Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Me? El Paso

Weight loss struggles are common throughout our culture.  Fortunately, there are solutions to help you begin a healthier lifestyle.  If you are finding losing weight to be difficult, weight loss surgery may be right for you.

Patients with a body mass index of over 35 are considered eligible for weight loss surgery. You must also have tried traditional weight loss methods before settling for bariatric surgery. If you have a high risk for an obesity-induced disease or have a life-threatening disease, you may be considered a good candidate.

Other guidelines may include obesity that has not receded for more than five years with the patient having no history of drug or alcohol abuse or an untreated psychiatric disorder. As regards age, everyone is eligible, though common candidates are between the ages of 18 and 65 years old.

What Happens If Weight Loss Surgery is Right for Me?

You’re only considered a good weight loss surgery candidate if your chances of positive results are realistic. Also, the surgery should not pose a significant threat to your health. It should, instead, improve your appearance and health, and change your quality of life in the long run.

Of course, the surgery may not solely guarantee to turn your life around. The surgeon may require that you make certain behavior and lifestyle modifications to complement the results and ensure they last. You may even be recommended to consider additional clinical procedures and medications.

Common complementary procedures include breast lift, breast augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty, all of which are dedicated to treating fat, improve loose muscles, lift sagging areas and remove excess skin.

Are There Other Weight Loss Solutions?

Since surgeons won’t consider bariatric surgery unless other treatments have failed, it is important to know all your other alternatives. The most common weight loss techniques are exercise and diet modification. These should be considered with the guidance of a weight loss doctor before resorting to surgery. Other procedures include liposuction and a tummy tuck.

Call your weight loss specialist in El Paso today to schedule an appointment with our weight loss surgeon, who will help assess your candidature for weight loss surgery.

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Best Weight Loss Treatments Near Me, El Paso

When weight loss treatments were introduced a few decades ago, its sole purpose was to help people lose weight. Today, it does a lot more than just that. Weight loss procedures have been shown to improve symptoms of weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux, sleep apnea, and heart disease. What’s more, doctors can now tackle weight from multiple angles, making almost any case of overweight or obesity remediable by surgery.

By consulting with your bariatric specialist, you can discover which treatment is best for you. Most specialists recommend weight loss treatments after other interventions have not helped to improve your health. Common procedures include:

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is performed to limit the amount of food your stomach can hold. The surgeon creates a pouch at the top end of your stomach, to which the small intestine is cut and connected. Food thus flows into the intestines without getting into the main part of the stomach, effectively reducing the amount of food you can take per sitting and, consequently, the number of calories your body absorbs.

This may be the best type of surgery if you have acid reflux as it reduces the upward pressure that pushes up stomach content into the esophagus.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

This procedure is pretty similar to gastric bypass, except for the fact that the cut portion of the stomach is removed entirely from the body. The objective is straightforward – to physically reduce the size of the stomach, so you get full without eating much. The surgery also reduces one’s urge to eat as the hormone that alerts the brain when one gets hungry is located in the section of the stomach that is cut off.

Sleeve gastrectomy heals more quickly than gastric bypass and is suitable for people who have had multiple other surgeries in the abdominal area.

Adjustable Gastric Band

In this, an inflatable balloon is placed inside a silicone ring, which is attached to the upper part of the stomach. A small tubing is attached to the balloon with one of its endings connected to a port placed under the skin in the abdomen.

Using the port, the surgeon can modulate the diameter of the opening at the top of the stomach and create a pouch where food sits for a while after a meal so the individual feels full faster.

Biliopancreactic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

The BPD/DS involves two procedures: a sleeve gastrectomy – where part of the stomach is tied into a banana-shaped pouch – followed by the surgical attachment of the small intestine to the pouch. It is known as a malabsorptive surgery as it is designed to regulate the number of calories absorbed along the gut. It makes the food storage part of the stomach much smaller and makes the food reach the small intestine faster.

Schedule Your Consultation

Weight loss surgery is the way to go if you’re looking for a quick and effective way of shed the few extra pounds. To find out if surgery is right for you, contact your weight loss specialist in El Paso TX to schedule your consultation.

