Arturo Rodriguez, MD

Originally posted 2009-03-25 19:53:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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January 16, 2010

Talking About Several Lap Bands? The Hidden Story Behind the Lap Band…PART I

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery — Tags: before Lapband, Health, Lap Band, Lap band message board, Lap Band Mexico, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband forum, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 8:49 pm

Talking about SEVERAL Lap Bands? The hidden story behind the Lap Band…PART I

You find yourself searching through Doctors or Promoters websites and you don’t find information about the existence of different Lap Bands. How come? Why is this information so hard to find? How long have there been different Lap band Models?

When you visit message boards and forums and find little information about different models of the Lap Band, the information you do find usually comes from someone with misinformation (even when they think they are informed and write with some kind of authority because they have had the Lap Band surgery done) and their contribution to this subject is manipulated by comments by others.

Why is this not discussed PROPERLY on the message boards and forums? It is difficult to believe that nobody cares about this. Why is there little interest in this? Is it important to know that there are several different kinds of Lap Bands? Or does it matter at all?

Why is the market distracted by the Lap Band price and not the quality of the Lapband, the patient’s satisfaction with the Lap Band procedure or the doctor’s service? Why hasn’t anyone questioned Allergan’s practices of flooding the border town’s market with Lap bands that have been stolen from the factory? Why is Allergan letting this happen? What does Allergan gain from this practice?

January 9, 2010

Vertical Gastrectomy Procedures

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, RYGB, Revision Surgery, Roux-n-Y, Weight loss surgery, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve — Tags: Fobi-Capella Procedure, Gastic Bypass Surgery, Health, Lap Band, Magenstrasse operation, Vertical Banded Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 8:19 pm

Vertical Gastrectomy Procedures

The original procedure, conceived by Dr. D. Johnston in England, was called The Magenstrasse and Mill Operation. The stomach is stapled vertically and divided from the incisura angularis to reach the angle of His at the gastric fundus. Dr. Johnston’s procedure of leaving a long gastric tube that resembles the German highway Magenstrasse was rapidly called that way. The Magenstrasse, or “street of the stomach“, is a long tube fashioned from the lesser curvature of the stomach, which conveys food from the esophagus to the antral Mill without the total partition of the stomach. The normal antral grinding of solid food and neuro-hormonal, antro-pyloric-duodenal regulation of gastric emptying and secretion are preserved.

It is now called the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) but is also known as Vertical Gastroplasty. If a silastic ring or mesh is added to the technique, it is called the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) and was suggested to help increase the restriction needed for a better weight loss. If a silastic ring is added to the pouch of a Gastric Bypass, it is called the Fobi-Capella Procedure.

These techniques (VSG and VBG) generate weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten (Purely Restrictive Procedure) without having any bypass of the intestines or malabsorption. Both procedures have largely been abandoned due to poor long term results.

The more popular procedure known today as the Gastric Sleeve (much longer “street” than the Magenstrasse procedure) is done laparoscopically and is considered a variation of the Vertical Gastrectomy, but includes the removal of the remaining 80% of the stomach after its partition.

I met Dr. Gagner several years ago, a very friendly Canadian doctor that was living in NY and then moved later to Miami. He is considered among bariatric surgeons as one of the fathers of the Gastric Sleeve (GS) as a primary procedure and told me that the success of the procedure was largely discovered by accident because no one expected the remarkable weight loss produced by the Gastric Sleeve. Later medical scientific publications revealed that the driving force for the weight loss was the decreased level of Ghrelin Factor when removing the 80% of the stomach.

GASTRIC SLEEVE Advantages:

Stomach volume is considerably reduced to more than 100 cc but not as much as compared to the pouch of the Lap band (15 cc) or the Gastric Bypass (30 cc).
The Sleeve motility gradually returns to normal functioning after 3 months following the operation, so most regular foods can then be consumed but in smaller amounts.
The procedure eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the Ghrelin Factor (the hormone that stimulates hunger). By avoiding the intestinal bypass, the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency are eliminated.
Very safe and effective as a Primary procedure, First Stage procedure for very high BMI patients or as a Revisional procedure.
Can be checked with a scope when needed.
Appealing option for people with existing anemia, Crohn’s disease, arthritis and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.
Success rate is 60-80% of excess weight loss.
Proven to work better on Type 2 Diabetes and on Metabolic Disease than other procedures because increases in the Incretins secretion which lower the sugar Insulin resistance.
It can be converted to almost any other weight loss procedure.

GASTRIC SLEEVE Disadvantages:

Poor patient cooperation will result in inadequate weight loss or weight regain like binging eaters.
Patients with a high BMI often need to have a second stage procedure later to lose all the remaining extra weight.
Two stages is safer and more effective than one operation for high BMI patients.
Soft and liquid calories from ice cream, milk shakes, chocolates, etc., can be absorbed and slows down the weight loss.
This procedure does involve stomach cutting and stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to cutting and stapling may occur.
It is not a reversible procedure.
Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies.

Arturo Rodríguez, MD.

Originally posted 2008-09-05 01:09:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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January 2, 2010

Lap Bands: Truth or Myth?

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery — Tags: Health, Lap Band, Lap Band erosion, Lap band slippage, Lap Band USA, Realize Band — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 5:39 pm

Lap Bands: Truth or Myth?

I can’t have a Lap Band Surgery if I am not Super-Obese: Every day we do more Lap Band Surgeries in overweight and mildly obese patients, especially if they have a family history of co-morbidities such as Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure or High Cholesterol. The tendency world wide is that patients qualify for the Lap Band Procedures with BMI of 30 and above. The Lap band works also very well in patients who don’t want to gain weight but maintain in the weight they are and this is possible due to the Lap Band versatility to be adjustable to the patient’s needs.

You have to lose more than 10 pounds the first month after a Lap band Surgery: Yes, you do… The liquid diet should help you to lose much more than 10 pounds in the first month after surgery. When patients don’t reach this minimum it is because they are drinking many liquid calories and/or are not moving at all to burn the excess fat. Your goal after the first month of your surgery would be to lose at least 2 pounds per week and exercise will help you to reach this goal.

I am eating too much therefore I should go for a fill: Getting a lap band fill should not be based on the amount of food you are eating. As long as you are losing weight or sizes, you won’t need a fill. If you are eating more, this could mean that you are moving or exercising more than you did before, or that you are making better choices about the foods that you are eating. If you are in a plateau or gaining weight, then you should go for a fill. The purpose of the fill is to increase the restriction to food when you quit losing weight.

Should I expect to lose weight without exercising? You can lose weight without exercise if you are eating a very low calorie diet, but normally you will need some kind of exercise in addition to the diet to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Remember that the Lap band is a tool and you have to learn how to use it – this includes the change in the bad old habits.

I was expecting not to be dieting with the Lap Band Surgery. The Lap Band procedure is a restrictive aid for treating excess weight and needs full cooperation from the patients in order to work as desired. Even in patients with a big fill, there are calories that will pass through easily, like ice cream or chocolates, and you can gain weight if you choose too many high-calorie foods. The key is: Follow a healthy, well-balanced, low-calorie food intake and also get active – do some kind of exercise to boost your health.

The Lap Band shows me when I am over eating and that is why I vomit all the time: History of vomiting is frequently found in patients that have to be de-banded because of Lap Band Erosion or Slippage. You have to learn to be satisfied before vomiting. If you are someone that vomits frequently, you may have developed a bad habit of over eating, not chewing well or eating too fast - and at some point you will end up hurting your stomach.

