As a large metropolitan area, Dallas-Fort Worth has many things to offer those looking for employment, dining, entertainment, or other options. For Bailee Georges, it was the availability of quality health care that prompted her to travel more than 650 miles when her health failed her — yet again.
The 34-year-old was no stranger to surgical procedures. She had undergone three prior surgeries within a two-year span for reflux and had struggled with digestive health issues most of her life. Her multiple surgeries and ongoing health issues ultimately led to a hiatal hernia and the return of her reflux symptoms. She underwent hernia repair surgeries, which offered some relief, but the hernia kept coming back — larger and more severe.
Facing her fourth hernia repair procedure early in 2025, Bailee knew it was time to venture from her home in El Paso to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. She was determined to make her fourth procedure the final hurdle on a long health journey.
“After exhausting my options locally and consulting with multiple specialists, I came across Dr. Gatta’s name through my previous surgeon and doctor,” Bailee explains. “Dr. Gatta’s experience with complex and recurring hiatal hernias gave me hope. Even though it meant traveling to Dallas, I knew I had to seek out someone with his level of expertise.
It was in December of 2024 when Bailee first met in person with Prakash Gatta, M.D., a surgeon on the medical staff at Texas Health Fort Worth and at Texas Health Surgical Specialists, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice. Gatta specializes in foregut surgery, which includes the minimally invasive repair of hiatal hernias and other complex foregut conditions. This focus plus his role within Texas Health Fort Worth’s Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery provided a huge trust factor for Bailee.
“From the very beginning, Dr. Gatta approached my case with both honesty and hope,” she says. “He took the time to explain why my previous repairs had failed, and what he would do differently. His surgical plan was incredibly thoughtful, and he instilled a sense of confidence that reassured me that I was in the right hands.”
About Hiatal Hernia
When a hiatal hernia is present, part of the stomach moves up through the hiatus (the opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus connects to the stomach) and into the chest cavity. The condition raises the risk for symptoms of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
A small hiatal hernia may or may not cause problems and may, therefore, never be discovered. A larger hiatal hernia or one that is recurrent, however, can allow food and acid to back up into the esophagus and cause heartburn. Self-care measures or medicines can help relieve these symptoms but are likely not long-term solutions. Surgery may be an option when other measures fail to be effective.
Bailee’s Surgical Journey
Gatta’s approach to Bailee’s surgery wasn’t without its challenges. Since her previous repairs through the chest had failed, Gatta recommended a robotic-assisted approach through the left side of the 34-year-old’s belly to minimize scarring and impact to vital organs.
“The area of Bailee’s hernia was where the lungs, liver, heart, aorta, vena cava, stomach, esophagus, and other key structures all meet,” Gatta notes. “With so many structures in the vicinity, quite often surgeons won’t take on the challenge of this type of procedure. Great care had to be used to separate the multiple vital structures and to slowly free up the tissue surrounding the hernia to repair it.”
Following the nearly five-hour procedure, Bailee spent just two days in the hospital before returning home to El Paso with a new lease on life. “For the first time in years, not only do I finally feel like myself again, but I also feel like this is the best I have been.
Before this surgery, simple things like eating a full meal, sleeping through the night, or even going on a walk without discomfort were difficult. Now, I’m able to enjoy those moments without fear or pain. Dr. Gatta and his entire team were extraordinary. They answered every question with patience, made sure I felt informed, and treated me with genuine kindness. Their care truly went beyond the operating room,” she says.
“Mrs. Georges could have gone anywhere for treatment, yet she chose Texas Health. That speaks volumes about our capabilities and quality of care,” Gatta adds.
Learn more about surgical care at Texas Health, including minimally invasive robotic surgery, or find a surgeon on the medical staff of a Texas Health hospital near you.