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Am I Fit for Gastric Bypass Surgery? El Paso

People with severe obesity may be good candidates for gastric bypass. In fact, bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for severe obesity. Without the medical intervention that bariatric surgery provides, many patients with severe obesity are not successful in managing their weight and related health conditions. Most nonsurgical weight loss programs are based on a combination of diet, behavior modification, and regular exercise. Published scientific papers report that these methods alone rarely resolve severe obesity because they fail to help people maintain weight loss. In fact, more than 95% of people regain the weight they lose within a few years after treatment. 

Fortunately, bariatric surgery can provide them with sustainable and significant weight loss, helping them to discover life at a healthier weight and resolve many of the health risks associated with severe obesity. Gastric bypass has been shown to resolve or improve:

  • Type 2 diabetes – 60-84% resolved
  • sleep apnea – 76% resolved
  • High blood pressure – 66% resolved
  • High cholesterol – 94% resolved

Schedule Your Consultation

Not everyone is a good candidate for gastric bypass surgery. No matter what information you read online, the absolute best way of finding out whether or not laparoscopic surgery is the right choice is to schedule an in-person 1-on-1 consultation with our experienced bariatric surgeon in El Paso today.

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Gastric Sleeve Surgeon in El Paso

Maintaining a healthy weight is critical to overall health. Gastric sleeve surgery has become one of the most popular ways to lose weight. This weight loss surgery is similar to the gastric bypass procedure, but with key differences. You can expect to lose as much as 70% of the extra body weight through this procedure.

One of the Fastest Growing Weight Surgeries  

Gastric Sleeve, which is also called sleeve gastrectomy, became very popular between 2010 and 2015. It became one of the fastest-growing bariatric surgery procedures at the time for many good reasons. The first and most important reason was that it helped several individuals achieve their weight loss goals for personal and physical health reasons. 

Another reason gastric sleeve has continued to grow in popularity is the fact that it is a very safe procedure. Unlike most cosmetic surgery procedures, it does not include any major complications afterward. 

Why Choose Gastric Sleeve? 

We have mentioned two of the major benefits of sleeve gastrectomy, but there is a need to highlight the other benefits. Here are some of the benefits you stand to gain when you choose this procedure:

  • It takes less time than gastric bypass 
  • It does not require rerouting of the intestine 
  • It does not result in dumping syndrome and accompanying problems 
  • There is no chance of a foreign object being left in your body 
  • It doesn’t require adjustments; some follow-up appointments with your doctor is required, however 
  • The majority of weight loss occurs in a year or within the first 18 months of the procedure 
  • It may also reduce your hunger, helping you to maintain the weight loss you have achieved. 

Book your Appointment 

Are you considering gastric sleeve surgery and have some questions about the procedure? Schedule a one-on-one consultation with us today at El Paso Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Benjamin Clapp, your reputable El Paso gastric sleeve surgeon, will be available to speak with you and discuss your needs.

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Weight Loss Surgery In My Area | El Paso

Patients with a body mass index of over 35 are considered eligible for weight loss surgery. You must also have tried traditional weight loss methods before settling for bariatric surgery. If you have a high risk for an obesity-induced disease or have a life-threatening disease, you may be considered a good candidate.

Other guidelines may include obesity that has not receded for more than five years with the patient having no history of drug or alcohol abuse or an untreated psychiatric disorder. As regards age, everyone is eligible, though common candidates are between the ages of 18 and 65 years old.

What Happens If Weight Loss Surgery is Right for Me?

You’re only considered a good weight loss surgery candidate if your chances of positive results are realistic. Also, the surgery should not pose a significant threat to your health. It should, instead, improve your appearance and health, and change your quality of life in the long run.

Of course, the surgery may not solely guarantee to turn your life around. The surgeon may require that you make certain behavior and lifestyle modifications to complement the results and ensure they last. You may even be recommended to consider additional clinical procedures and medications.

Common complementary procedures include breast lift, breast augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty, all of which are dedicated to treating fat, improve loose muscles, lift sagging areas and remove excess skin.

Are There Other Weight Loss Solutions?

