Posts Tagged ‘Lap band surgery’
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
I was overweight most of my life. I had tried every diet out there only to gain all the weight back. I was depressed and frustrated. I had heard so many Weight Loss Surgery success stories and realized that Lapband surgery was my only option for permanent Weight Loss. While researching my options I ran across Dr. Arturo Rodriguez’s website and decided to call. I was skeptical about traveling outside the U.S. but after a lot of research I was certain that Dr. Arturo Rodriguez was the right doctor for me.
An important thing I learned in my research was that the experience of your Lap-band Surgeon plays a huge role in your success with Lap-band. Dr. Arturo Rodriguez has performed thousands more Lap-band Surgeries than any doctor I could find in the U.S. I decided that if I was going to have this surgery I wanted the best Surgeon to do it!
My experience in Monterrey was amazing! I was greeted at the airport and taken directly to the hospital. When we arrived, Dr. Rodriguez and his assistant met my husband and I. They discussed everything that would take place. After surgery I was taken to my hospital room. There was always a nurse to help if I needed. I have never received such good care in any hospital in the U.S. as I did in Monterrey.
The next day I was picked up and taken to my hotel room and later that evening, one of Dr. Arturo Rodriguez’s staff came to check on me and take my husband and I around Monterrey. The next day someone picked us up and drove us to the airport. We never had to worry about a single thing the entire time we were there.
My life since Lap-band Surgery has changed dramatically. I can play with my boys and not get tired, I’m more outgoing, I wake up and my back doesn’t hurt, and I have endless amounts of energy. It’s also taught me what true portion control is and given me the skills to lifelong Weight Loss! I’ve learned what it takes to keep the weight off forever! Most importantly I have eliminated my chances of acquiring obesity related illnesses.
I have Dr. Arturo Rodriguez and the Lap-band Surgery to thank for all of this. It changed my life so much that my Mom even decided to have Gastric Bypass Surgery (by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez of course) and she too has had amazing success losing over 100 lbs and going off many of the medications she was on prior to surgery. In fact, I was so impressed by Dr. Rodriguez and his staff that when the opportunity came to work with them and to help others see the many benefits of this surgery, I jumped at the chance.
I would love to talk to you about how much this amazing Surgery can change your life and why Dr. Arturo Rodriguez is the right Surgeon for you.
Shelby, Lapband patient, http://www.thebariatric.com
Shelby Hashagen
Patient Coordinator / Dr. Arturo Rodriguez
(360) 304-0610
shelby@thebariatric.com
http://www.thebariatric.com
Originally posted 2009-03-25 19:53:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: Arturo Rodriguez, Arturo Rodriguez MD, Dr. Arturo Rodriguez, gastric band, gastric bypass, Lap Band, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband surgery, Realize Band, realize band procedure, realize band surgery, weight loss success
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, gastric bypass, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Roux-n-Y, RYGB, Weight loss surgery | 2 Comments »
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
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?
Other important questions to ponder:
- Can weight loss be affected by the design or size of the Lap Band?
- Does the design of the lapband have anything to do with complications?
- Why is this information about the lapband not on the Doctor’s websites?
- Why is this information about the Lap band not on the Promoter’s websites?
Is anyone going to be responsible for hiding this important information about the lapband to the patients? Are there any legal aspects, corners or sides involved with these behavioral practices or with these different lapband models? Why do Lap Band doctors in the U.S. say nothing about the existence of many different Inamed-Allergan models and say nothing about their results with each of them?
Why do Lap Band doctors outside the States say nothing about this on their websites and the other kind of bands they commonly use to make the Lap Band procedure cheaper? How can you be alerted about a poor quality lapband before having Lap Band Surgery? What should you ask about the Lap band before having surgery?
To find the Answers to these questions, read on in Part II – “Talking About Several Lap Bands…”
TO BE CONTINUED…
Arturo Rodríguez, MD
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.thebariatric.com
Originally posted 2008-09-20 20:38:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: before Lapband, Health, Lap Band, Lap band message board, Lap Band Mexico, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband forum, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery | 3 Comments »
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
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.
