3 Main Symptoms of Gastro Reflux Disease

gastro reflux disease

Closeup of a beautiful pregnant brunette feeling unwell and suffering from heartburn

Gastro Reflux Disease or acid reflux is a condition in which acidic content from the stomach leaks backs up into the esophagus. The liquid may cause irritation on the lining of the esophagus, over time leading to a chronic condition called esophagitis.

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.

What are the symptoms of Gastro Reflux Disease?

The three primary symptoms of an uncomplicated case of Gastro Reflux Disease are regurgitation, nausea, and heartburn.

1.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.

2.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.

3.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.

Contact us now at (915) 351-6020 if you feel those symptoms. Our Reflux Surgery Specialist, Dr. Benjamin Clapp will examine your symptoms and offer you with the treatments available.

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Abstract Acceptance For A Seattle Presentation

Presentation about what?

Dr. Benjamin Clapp accepted the abstract presentation about: An unusual presentation of Coccidioidomycosis with peritoneal involvement in an immunocompetent individual.

What is Coccidioidomycosis?

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to the southwestern United States, Central America, and South America.  Coccidioides is ubiquitous in many of these endemic regions, with near 100% seroconversion in some communities.

Two-thirds of these mycotic infections may be asymptomatic.

The most common presentation of coccidioidomycosis consists of “flu-like” symptoms or pneumonia.

Less than five percent of symptomatic cases progress to disseminated coccidioidomycosis which may involve any organ system.

Very rarely infection may include the peritoneum.

We report a case of coccidioidomycosis with peritoneal involvement in an immunocompetent individual.

PRESENTATION DETAILS

Abstract ID: 84804
Abstract Title: An Unusual Presentation of Coccidioidomycosis with Peritoneal Involvement in an Immunocompetent Individual
Session Name: iPoster Session (Non CME)
Program Number: Program Number will be assigned in January 2018
Session Date: Thursday, April 12, 2018 and Friday, April 13, 2018
Session Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Learn More about this presentation.

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How are Abdominal Hernias Diagnosed?

A clinical evaluation is used to diagnose abdominal hernia. Read on to learn abdominal hernia diagnosis and why you should seek treatment for abdominal hernias.

Abdominal Hernia

Doctors often rely on a physical exam to diagnose abdominal hernias. In some case, a hernia swelling may be visible or can be felt when a hand is placed directly over it and then bear down. Because a hernia may be felt only when abdominal pressure is increased, you will be asked to stand upright during the diagnosis.

In the event the no hernia is palpable, you will be asked to cough or perform Valsalva maneuver as the doctor palpates the adnominal wall. The clinical examination focuses on the inguinal area, the umbilicus, the femoral area and any incisions that are visible.

For a femoral hernia, an ultrasound may be used to determine if it is apparent. Also, an abdominal X-ray may be conducted to check for the presence of a bowel construction.

World-Class Hernia Treatment in El Paso

If you’re diagnosed with a hernia, the doctor may recommend various treatments options to help you restore the quality of your life.

An umbilical hernia in a baby may heal itself within four years, making hernia repair surgery unnecessary.

Generally, hernias produce less troubling symptoms, allowing people to live with it and monitor it. However, you should seek immediate treatment if you experience serious abdominal complaints. The risk of living with a hernia is that the protruding organ may become strangulated, cutting off blood supply or causing the abdomen to swell. This can be life-threatening, especially if the strangulated intestinal hernia becomes infected or perforated.

A hernia repair surgery is the conventional treatment solution for hernias. This treatment is performed under local anesthesia with the purpose of repairing the damaged muscle wall.

Hernia repairs are usually carried out as an outpatient procedure, which means you get to go home on the same day. In fact, you can resume work and routine activities within one to two weeks following the surgery. But full recovery takes up to 4 weeks and you should not lift heavy objects for two months.

Making important life changes like keeping your body weight in healthy range and taking regular exercises can go a long way toward preventing hernias from reoccurring.