Since surgeons won’t consider bariatric surgery unless other treatments have failed, it is important to know all your other alternatives. The most common weight loss techniques are exercise and diet modification. These should be considered with the guidance of a weight loss doctor before resorting to surgery. Other procedures include liposuction and a tummy tuck.

Call your weight loss specialist in El Paso TX today to schedule an appointment with our weight loss surgeon, who will help assess your candidature for weight loss surgery.

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Gastro Reflux Symptoms in El Paso 

Gastro Reflux Disease is a chronic condition itself. Even when an injured esophagus is treated and heals, the injury is bound to come back a few months later. The three primary symptoms of an uncomplicated case of acid reflux include:

Heartburn

Heartburn is sometimes described as just chest pain. It occurs when the acid in the stomach content stimulates nerve fibers in the esophagus. Most people with Gastro Reflux Disease will feel burning sensations or mild pain in the region above the stomach and the neck. However, in some cases, the pain is sharper or feels like pressure in the chest that may extend to the back.

Since acid refluxes occur not long after meals, heartburns too come at around the same time. That is however not to say that every meal will be followed by a heartburn; heartburns come about intermittently and may go for several months before returning. Note that GERD-stimulated heartburn is chronic and will always come back.

Regurgitation

Regurgitation occurs when the fluid from the stomach goes past the esophagus and up into the throat where it’s felt as a bitter taste at the back of the mouth. While in most cases just a little of the fluid reaches the mouth, there are instances when the backed up content is too much it breaches the upper esophageal sphincter (UEL) and results in mouthfuls of liquid or food.

Nausea

As a symptom of GERD, nausea is not as common as regurgitation or heartburn. But even if it was, it would be hard to attribute to GERD as it is a symptom of many other common conditions.

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Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery – FAQS | El Paso

Can I Live Without The Gallbladder?

The responsibility of the gallbladder is to concentrate bile from the liver. Without a gallbladder, there’s nowhere for bile to be collected, and as a result, your liver discharges bile straight into the small intestine. 

Is It Necessary To Have My Gallbladder Removed?

You have first to determine whether gallstones cause your abdominal pain. They typically cause pain on your upper right side or in the center of your abdomen just below the breastbone that leads to the back or right shoulder. 

What If I Decide Not To Have An Surgery?

The decision is entirely left to you whether to have an operation or not as long as you are aware of the risks of leaving gallstones untreated. Some of the risks of not treating gallstones are:

  • Random attacks of gallstone pain.
  • Episodes of inflammation or severe infection of the pancreas, gallbladder, or bile ducts.

I Am Not Noticing Any symptoms. Should I Have The Surgery?

We do not recommend laparoscopic gallbladder surgery for patients who do not have symptoms.

What Is The Procedure For The Surgery?

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the most popular surgery done to take out the gallbladder. Our specialist inserts a lighted viewing instrument called a laparoscope and surgical tools into the patient’s belly through several small incisions; this is commonly known as keyhole surgery and has a high success rate. Most of the patients who undergo this surgery usually recover within ten days.

What Are The Risks Involved?

The risk for laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is relatively low and are listed below:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Injury to the regular bile duct.

What precautions do I need to take after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery?

After the surgery, here are some important things to note:

  • You might be able to drive again after a week or so of resting but first, make sure you can properly wear a seatbelt.
  • You can get back to work after 10 to 14 days, depending on what your job entails
  • You can return to a regular diet even if we advise you to stay away from certain foods before the surgery.
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Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair in El Paso

When you have been diagnosed with a hernia, the tissue in your body pushes through a weakened area supposed to hold it. This issue can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, a noticeable bulge, and nausea. At our practice, we offer the most recent advancements in minimally invasive hernia repair. Our experienced team can help treat your hernia.

What Is Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair?

Minimally invasive hernia repair involves using a laparoscope, a thin, telescope-like device inserted through a tiny incision at the belly button. Here are some benefits of minimally invasive hernia repair 

  • Smaller incisions which result in less pain
  • Lower risk of wounds
  • Decreased need for opioid pain medication 

Procedure For Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair 

Whether you have regular or minimally invasive hernia repair surgery, our specialist starts by administering anesthesia to keep you pain-free during the process. Because of this, you might have to avoid taking certain medications, foods, and beverages in advance, but our experienced team provides all instructions before the procedure. 

