Bariatric Surgery Before & After Photos
“6 months apart, 100 pound difference!”
I would highly recommend Dr. Clapp. He is caring and he has changed my life forever. My experiences with him and his staff were wonderful, and I will never forget them. Thank you Doctor Clapp for being a great doctor.
– Kimberly Gonzalez in Fort Hancock, TX
Preparing for Bariatric Surgery in El Paso TX
First, we would like to congratulate all our new patients on taking another step towards achieving optimal health. Our weight loss surgery solutions can help you lose weight when diet and exercise fail to provide the results you want.
Managing obesity is not simply a matter of changing your appearance and getting rid of the extra weight. Being overweight is often associated with a large number of health issues that range from high blood pressure and heart disease to joint problems and depression to infertility.
El Paso Bariatric surgery will not only help you get rid of a substantial amount of weight, but also help to improve your overall health and quality of life, enhancing your well-being and possibly adding years to your life.
What we offer our patients
Our comprehensive surgical weight loss program is focused on delivering long-term health, and includes a number of activities before your surgery, as well as post-operative care, a customized workout routine, nutritional counseling, support groups, and more.
Our team will determine if you’re a good candidate for bariatric surgery. For this, you can expect:
- A complete psychological assessment by a specialist
- A pre-surgery dietary assessment by a dietitian
- A comprehensive exercise assessment and program development
- A dedicated team of compassionate physicians and professional care before and after your surgery
Preparing for bariatric surgery
Before taking the step to get rid of your weight surgically, we expect you to have done as much research as possible about bariatric surgery. Generally, not every overweight individual is a good candidate for bariatric surgery. However, any person whose health has been affected by their extra weight, or who has failed to shed the fat by other means may be eligible. But keep in mind that your procedure will be combined with exercise and diet changes for great success.
El Paso bariatric surgery should be covered by insurance. But if your plan doesn’t cover the weight loss surgery, we will provide you with a separate self-pay package. If you have any questions, please contact our team at any time. We’re always ready to help.
Common Questions About Gastric Bypass Surgeon in El Paso TX
Gastric Bypass surgery is used as a tool for weight loss when other options have not returned satisfactory results. Gastric Bypass was initially introduced in 1967, but since then has advanced greatly over years – perfected by Benjamin Clapp, MD FACS, currently one of the best gastric bypass surgeons in El Paso.
Overview of the Gastric Bypass Procedure
The gastric bypass is performed laparoscopically (through small incisions). A small pouch is 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.
Useful Gastric Bypass Resources:
- Gastric Bypass Fact Sheet
- Visual Representation of Gastric Bypass
Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery
The gastric bypass has been one of the most popular bariatric surgeries for weight loss results. The procedure was named the most popular bariatric surgery option in 2015 and is considered the “gold standard” for bariatric surgery.
- You will lose weight. The average person loses 70-80% of their excess body weight in the first 18 months post surgery.
- Those with type 2 diabetes will see significant improvement. In some cases may even eliminate the condition.
- You will not physically be able to consume large meals due to your smaller stomach size following the procedure.
- You can get sick from eating too many carbohydrates, including sugar, which helps keep weight off.
- Those who are on medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol may see improvements significant enough to lower medications or come off of it entirely.
- Studies have shown 90% of patients maintain at least 50% of excess weight loss after surgery.
- You may see hormone improvements, including increased testosterone and metabolism improvements.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, you may call our office @ 915-351-6020 or you may conveniently contact us online and we will respond as soon as possible.
Top Rated Reflux Surgeon in El Paso TX
As part of our commitment to ensuring our patients are informed about our El Paso reflux surgery practice, we’ve included an extensive section on this website covering a whole range of topics related to GERD treatments and reflux surgery.
We encourage you to look through this site whenever you have concerns about GERD symptoms or want to learn more about our practice.
Our Surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Clapp, MD FACS FASMBS, is a top-rated El Paso reflux surgeon doctor who is committed to providing comprehensive reflux surgery for you and your family.
What is reflux surgery?
Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid flows backward in the esophagus causing heartburn and other symptoms. Mild reflux symptoms can be relieved by prescriptions drugs, diet, and healthy life changes. If acid reflux (GERD) symptoms are severe and cannot be relieved by medications and life changes, your doctor may recommend reflux surgery.
Reflux surgery focuses on repairing or replacing lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It is this valve that normally keeps acid from flowing back from the stomach. If this valve is weakened or damaged, GERD occurs.
Request an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with the best reflux surgeon doctor in El Paso for all your weight loss needs.
FAQs of Gallbladder Surgery in El Paso TX
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is done to get rid of gallbladder and gallstones through a lot of little incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon in charge of this operation enlarges your abdomen with carbon dioxide or air to view the operation area properly.