An untreated hernia will not go away. Come for comprehensive and effective hernia treatment performed by Dr. Benjamin Clapp in El Paso. Dr. Benjamin Clapp is committed to helping you overcome effects of hernia through effective hernia repair surgery at our state-of the art El Paso facility.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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Dr. Clapp Presenting at the 34th ASMBS Annual Meeting

ASMBS Annual Meeting at ObesityWeek 2017

 

Dr. Clapp will be presenting “Alarming Trends in Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Meta-Analysis” at the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons annual meeting in Washington, DC. He will be presenting as part of Top Ten Papers along with 2 video presentations and 1 poster presentation. Some of Dr. Clapp’s residents from Texas Tech will also be accompanying him at ObesityWeek 2017.

 

ObesityWeek 2017

 

Top Ten Papers Part 1

Top abstracts submitted to ASMBS for ObesityWeek 2017.

Tuesday (10/31)
10:15am – 12:00pm
10:40 am: A102 Alarming trends regarding laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

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What is Colorectal Cancer?

colorectal cancer

So what is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the rectum or colon. Colorectal cancer treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation, and colorectal surgery.

Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer or colon cancer. It is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Cancers develop when cells in the body begin to grow without control.  The colon and rectum are parts of the digestive system and make up the large intestine.

Colorectal cancer is the world’s third most common cancer after lung cancer and breast cancer. However, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. The key to preventing colorectal cancer is

What Causes Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer typically begins as slow growing, small growth in the bowel (rectum and colon). Over time these pre-cancerous growths (polyps) progress into cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors can increase your chances of developing cancer. The risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

  • Age over 50
  • Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
  • Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch syndrome
  • Crohn’s disease (ulcerative colitis)
  • Diet rich in fat and red meat
  • Cigarette smoking

Colorectal Cancer Prevention

The best way to preventing colorectal cancer is to go for screening so that the cancer is found at an early stage before it begins to grow. However, you can reduce your risks of getting colorectal cancer by making major lifestyle changes such as taking regular exercises, eating a balanced diet, not smoking and knowing your family history.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Colorectal cancer symptoms take time to show. It’s important to be proactive and talk to El Paso colon cancer specialist for a possibility of colon cancer screening.  The symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

  • A change in bowel habits such constipation and diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Fatigue accompanied with weight loss for no reason
  • Persistent abdominal discomforts like cramps, gas and bloated stomach
  • Nausea or vomiting

Early signs of colorectal cancer do not include pain. Hence, it’s important not to wait to see the doctor as early detection can save your life.

Best Quality Colorectal Cancer Screening & Treatment in El Paso

At El Paso Bariatric Surgery, we offer comprehensive colorectal cancer treatments based on what stage your cancer is diagnosed at.  We also offer support and expert care to you stay healthy and active during and after your colorectal cancer treatment in El Paso.

Best colorectal cancer surgeon in El Paso Dr. Benjamin Clapp offers world-class screening and treatment for colorectal cancer that includes chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

If you’re worried about colorectal cancer or have been diagnosed with it, don’t despair.  Come to our conveniently located state-of-the-art clinic in El Paso for screening and effective treatment right away.

Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

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How Long Does It Take to recover From a Hernia Repair Surgery?

hernia repair surgery el paso

Recovery from hernia repair surgery varies with every patient. Dr. Benjamin Clapp top rated bariatric surgery specialist in El Paso discusses the recovery period after hernia surgery.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of hernia surgeries are performed in the U.S. While all surgical procedures come with some risks, majority of patients who have had hernia surgery recover quickly and do well after the operation.

Some patients may develop moderate to severe pain after laparoscopic surgery but many can expect to go home on the day of, or the day after your operation.  You will feel sore and some discomfort in your groin after your hernia repair surgery and painkillers can help relieve the pain.

Your recovery period after hernia repair surgery in El Paso should be as follows:

Days 1-4

During this time, you should only do basic daily functions such as eating at home or walking around the house. Do not go to work or school or perform work related activities.

