vinci Robotic System.

Education and training:

Medical school

  • Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, Peru.

Surgical Residency in General Surgery

  • Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA.

  • Chief Resident in Surgery.

Fellowship in Minimally Invasive/Foregut/Bariatric Surgery

  • The University of Pittsburg, Pittsburg, PA.

  • Highly competitive surgical fellowship

  • During this fellowship Dr. Del Pino worked with some of the premier minimally invasive and bariatric surgeons in the country .

  • Completed and/or assisted in over 500 major minimally invasive foregut, thoracic and bariatric operations.

Achievements:

  • Director Bariatric Surgery Program at Rio Grande Regional Hospital

  • Da Vinci Robotic System Surgeon and Proctor

  • Surgery after residency - 20+ years of experience

  • Laparoscopic General Surgery - 20+ years of experience

  • Bariatric Surgery - 20+ years of experience

  • Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery - 20+ years of experience

  • Robotic General Surgery - 8+ years of experience

  • Robotic Bariatric Surgery - 8+ years of experience

Memberships:

  • Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery

  • Fellow of American College of Surgeons

  • Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

  • Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons

  • Member of American Hernia Society

“Coming from a family with a strong history of diabetes, and having a grandfather and uncles die from diabetes related complications, I was shocked when I learned that a surgical procedure could be more effective than medications for treating this condition. I realized immediately that by performing weight loss surgery I could not only help people lose weight, but also help them get rid of many of the diabetes related complications.”

— Dr. Mario del Pino, MD.

Why choose us?

  • We are a Recognized and Accredited Bariatric Surgery Program

    • MBSAQIP accredited

    • BCBS distinction center

    • BCBS BCD +

    • BCBS HCCOE

    • Optum Accreditation

    • Biggest Robotic Bariatric Surgery Center in the Rio Grande Valley (6 robots total!)

  • Unique, experienced, and highly skilled Bariatric Surgeon

    • 20 years of experience

    • Offers ALL bariatric surgery options

    • Meets or exceeds all MBSAQIP outcome and quality benchmarks

    • ONLY surgeon in the Rio Grande Valley performing Duodenal Switch and SADI-S

    • ALL procedures done Robotically by the MOST experienced Robotic Surgeon in the RGV

    • Only approved Da Vinci Robotic Epicenter Program and Surgeon in the RGV for General and Bariatric Surgery (people travel to the RGV to train and learn Robotic Surgery from Dr del Pino)

  • Individualized approach & Interdisciplinary team

    • We work together with you to develop the most effective weight loss surgery strategy for YOU.

    • Our team draws upon the expertise of a wide range of compassionate professionals to ensure the best patient outcome

  • Surgery Options

    • We offer todays most advanced and effective Bariatric procedures and techniques.

    • All our surgeries are performed in a Hospital (Rio Grande Regional Hospital)

    • All approved bariatric procedures in the US are offered: Gastric Sleeve, Mini-Bypass, RNY Gastric Bypass, Biliopancreatic Duodenal Switch, SADI-S, Revisional Surgery and Lap Band removal

  • Dedicated Bariatric Surgery Office and Practice

    • Free Insurance verification - we accept insurance and we will call your company to verify your benefits and requirements

    • Our staff helps you navigate the complex and difficult process of insurance approval

    • Best cash prices in the Rio Grande Valley

    • Financing options available

Patient Testimonials

  • "I had a Gastric Bypass in December 2017 and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. Before the surgery I was weighing 340 lbs and on multiple medications. I lost over 100 lbs and no more symptoms or medications! I work out on a regular basis and feel much better. The surgery added years of life! I highly recommend Dr. Del Pino along with his support staff."

    Gilbert Conde

  • "It has been 1 year and 7 months since I had the Duodenal Switch and I couldn’t be any happier with my results. I am down 215 lbs! I am forever grateful to Dr. del Pino, he’s the best!”

    Jacqueline Olivares

  • “There is no better time to take back control of your health and body than right now. Weight loss will help eliminate so many health issues since so many diseases are influenced by excessive weight. The sooner that you start, the sooner you will be on your way to a healthier "you". I personally want to encourage you. I have lost 260 pounds. I have regained my health and self-esteem.”

    Mark Free

  • I had a Gastric Bypass on May 2021. 300 lbs on left and 150 lbs on the right. I was diabetic and had Severe Obstructed Sleep Apnea. Off all medications! I'm feeling very energetic and full of life. Feel like I can accomplish anything that life brings me. Thank you Dr. Del Pino. God Bless you always.

    Ruben Nordhausen

  • “Having surgery 2 years ago was the best decision of my life. He did his part and I have done my part and have lost 190 lbs with no regain. Have not had any problems. Dr. Del Pino was very honest and explained procedure thoroughly and eased all my fears. His staff was so amazing and helpful. He is very caring and compassionate in helping those who suffer obesity. Love this doctor, he’s the best Thank You Dr. Del Pino for helping me get my life back. “

    Mary Elizabeth

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