Arturo Rodríguez, MD
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Originally posted 2008-09-11 19:41:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: gastric sleeve, Health, Lap Band, Lap band complication, Lap Band Failure, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Sleeve, Sleeve Gastrectomy
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, gastric sleeve, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Revision Surgery, Weight loss surgery | 5 Comments »
Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
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
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Originally posted 2009-03-11 18:21:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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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
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery | 3 Comments »
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
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
http://www.thebariatric.com
Originally posted 2009-02-17 13:25:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: Add new tag, complications, erosion, gastric band, gastric sleeve, Lap Band, Lap Band procedure, Lap band slippage, Lap band surgery, lapband big pouch, lapband complication, lapband fill, lapband fills, Lapband mexico, lapband slippage, lapband slippage correction, Lapband surgery, pouch, prevention lapband slippage, slippage
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, gastric sleeve, Gastric Sleeve Mexico, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Revision Surgery, Weight loss surgery | 408 Comments »
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
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
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Originally posted 2009-01-24 22:29:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: gastric band, Lap Band, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband mexico, Lapband surgery, surgery in Mexico
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, Gastric Sleeve Mexico, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Plastic surgery after weight loss, Roux-n-Y, RYGB, Weight loss surgery | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011
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 performed under 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 its early stages. However, the radiological appearance of late-stage intragastric 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 around the 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
http://www.thebariatric.com
Originally posted 2008-08-09 23:51:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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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
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Stomach erosion, Weight loss surgery | 83 Comments »
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
I would like to review an issue that was recently presented to me the other day regarding lap band trials. As a number of companies produce the Lap Bands used for the surgical procedure, comparisons have been made in the past between different brands. Testing trials were held by Inamed (in the late 90′s) and by Johnson & Johnson (three years ago) and reports have attempted to compare these two bands. However, the information obtained is being manipulated with results that favor the use of one band over the other.
Under the marketing competition, the comparison focuses specifically on the Lap Band explantation (or de-banding) during these trials. The huge difference shown between the two brands of lap bands is now being used to manipulate doctors and patients into using a particular brand. The problem is that the trials were not done under the same circumstances and cannot fairly be compared.
To correctly interpret the results of the trials, we need to look at the difference in circumstances. The Lap Band trials were all done by surgeons, and placed in obese patients in both trials. However, the comparison between trials does not include details about the surgeons’ experience in placing the band. The main difference between the trials is the surgeon’s ability and knowledge of the Lap Band. At the time of the Inamed trial, the doctors were Gastric Bypass surgeons and had little to no experience with lap bands, while the Johnson & Johnson Realize Band trial was done by surgeons with more experience in Gastric Banding. Therefore, it is likely that the famous “learning curve” adversely affected the Inamed trial.
It is also true that the first three Inamed models had many factory disadvantages. Proof of this is that they have been pulled out slowly from all world markets, and Inamed has changed those first models for two different improved devices with fewer design problems.
Regardless of this last statement, we can conclude that the trials can not be compared, as the factors involved differ. I believe there is more to do to improve the lap bands and that we will see changes on this matter in the near future. I am placing the result of both trials for you to review and make your own conclusions.
Johnson & Johnson’s Realize Band trial
| Realize Band – U.S. Clinical Trial N=276 |
| Key Serious Adverse Events |
| Band slippage |
9 (3.3%)17
|
| Band erosion |
1 (0.4%)17
|
| Port displacement |
7 (2.5%)17
|
| Band explantations |
417
|
| Port revisions/replacements |
2717
|
Inamed’s Lap-Band trial
| Lap-Band® - U.S. Clinical Trial N=299 |
| Key Serious Adverse Events |
| Band slippage |
11 (3.7%)18
|
| Band erosion |
1 (0.3%)18
|
| Port displacement |
18(6.0%)18
|
| Band explantations |
75
|
| Port revisions/replacements |
26
|
Arturo Rodriguez, M.D
http://www.thebariatric.com
Originally posted 2008-08-13 07:55:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: Allergan, Band explantation, Gastic Bypass Surgery, Health, Inamed Band, Lap Band, Lap Band Mexico, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lap band trial, Lap Band USA, Lapa band, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Realize Band
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, gastric bypass, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Stomach erosion, Weight loss surgery | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011
Our History
The knowledge that we have today about laparoscopy has developed through the patience, hard-work and determination of dedicated doctors and individuals. When we started doing laparoscopic surgery, many doctors without laparoscopic training argued that open surgery had a better view through the large incision, than from the tiny camera’s panoramic view. They also thought that the sense of touch was lost by using instruments instead of fingers tips. They stated we were introducing unnecessary risks to any procedure by doing so. However, over time we have discovered that laparoscopic surgery is a very safe method. The view is much better with the cameras moving in all possible directions, and the tip of the instruments act as well as finger tips do after you have been trained to use the instruments.