I don’t need fluoroscopy for a Lap Band fill: I recommend a fluoroscopic check-up done at least once a year. Fluoroscopy helps us to detect early complications such as anatomical changes in your stomach and esophagus, and also the functional status of the Lap Band.

My friend has a very good fill with 3 cc and I do not: Stomachs differ in size from person to person, and everyone reacts differently to the Lap Band. You can’t compare yourself with anyone. That was Inamed’s big mistake: the Lap Band was made too short to fit all the patients’ stomachs, assuming that they were equal in size. This caused some patients to have complications such as disphagia (difficulty swallowing) after having the Lap Band for several months.

Support Groups and Message Boards are a waste of time: It is critical for the patients to have a supportive group if they truly want to succeed. I encourage all my Lap Band patients to join our Lap Band Message Boards where they can feel comfortable exchanging and sharing experiences in a friendly environment.

Originally posted 2008-09-15 21:12:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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December 19, 2009

The Answers to Gastric Sleeve Failures

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Revision Surgery, Weight loss surgery, gastric sleeve — Tags: gastric sleeve, Health, Lap Band, Lap band complication, Lap Band Failure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Sleeve, Sleeve Gastrectomy — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 12:59 pm

The Answers to Gastric Sleeve Failures

The Gastric Sleeve is an open procedure, and is known as part of the Duodenal Switch since 1988. The Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve on high risk patients started in 2004 as the first stage of the Duodenal Switch (DS) and soon after that date, several teams started Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve programs as primary or solitary surgical procedures for morbidly obese patients. In 2007 the Gastric Sleeve was proposed as a treatment for Metabolic Disease regardless of the excess weight of the patient.

There are no long term follow-up results currently available for Gastric Sleeve Patients as a primary procedure. However, due to the increasing popularity of the Laparoscopic Sleeve, we are starting to see an increased number of failures. What we have observed in most of the Gastric Sleeve failures is the presence of large stomachs or large sleeves instead of a small volume sleeve. We have also observed a very poor nutritional and dietary change of habits in patients exhibiting gastric sleeve failure .

gastric-sleeve-proper-size = CLICK VIDEO

When we started performing Lap Band Procedures we were creating 50 cc pouches; soon after started creating 15 cc pouches in order to give patients restriction and to avoid failures. We are experiencing similar conditions with the Gastric Sleeve. The remaining stomach is too large (large sleeve) so patients don’t have adequate restriction to lose weight as we expected. The use of a smaller bougie during surgery to calibrate the size of the sleeve is imperative to avoid such technical failures. The running suture reinforcement will also help to prevent a large stretching of the sleeve.

When we started performing Gastric Sleeves we didn’t have enough appropriate follow-up care for patients because we were assuming the sleeve will work and do its job (by creating enough restriction and decreasing the Ghrelin levels to lower hunger). The truth is that patients need to be monitored closely and assisted on a regular basis with support groups and counseling in order to succeed.

We believe that the stretching of the Sleeve over time will also play a huge role in all of the cases of failure just as we learned from the lap band. Dilated pouches (large pouches) played a huge role in Lap Band failure in the past, and now in the case of the Gastric Sleeve, failure is due primarily to a large stomach pouch or sleeve.

Originally posted 2008-09-11 19:41:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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December 12, 2009

Plastic Surgery after Bariatric Surgery (Lap band, Gastric sleeve or Gastric bypass)

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric Sleeve Mexico, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Plastic surgery after weight loss, RYGB, Roux-n-Y, Weight loss surgery, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve — Tags: breast lift, Gastic Bypass Surgery, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, Health, Lap Band, Lap Band Mexico, Lapband, lower body lift, plastic surgery, plastic surgery after, surgery after weight loss, tummy tuck, weight loss — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 9:45 am

Plastic Surgery after Bariatric Surgery (Lap Band, Gastric sleeve or Gastric Bypass):

I know many individuals that are attracted by the idea of starting over. It’s important for an individual to discover what they did wrong, and how we can change. There is a need to lose weight or to keep the weight off successfully, to change your diet, to do some kind of exercise, to get fit and to stay fit by increasing your activity, to look younger, to have a totally new body so you can improve your body image. We are often dissatisfied or discontent with what we have, especially relating to our appearance – we want more or we want to look better!

Plastic Surgery has almost become a necessity for patients that have had a Bariatric procedure such as the lap band, gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and are looking for Plastic Surgery should know that they will need more Reconstructive Surgery than just the normal Aesthetic Procedures such as Liposuction. This means that Liposuction (the most frequent plastic surgery among all the population) or a tummy tuck would not be enough, and in most cases they will need a Plastic Surgeon who has experience working with patients that have undergone a Bariatric procedure.

Patients that have lost a lot of weight after a Bariatric procedure have different personal image concerns and plastic surgery needs. Before performing any procedure, the doctor must consider your age, your muscle tonicity, the amount of weight loss, the skin laxity or elasticity, the skin excess and the hygiene difficulty.

Frequent Questions among Lap Band Patients

Q: When is the best time to have a Plastic surgery after my Bariatric procedure?

A: The best time for Plastic Procedures for Lap Band patients is after reaching 60% of excess weight loss.

Q: Where can I start?

A: You should discuss your needs first, the surgical options and the cost of each procedure with your Plastic Surgeon and at that point, start planning a Plastic Procedure on what you can afford, what you want to improve or what bothers you most.

Q: Should I have all plastic surgery done at once?

A: As a Surgeon I recommend to my patients to schedule plastic surgery in phases and not to have Plastic surgery done all in one procedure. You have to consider that most of the Plastic surgery completed on a Bariatric patient takes a lot longer than in non-obese patients and this means that the surgery will be 6-8 hrs in the OR under general anesthesia. There is also more blood loss and many times the patient may need to have a blood transfusion if there is a lot of work needed.

Q: How long does it take?

A: The Tummy Tuck takes 2.5 to 6 hrs depending on the patient needs. The breast Lift takes 3.5 hrs. A lower body lift takes 3 to 6 Hrs.

Q: What is the cost?

A: The cost varies from doctor to doctor but each procedure can cost from 6 up to 10 thousand USD

What to expect after Plastic Surgery in Lap band patient

Most of the procedures require a one or two night hospital stay. You will need to be out of work for about 10 days after surgery and you will also have drains for 5 to 7 days. The patient must also wear a compression garment for several months. While the scar is healing, the patient will also need oral antibiotics.

Originally posted 2008-10-23 08:17:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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November 28, 2009

CHEAP Lap Band or Gastric Sleeve Costs – What Does it All Mean?

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric Sleeve Mexico, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery, gastric sleeve — Tags: gastric sleeve, Gastric Sleeve Mexico, Health, Lap Band, Lap Band cost, Lap Band Mexico, Lap band price, Lap Band procedure, medical tourism — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 8:04 am

CHEAP Lap Band or Gastric Sleeve Costs – What Does it All Mean?

July 6 (Health Day News) — Soaring U.S. medical costs are causing many Americans to take to the skies on “medical tourism” junkets, looking for high-quality yet low-priced health care at foreign clinics but experts also warn that the booming industry does have some risks.

“My own advice would be to look carefully at the accreditation of the hospital and consider the nature of the procedure. Are you sure it is the procedure you need? And is it done well at the place you are going?” said Dr. Ann Marie Kimball, a Professor of Epidemiology and Health Services at the University of Washington School of Public Health, in Seattle.

Medical tourism isn’t without some concerns, of course. Experts in the United States worry that consumers might end up getting substandard care if they don’t choose their hospital and physician carefully.

