Comments for Arturo Rodriguez, MD

Comment on De-Banding the LapBand Can be Complicated by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:24:14 +0000

Hello Pam,
Overeating causes LapBand slippage by first causing enlarge pouches.
Erosion is cause by frequent vomiting, alcohol, hot and spicy food, some medications as Aspirin, etc.

Comment on De-Banding the LapBand Can be Complicated by pam

pam — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:44:22 +0000

Does overeating cause your lapband to erode?

Comment on About Site: Arturo Rodriguez, MD by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:17:52 +0000

Hello,
I was not the one that invented the Lapband procedure but one of the first doctors in Mexico to per for the procedure for treating obesity.
I also was the first doctor in doing a Gastric Sleeve in Mexico but also I did not invented the procedure.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:12:10 +0000

Hello Valerie,
It is a possible cause that extreme pressure over the abdomen like in a car accident could cause a lapband prolapse. Symptoms should be notice at the same time….It is more common to be vomiting for a long time the causes the prolapse.

Comment on About Site: Arturo Rodriguez, MD by Lap Band Bariatric Surgery in Mexico « Medical Travel to Mexico

Lap Band Bariatric Surgery in Mexico « Medical Travel to Mexico — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:42:20 +0000

[...] Band Bariatric surgery was invented in Mexico by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in 1981 — doctors in Mexico have performed more of these and other bariatric surgeries than [...]

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by valerie riha

valerie riha — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:16:15 +0000

i had a lap band in 2008 i lost 40lbs i had a car accident later that year and the air bags went off afew months later my lap band had to be removed 8mos later they tried to put it back and there was too much scar tissue could the air bags going off cause the prolapse

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by valerie riha

valerie riha — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:05:14 +0000

i had a lap band in 2002. i lost 40lbs. in 2008 i had a car accident later that year my lap band had a prolapse and had to be removed 9mos later they tried to put it back thre was to much scar tissue i would like to know could the air bag going off have anything to do with the prolapse

Comment on Lap Band Erosion by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:05:43 +0000

Hello Michael,
You could have the 2 procedures in one time unless there is an erosion of the Molina Band into the stomach.

Comment on Lap Band Erosion by Michael

Michael — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:21:22 +0000

Is it difficult to remove a Molina band. What are some of the issues. Can this band be revised to the sleeve and does it have to be 2 surgeries?

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:51:29 +0000

Hello,
I would take a couple of cc out of the lapband for 30 days with acid blockers during that time plus Maalox.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by CC

CC — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:30:09 +0000

Hello!
I’m very thankful I found this site! I was banded in April of 2100 and had my latest fill that took me to 6ccs in August. I haven’t been to my doctor since then because 1) I have been feeling fine, 2) I made the huge decision to quit my teaching job to have more time with my family, which, in turn, means I have no insurance.

So, I am 52 lbs. weight loss and am very pleased with my results. Lately, however, I’m living on Maalox to treat horrible, sometimes painful, acid in the back of my throat. I’ve also noticed that I have been able to eat more than I could just a month or so ago. I am also experiencing very uncomfortable back pain that feels like it’s compressed.

This week I got the stomach flu. Today marks day four that I haven’t been able to keep anything down, including small sips of liquids.

I can’t really afford a bunch of tests, so I wanted to seek direction and advice from you before I jump into anything.

Again, I love that you are here and so helpful! Thank you for your time.

Comment on INTERNAL HERNIAS RELATED TO A GASTRIC BYPASS by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:00:20 +0000

Hello Kris,
Grat to hear you did great and you will again soon.
Do you have the same amount of restriction now then before pregnancy? Have you been checked under fluoro?
You need to increase your daily activity and look for a proteinic diet rather a “normal” diet.
Let me know.

Comment on INTERNAL HERNIAS RELATED TO A GASTRIC BYPASS by kris

kris — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:52:01 +0000

I had my band put on about 9 years ago and had great success. I went from 230 to 130 and maintained that weight until two years ago. I had a baby and eeven at 7 months pregnanat i weighed 136. I then had the fluid out of my band for the rest of my pregnancy. I have had a few fills since then, but I can”t seem to get under 180. Not sure if there are anythings I shouls be doing different or if there are any suggestions. Would really love to get back down to pre-pregnancy size. thanks, Kris

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:31:56 +0000

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your response.

