Weight Loss Treatments in El Paso

weight loss

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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Bariatric Surgery FAQs in El Paso TX

bariatric surgery

What is bariatric surgery?

Medically known as bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery is recommended for patients suffering from severe obesity, meaning that they have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and above.

How do I know if I am a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Most people are good candidates of a weight loss procedure, though the first criteria that physicians look at your BMI. There are three main categories of people who can benefit from bariatric surgery:

  • People with mild obesity and BMI of 30 to 35
  • People with moderate obesity and BMI of 35 to 40
  • People with severe obesity and BMI of over 40

Physicians recommend that patients consider bariatric surgery when dealing with moderate obesity, and a BMI between 35 and 40, rather than waiting until their BMI is over 40 or even 50 when the patient is less likely to enjoy the full benefits of the procedure.

Is the surgery safe and how does it work?

Bariatric surgery is a fast, safe, and effective way to reduce your weight while warding off the dangers of obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among others.

Weight loss surgery involves reducing the size of your stomach to directly reduce your food intake. The procedure also causes changes in your appetizing hormone levels, which helps to lower your appetite and boost insulin sensitivity, which often causes diabetes remission.  

What are the types of weight loss surgery options?

There are many different approaches to bariatric surgery, though the most common ones are:

  • Sleeve gastrectomy – Used by around 60 – 70% of obese patients, the procedure requires the doctor to remove 80% of your stomach. This procedure is particularly suited for patients with a BMI of 35 to 40.
  • Gastric bypass – This procedure is recommended for severely obese patients. It involves bisecting the stomach and small intestines into two segments and then linking the smaller ones together to reduce both your food intake and absorption in the intestines.

Keep in mind that surgery is almost always a last resort, where diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes are ineffective. Your bariatric specialist in El Paso, TX can help you determine if surgery is your best option But after the procedure, you will need to adjust your lifestyle choices.

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What Are The Signs of Hernia? El Paso

hernia

Here are some symptoms that you need hernia repair

  • If you have a bulge or swelling in the scrotum or groin
  • Elevated pain at the position of the bulge
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Signs of bowel blockage

A hernia repair surgeon is a trained specialist who monitors your hernia condition and returns the removed tissues to their position.

Procedure for Hernia Repair

Before the procedure, our specialist will need to carry out a thorough examination to ensure that you have a hernia. At this moment, it is crucial to let our team of experts know if you smoke, have a history of blood clots, or are taking a large amount of aspirin or blood thinners. Our hernia repair might be accomplished either laparoscopically or in an open fashion. While the chances of relapse are the same with either technique, the pain following the treatment is less with laparoscopic surgery. 

Our experienced team will give you a general or local anesthetic depending upon the requirements of the surgery. After anesthesia, you might need to shave to uncover the skin. We then make an incision parallel to the line of your inguinal ligament. 

After our trusted team has identified the hernia sac, our specialist will put the bulging organs back into their position and either input the mesh for larger areas or stitch your abdominal wall. Our team of experts will then seal the initial incision and apply an appropriate dressing. 

You will be able to go back home on the day of the procedure, but you are required to rest and you will not be able to drive for a few weeks.

Contact Us Today

Contact us today at our practice to schedule an appointment. Our trusted experts will be happy to meet with you and discuss your treatment options.

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Modern Gastric Bypass Procedure in El Paso

gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass is performed through small incisions (laparoscopically). Ideally, a small pouch will be created in the upper portion of the stomach, bringing up a piece of intestine and bypassing the distal stomach and a portion of the small intestine. 

Why Choose Gastric Bypass? 

There are various reasons why gastric bypass has remained one of the most popular bariatric surgeries for weight loss. Here are some of the reasons to choose this procedure: 

  • You will certainly lose between 70 and 80% of your excess body weight in the first 18 months following the procedure 
  • It can eliminate type 2 diabetes or significantly improve the health of patients 
  • It will help you reduce your meals since you have a smaller stomach 
  • It prevents you from eating too many carbohydrates, which helps further to keep weight down 
  • It can help patients on high blood pressure or high cholesterol medications to reduce or come off the medications as their conditions improve significantly 
  • It is a reliable procedure that sees up to 90% of patients maintain at least 50% of excess weight loss after surgery 
  • It can also lead to hormonal improvements, as well as metabolism improvements. 

Book Your Appointment 

Are you considering gastric bypass and have some questions about the procedure? Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Benjamin Clapp of El Paso Bariatric Surgery, who has perfected the procedure and become one of the very best gastric bypass surgeons in El Paso. 

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Types of Weight Loss Procedures | El Paso

weight loss

Gastric Bypass – This well-known procedure 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 amount of calories your body absorbs.

Sleeve Gastrectomy – This treatment 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 to 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 Today

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 you are a candidate for a weight loss procedure, contact your bariatric specialist in El Paso TX to schedule your consultation.

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Bariatric Specialist in El Paso TX

bariatric specialist

Though obtaining long-term weight loss is one of the benefits of bariatric surgery, it is not the only crucial advantage.  Bariatric surgery can change a patient’s life by not only helping them to maintain a healthy weight but also maintain other aspects of their lives in El Paso.  Common advantages of bariatric surgery include:

Reduce Chronic Conditions

Many patients find weight loss after surgery provides additional changes in their physical health.  Often patients with type 2 diabetes can reverse their condition after surgery.  Weight loss after bariatric surgery can reduce a patient’s risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.  Other patients who suffer from sleep apnea may find they no longer need to use the machine for good night sleep.  The physical benefits to reduce chronic conditions are high after bariatric surgery.

Relieve Depression

Depression is common among those who are obese in El Paso.  Many have said their weight contributed to poor body image and inadequacy in social situations.  Losing weight after bariatric surgery can help boost a patient’s self-confidence and increase their desire to enjoy life with others.