“It may be difficult to assess the training and credentials of surgeons outside of the United States.”

The risk for complications with people seeking this kind of surgeries rise three folds in the past six months says “El Norte”, a big News Paper alerting the Mexican Health Regulatory System of a very dark business going on which involved American Citizens crossing the border for a Lap band Surgery or a Gastric Sleeve procedure under not very clear circumstances.

Getting deeper in their investigation, the news paper says that the only ones that get some benefit from this medical tourism are the very dishonest intermediaries and the promoters where they want to capture the vast majority of patients regardless the outcome, questioning the doctor’s medical capacity that are hired to perform these kind of surgeries in obese patients.

What kind of doctors would you get in Mexico to do the Lap band or the Gastric Sleeve for $500 hundred USD, and the Anesthesiologist for $150,? says Claudia who just had her surgery done.

Can you find good trained doctors with those prices they are offering you? Of course you don’t!! You have to realize that because you are going to Mexico, these are not the regular or normal Doctor’s fees. GNP and other insurance companies paid $950 USD for appendix removal and obese procedures cost much more than that.

Ask yourself: How can someone have such cheap prices for your surgery without sacrificing the quality and the service that you deserve? The only way that someone can come out with such cheap prices is by not paying someone in the chain: You don’t pay for the hospital, the Lap band, the stapler or for the doctors fees. Or they are getting the medical products in the black market, or the medications are made in China.

Have you ever stopped to think ….The Lap band or the staplers are about $2000 USD. How do they get the figures with those prices? How much is the hospital? How much is the hotel, flight, internet or other advertizing they do? How much is the driver or the taxies? How much are the medications during and after the lap band or the Gatric Sleeve? How much is the anesthesiologist, the surgeon’s assistant and all related services like the follow-up you need in order to succeed?

Are you going to sacrifice your success or your health because of promos of a cheap procedure? This could cost you a lot more than that…Look around for stories with poor outcomes, they are all over the internet and many of the doctors have a very high reputation…. Don’t let yourself be treated as merchandise. At some point of the chain you won’t get what you deserve or what you are expecting.

Kimball’s advice: Look carefully at the accreditation of the hospital concerned and do your homework before you board the plane. “Check out the real number of surgeries done, the success rates, the years of working in obesity” Woodman added. It’s also a key to ask the surgeon you talk to if he or she will perform the operation, not an assistant.

Inamed-Allergan Lap Band Models:

Originally posted 2008-09-16 21:12:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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November 21, 2009

Are you Talking about Several Lap Bands? The Hidden Story Behind the Lap Band…PART II

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Stomach erosion, Weight loss surgery — Tags: Health, Inamed Band, Johnson & Johnson Band, Lap Band, lap band AP, Lap Band Mexico, lap band VG, Quick Close lap band, Realize Band, Swedish band — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 7:12 am

Are You Talking About Several Lap Bands? The Hidden Story Behind the Lap Band…PART II

Since 2006, it has been reported world wide, that 200,000 Lap Band surgeries have been performed and that the Lap Band procedure is the fastest growing weight loss surgery in United States. There are many different types and brands of lap bands available. Take some time to read through the following details.

“Lap Band”

Lap Band Model 1: Lap Band 9.75 cm; maximum volume of 4 cc (high pressure balloon)

Lap Band Model 2: Lap Band 10 cm; maximum volume of 4 cc (high pressure balloon)

Lap Band Model 3: Lap band 11 cm; maximum volume of 9 cc (high pressure balloon)

These first 3 models of the Lap Band are almost out of the market or obtained for a very low price because of a high rate of complications such as slippage and de-banding.

Lap Band Model 4: Lap Band VG 11 cm; maximum volume of 10 cc (one inch without the low pressure balloon)

Lap Band Model 5: Lap Band AP 11 cm; maximum volume of 14 cc (360 degree low pressure balloon)

“Realize Band”

The Swedish Band was introduced in 1985. As of 2007 in the United States, it’s now referred to as the Johnson & Johnson Realize Band, and is known as the Quick Close in Mexico. The changes made to the Realize Band and Quick Close have been to the fastening mechanism and to the port, but the length of the Lap Band or the balloon have not been altered. Other Lap Bands available in the Latin and European markets are a lot less expensive, are not FDA approved and do not meet the minimum quality standards. By using these non FDA approved bands, the Lap Band procedure can be inadequate.

Why is the complication rate in the United States higher than in the rest of the World?

Facts:

Since June 5, 2001 the Gastric Band or Lap Band, as it is known in the United States, was FDA approved for use as an alternative for weight loss (small model).

The only FDA approved Lap Band Model used for the first 3 years was the Inamed 9.75 cm (First out of five generations of the Lap Band).

In Mexico, this first Lap band Model hit the market in 1995.

The trials for getting the Inamed Lap Band approved by the FDA were done by surgeons with little experience in Lap Band technique and the very important Lap Band follow up and after care.

Many Bariatric Surgeons still have a poor conception of the Lap Band Procedure due to the inadequate results of the first trials.

The trials were performed with the short lap band model and without a comparative study with other Lap band devices, therefore the reports received from the Lap Band Centers, regardless of weight loss and complications, were collected incorrectly, falsely or insufficiently.

Inamed’s first three Lap Band models were short in length, very rigid and had a small high pressure balloon, resulting in more complications than the Swedish Lap Band.

The reports coming out of the United States indicate Lap Band slippage and erosion rates were higher in the USA vs. the rest of the world, because the only model used was the first Lap Band (9.75 cm).

In the end, we knew long before that poor quality and the rudimentary design of the Lap Band were responsible for the inadequate weight loss achieved and complications such as slippage and erosion because of the rigidity of the Lap Band, the small circumference and the high pressure balloon.

Promoters and brokers conceal this information to American patients traveling to Mexico for the Lap Band Surgery because they receive (and still receive) great deals and prices for selling the Lap Band (any model) across the border, resulting in high profits for them with no regard to the patient’s outcome.

Originally posted 2008-10-11 08:04:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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November 14, 2009

My Life with the Lapband

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery — Tags: after lap band, after lapband, before Lapband, gastric band, Gastric Banding, Lap Band, Lap Band fill, Lap Band Mexico, Lap band surgery, lapband diet, lapband fills, Lapband surgery, lapband tips, weight loss procedure, Weight loss surgery — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 6:07 am

My Life with the Lapband

My Journey…

Boy how time flies!

As I approach my 5th year Bandiversary, I started thinking how the Lapband has changed my life or how I had to change my life to live with the Lapband.

First off, I thank God every day for showing me there was an option and giving me the opportunity to have the Lapband procedure.

Like most in my situation, I tried every diet that always ended in failure. I almost got to the point where I wouldn’t want to diet because I KNEW I would gain the weight back and probably gain more. It was a horrible vicious cycle that I lived in for years.

Living with the Lapband was a continual learning process for a while. I tested foods to see what I could eat and what gave me difficulties. I tested out drinking with meals and not drinking with meals. Unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way on a lot of these issues, but the key is I learned and now the changes that I have made in living with the Lapband are part of my normal way of living. I don’t even think about it anymore.

One of the most frustrating things about the Lapband is obtaining proper restriction level. On one hand, I wish doctor’s would be a little more aggressive with the fill amounts, on the other hand, I think that working your way up to the proper restriction level is the way to go to avoid getting filled too tight which can be very uncomfortable and dangerous. I think that more discussion needs to be made about preparing one’s self for life after the lapband which includes the cost of adjustments/fills and the expectation of how many fills it may require to achieve proper restriction.

