INAMED LAP BAND SURGERY   - $5,500

Package includes, scheduling, transportation to and from the airport, all pre-op test, 3 days and 2 nights at the Huacuz Surgical Center.
The adjustable gastric band is the least invasive, safest and the only adjustable and reversible surgical weight-loss option available in the United States. It helps achieve sustained weight loss by placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to reduce its capacity.

The adjustable gastric band is a hollow, silastic balloon-type band that has the appearance of a small belt. It is designed to be placed around the upper part of the stomach and filled with saline on the inner surface. This creates a new small stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below the band so the food storage area is reduced, and the pouch above the band can hold only a small amount of food.

The band also controls the size of the stoma (stomach outlet) between the two parts of the stomach. The size of the stoma regulates the flow of the food from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. The band is connected by tubing to an access port that is placed beneath the skin during surgery, Later, the surgeon can change the stoma size by adding or subtracting saline inside the inner balloon through the access port.

The adjustment process helps drive the rate of weight loss. If the band is too loose and weight loss is inadequate, adding more saline
can reduce the size of the stoma to further restrict the amount of food that can move through it. If the band is too tight, saline can be removed to loosen the band and reduce the amount of restriction.

This procedure requires no cutting or stapling of the stomach and does not by-pass portions of the stomach or intestines. Because the digestive tract remains intact, recipients do not suffer from side effects caused by malabsorption like individuals who undergo other weight loss surgeries.

Stomach volume is reduced, but it tends to function normally so most food items can be consumed in small amounts.
Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin). No dumping syndrome because the pylorus is preserved.

Minimizes the change of an ulcer occurring. By avoiding the intestinal bypass, the change of intestinal obstruction (blockage), Anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency are almost eliminated.

Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI 35-45kg/m2).
Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 35-45 kg/m2).

Appealing option for people with existing anemia, Crohn's disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.

Do you want more info about the Lap Band? Please contact us here or call Eureta George 713-269-1686

DUODENAL SWITCH (Bileo Pancreatic Diversion) - $14,000.00

Treatment includes changes in eating habits and medication. People who have gastric dumping syndrome need to eat several small meals a day that are low in carbohydrates and should drink liquids between meals, not with them. People with severe cases take medicine to slow their digestion. Doctors may also recommend surgery. The main advantage of the Duodenal Switch (DS) surgery is that by using two approaches, weight loss tends to be achieved more quickly and more permanently. Because the pyloric valve between the stomach and small intestine is preserved, people who have undergone the Duodenal Switch do not experience the dumping syndrome common with people who've undergone the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

• Scheduling, transportation to and from the airport, all pre-op tests, and medical expenses associated with surgery, 9 day, 8 night stay in the Huacuz Surgical Center Hospital.
• The stomach is reduced in volume but tends to function normally so most food items can be consumed, although only in small amounts.
• Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin)
• No dumping syndrome because the pylorus is preserved.
• Minimizes the change of an ulcer occurring.
• By avoiding the intestinal bypass, the change of intestinal obstruction (blockage) Anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency are almost eliminated.
• Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI-55 kg/m2)
• Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients  (BMI 35-45kg/m2)
• Appealing option for people with existing anemia, Crohn’s disease and numerous other Conditions that make them too high rish for intestinal bypass procedures.  Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds.

GASTRIC SLEEVE - $7,000.00
(also called vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy,vertical gastroplasty, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction and even Vertical Gastroplasty).

This type of bariatric procedure generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten (removal of stomach or vertical gastrectomy) without any bypass of the intestines or malabsorption, that means whith out cutting parts of the intestine. Vertical Gastrectomy: How it Works This procedure generates weight loss slowly through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by dividing it vertically and removing more than 8o% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a banana and measures from 2-5 ounces (60-150cc). The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. figure

This procedure it proved to be quite safe and very effective. Getting to their goal is much easier an less expensive because the patients will have less percentages of having malabsorptive syndromes and malnutrition problems that can developed in difference of the other bariatric type of procedures like in the by-pass (RNY) or the duodenal switch, this type of procedures are also as effective for weight loss, but more invasive using a combined treatment (restrictive and malabsorptive) more recommended on patients whit a BMI higher and with more conmorbilities.

Patients BMI 35-40 Kg/M2 is much recommended because they can have a loss weight program so effective that they can achieve their goal in a very short time period.

Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, reflux, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency.