Improve Fertility

For some women who struggle with infertility, weight can be a root cause.  Many obese women can conceive after bariatric surgery and long-term weight loss.

The benefits of bariatric surgery are vital for many in El Paso who struggle with their physical, mental, and emotional health.  It is essential to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced bariatric surgeon like Dr. Clapp.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of bariatric surgery, schedule your consultation with your bariatric specialist in El Paso TX.  We look forward to the opportunity to help you improve your health for the future.

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Surgery Treatment for GERD Near Me, El Paso

gerd

Do you have concerns about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Then you can benefit from reflux surgery. People live with acid reflux and associated issues for years. You should not do that. Reflux surgery is an effective treatment for GERD and can certainly help you live a healthier and more enjoyable life.

What is Reflux Surgery? 

Reflux surgery is a procedure that repairs or replaces the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the valve that normally keeps the acidic content of the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus. It is an effective treatment that improves the symptoms of GERD and helps patients enjoy a better life. 

Who Needs Reflux Surgery? 

Acid reflux is an important surgery for those who suffer acid reflux. GERD patients experienced heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux because their lower esophageal sphincters are damaged or weakened. Reflux surgery fixes this important valve and improves the quality of life for the patient. 

What are the Benefits of Reflux Surgery? 

The major benefits of reflux surgery include: 

  • It is an effective treatment that can put a stop to acid reflux and its accompanying troubles 
  • Surgery is the quickest way to treat acid reflux and prevent future problems associated with the condition. 
  • It will help patients to avoid taking long-term medications for GERD. 

Where to Get Reflux Surgery 

Have you been diagnosed with GERD? Do you think you are a good candidate for reflux surgery? El Paso Bariatric surgery may be the right place for you. Dr. Benjamin Clapp is an experienced surgeon who has performed several types of reflux surgeries. He is adept in fundoplication, Nissen fundoplication, hernia repairs, including Hiatal hernias and paraesophageal hernias, among many others. 

Dr. Clapp is also surrounded by an excellent team of professionals who will make your experience exceptional . The Dr. will discuss your specific condition and will work with a plan for reflux surgery that is best suited for you. Book an appointment to get started.

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Advantages of Weight Loss Surgery in El Paso TX

weight loss surgery

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.

Alternatives to Weight Loss Surgery

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 to will help assess your need for weight loss surgery. We look forward to helping you achieve your weight loss goals and improving your health for the future.

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Reasons to Choose Bariatric Surgery in El Paso TX

bariatric surgery

Though obtaining long-term weight loss is one of the benefits of bariatric surgery, it is not the only crucial advantage.  Bariatric surgery can change a patient’s life by not only helping them to maintain a healthy weight but also maintain other aspects of their lives in El Paso.  Common advantages of bariatric surgery include:

Reduce Chronic Conditions

Many patients find weight loss after surgery provides additional changes in their physical health.  Often patients with type 2 diabetes can reverse their condition after surgery.  Weight loss after bariatric surgery can reduce a patient’s risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.  Other patients who suffer from sleep apnea may find they no longer need to use the machine for good night sleep.  The physical benefits to reduce chronic conditions are high after bariatric surgery.

Relieve Depression

Depression is common among those who are obese in El Paso.  Many have said their weight contributed to poor body image and inadequacy in social situations.  Losing weight after bariatric surgery can help boost a patient’s self-confidence and increase their desire to enjoy life with others.

Improve Fertility

For some women who struggle with infertility, weight can be a root cause.  Many obese women can conceive after bariatric surgery and long-term weight loss.

The benefits of bariatric surgery are vital for many in El Paso who struggle with their physical, mental, and emotional health.  It is essential to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced bariatric surgeon like Dr. Clapp.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of bariatric surgery, schedule your consultation with your bariatric specialist in El Paso TX.  We look forward to the opportunity to help you improve your health for the future.

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Weight Loss Surgery FAQs – El Paso TX

bariatric surgery

Weight loss surgery involves reducing the size of your stomach to physically reduce the amount of food you need to consume. The procedure also causes metabolic changes, such as changes in some hormone levels, which help to lower your appetite and boost insulin sensitivity. This is actually one of the benefits of bariatric surgery for diabetic patients.

Depending on the procedure, the doctor may remove 80% of your stomach, using the sleeve gastrectomy approach. This procedure is particularly suited for patients with a BMI of 35 to 40. Severely obese patients, on the other hand, use the gastric bypass approach, which involves bisecting the stomach and small intestines into two segments, and then linking the smaller ones together to reduce both your food intake and absorption in the intestines.

Weight Loss Surgery FAQ

Do the benefits of weight loss surgery last?

A new study has just emerged revealing that weight loss surgery not only helps people lose a significant amount of weight, but that the weight “appears to stay off for at least 10 years”. Details of the news may be found here.

Can I return home the day after surgery?

Patients typically must stay in the hospital for one to two days following surgery. Dr. Benjamin Clapp will leave you home with a list of post-operation directions that must be followed for a speedy recovery process and for the best results.

How soon may I eat food?

Expect to be on a liquid diet (including protein shakes) for the first two weeks following your surgery as your body heals. During week 3, you may shift to soft foods such as meatloaf, fish, eggs, etc. By week 4 you should be able to resume back to normal.

How much weight is lost from weight loss surgery?

Patients will generally lose – on average – 100 lbs. of extra body weight following the surgery. This number will vary from individual to individual.

Will I need to take time off from work?

Yes, this procedure will require you to take anywhere from 2-6 weeks off depending on what specific procedure is used and other factors.

Please schedule a consultation with your weight loss surgeon in El Paso, TX to discuss your specific weight loss goals and the best bariatric weight loss surgery for your case.

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