Arturo Rodriguez, MD

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

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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 »

LapBand: Truth or Myth?

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

LapBand: 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.

Inamed-Allergan Lap Band Models:

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

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Tags: Health, Lap Band, Lap Band erosion, Lap band slippage, Lap Band USA, Realize Band
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Lap Band, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Lapband, Lapband mexico, Lapband procedure, Lapband surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery | 1 Comment »

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

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

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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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
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Stomach erosion, Weight loss surgery | 2 Comments »

10 Ways to Succeed with the Lap Band

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

10 Ways to Succeed with the Lap Band

Here are some helpful tips to help you succeed with the Lap-Band on a long-term basis.

Before you have the Gastric Lap Band:

1. Search for the Right Doctor for You
Many companies or groups claim to be the Best Experts in Lap Band surgery. However, it is important to check the qualifications and experience of your surgeon before making your decision. Find out whether the doctor is a member of any medical organizations and whether they have any experience in bariatric surgery. Make sure to research the company and the Doctor´s credentials, and look into the facilities and medical team. You can also check with the companies that manufacture the lap band products, like Allergan or Johnson & Johnson, to find more recommendations. It is very important to be in the right hands when you have surgery. The experience of your surgeon can make a big difference in your weight loss outcome. Surgery can be life-changing – Don´t play with your health. Look for the right doctor, and not just the cheapest deal.

2. Double-check the Doctor´s Coordinators
Some coordinators will say anything to convince you that their team and services are the best. The personality of the coordinators or the medical team can tell you a lot about the kind of work they do. When talking on the phone, check for signs of aggressiveness, or whether they speak poorly of other bariatric teams or surgeons. If they tell you that they know “everything” about Lap Bands or bariatric surgery, this is probably not true. Take your time to analyze their ethics and professionalism, and keep your ears and eyes open. Be cautious of coordinators that seem too pushy or don´t respect your requests. These coordinators are not looking out for your best interests – they are just looking for your money. Instead, look for coordinators that demonstrate clear communication and professionalism, honesty, friendliness and a helpful and caring attitude.

3. Avoid companies that are just “moving patients through the border”
Some “coordinators” may contact you to promote weight loss surgery without an actual connection to a qualified bariatric surgeon. They may not even work for the Doctor that they are promoting, and are just looking to make money. They do not have your best interests in mind – you are a merchandize for them. They might make promises that they can´t follow through with, and may get any Doctor for your surgery as long as they get paid for arranging things for you. When researching into the company, find out as much as you can about all the details, including any hidden costs or fees. Be sure that you feel confidant and comfortable with the people that you are working with before you make your final decision.

4. Communicate with other Banded Patients
Often, the best source of information is someone that has already gone through the experience before. You can find out answers by asking other people that have had the lap band procedure. Search for online forums, chat rooms, or message boards. Some questions you might ask could be:

What kind of surgical weight loss procedure did they receive?
Was the surgery what they expected?
How did the Doctor and his medical team treat them?
Did they have any complications after surgery?
How long did the surgery process take?
How have they adjusted to life with the lap band?
Did they see the results that they were expecting or hoping for?
How soon did they see results?
Would they recommend their doctor to someone else looking for the same surgery?

After you have the Gastric Lap Band Procedure:

5. Begin the Journey: Develop Good Habits
After Lap Band surgery, you will need to make some changes to your diet and activity. Small actions can results in big changes and lead to successful weight loss with your new lap band. Make sure that you learn about what foods to eat and what foods to avoid after your surgery, and determine if you can make these changes. You will also see better results if you include physical activity in your daily routine. If you are always used to driving in the car or riding the bus, try going for a short walk or getting off the bus earlier. If you do walk, try walking faster. Park your car farther away from where you are going so you can get some extra steps into your day. Use any excuse to move your body, like taking the dogs out or doing some gardening. Do anything that will help you to develop new, healthy habits.

6. Your Lap Band Expectations
Imagine yourself at the end of the “Lap Band Road” and keep Focused on that image. The vast majority of banded patients expect the band to work alone by itself, without changing any of their old habits. But the truth is that you do need to put a lot of energy into yourself and encourage yourself to improve your eating habits and activities in order to each your weight loss goals. The Lap Band is a tool to help you, but it won’t do the job alone. For the best results, you need to be committed to positive change.

7. Find the optimum Lap Band Fill
My advice is to reach a “fill point” where you can keep enjoying the foods you like, while still being able to lose or maintain your weight. Too much tightness or restriction will have you at the border line for being de-banded, and stomach erosion can happen frequently in patients with large fills. Do not compete with the Lap Band by trying to force food to pass through the band. If you feel excessive restriction, visit your doctor to have your band adjusted.