After being sedated, our specialist makes three incisions in your abdomen; each incision is less than one centimeter in size; this is done to insert the laparoscope and unique tools necessary to perform the procedure. Then, our specialist inflates your abdomen with carbon dioxide to give good views of the surgical area. This harmless gas helps create more space in the cavity to view all of the internal structures easily. 

After locating the hernia, our specialist repairs it. Our technique involves pushing the herniated tissue back into its initial position and strengthening all the weak areas with a surgical mesh. When our specialist is done with your hernia repair, they only require surgical tape to close your incisions. Our specialist carries out all minimally invasive hernia surgeries as outpatient procedures so that you can go home the same day. 

Contact Us Today

Do you feel you need a hernia treated, or do you want to check if you have a hernia? Get help now by booking an appointment with us now.

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Weight Loss Treatments in El Paso

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is performed to limit the amount of food your stomach can hold. The surgeon creates a pouch at the top end of your stomach, to which the small intestine is cut and connected. Food thus flows into the intestines without getting into the main part of the stomach, effectively reducing the amount of food you can take per sitting and, consequently, the number of calories your body absorbs.

This may be the best type of surgery if you have acid reflux as it reduces the upward pressure that pushes up stomach content into the esophagus.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

This procedure is pretty similar to gastric bypass, except for the fact that the cut portion of the stomach is removed entirely from the body. The objective is straightforward – to physically reduce the size of the stomach, so you get full without eating much. The surgery also reduces one’s urge to eat as the hormone that alerts the brain when one gets hungry is located in the section of the stomach that is cut off.

Sleeve gastrectomy heals more quickly than gastric bypass and is suitable for people who have had multiple other surgeries in the abdominal area.

Adjustable Gastric Band

In this, an inflatable balloon is placed inside a silicone ring, which is attached to the upper part of the stomach. A small tubing is attached to the balloon with one of its endings connected to a port placed under the skin in the abdomen.

Using the port, the surgeon can modulate the diameter of the opening at the top of the stomach and create a pouch where food sits for a while after a meal so the individual feels full faster.

Biliopancreactic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

The BPD/DS involves two procedures: a sleeve gastrectomy – where part of the stomach is tied into a banana-shaped pouch – followed by the surgical attachment of the small intestine to the pouch. It is known as a malabsorptive surgery as it is designed to regulate the number of calories absorbed along the gut. It makes the food storage part of the stomach much smaller and makes the food reach the small intestine faster.

Schedule Your Consultation

Weight loss surgery is the way to go if you’re looking for a quick and effective way of shed the few extra pounds. To find out if surgery is right for you, contact your weight loss specialist in El Paso TX to schedule your consultation.

Posted in surgery | Comments Off on Weight Loss Treatments in El Paso

One of the Fastest Growing Weight Surgeries in El Paso

Gastric Sleeve, which is also called sleeve gastrectomy, became very popular between 2010 and 2015. It became one of the fastest-growing bariatric surgery procedures at the time for many good reasons. The first and most important reason was that it helped several individuals achieve their weight loss goals for personal and physical health reasons. 

Another reason gastric sleeve has continued to grow in popularity is the fact that it is a very safe procedure. Unlike most cosmetic surgery procedures, it does not include any major complications afterward. 

Why Choose Gastric Sleeve? 

We have mentioned two of the major benefits of sleeve gastrectomy, but there is a need to highlight the other benefits. Here are some of the benefits you stand to gain when you choose this procedure:

  • It takes less time than gastric bypass 
  • It does not require rerouting of the intestine 
  • It does not result in dumping syndrome and accompanying problems 
  • There is no chance of a foreign object being left in your body 
  • It doesn’t require adjustments; some follow-up appointments with your doctor is required, however 
  • The majority of weight loss occurs in a year or within the first 18 months of the procedure 
  • It may also reduce your hunger, helping you to maintain the weight loss you have achieved. 

Book your Appointment 

Are you considering gastric sleeve surgery and have some questions about the procedure? Schedule a one-on-one consultation with us today at El Paso Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Benjamin Clapp, your reputable El Paso gastric sleeve surgeon, will be available to speak with you and discuss your needs.

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