Days 4-7

Four days after hernia surgery, a majority of patients should be able to return to work. However, you should avoid lifting heavy loads.  During this time you’ll be experiencing mild pain hence the need for occasional painkillers. You can also do light exercises like light stretching or walking.

Week 2

At week 2, all patients should be able to resume work or school. But you should still limit the amount of weight you carry to less than 20 pounds. Exercises recommended at this stage are jogging, yoga, biking, and light weight lifting. You’re likely to experience stiffness and occasional discomfort at this stage.

Week 3

At week 3, expect to resume about 85% of your normal daily activities. The types of exercises you can do at this stage include running, cycling, swimming, yoga, golf, and light weights at the gym.

Week 4

By week 4 you should resume work or school activities fully. You can also return to heavy or more demanding tasks without feeling any problems. Exercise you can do during this period includes heavy lifting, contact sport, competitions and other regular training exercises. While you may still experience tugging, pulling, aches, heaviness, burning, swelling or occasional discomfort, it is completely normal.

You may also experience constipation during the recovery period due to oral pain medicines. The risks of constipation can be reduced by drinking lots of drinks and consuming plenty of vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber foods.

Taking care of yourself

It is normal to feel post operative pain around the wound after your hernia operation. Most patients will experience some level of bruising and swelling in the area of a hernia operation.

Look after yourself by ensuring you follow instructions about your hygiene and caring for the wound.

Best Hernia Repair Surgeon in El Paso – Dr. Benjamin Clapp

El Paso Bariatric surgery is devoted to providing you with the best hernia repair surgery in El Paso to enhance the quality of your life. Dr. Clapp will discuss keenly your hernia operation needs to determine which surgical procedure will help you recover more quickly.

Request an Appointment

Schedule an appointment with the best hernia surgeon in El Paso TX.  Contact us online or call our office at (915)-351-6020.

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New Bariatric Program at the El Paso Specialty Hospital

We are excited to announce that Dr. Clapp will be starting a new bariatric program at the El Paso Specialty Hospital.

El Paso Specialty Hospital

 

All-Inclusive Price of $10,000

includes a year of Post-Op Care

We’ll be accepting Medicare/Medicaid, credit cards, and Cash pay patients.

Weight Loss Surgery in El Paso

We’re specializing in sleeve gastrectomies. The sleeve gastrectomy is performed laparoscopically and usually requires one night in the hospital. About 85-90% of the stomach is resected, changing the metabolic status of the patient resulting in a loss of about 70% of the extra body weight.

Have Questions About Our Bariatric Program in El Paso?

Contact El Paso Bariatric Surgery at (915) 351-6020 or online for information.

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Welcome to Our Weight Loss Surgery Blog

Thank you for visiting our blog! Check back often as we will be posting articles about weight loss surgery and maintenance.

Bariatric Surgery in El Paso, TX  79902

Benjamin Clapp, MD FACS FASMBS

Our surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Clapp, is fellowship trained in bariatric surgery and has been in practice for over 10 years. He is board certified in General Surgery and specializes in weight loss surgery.

Dr. Clapp is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at Texas Tech School of Medicine and has rotating medical students. He is currently the Chief of Surgery at Providence Memorial in El Paso and the medical director of the bariatric center there.

Benjamin Clapp, MD FACS received an honorable mention for a scientific paper at the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons in Boston. The paper is about ulcer formation after gastric bypasses, a procedure we specialize in here at El Paso Bariatric Surgery.

Learn More about Dr. Benjamin Clapp

Weight Loss Surgery Performed by El Paso Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss surgery is indicated in patients with a Body Mass Index or BMI (need BMI calculator) of 35 or greater with two associated medical problems related to obesity or a BMI of 40. These operations are generally performed laparoscopically (through small incisions) and usually require one to two nights in the hospital.

Learn More about Weight Loss Surgery.

Insurance Accepted

At El Paso Bariatric Surgery, we accept the insurance plans listed on our insurance plan page. Feel free to call us at (915) 351-6020 if you have any questions.

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