8. Maintain Good Communication with your Doctor
This is the most important of the 10 “keys for success.” Make sure you can reach your Doctor whenever you need him or her. The Bariatric Surgeons and Doctors are different than General Surgeons in the follow-up care.
Don’t hesitate to call your Doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: Heartburn, pain at the port area or in the abdomen, frequent vomiting, difficulty swallowing or reflux.

9. Have a Barium Swallow or an Endoscopy atleast once a year
This can help to indicate the condition of your stomach, esophagus, and the lap band system, including the positioning of the band and port. This may also help to detect any problems earlier, which can allow for more time to solve the problem.

10. Have your Fills done under Fluoroscopy as often as possible
Office fills do not detect early, easily-correctable problems until it may be too late. Slippage and erosion are more frequently seen in patients that have never had follow-ups under fluoroscopy. Check with your Doctor to find out their process for lap band fills – if they only do office fills, ask your Doctor to recommend someone that can provide fills under fluoroscopy for you.

Arturo Rodriguez, MD
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com

Originally posted 2008-05-31 20:39:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Weight loss surgery | 9 Comments »

Why My Weight Loss Procedure Can Fail?

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

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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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
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Revision Surgery, Roux-n-Y, RYGB, Weight loss surgery | 2 Comments »

Lap Band Trials – Reviewing the Results

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Lap Band Trials – Reviewing the Results

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

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 »

What If my Bariatric Procedure Fails?

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

What If my Bariatric Procedure Fails?

Patients can have minor or large complications after a Lap Band, Gastric sleeve or Gastric Bypass procedure. Many patients may need another surgery to correct the complications, which can cost them more money. However, medical complications are not always a result of a bariatric procedure failure. A Weight Loss Procedure is classified as a failure if the procedure is no longer working.

When a Bariatric Procedure Fails for a patient, there are several different consequences to be considered. They include the emotional, economical, and physical impacts of the failure.

What are the emotional consequences of Procedure Failure?

Depending on the type of procedure (Lap Band, Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass), the patient may regain all the weight back again. This can be emotionally devastating because it gives the patient the feeling that he or she has thrown away money for nothing. They feel anger towards the doctor and themselves, and during this whole process, their health and life could be at risk due to the complications. It is important for patients to know they are not alone. It is also important that they take positive action to address the situation, since this increases the probability of succeeding in the future.

What happens after a Procedure Failure?

We can say a Bariatric Procedure is no longer working when the patient has regained all the weight originally lost. This means that the patient needs a new procedure called Revision Surgery. The need for a revision surgery after a procedure has failed may jeopardize the health or life of the patient, as the complication rate increases from 2% to 25%. In addition, it will cost additional money for the revision surgery.

The chances for success for a second, different, Bariatric Surgery are lower then the first time, and the morbidity increases up to 25% depending on the revision procedure to be done. This is in part because the doctor has to be able to finish a new Weight Loss Procedure over the scar tissue and be able to repair what went wrong in the first place. The decision as to which will be the chosen bariatric surgery for the second time will depend on the type of surgery first performed.

How can a patient succeed after Revision surgery?

The patient must be careful to avoid any mistakes made before that may have influenced the development of complications. It is very important that you ask your doctor and yourself questions like:

Why didn’t the first procedure work for me?
Which procedure works for me best after failing the first time?
Am I going to be able to follow the rules for success with the procedure I am choosing?
How much help will I get from the doctor and his staff after revision surgery?
Am I looking only for the best price I can get, or for the procedure that can work best for me?

You have to analyze both the pros and cons for any procedure that you are considering, especially when considering a second procedure or revision surgery. You have more chances to succeed if you keep in mind what went wrong the first time, in order to develop a plan for success in the future.

http://www.thebariatric.com/

http://www.bandstersforum.com/

Originally posted 2008-07-27 21:53:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Tags: Gastic Bypass Surgery, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, Health, Lap Band, Lapband, Realize Band, Revision Surgery, Simplified Gastric Bypass, weight loss procedure
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Revision Surgery, Roux-n-Y, RYGB, Stomach erosion, Weight loss surgery | 2 Comments »

Lap Band Office Fills

Monday, August 30th, 2010

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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Tags: Gastric Banding, Health, Lap Band, Lap Band fill, lap band office fill, Realize Band, weight loss, weight loss procedure, Weight loss surgery, WLS
Posted in Gastric band Procedure, Gastric Band surgery, Gastric Banding, Lap Band procedure, Lap band surgery, Obesity, Obesity surgery, Stomach erosion, Weight loss surgery | 3 Comments »

Lap Band Surgery in Mexico

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

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

Originally posted 2008-12-12 21:44:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Tags: Health, Lap Band, Lap Band Mexico, Lapband, lapband in Mexico, Lapband surgery, lapband testimonial, medical tourism, Realize Band
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John Daly and the Realize Band

Monday, July 5th, 2010

John Daly and the Realize Band

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.

http://www.thebariatric.com