Those who are considering a Lap-Band but are concerned about a foreign body, having to much difficulty on the adjustments of the band ( fills) worrying to much on the expenses.

Those who have other medical problems, that prevent them from having weight loss bariatric surgery such as chronic Anemia, Crohn's disease, extensive prior surgery, and other complex medical conditions.

People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider this. Usually, these medications need to be avoided after a gastric bypass because the risk of ulcer is higher.

High BMI patients (BMI > 50-60):
Once a patient BMI goes above 60Kg/M2, it is increasingly difficult to perform any type of bariatric procedure; in these cases it is more recommendable to perform a malabsorptive AND restrictive procedure like a Roux en Y gastric bypass or a Duodenal Switch. The Duodenal Switch is very effective and giving them the advantage of not having dumping syndrome and having more long term weight loss.

The Vertical Gastrectomy is a reasonable solution to this problem when the price of the other procedures are a mayor factor. It can usually be done laparoscopically. The stomach restriction that occurs allows these patients to lose more than 100 pounds and in many patients more than 200 pounds. This weight loss allows significant improvement in health and effectively "downstages" a patient to a lower risk group.

Advantages of the Vertical Gastrectomy Weight Loss Surgery

Stomach volume is reduced, but it tends to function normally so most food items can be consumed in small amounts.
Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin).
No dumping syndrome because the pylorus is preserved.
Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring.
By avoiding the intestinal bypass, the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency are almost eliminated.
Very effective as a first stage procedure.
Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 35-45 kg/m2).
Appealing option for people with existing anemia, Crohn’s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.
Vertical Gastrectomy: Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there can be complications. This list can include:
· Deep vein thrombophlebitis 0.5%
· Non-fatal pulmonary embolus 0.5%
· Pneumonia 0.2%
· Acute respiratory distress syndrome 0.25%
· Splenectomy 0.5%
· Gastric leak and fistula 1.0%
· Postoperative bleeding 0.5%
· Small bowel obstruction 0.0%
· Death 0.25%

Post-Op Dietary Plan for Vertical Gastrectomy Weight-Loss Surgery Patients

As with all surgical weight-loss programs, it is imperative that VG patients adhere to a strict postoperative diet. Patients must stick to a liquid-based diet for 2 weeks after surgery; 4-6 weeks after the operation, patients graduate to a 600-800 calorie/ day solid diet. Once goal weight is achieved, usually 1-2 years after surgery, most patients can consume about 1000-1200 calories per day.

Long-Term Weight-Loss Results

On average, patients who undergo Vertical Gastrectomy surgery experience a 60-80% loss of excess weight.

GASTRIC BYPASS - $8,500
is the favored bariatric surgery in the United States. Surgeons prefer this surgery because it's safer and has fewer complications than other available weight-loss surgeries. It can provide long-term, consistent weight loss if accompanied with ongoing behavior changes.

Gastric bypass isn't for everyone with obesity, however. It's a major procedure that poses significant risks and side effects and requires permanent changes in your lifestyle. Before deciding to go forward with the surgery, it's important to understand what's involved and what lifestyle changes you must make. In large part, the success of the surgery is up to you.

How is gastric bypass surgery done?

In gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach and adds a bypass around a segment of your stomach and small intestine.

The surgeon staples your stomach across the top, sealing it off from the rest of your stomach. The resulting pouch is about the size of a walnut and can hold only about an ounce of food. The pouch is physically separated from the rest of the stomach. Then, the surgeon cuts the small intestine and sews part of it directly onto the pouch.

This connection redirects the food, bypassing most of your stomach and the first section of your small intestine, the duodenum (doo-o-DEE-num). Food enters directly into the second section of your small intestine, the jejunum (jay-JOO-num), limiting your ability to absorb calories. Even though food never enters the lower part of your stomach, the stomach stays healthy and continues to secrete digestive juices to mix with food in your small intestine.

Some surgeons perform this operation by using a laparoscope — a small, tubular instrument with a camera attached — through short incisions in the abdomen (laparoscopic gastric bypass). The tiny camera on the tip of the scope allows the surgeon to see inside your abdomen.

Compared with traditional "open" gastric bypass, the laparoscopic technique usually shortens your hospital stay and leads to a quicker recovery. Fewer wound-related problems also occur. Not everyone is a candidate for laparoscopic gastric bypass, however. Talk to your doctor about whether this approach is appropriate for you.