We also were discouraged from performing laparoscopic surgery in the elderly, in the young and in the morbidly obese patients. The patients under this category were unable to have laparoscopic procedures of any kind in all major hospitals. However, time and experience have also demonstrated the safety of this technique for higher-risk patients. Now, everyone recognizes the laparoscopic method as the best option for many surgical procedures, and many people are now are surprised when procedures are not done using laparoscopy.
Advancement in the quality of lap band products has continued over the past 30 years. The first lap band model in the United States was the Inamed Lap Band, approved by the FDA in 2001. Doctors in the States began using this band as it was the only approved model in the US. We initially promoted another type of Lap Band that was developed in Europe, with a softer ring, and a bigger, low-pressure balloon to adjust to any stomach size. This type of Lap Band was approved by the FDA in 2006, and has now become the most widely used type of lap band in the world. A few years ago, this band was purchased by Johnson and Johnson and is now known in the US market as the Realize Band. Inamed (Now Allergan) has five different models of the Lap Band, which have been designed to emulate many of the characteristics of the Realize band.
What´s Next?
Initially, there was much resistance against treating patients with a BMI less than 35, with bariatric procedures such as the Lap Band. The medical community now supports preventative medicine, by encouraging patients to be pro-active rather than waiting five or tens year and developing co-morbidities before they treat the medical problem. Today, there are various procedures acceptable for patients with a BMI of less than 35, including the Gastric Band, as well as more drastic procedures such as the Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Bypass, Gastric Sleeve and Duodenal Exclusion. These procedures are also helpful if you are looking for your patient to obtain the Metabolic Effect from these procedures, and to improve blood sugar control for patients with Type2 Diabetes, High blood pressure and High Cholesterol (Metabolic Syndrome).
Arturo Rodríguez, MD
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Originally posted 2008-06-02 00:35:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, gastric sleeve, Health, Lap Band, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity surgery
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2011
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
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Originally posted 2009-01-04 11:42:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: before Lapband, diet, Lap Band, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, lapbands
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Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
Exercise plays an important role in weight management after Lapband surgery, as well as overall fitness. It is important to put the emphasis on physical activity for both weight control and health.
“Weight Maintenance” rather than weight loss should be your primary focus. We encourage people personally and at our FORUM to increase their exercise activity and reduce their sedentary activity, to lose or maintain a certain weight after Lapband surgery. It is recommended that a minimum of 30 minutes of daily moderate to intense exercise is needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The day after Lapband Surgery, you should start walking as usual. Two weeks after Lapband surgery you can do any kind of exercise. You can start full exercise 2 weeks after Lapband surgery.
It has been determined that there are direct links between weight gain, health risks, and obesity. With the Lapband Procedure there is a direct link between exercise and successful weight loss. One of the only factors that reduces the risks associated with obesity is exercise. After Lapband surgery, exercise is the most important factor in losing weight or at least in maintaining weight loss.
Planning an exercise program after the Lapband should be based on personal goals as well as on individual capabilities. The most important element to be considered is to think long-term and make exercise a permanent part of your life. There are several types of alternative exercise programs that are available today. It doesn’t mean that you have to join a gym or a fitness center after Lap-band surgery. But if you join a gym or fitness center, the key is to be consistent. You can make sensible fitness choices that are more desirable or fit your lifestyle.
Here are some examples:
Moderately Intense Activities:
- Brisk walking (3-4 mph)
- Cycling (10 mph)
- Swimming or calisthenics
- Racket sports or table tennis
- Golf (without a cart)
- Housecleaning, general*
- Raking leaves*
- Dancing*
- Playing actively with children*
*Considered moderate only if they are performed at intensity comparable to brisk walking. (Source: Journal of the American Medical Association 273:402:1995.