Lisa

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:03:27 +0000

Hello Lisa,
I think you can have soft food in small amounts without a problem.
Do not use protein shakes or vitamins because patients do worse with them.
You can eat chicken, fish, cheese, well cocked vegetables without stretching the pouch.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:02:28 +0000

Dr. Rodriquez, I had my lapband surgery in December 2010 and lost 78 lbs. I have a Lapband-AP Standard. My last fill was Oct 2011 which gave me a total of .7 cc. However, when I went to the doctor last week the PA informed me the band had slipped a little. There was an extra pouch, but one the fluid was removed the pouch disappeared. I’m on liquids for a week, but that could expand to 2 weeks. In addition to protein shakes, broths, puree soups, water, and jello can I have anything else to drink. With no fluid in my band I am hungry about every 4 hours. I don’t want to over eat even on liquids, but I need to satisfy the hunger pains.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Jenbuzz3

Jenbuzz3 — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:19:52 +0000

Thank you very much for your quick response. I don’t know why she choose the older type for me. I will try your suggestions and maybe get a bit of an unfill.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:32:56 +0000

Bi Jen,
Why you have a very old lapband model if you had your surgery just 3 years ago?
Any way, what you are feeling could be related to esophageal inflammation so taking acid blockers and Maalox plus having some king of diet without stomach irritants will help you.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Jenbuzz3

Jenbuzz3 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:53:57 +0000

Hi,
I have a 4cc lapband that was placed in May of 2009, I currently have 2.4cc in my band and have not had a fill in over a year. I am eating and drinking fine BUT I have a feeling like a tickle behind my breast bone. I really don’t know how to describle it a little pressure maybe. I don’t know if it could be related to my lapband or if I am just having anxiety worrying about it. Thanks for your help.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:33:07 +0000

Hi Julie,
The lapband port can be felt after losing weight and in some patients can be seen as a bulk.
When the lapband port is tender is wise to be checked by your doctor to rule out any inflammation around it.
Hot and cold placed at that area will help.
The gym can help your skin a little but some times the plastic surgeon has to do the rest of the job done for excess skin and fat tissue.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by julie

julie — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:46:17 +0000

This is such a wonderful forum. Your patients are lucky to have such I caring Doctor. I also have a wonderful, accomplished Doctor in Texas.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by julie

julie — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:43:29 +0000

Thank you Dr. Arturo for the quick response. I will be joining a gym on Monday simply to start walking on a treadmill for an hour each day. Perhaps I will move to some streghtening exercises after a month . My son , who is a little overweight , has swim practice everday for 2 1/2 hours so I will go to the gym then. He is also shaping up well and turning his extra weight into lean muscle. I’m so proud of him. Now back to my swolen band. When I did the barium swallow in Nov, my band looked like the first picture at the top of this page. I also know a Doctor who is 5 years out from his lap band surgery and you can feel his band in his abdomen. Is this normal as you begin to lose weight? I am down 70 lbs. since my surgery and recently have lost another 10-15lb ( it fluctuates) that I thought I would never get past and now my band is easily felt. It is pretty hard and somewhat tender. Could my band be turned around due to vomiting or overeating? Also will strength training exercises help my extra skin to shrink some? I don’t have alot of it , ( I’m 5’10″) but I would like my arms to shrink back and not have excess skin? Any suggestions? Thank you

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:17:04 +0000

Hi Julie,
I thank you very much for sharing your feelings and for your honesty.
The first step to do it the right way with the lapband is to know what you are doing wrong.
I believe that increasing your daily activity can help you to reach your goals.
Have a great 2012!

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by julie

julie — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:10:34 +0000

Hi Dr. ARTURO…I had lap band surgery almost 3 years ago in March. I probably eat more than I should and my band feels tight sometimes and I can feel it on my upper abdomen when I do overeat. I went in for a fill approximately before Nov and my very accomplished bariatric Dr who always does a barium swallow told me that its full enough and to stick with this b/c I would be uncomfortable to add anymore. Being that I just had a barium swallow recently could I assume my band is not compromised & that I can stop the swollen band feeling I get at times by really committing to a better diet. I have been reading these forums and feel so ridiculous for my poor eating habits that may jeopardize my. surgery. About 2 days ago I feel a change of heart and these forums make me realize how poorly my habits are. At times I do vomit and have heartburn. Its not everyday though. Thank you

Comment on Lap Band Leaks: What You Should Know by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:53:47 +0000

Hello Cassie,
No, I have never seen one leaking without changing the saline color but any way you need to check for not losing the restriction you have now.
Thank you for your comments about me. Happy New 2012.

Comment on Lap Band Leaks: What You Should Know by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:51:04 +0000

Hello Tonya,
Lapband leaking usually comes from the port to the hose connection so it is easy to have it repair.
If you are thinking in having it repair by us send an email to md@thebariatric.com

Comment on Lap Band Leaks: What You Should Know by Cassie

Cassie — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:07:35 +0000

Hello doctor! First thank you for all of your healthy and informative responses. I just went and got filled. When he pulled out the saline that was in my band there was 6 ccs… I have always thoguht that I was filled more – but I am human and may have mis-counted over the fast three years.