For self payers, many people use all their financial means to pay for the actual Lapband surgery and then don’t have the funds to get adjustments afterwards. This creates frustration because you just paid a lot of money and went through surgery and now want to lose the weight. Sounds reasonable……. But many feel like they wasted money when they don’t lose weight after the surgery or they feel like they can eat like they could before the surgery which is true until the band is adjusted properly.

So if someone is scheduled for lapband surgery and they ask me about the band, I make a point of preparing them for after surgery. I also try to tell them that their patience level will be tested to the max until they get their bands filled properly. I’ve heard this said by many and it’s so true “It took us a long time to become this overweight, we’re not going to lose it all overnight” It may take some time to lose weight with the Lapband, but with a little patience and following some very basic rules, you will lose weight and you will be successful.

Things that have changed for me after I was banded…

I don’t drink with meals. I found that this flushes food from my small upper pouch into my lower pouch which enables me to eat more food. This kind of defeats the band doesn’t it? I don’t want to eat more food, because this little thing called weight gain occurs if I do. Not drinking with meals was probably the hardest thing for me to get used to, but now I don’t even think about it.

I still take small bites and have slowed down while eating. I found that taking smaller bites and slowing down while eating actually fills me up quicker. I also don’t look like I’m inhaling my food anymore, which was a very unattractive habit that I got into pre-band.

I listen to my band. It tells me when to stop eating. Oh, I’ve tried to argue with my band in the past and tell it that I could eat more even when it warned me that I have had enough, but for some reason the band was always right. I paid a small price for trying to fight the band. I would feel horrible until the food passed through the band. Sometimes I would PB (not pleasant) and learned very quickly that it’s just not worth fighting the band. It knows best, so now I listen to it.

I try to stick to protein foods first. I’m not always good at this, but it’s something that I feel is very important for Lapbanders. I have also found that when I eat protein foods first like chicken, fish, etc… then I don’t require as much food to feel full and I stay fuller longer. Not to mention the benefits to my health for eating protein.

Since I can’t eat as much as I used to, my food choices have changed. Before the band, I would eat horribly. It’s because I could eat a lot of anything I wanted. So if I wanted to snack on chips before dinner, no problem. I would still be hungry enough at dinner to eat it, and then have enough room for dessert after wards.

I now chose quality over quantity. I do this because I know I can’t eat a lot, so what I DO eat becomes very important. I have found that if I eat chips now, I will fill up on them, and I won’t feel hungry to eat what I should be eating. Then I end up feeling awful because “foods” like chips drain my energy if I try to use them as my source of nutrition. Don’t get me wrong, I still eat things like chips, but I make a point of not eating them when I’m hungry because I know that I will fill up on them and won’t eat what I need to be eating. So I will have junk food occasionally, but usually with my meal and have very little.

I don’t eat dinner late in the evening. I have a cut off time for dinner. I make sure that I don’t go to bed for about 3 hours after I eat. I also don’t drink a lot of fluids at night and I religiously take 2 Pepsid AC chewables before I go to bed. I believe that these things have decreased my chances of having acid reflux at night.

So yes, the Lapband has totally changed my life. With 155 pounds gone I’m feeling terrific! I feel that the minor things that I have changed in my life (with eating) due to the band are so minor and so worth it to help insure that I keep this weight off. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t struggle to keep the weight off, which is fantastic, but I believe that the minor changes that I have made have contributed to this.

The Lapband won’t do it all. You’ll need to help it some, but once your band is adjusted properly, the band will work for/with you instead of you working for the band.

Life is wonderful!

Starting BMI 43

Current BMI 20

Tricia
Banded July 16th, 2004
Lost 155 pounds

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

Originally posted 2009-03-11 18:21:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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October 23, 2009

Lap Band Leaks: What You Should Know

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Revision Surgery, Weight loss surgery — Tags: complication, Fluoro lapband leaks, fluoroscopy, gastric band, gastric surgery, huber, huber needle, Lap Band, Lap band complication, Lap Band Failure, Lap Band Leak, lap band port, Lap Band procedure, Lapband, lapband fills, lapband leak, Lapband surgery, leak, Leaks of lapband, office fills, port leaks, radiologist, silicone, weight loss, Weight loss surgery — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 4:31 pm

Lap Band Leaks: What You Should Know

A Lapband leak is suspected when a patient that previously had adequate restriction feels a change in the amount of restriction. This can happen suddenly or over a period of time, depending on the size of the leak. If there is a leak of the lap band, the band will not be able to be adequately filled and will not provide restriction, or function properly. There are four types of lapband leaks that can occur to the lapband once it is placed, based on the location: (1) Leaks at the lapband balloon, (2) Leaks at the lapband tube connections, (3) Leaks at the body of the tube, and (4) Port membrane leaks.

(1) Leaks at the Lapband Balloon

Leaks in the lap band balloon can be unintentionally caused by needle punctures during surgery, or may occur over time in certain factory weak points of the balloon.

Leak at Lapband balloon http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 1.0 In the figure above, you can see the lap band (white rectangular shape), which has been filled with contrast fluid. The arrow points to a small amount of fluid that has moved outside the band from a small leak in the balloon of the lap band (VG).

Lap-Band Leak http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 1.1 This is another image of a lap band balloon leak. A thin line of contrast fluid can be seen outside of the lap band, surrounding both the band and the tube.

Lapband Leak http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 1.2 The lap band balloon can be seen in the centre of this image (rectangular shape, slanted to the left). In this case, there is a larger leak of contrast fluid which is more easily visible around the lap band balloon (arrow).

Lapband leak seen during surgery http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 1.3 In this case, there was a leak in the lap band balloon, and surgery was required to remove the band. During surgery, the leak was very clearly seen when fluid was pushed through the lap band, to reveal the location of the leak. (The arrow points to the line of fluid leaking from the AMI band).

(2) Leaks at the Lapband Tube Connection

Leaks can occur within the Lapband tube connection if there is a break or fracture of the tube next to the metal connector. Breaks or fractures may be due to physical movement over time, when considering the materials of the connections (metal and silicone). If the “fracture” is complete, it can be easily diagnosed with an x-ray film (plain film), without needing to inject contrast fluid.

Lapband plain x-ray film http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 2.0 Above, we can see the lapband port in the lower, right corner, with the tube extending to the left in the x-ray image. There is a complete fracture (break) in the tube. The distal end of the tube is near the port, which means the tube may still be in the abdominal wall.

Lapband Leak http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 2.1 Above, we can see the lapband port near the bottom of the x-ray image, with a complete fracture (break) in the tube, which is curled up at the top of the image. This shows that the tube is likely still inside the abdominal cavity.

Port of a Lapband leak http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 2.2 Above is a photo of the lapband port that was removed during surgery from Figure 2.1.

If the “fracture” is incomplete, it is necessary to inject contrast inside the system in order to diagnosis the problem.

Figure 2.3 This shows an incomplete fracture, with the tube in place.

Port of a Lapband leak http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 2.4 This is the port removed from the above case (Figure 2.3).

Port of a Lapband leak http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 2.5 In this plain x-ray film, the port can be seen in the bottom right corner. There is a slight bend in the tube at the connection point (upper right corner of the film).

Figure 2.6 As a leak was suspected, contrast fluid was passed through this lapband port. A large amount of contrast fluid is seen at the bend, in the top right (the connection point).

In some cases, it is not possible to indentify a leak with x-rays. Therefore, the diagnosis of a leak may need to be done at the time of surgery.

Lap-Band Leak http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 2.7 In this x-ray with contrast fluid, there is no evidence of a leak.