Arturo Rodriguez, MD
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Originally posted 2008-12-16 20:16:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2010
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
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Originally posted 2009-02-02 12:30:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Monday, August 23rd, 2010
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
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Originally posted 2009-01-10 22:59:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Monday, August 16th, 2010
Learn More About your Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Arturo Rodríguez is a highly skilled, compassionate surgeon with more than 13 years of surgical experience. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Johnson & Johnson Proctor. He has performed more than 6,500 weight loss surgeries for patients from Mexico and the United States.
Dr. Arturo Rodríguez understands the life-changing effect that Bariatric Surgery can have on an individual, and he is committed to providing long-term support for his patients as they embark on their journey to healthier and happier lives. Dr. Rodríguez specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic Gastric Banding Surgery-Lap Band, Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass which greatly reduces scarring and postoperative recovery time. He is highly skilled in placing and monitoring both the Lap Band and the Realize band, and he personally consults with each one of his patients to determine which procedure best suits their needs. His extensive experience and education also allows him to help patients who suffer from complications of morbid obesity.
Dr. Rodríguez and his professional medical team are dedicated to providing expert care and compassionate support from the first consultation through years of follow-up. Patients also receive long-term support through follow-up consultations, interaction with Dr. Rodríguez in the online forum and patient reunions held in Monterrey.
To schedule an in-person or online consultation with Dr. Rodríguez and learn more about your weight loss options, you can contact him at:
ArturoRodriguez, MD
md@thebariatric.com
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Phone: 011-52-81-8378-3177.
Originally posted 2008-11-23 15:04:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: bariatric surgeon, Gastic Bypass Surgery, gastric bypass mexico, gastric bypass surgeon, Gastric Sleeve Mexico, gastric sleeve surgeon, Health, Lap Band Mexico, Lap Band procedure, lap band surgeon, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery
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Monday, July 5th, 2010
From when John Daly began playing golf at the age of 4 he showed a remarkable ability to play all aspects of the game. People around him knew that someday he would be one of the great golfers of history. In 1991, John was named by the PGA as the Rookie of the Year, and the following year became the youngest player to win the most difficult and competitive course, The British Open at St. Andrews.
Along with the fame and fortune for this young golfer was also the darker side. The alcohol, the women, the gambling and his personal behavior caused him problems with the PGA and as a result he was suspended on several different occasions.
John’s life changed dramatically from the ups and downs. With his health deteriorating and his weight increasing, John got to the point that he could hardly finish a round of the game that he was once the master of.
It took a call from his 17 year old daughter to start him on the path to reclaim his life. At now 370 lbs, John knew that his weight was an urgent need to get under control. Diets weren’t working for him, so he began to seek advice on what else could be done.
He had a picture of a Gastric Bypass patient and decided that he wanted more control over the speed and the quantity of weight loss. He also was resistant to the idea of taking medications for life to counteract the malnutrition aspect of bypass surgery.
He also looked at a relatively new procedure called a Gastric Sleeve, but decided that he couldn’t be assured of the results he was looking for. He also learned that while the Gastric sleeve procedure has been shown effective as a metabolic procedure, there aren’t long term results as a weight loss procedure.
The Lapband procedure is a very low risk, simple procedure with a very quick recovery time that would allow John to be back in the golf course and also been in control of the amount and speed of his weight loss.
John Daly took the right decision for himself, got the Lap Band AP, and now that he has returned to the game he has finished at the top 5 in 3 events in Europe and is ready for the PGA Tour again.
I am hoping he can make it to our next Get-Together the first weekend in December and play a round of golf at “La Herradura” with a bunch of fan-banded patients.
Arturo Rodríguez, MD
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Originally posted 2009-06-24 23:12:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Tags: after lapband, Arturo Rodriguez, gastric band, J & J Band, John Daly, Lap Band, Lap Band Mexico, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband surgery, Realize Band
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, J & J Band, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity surgery, Realize Band, Weight loss surgery | 2 Comments »