My question is – have you ever seen a leak patient that had clear saline? Just double checking… Thank you again!

Comment on Lap Band Leaks: What You Should Know by Tonya Leslie

Tonya Leslie — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:04:39 +0000

My band is leaking so i need some help. I contact my other doctor but they call me back.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:12:05 +0000

Hello Veronica,
Are you taking Maalox and acid blockers?
It is important that you check what you are eating or drinking that could possibly be causing you to be swelling at the neck of the lapband.
Having pain on the left side plus difficulty in swallowing are not good signs.
I do perform lapband removals as well as revision surgeries.

Comment on Lap Band Erosion by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:05:04 +0000

Hello Mary,
Yes, the removal and doing the gastric sleeve can be done at the same time unless there is an erosion.
Your coughing reflux it is cause by a tight gastric band or slippage.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Veronica

Veronica — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:19:50 +0000

Hello My Name is Veronica,
I’ve had the band for 3yrs now. I recently started having pain on my left side, it hurts when i breath or lay on my left side. I am feeling VERY uncomfortable. My band is empty now but i really want to get it removed. I can’t eat or drink much all i do it vomit but i am still putting weight on
I relly want this year to be good for me, I hope you can help.

Comment on Lap Band Erosion by Mary Dillon

Mary Dillon — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:30:53 +0000

Is it difficult to remove a Molina band. What are some of the issues. Can this band be revised to the sleeve and does it have to be 2 surgeries?

Comment on Lap Band Erosion by Mary Dillon

Mary Dillon — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:55:03 +0000

If your Molina band has not eroaded can you have it removed and gastric sleeve done in one surgery and I have coughing reflux could this be caused by the band

Comment on Lap Band Erosion by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:04:06 +0000

Hello Amber,
The esophageal pain resembles the heart pain…You need a endoscopy for evaluating the severity of the irritation.
I recommend you to have Maalox 2 table spoons e/4 hrs while awake and any acid blocker e/12 hrs.
Dieting and choosing food and beverages without irritants is also beneficial to you.

Comment on Lap Band Erosion by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:56:41 +0000

Hello Jeannie,
Lapband erosion is small at the initial face but in later stages can become a large erosion and the lapband can be found totally inside the stomach lumen.
Ibuprofen and other meds can hurt the stomach of lap banded patients but also frequent vomiting, some vitamins, iron and large fills.
I recommend you to have the lapband removal as a priority in your life since you were diagnose already 3 years ago and at some point you could have an emergency surgery for different reasons.
Worries me also that a general surgeon without enough experience in de-banding could be doing an open surgery instead of a laparoscopic one.

Comment on Lap Band Erosion by Amber

Amber — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:44:50 +0000

Hello Dr.

I had the lap band surgery in 2006 and never got a fill until last Nov. 10′. I was 225 and dropped down to 150 by September. They filled me 1cc once a month until May I was at 8cc. I started experiencing bad acid reflux, vomiting pretty much after every meal and waking up in the night coughing up and vomiting my food or acid depending on if I ate or not. That went on until about September before I finally went and had them take some out about 2cc. I had lost so much weight I was scared if they loosened it I would gain weight back. I felt better vomiting less but still needing to eat tums constantly and take prolosec. I gained 10 pounds but stayed right at 160 ever since. Now on Christmas Eve I started having severe pain in my stomach and chest along with a high temperature. It hurts to eat, breathe, even drink water. I thought it was a flu and tried to fight it until the pain was so unbearable. I went to the hospital on Christmas and they did all types of tests. I had no idea it was my lap band I thought I was having a heart-attack and I’m only 26. All the tests seemed normal except in the catscan they said I had food or fluid up to my neck and wasn’t going down. They released me and yesterday I saw my surgeon and he deflated me completely and said I would get better. I am still experiencing extreme pain constantly and nothing goes down without burning severely. I am having no restriction but can hardly stand the pain. It seems like my surgeon doesn’t seem to think its that serious and it will go away, but I am freaked out since I have never experienced this much pain in my life. Will this just go away or is it more serious? I know I have serious esophagus damage from vomiting. Could it just be irritated or could my band have slipped or erodided? Thank you!