Tube leak near the port http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 2.8 This leak was not demonstrated with x-rays. As the leak was suspected, surgery was required to find the location of the leak.

(3) Leaks at the Body of the Tube

These lap band leaks are usually iatrogenic. This means that the leak was caused by an unintentional needle puncture, during a fill that was done without using fluoroscopy to guide the needle. These kinds of leaks are very common in office fills. Even in the best hands, there is always a risk of puncturing the tube during a lap band adjustment. This is one of the reasons that we always recommend fills to be done under fluoroscopy.

Lapband tube puncture http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 3.0 A leak can be seen in the body of the tube, close to the connection. This leak was made with a needle at the time of an adjustment (office fill).

Lap-band Tube puncture http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 3.1 The leaking portion of the tube was removed during surgery.

(4) Port Membrane Leaks

This type of leak usually occurs when the patient has received many fills, or when the adjustment was done using a standard needle. Only Huber (non-coring) needles (Figure 4.2) should be used to perform fills or adjustments. The silicone membrane of the port may be damaged if any other type of needle is used.

Lap-band Port Leak http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 4.0 The lapband leak is just in front of the port, where contrast can be seen.

Lap-band Port Membrane Leak http://www.thebariatric.com

Huber Needle http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 4.1 During surgery, we can see a leak at the port membrane as seen by the bubbles that are produced when the port is placed in water.

Figure 4.2 Huber (non-coring) needle.

Final Thoughts

Every day, the lap band manufacturers are improving the design and functionality of the gastric bands in order to prevent complications such as leaks. However, there is always a small risk of leaks over time. Many types of lap band leaks can be avoided by careful handelling the gastric band at the time of the surgery and by doing the lap band fill or adjustment under the fluoroscopy guide, and finally by using the right non-core needle.

Originally posted 2009-03-07 23:31:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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October 17, 2009

Lapband Slippage: Causes & Prevention

A Clinical Study

A clinical study was done in Germany to review complications following lap band surgery. Thirty-five hospitals were involved in the study, with 4138 patients that underwent gastric banding over a five-year period. Lap Band long-term complications were described in 8.6% of all patients. The most common complications included: pouch dilation or enlargement (5.0%), lap band slippage (2.6%), and Lapband migration or erosion (1.0%). (Stroh,C Manger, T “Complications after adjustable gastric banding”, Chirurg, 2006, Vol 77,pag 244-250)

Normal Lap Band X-Ray Under Fluoroscopy

Enlarged Lap Band Pouch

What is Lap Band Slippage?

One of the long-term complications of lap band surgery is called “Lapband slippage” and can be defined as “when the Lapband and the stomach pouch are both prolapsed.” This means that the lap band has shifted position and the enlarged stomach pouch has also shifted or twisted so that food does not go through the lapband into the rest of the stomach. This may result in pain, discomfort, decreased appetite and inability to eat or drink, and vomiting. Lapband Slippage does not happen immediately but may take several months to develop.

Large Lap Band Pouch

Lap Band Slippage generally develops in a progressive manner. As food intake is increased, the stomach begins to stretch and grow and the patient may stop losing weight or start to regain weight. At this point, patients may only exhibit an enlarged stomach Lap band pouch. This can be medically treated by deflating the lap band to release pressure and slow the growth of the pouch (successful in 70% of cases, or surgical treatment can be considered). However, if the enlarged lapband pouch continues to grow, the lapband progressively rotates until both the lap band and the enlarged pouch become prolapsed, resulting in Lap band slippage. This is followed by functional stenosis (narrowing) of the stomach.

Lap Band Slippage

Lapband Slippage Symptoms typically include progressively worsening reflux, vomiting and epigastric complaints, which may increase to sudden near-total dysphagia (inability to swallow or eat anything, including saliva).

Risk factors or causes of lap band slippage include surgical technique, model of the lapband used, early consumption of solid foods, early inflation or filling of the band, consumption of carbonated or sparkling beverages, and frequent vomiting.

Treatment for lap band slippage requires surgical intervention. The lapband must be repositioned or removed, based on the operative findings and condition of the stomach pouch. If appropriate, the surgeon and patient may elect to choose another type of bariatric procedure such as a Gastric Sleeve.

How Do I Prevent Lap Band Slippage?

In order to decrease the risk of developing lap band slippage, it is important to follow the recommended diet following surgery and to avoid introducing solid foods too early. In addition, the fills should not be started before 6 weeks post-operatively and these Lap band fills should be very gradual. We also recommend that fills should be done under fluoroscopy, even if you are asymptomatic (no symptoms of lap band slippage), to be able to monitor the position of the lapband, and the size of the stomach pouch and condition of the esophagus. This will allow for early diagnosis of an enlarged stomach pouch or possible lap band slippage.

Susana González, MD

Radiologist

Originally posted 2009-02-17 13:25:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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October 2, 2009

Successful Weight Loss with Lap Band Surgery

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery — Tags: gastric band, Lap Band, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband mexico, Lapband surgery, surgery in Mexico — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 10:24 pm

Successful Weight Loss with Lap Band Surgery

Lap band surgeries are a type of restrictive procedure through which an inflatable band is surgically placed around the upper portions of the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch. This small pouch works to restrict the amount of food that can be eaten at any given time while increasing the amount of time it takes the stomach to completely empty itself. Many patients have reported successful weight loss with lapband surgery and outpatient nutritional counseling.

As a result of the lapband surgery, the patient will achieve a sustainable decrease in weight by slower digestion, reduced appetite, and limited food intake. This type of surgery is less traumatic than other types like the gastric bypass procedure. Unlike other permanent solutions to obesity, it is safe, adjustable, and reversible. The lap band provides a unique method for maintaining and achieving significant weight loss, enhancing the quality of your life, and improving your health.

During the lap band procedure, your surgeon will make a few tiny incisions into the wall of your abdomen. Using the latest laparoscopic technologies, a small adjustable silicone band is inserted and secured around the upper portions of the stomach. This lapband is then connected to specialized tubing which is then attached to an access port, which is located beneath the surface of the skin on the abdomen. This port is not visible to the naked eye, and allows the patient to make adjustments to the band as necessary.

The small pouch at the top of the stomach controls the amount of food that can be taken in at any given time. A small amount is permitted to pass through the lap band, thereby delaying the total emptying of the stomach. This process causes a sensation of fullness much sooner than normal. Eventually and over a course of time, hunger sensations decrease dramatically.

There are many advantages to lap band surgery as a method of treating obesity. Of all gastric surgery methods, lapband surgery has the lowest mortality rate. It is the least invasive surgical approach to weight loss as well. There is no stomach cutting, stapling, or intestinal re-routing. The lap band is reversible, adjustable, carries a low malnutrition risk, and has the lowest rate for operative complications among all similar procedures like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.

Most patients that elect to have lap band surgery will not have to be hospitalized. In fact, the majority of all lap band patients go home the same day of their surgery. Normal activity can be resumed in as little as one week, while full recovery from lapband surgery takes about two to three weeks.

The Bariatric Team

Originally posted 2009-02-02 12:30:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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September 25, 2009

Have Lap Band Surgery for Less in Mexico

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric Sleeve Mexico, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Plastic surgery after weight loss, RYGB, Roux-n-Y, Weight loss surgery, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve — Tags: gastric band, Lap Band, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband mexico, Lapband surgery, surgery in Mexico — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 9:41 pm

Have Lap Band Surgery for Less in Mexico

Mexico has become the best location to obtain surgical operations for less money, especially in the areas of weight loss and plastic surgery. You can have lap band surgery for less in Mexico, yet still enjoy the same level of professionalism, technology, after-surgery care, and state-of-the-art medical facilities.