The surgeon fixes a scope that is lighted on a video camera (laparoscope) which is inserted into one incision close to the belly button. The surgeon then uses a video monitor as a guide while inserting surgical instruments into the other incisions in order to be able to remove your gallbladder.
Before the removal of the gallbladder, you might need to have a special X-ray procedure done. This procedure is called intraoperative cholangiography and it shows the inside of the bile ducts.
A minimum of 2 hours’ general anesthesia is needed to carry out this surgery.
After the surgery, bile flows from the liver from the main bile duct and takes into the small intestine. Because the gallbladder has been taken out, the body will not be able be to store bile after meals. In most cases, this doesn’t affect digestion.
About 5 to 10 out of 100 laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries carried out in the United States, the surgeon has to opt for an open surgical method a requires huge incision. Medical issues that need an open rather than laparoscopic surgery is scar tissue, unexpected inflammation, injury, and bleeding.
Is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery in El Paso Right For You?
Not everyone is a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery in El Paso. 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 laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Clapp.
To schedule an appointment or for cost & pricing information, please call 915-351-6020 or conveniently request an appointment online.
Minimally Invasive Style of Hernia Repair in El Paso TX
In the Laparoscopic Hernia Repair three ½-1cm incisions are made by a surgeon in the abdominal wall. A long, thin camera (laparoscope) is then fixed in through an access tube by one incision and two surgical instruments are fixed in through the two remaining incisions. This gives the surgeon a clear “internal” view of the abdominal wall to locate where the hernia defect is. The defect is then medically fixed from inside of the abdominal wall through a piece of surgical mesh.
In comparison to other normal open method, the laparoscopic repair comes with a faster recovery time, with minimal pain and a faster time to return to work and engage in other activities. The approach is best for patients who have bilateral hernias (on both the left and right sides) because they can both be fixed at the simultaneously without any more incisions, and literally no additional discomfort.
Most Patients that have hernia that reoccurs also the perfect candidates this laparoscopic repair, because “open” treatment for recurrent hernias often leads to complications such as relapse, injury to blood vessels and nerve injury. The little incisions that are made during Laparoscopic Hernia Repairs also leads to an different cosmetic result when it is put at par with open procedure.
However, not all patients should have Laparoscopic Hernia Repair. Especially patients who have undergone prostrate surgery, abdominal surgery, or have an history of obesity might not be the best candidate for a laparoscopic repair because visualization might not be possible in their cases. In isolated cases, a laparoscopically surgery might have to be converted to an “open” procedure to increase the success rate of their surgery.
To schedule an appointment or for cost & pricing information, please call 915-351-6020 or conveniently request an appointment online.
SADI Surgery Expert in El Paso TX
Single Anastomosis Duodenal Interposition (SADI)
Highly effective for type 2 diabetes, comorbid conditions
- Less risk for future bowel obstructions and hernias
- NSAID use tolerated
- May be performed after a sleeve gastrectomy
- Weight loss 80-90% excess body weight
PROS:
- Excellent impact on Type 2 diabetes mellitus / Metabolic syndrome
- Excellent weight loss
- Better tolerance of NSAIDst
PROS:
- Newer procedure
- Decreased absorption of vitamins, nutrients
- Bowel connection
- Increased number of bowel movements
IDEAL FOR:
- May be performed after Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Patients with super morbid obesity (2-stage)
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For Me? El Paso TX
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.
2 Types of Procedures for Weight Loss Surgery
• Gastric Bypass – The gastric bypass is performed laparoscopically (through small incisions). A small pouch is 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. The patient will generally lose about 70-80% of their extra body weight.
• Gastric Sleeve – The sleeve gastrectomy is also 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.
Revisional bariatric surgery – Sometimes patients need a previous surgery modified or revised. These are technically difficult operations that not all surgeons perform. Our surgeon has a wide experience with these complex procedures with good outcomes.
To schedule an appointment or for cost & pricing information for our weight loss surgery, please call 915-351-6020 or conveniently request an appointment online.
What Are The Signs of Hernia? El Paso TX
Hernia repair surgery is usually very effective and safe to treat hernia condition. If you or anyone you know is considering this surgery, our practice is the right place to turn to. The experienced team at our practice will help you understand it’s possible risks and the recovery process. We will offer you excellent and compassionate treatment.
Signs of 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.
Weight Loss Surgeon Near Me, El Paso TX
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.
Is Weight Loss Surgery in El Paso Right For You?
Not everyone is a good candidate for weight loss surgery in El Paso. No matter what information you read online, the absolute best way of finding out whether or not weight loss surgery is the right choice is to schedule an in person 1-on-1 consultation with our experienced weight loss surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Clapp.
To schedule an appointment or for cost & pricing information for our weight loss surgery, please call 915-351-6020 or conveniently request an appointment online.