Comment on Lap Band Erosion by Jeannie

Jeannie — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:17:40 +0000

Hi Dr Rodriquez,
I’m so glad I found this. I have so many questions. I was told that my band eroded into my stomach but wasnt really given much other information. After some research on my own, I found out that I was never suppose to be taking ibuprophen, which I was…and quite a bit after I had my baby due to back problems. it was after this that I found out that my band had eroded. I had the fluid taken out while I was pregnant due to heartburn. About 4 weeks after I delivered, I started getting fills again and at first I noticed good restriction but after my second fill, I didnt notice anything different so I decided to go to a different doctor because I’ve never really been a big fan of mine and they are the ones that decided to do a barium swallow and told me i had eroeded. Anyway, longer story short, I cannot afford to have it taken out (I was a cash pay initially and have since lost my job/insurance…not that it would have paid for anything anyway). I’ve lived with it eroded for almost 3 years with only minimal problems but I’m always scared that it will perforate my stomach and I will get really sick (or worse). Is this possible? And is it possible that my use of ibuprophen caused the erosion? Thank you so much for this forum and for being so open and available to us banders! Sincerely, Jeannie Jones St. Joseph, Missouri

Comment on Lap Band Erosion: Clinical, Radiological and Endoscopic Correlation by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:29:43 +0000

Hello Mocha,
I think the fluid is yellow because some blood contaminations or the lapband system was not flush and clean when placing the new port.
I would’t worry too much about it.

Comment on Lap Band Erosion: Clinical, Radiological and Endoscopic Correlation by mocha

mocha — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:15:15 +0000

I had the lap band surgery in May 2011. The port became infected and was removed in July. A new port was replaced on the opposite side in November. Now, a month later, I’m in for my first fill ever. Instead, 2cc’s of yellow fluid was aspirated. Unlike the first port site, the second one healed properly showing no indication of infection. Could this also be infected? Should the Dr. Have known whether the band itself had eroded?

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:48:43 +0000

Hello Britanytx,
One way to get back on track is to buy foods that are good for you as banded patient and throw away all the junk food that are in your house.
I don’t know what kind of a lapband you have but 3 cc of a fill is very little with the new lapband models.
In case you have an old lapband model I would go for just 1/2 of cc but the best way to know how much should be is with a barium swallow at the time of the fill.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by BRITTANYTX

BRITTANYTX — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:57:53 +0000

Question, I am loving the lap band. But right now, I am finding that I am able to eat… sometimes, like I was eating before my surgery.
I had my surgery 6/27/11 and so far I am down 72 pounds, I am happy with my weight loss, and I am working out with a personal trainer 3 times a week. But it scares me that I can eat so much, and I am going thru a depression, and it makes it worse because I am eating, and I develop eating disorders easily, whether I eat junk, eat a lot or don’t eat at all. But I am filled to 3cc’s now, I have been at a 4 but wasn’t even able to swallow a banana, so I had an unfill, and I can eat fine now, sometimes. Sometimes I PB, but that is just going to happen with certain foods. I really need a healthy diet to go on, but due to the depression, I don’t have that motivation, I rather not eat at all then diet right now. So, I was thinking about having 1cc put back in to help me with my eating of the bad stuff that I can get away with. I know I should diet and drink plenty of water, but I’m having a hard time with that. When I started I was in the right mind frame. But I have lost all that and now I am acting the same as if I were not banded at all. How do I get back to that banded mentality?

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:42:18 +0000

Hello Paul,
I am sorry your doctor couldn’t save your gastric band.
I don’t know the amount of cc you had on the gastric band and why your doctor was just able to be pull out 1 cc but usually there is an improvement after that.
I also don’t know if you have a barium swallow and your doctor diagnose band slippage and that was the cause of you been de banded.
The gastric band model just change the way they are locked but the rest has not changed.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Paul Donovan

Paul Donovan — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 11:04:26 +0000

Dear Dr. Arturo,

I had my lap band installed in Jan. 2009 and things were going great up until a week ago. I started to have reflux and noticed I could eat less than before, Things became progressively worse to the point that I could not keep any food down. My Dr. tried to give me an unfill and only 1 ML of fluid could be removed. He decided to take me in for emergency surgery and completely removed the band and my port. I’m left wondering did the band fail? I mean why wouldn’t the band open? My Dr. says my Realize band is an older style that they rarely see. Please help! My insurance says they will not cover the surgery.

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 01:00:43 +0000

Hello Melissa,
The ideal treatment would be to have 1 cc pull out of your Lapband but since you can’t you need to take Maalox 2 t/l spoons E/4 hrs and an acid blocker as Pepcid E/12 hrs.
If you are taking vitamins will make worse your heartburn.
Take care

Comment on Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:56:33 +0000

Hello M,
It is common to feel that the lapband is tighter when you are sick. Many times is due to the meds you are taking.
Vomiting will aggravate your lapband tightness so is better to have some fluid pull out avoiding to get the food stuck at the esophagus and have some antacids taken until you go back to new good eating habits.