The Mexicans have developed numerous reputable medical schools in recent years, such as the University of Monterrey, and some of the best Mexican hospitals are located nearby with exceptionally skilled physicians and surgeons. Many American medical students have also obtained their education from this University. In addition to gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgeries, one of the most common and widely available surgeries in Mexico is the Lapband procedure.

Lapband surgery is also known as gastric band surgery. It is minimally invasive, especially when compared to other types of obesity control methods. The surgery is much safer as well. When comparing the price of this surgery between the United States and Mexico, patients can receive the exact same Lap band procedure in Mexico for up to 70% less than in the states. Despite the lower price, patients are advised to avoid the cheapest clinics.

Blindly placing trust in the least expensive location is not the best idea. Patients should expect to pay somewhere between $7,000 and $12,000 for the lap band or gastric bypass procedure. Avoid going to clinics that quote an extremely low Lapband price. Often, the reason for the deeply discounted price is due to a lack of business, poor reputations, a lack of proper facilities, or a lack of qualified personnel.

Choosing where you will obtain your lap band surgery is a very important decision. Certainly, you can have lapband surgery for less in Mexico, yet you must still make an informed, educated choice between hospitals, clinics and doctors. It is always the best choice to choose full-fledged hospitals for any surgical procedure in Mexico, primarily because they have all the necessary medical equipment and emergency surgical backup if any complications should arise. Good hospitals, such as Christus Health, will have major facilities such as blood banks, XRAY, MRI, and ICU centers. Some of these same hospitals will also have boarding facilities in which patients can stay along with a friend or relative. Finally, large hospitals will also have staff who speak English fluently, which is an important factor when considering a surgical procedure in another country. You need to be able to communicate your desires, your feelings, your pain, and your concerns to your physician or surgeon.

Christus Hopsital Http://www.thebariatric.com

The Bariatric Team

Originally posted 2009-01-24 22:29:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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July 20, 2009

Lap Band Diet – After Surgery

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery — Tags: Lap Band, Lap band surgery, Lapband, lapband diet, lapband follow-up, Lapband surgery, lapband surgery diet, south beach diet, weight loss diet, weight loss surgery diet — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 10:09 am

Lap Band Diet – After Surgery

How should I Eat After Surgery?

You need to pay attention to what you eat and how you eat it during the first three weeks following your lap band surgery. Your diet should be limited mostly to liquids and soft food. The reason for this is that the body needs time to heal and develop tissue around the gastric band or lap band, to maintain the band in its correct position. If you eat solid food too soon after lap-band surgery , you may run the risk of dislocating the band, or developing an enlarged upper gastric pouch. Therefore, it is very important to chew your food well in order to decrease the risk of blockages or dislocation of the band.

How Much Can I Eat?

Right after Lap-Band surgery the stomach can not hold more than 4 to 6 ounces per meal (3/4 cup). Therefore, one should be particular about the nutritional value of the food with every bite. I have written about the lapband diet since we started doing lap band surgeries thirteen years ago. You can find detailed information on my website: http://www.thebariatric.com/lap-band/postoperative.html

What´s Happening?

People seem to think that nothing will happen if they “cheat” during the liquid phase and eat solid foods. However, The truth is that solid food may cause increased pressure and may result in lapband dislocation, and the increased pressure over the “New Stomach” or Pouch at this time could be an early cause of lapband slippages. Eating solid foods in the early stages after surgery has also been known to cause enlarged pouches which can occur after a period of time.

I try to tell people that their stomach is moving and churning (inside) while trying to digest solid food. Solid foods are also pushed down to the restricted area and we want to keep the stomach as still as possible for that first week “liquid phase” after lapband surgery. So even though they don’t “feel” like it’s hurting anything, they could be. Let’s reiterate that the purpose of the diet is not for starting weight loss but for healing after the Lapband surgery. This way you will avoid stretching the pouch and it will also help you by letting the sutures become firmly attached and to hold the lapband in the right place.

Which Diet Should I Follow?

I recommend that my patients strictly follow the liquid phase for one week post-operatively. During this time, they can eat clear liquids (water, Gatorade, broth, tea, apple, grape or cranberry juice, fruit popsicles) and full fluids (vegetables juices, cream soups, low-fat milk and yogurt, and pudding). There is no concern about malnutrition or low sugar intake during this time. The diet slowly allows the patient to “graduate” to soft foods in the second and the third week post-op.

There are some foods that should be avoided or limited in order to decrease the risk of irritation or band dislocation. Stomach irritants such as coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages like coke, concentrated orange juice, vinegar, spicy food, etc, maybe cause discomfort or inflammation of the stomach lining, and vomiting might occur which may cause lapband dislocation. Fruits such as oranges or grapefruits should have both the skin and seeds removed before eating them, in order to avoid blockages in the stomach or esophagus. Vegetables such as cucumbers should also be peeled.

Other foods which need to be avoided are high fiber vegetables like celery, sweet potatoes, spicy foods, fried foods, spices (like cinnamon) pepper or soy sauce. If one is unable to tolerate milk, then calcium and protein rich foods such as cottage cheese and dry milk can be added to foods for proper protein intake.

Lap-Band patients should intake at least fifty to sixty grams of protein every day to avoid protein deficiency, but protein shakes or vitamins are not required. Include adequate sources of protein in your diet such as eggs, low-fat cheese, and fish such as salmon or tuna. Lack of protein causes hair loss, edema, fatigue, muscle weakness, and a delay in wound healing. It also causes depression, anxiety, irritability, apathy, as well as gallstones, colds, headaches, low blood pressure, anemia, irregular heart rates. The amount of protein can be monitored by your doctor with a serum albumin blood test.

For more information, visit: http://www.thebariatric.com/lap-band/postoperative.html

Arturo Rodríguez, MD

Originally posted 2009-01-10 22:59:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Losing Weight During The Holidays

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery — Tags: before Lapband, diet, Lap Band, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, lapbands — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 10:09 am

Losing Weight During the Holidays

Holidays are a time to enjoy family and friends, and get-togethers almost always center around good food and conversation. Everyone brings delicious foods and desserts to numerous parties and gatherings, and life can get very busy and hectic, leaving little time for your regular exercise routine. For someone who is trying to lose weight, the temptations can be overwhelming.

Diet and exercise are the most important methods of losing weight. However, this may not always be possible or practical during holiday times. Either someone is staying at a hotel, where exercise options are limited, or they might be staying with friends or family where it is hard to get away. As well, it almost seems rude to refuse any food offered at these special occasions. However, the holidays is a time to focus on positive thinking. Focus on ways to eat healthy and maintain your weight. For example, if you stay in a hotel, why not take the stairs to your room instead of the elevator, or check out the swimming pool? If you are staying with friends or relatives, start a game of soccer with the family or take a walk around town. When the food is on the table, choose your favorite vegetables and fruits first – and enjoy sharing a colorful, healthy meal. If the cake is calling your name, chose a smaller piece.

For people that have had a hard time losing weight, and have had little success with fad diets or “easy” solutions, you may have considered different options such as lap band surgery. A lap band is a silicone device that is surgically placed around the stomach, and manually shrinks the size of the stomach so that the person is able to feel full with smaller amounts of food. Lap bands produce the best results when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and proper, moderate exercise. This is mostly because too much unhealthy foods can slow the results that the lapband is designed to give. Combining the surgery with healthy diet and active living will soon results in a healthier person. If that isn’t a great holiday gift then nothing is!

For anyone who has been struggling with the idea of getting lap band surgery, or for anyone who really wants to lose weight, don’t think it is too late for you. Lapband surgery may be just the thing to put your life back on track.

The Bariatric Team

Originally posted 2009-01-04 11:42:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Why My Weight Loss Procedure Can Fail?

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, RYGB, Revision Surgery, Roux-n-Y, Weight loss surgery, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve — Tags: Bariatric Group, Gastic Bypass Surgery, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, Health, Lap Band, Lap Band Mexico, Lapband, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity surgery, Realize Band, Simplified Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, weight loss procedure — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 10:09 am

Why My Weight Loss Procedure Can Fail?

The first and most important step to minimize the chances of failure from a Bariatric procedure and to increase your success rate is to be well informed about each one of the surgeries before you choose any of them.

What should you know about Weight Loss Surgery?

How does each procedure work? How will they assist in weight loss?

What should you expect from the Lap Band, Gastric Sleeve, or Gastric Bypass procedures, in terms of weight loss and/or Type 2 Diabetes

The difference in short and long-term benefits for each procedure

The operative risks and complication rates for each procedure

How much follow-up and support will you need for each procedure

How much of the Total Patient Care (TPC) program services will you need

What kind of adjustments will you need following surgery?

What kind of commitment is expected from you, for each procedure

What should you expect from the Doctor or Bariatric Group that you choose

The surgical options you have for each of the procedures in case of a failure

Finally, the cost of each procedure

What should you know about the Doctor or Bariatric Group?

You have to be well informed about the Doctors and medical team performing the Lap Band, the Gastric Sleeve or the Gastric Bypass. Choose your surgeon and medical team wisely in order to ensure the best results for your weight loss success.

Ask about their education and training credentials if you are planning to go to a Latin Country. Look for Medical Degrees in Private Colleges like Monterrey Tech, University of Monterrey, or LaSalle School of Medicine, or other reputable medical universities.

Ask about where they received their Surgical Training. There can be a big difference in the treatment you will receive between doctors trained in well-known Private Hospitals, rather than in the Social Governmental Health Care System.

Ask about their Diplomas. Did they have to write a Medical Tests to join the Medical Society or Surgeon group, or did they just pay a subscription fee to become a member?

Check the number of Revision Surgeries they have been involved with. This may give you an indication of the quality of their work.

Check their Surgical Staff for credentials and experience. Consider the Anesthesiologist and any other assistant surgeons. It is important that they have experience in Bariatric surgery.

Double-check the Ethics and Professionalism of their Promoters or Coordinators.

Finally, check the Follow Up and Support they would provide you after your surgery.

Diet Rules to Follow (Regardless of the Weight Loss Procedure you Choose)

For any weight loss method to be successful and effective, you have to make some healthy lifestyle choices regarding the foods that you eat. Bariatric surgery is an effective way to increase the rate of weight loss, but the best results can only happen when you make healthy choices. After Bariatric surgery, you will feel full with a smaller amount of food – make sure to choose foods with the most nutritional value to help you on the journey to a new, healthier you!

Follow the Diet Steps recommended by your Doctor or the Nutritionist after surgery.

Chewing very well will help to maintain the pouch size, preventing stomach stretching and decreasing the risk of blockages and reflux in the esophagus or stomach.

Eat 6 small meals a day.

Eat slowly; take your time at the table.

Preferably, hydrate or drink beverages between meals.

Avoid Gastric Irritants like Alcohol, Coffee, Hot or Spicy, Vinegar, Soy Sauce or other Acid Beverages.

Limit high calorie foods like chocolate, cream and full-fat dairy products.

Failure Features Characteristically observed with Bariatric Procedures

These “failures” can be a result of a number of different circumstances or actions, or may develop slowly over time. Therefore, it is important to have regular follow-ups to monitor your weight loss and the status of your lap band, sleeve or gastric pouch. Remember: If you have any concerns, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor.

Big Gastric Pouches

Mega- esophagus

Wide Gastric Sleeve

Excessive tightness of the Gastric Band

Wide outlet of the Bypass Gastro-Yeyuno

Very Short common limb of the Gastric Bypass

Arturo Rodríguez, MD

http://www.thebariatric.com

Originally posted 2008-07-10 23:25:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Is the Lap Band Procedure for Anyone?

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery — Tags: Gastric Banding, Lap Band, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Weight loss surgery — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 10:09 am

Is the Lap Band Procedure for Anyone?

Almost 95% of individuals with a BMI of 30 or more are unable to lose weight using only diet, exercise or drugs. Actually, all individuals with a BMI lower then 35 are not accepted into any Bariatric Program and those with BMI between 35 to 40 are only accepted if they have co-morbidities such as Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Sleep Apnea, Asthma, etc.

The question is if we want the patients to wait 5 to 10 years until they have gained such a weight and also to wait for high risk co-morbidities to show up in order to accept them for a Lap Band, which is a surgical procedure that takes 30 minutes and has proven to be the safest surgical technique to treat obesity and overweight.

I strongly believe that Lap Band Surgery is a good option for those individuals considering losing weight on a long-term basis, to improve their overall health and well-being. Gastric Banding or a Lap band can be used to safely treat morbid obesity, and can also be a preventative measure for morbid obesity by individuals with a family history of Obesity, Diabetes, High Cholesterol, or other co-morbidities.

Arturo Rodriguez ,MD

Bariatric Surgeon

Originally posted 2008-04-23 18:43:22. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Lap Band Office Fills

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Stomach erosion, Weight loss surgery — Tags: Gastric Banding, Health, Lap Band, Lap Band fill, lap band office fill, Realize Band, weight loss, weight loss procedure, Weight loss surgery, WLS — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 10:09 am

Lap Band Office Fills

Your Lap Band fills are the most important part of the follow-up care that you need to succeed in your Weight Loss Journey. There is very little written about Lap Band Office Fills. Many people assume that the “office fill” is the best way to have the Lap Band adjusted. Take some time to read through this information about office fills, and contact your Doctor if you have any questions.

Facts About Lap Band Office Fills

It is a fast profitable growing medical business as the Lap Band population increases in number
It is very rare that the Bariatric Surgeon is involved with the lap band fills
The Office Fills are cheap for most of the patients
No need for Doctor’s infrastructure (fluoroscopy)
It is easily done at the Doctor’s office
The Nurse is often in charge of doing the fills for patients
There is a learning curve to adjust the band properly
The fill might go into the fat instead of the port, and the need to return for another fill is frequently seen
You can get a leak from the hose due to needle puncture or penetration (due to multiple intents to reach the port’s target area)
The Doctor will not know your lap band status with an office fill
The Doctor can’t detect early avoidable complications

Office fills are an option for lap band adjustments. However, we do recommend having lap band fills done under fluoroscopy guide. If this is not possible, have your lap band checked under fluoroscopy at least once a year to determine the status of your lap band system and to check for any complications.

Arturo Rodríguez, MD

Bariatric Surgeon

Originally posted 2008-07-19 22:32:22. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Lap Band Erosion: Clinical, Radiological and Endoscopic Correlation

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Stomach erosion, Weight loss surgery — Tags: Gastic Bypass Surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric erosion, Health, Lap Band, Lap band complication, Lap Band erosion, Lap Band Failure, Lap Band fill, Lap Band Mexico, lap Band migration, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 10:09 am

Lap Band Erosion: Clinical, Radiological and Endoscopic Correlation

Erosion is a long-term complication of lap band surgery, and occurs when the Gastric Band fastened around the upper stomach gradually erodes into the stomach wall and extends into the gastric lumen. Intragastric Lap Band Erosions have been reported at rates that vary from 0.6% to 10% depending of the operative technique, the doctor’s experience, the device used and the most important factor: the patient’s follow up.

The use of NSAIDS, alcohol and smoking have been proposed as three of the main factors contributing to hyperacidity and irritation of the mucosal layer of the stomach. This important layer prevents us from acquiring ulcers in normal conditions. When the irritation is persistent, it can cause erosion of the wall layers of the stomach, which may allow the lap band to migrate into the stomach (“inside out” erosion theory). Repeated vomiting has also been suggested as a possible accelerant, especially when a high degree of obstruction is present (For example, an over-filling of the lap band). Due to the erosion, saliva or food leaks through the hole or ulcer in the stomach and flows along the Lap Band tubing, causing the tissue under the skin of the Lap Band Port to become infected.

Figure 1.0 Intragrastric Lap Band Migration – Drawing of radiographic findings illustrates passage of liquid contrast material (Barium) around left section of band that has eroded into the stomach (small arrow).

In some cases, Lap-band erosion occurs gradually and may be silent or go unnoticed. However, several clinical symptoms may develop and should raise the suspicion of Lap Band Erosion: (1) cessation of weight loss, (2) weight regain with loss of restriction in the lap band, or (3) a port site infection. The Clinical Symptoms and Radiological or Endoscopic findings depend on the degree of Erosion.

The diagnosis of Lap Band Erosion can be made at the radiological evaluation performedunder fluoroscopy during a gastric band adjustment in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. If the radiological evaluation does not show signs of lap-band erosion and the patient has the symptoms, the doctor is obligated to perform an Endoscopy.

Lapband Port Infection http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 1.1 Lap Band Port Infection

Due to the fact that Lap Band Erosions usually open with a port infection (35%), the infection will continue after removal of the port, especially if erosion was not diagnosed. In these cases of chronic infection, further radiological and endoscopic tests are needed to demonstrate the presence of Lap Band Erosion.

Lapband Erosion, http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 1.2 Endoscopic View of Lap Band Erosion

Lapband Erosion, http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 1.3 Intragastric Lap Band Erosion – Note the “tips” of a Swedish band into the gastric lumen

Lapband Erosion, http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 2.0 – Intragastric Lap Band Erosion – Radiological evaluation shows 2 channels of contrast material, instead of one, clearly demonstrated in the later view of Fig. 2.1

Lapband Erosion, http://www.thebariatric.com

Fig. 2.1 – Intragastric Lap Band Erosion - In this lateral view you can see the “bridge” between the upper (the pouch) and the lower stomach, the barium contrast material bypasses the part of the lap band that has eroded through the stomach’s wall.

Lapband Port infection http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 3.0 - Missing Port – AP plain film shows a lap band without the port. The Patient had a history of port removal secondary to port infection with a persistent infected fluid coming out from the port area.

Lapband Fistulography http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 3.1 Intragastric Lap Band Erosion demonstrated by fistulography.
Note the injected contrast material at the skin level is going through the fistula into the lower stomach.

The upper GI x-ray does not reveal lap band erosion in itsearly stages. However, the radiological appearance of late-stageintragastric band erosion on the upper gastrointestinal series is pathognomonic when the “stair sign” is observed. Barium swallow during the upper GI shows a flow of contrast fluid aroundthe portion of the band that has eroded into the stomach. As mentioned before, in cases where the radiological findings are missing, an endoscopic evaluation is mandatory.

Lapband Erosion, http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 4.0 Intragastric Lap Band Erosion – Radiograph from upper gastrointestinal series shows characteristic appearance of intragastric lap band erosion. Note the liquid contrast material on both sides of penetrating portion of the lap-band, “the stair sign”.

Lapband Erosion, http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 4.1 - Radiologic evaluation shows a complete eroded gastric band – Note the location of the migrated band; the lap band device is found in its totality intragastric at the level of stomach antrum (the lower stomach). The patient had not been loosing weight for 3 years.

Lapband Erosion, http://www.thebariatric.com

Figure 4.2 – Complete erosion of the gastric band (seen in Figure 4.1) the gastric band was removed by endoscopy

Treatment of lap band erosion requires removing the lapband by laparoscopy or by endoscopy. Weight regain typically occurs following this procedure. However, it is necessary to remove the gastric band in order to avoid further complications. It is recommended to treat Lap Band Erosions with another bariatric procedure 6 to 8 months after a de-banding procedure (Lap Band removal). This is due to the high incidence of complications and failures when the procedure is done immediately following removal, or sooner than 6 months after removal, since the portion of stomach that has been eroded is weak and prone to leaking.

It is true that Lap Band Migration means the failure of the operation and leads to a second bariatric procedure; however, erosion is considered a complication with a benign course if it is managed properly.

Susana González M.D.

Radiologist

Originally posted 2008-08-09 23:51:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Lap Band Surgery in Mexico

Filed under: Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Gastric band Procedure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery — Tags: Health, Lap Band, Lap Band Mexico, Lapband, lapband in Mexico, Lapband surgery, lapband testimonial, medical tourism, Realize Band — Dr. Arturo Rodriguez @ 10:09 am

Lap Band Surgery in Mexico

When most people go away on vacation, it is to soak up the sun, see new things, meet new people, and to relax and “get away from it all.” However, more and more people are going away to experience a different kind of tourism: medical tourism. This involves a person traveling away from their native country to have a health care procedure done in a different country. People have all sorts of medical procedures done abroad: everything from joint replacement to cosmetic surgery is performed on such medical-based trips. Mexico is a country many people go to for such procedures In fact, having lap band surgery in Mexico is becoming more and more popular.

Lapband makes restriction to food intake

Many people are going to Mexico for lap band surgery. This surgery is something many believe will change their lives. Lap band surgery helps people who suffer from obesity to work towards returning to a more normal or healthy weight. Because of the price, many people are forced to have the surgery done in different countries, especially since some insurance companies will not cover the procedure.

As a person usually has to pay out of pocket for a surgery that they believe will save their life, they will head to countries where the procedure is less expensive. For many people, lap band surgery is their last shot at being healthy. Thus, for people who do not have insurance or a regular doctor, going to Mexico is a logical choice.

After all, once the surgery is done, they can then relax in a new or exotic location where no one has to know about their surgery. Privacy is a major reason for why people choose to have surgery and other medical procedures done abroad. They may not want their friends, family members, coworkers, or doctors to know that they had a little work done. This could be because they do not want to worry the people in their life, or it could be because they want to appear refreshed at all times.

There are a number of things to take into account when considering LapBand surgery - make sure you are well informed before making the decision to have the procedure. Many Mexico based doctors have set up support forums and telephone consultations so that you can get the information you need to make a decision. Here’s a testimonial from a patient of Dr. Arturo Rodríguez, who practices in Monterrey, Mexico:

“My name is Linda Pearce I’m 58 years old. I found Dr. Rodriguez’s web site and after much research I knew he was the Doctor for me. I had my lap band surgery Oct. 2005. I have loss 85 lbs. My whole life has changed because of Dr. R and his team. The hospital and care in Monterrey Mexico was awesome, better than some of the hospitals in the States. Everything went just as they told me it would from being pickup at the airport to going to the hospital and back. Thank you Dr. Rodriguez and your team. You guys are the best. My life has changed forever.”

For more information on the lapband and Realize band procedure, visit The Bariatric Group