Thursday, March 27, 2014
HEALTHY WINTER RECEPIES
In order to lose the excess weight after bariatric surgery — and keep it off — Mexicali Bariatric Center patients must make healthy lifestyle choices, for the rest of their lives. One of the toughest, yet potentially fun, responsibilities that postsurgical bariatric patients have is learning how to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
To help you do this, here are three of our favorite healthy yet filling winter recipes. These recipes make good use of winter produce and will help you stay satisfied throughout the colder winter months.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup (Courtesy of FitnessMagazine.com)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons curry powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt
Directions
1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a 6-quart stockpot. Add the onions and sauté them until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté the ingredients for 2 minutes more. Add the squash, broth, curry powder and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture uncovered until the squash is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from the heat; stir in the honey, and puree everything with a mixer or in batches in a blender, until smooth.
3. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and drizzle the yogurt over each.
Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts With Mushrooms and Leeks (Courtesy of FitnessMagazine.com)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 shiitake mushroom caps, thinly sliced
1 4-inch piece of leek, white part only, thinly sliced and rinsed clean of grit
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 5 ounces each)
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the mushrooms and leeks; cook, stirring, 4 minutes, or until tender. Remove the skillet from the heat; sprinkle the mixture with half the thyme, salt and pepper.
3. With a paring knife, cut a small pocket in the top edge of one side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through the breast.
4. Fill each pocket with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mushroom filling. Season the chicken with the remaining thyme, salt and pepper.
5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides.
6. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast everything for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve the chicken with the remaining mushroom-leek mixture.
Cajun Catfish With Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas (Courtesy of RealSimple.com)
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
kosher salt and black pepper
2 bunches collard greens (about 1 ½ pounds), thick stems discarded and leaves cut into strips (about 12 cups)
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
4 6-ounce skinless catfish, tilapia, or striped bass fillets
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 15.5-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed
Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Add the collard greens, tomatoes (with their juices) and ½ cup water. Cover the pot and cook the ingredients, tossing occasionally, until the greens are tender, 18 to 20 minutes. If the pan becomes dry, add additional water; up to ½ cup.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the fish with the Cajun seasoning and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook the fish, in 2 batches, until it is opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
4. Heat the black-eyed peas with 2 tablespoons of water and the remaining tablespoon of oil in a small pot over medium heat until warmed through, 2 to 4 minutes.
5. Serve the fish with the collard greens, black-eyed peas and lemon wedges.
Eating well-balanced meals does not mean you have to follow boring recipes! This winter, stay full, healthy and happy with the recipes above.
If you have any questions, please visit our website at http://www.mexicalibariatric.com or contact our office by calling 888-344-3916.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
PLASTIC SURGERY TO PURSUE AFTER WEIGHT LOSS WITH BARIATRIC SURGERY
Some Mexicali Bariatric Center patients who have lost their excess weight with the aid of bariatric surgery are disappointed to find that they still have not achieved their dream figure. Often, major fluctuations in weight can cause the skin to lose its elasticity. Once this happens, the skin cannot shrink back to a smaller size or shape after the excess weight is lost, leading to lax, sagging skin that hangs off the body.
Thankfully, the following plastic surgery procedures can help remove excess skin and stubborn localized deposits of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, as well as repair any weakened supporting tissue structures.
Abdominoplasty – Commonly referred to as “tummy tuck” surgery, abdominoplasty is performed to eliminate excess abdominal skin and stubborn pockets of fat, as well as to repair greatly weakened or separated abdominal muscles. This results in a firmer, flatter midsection.
Body Lift – Body lift surgical procedures actually encompass an entire category of plastic surgery procedures designed to remove sagging skin and localized fat from a specific area of the body, as well as to restore tone to any weakened underlying tissues. A plastic surgeon can perform thigh lift, buttock lift or lower-body lift surgery to help contour these areas of the body.
Brachioplasty – Also known as “arm lift” surgery, brachioplasty is a type of body lift contouring procedure designed to contour the upper arm area. Brachioplasty can help improve the look of “bat wings” — the loose skin that often hangs off the upper arms after weight loss with bariatric surgery.
Mastopexy – After massive weight loss (or breastfeeding), the breasts can start to sag and / or look deflated. The nipples might point toward the ground instead of straight ahead. Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, can correct these aesthetic issues. With mastopexy, the plastic surgeon removes the excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, moves the breast to a higher position on the chest wall and, in some cases, moves the nipple to a higher position on the breast. The result is perkier, younger-looking breasts. Mastopexy can also be performed with the use of breast implants to restore volume to breasts that look flat like a pancake.
Now that you have lost the excess weight, you deserve to get the body you desire. Bariatric surgery has helped you lose weight. Now, allow body contouring plastic surgery to help you sculpt your “problem areas,” so you can finally achieve your ideal figure.
If you have any questions, please visit our website at http://www.mexicalibariatric.com/ or contact our office by calling 888-344-3916.
Thankfully, the following plastic surgery procedures can help remove excess skin and stubborn localized deposits of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, as well as repair any weakened supporting tissue structures.
Abdominoplasty – Commonly referred to as “tummy tuck” surgery, abdominoplasty is performed to eliminate excess abdominal skin and stubborn pockets of fat, as well as to repair greatly weakened or separated abdominal muscles. This results in a firmer, flatter midsection.
Body Lift – Body lift surgical procedures actually encompass an entire category of plastic surgery procedures designed to remove sagging skin and localized fat from a specific area of the body, as well as to restore tone to any weakened underlying tissues. A plastic surgeon can perform thigh lift, buttock lift or lower-body lift surgery to help contour these areas of the body.
Brachioplasty – Also known as “arm lift” surgery, brachioplasty is a type of body lift contouring procedure designed to contour the upper arm area. Brachioplasty can help improve the look of “bat wings” — the loose skin that often hangs off the upper arms after weight loss with bariatric surgery.
Mastopexy – After massive weight loss (or breastfeeding), the breasts can start to sag and / or look deflated. The nipples might point toward the ground instead of straight ahead. Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, can correct these aesthetic issues. With mastopexy, the plastic surgeon removes the excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, moves the breast to a higher position on the chest wall and, in some cases, moves the nipple to a higher position on the breast. The result is perkier, younger-looking breasts. Mastopexy can also be performed with the use of breast implants to restore volume to breasts that look flat like a pancake.
Now that you have lost the excess weight, you deserve to get the body you desire. Bariatric surgery has helped you lose weight. Now, allow body contouring plastic surgery to help you sculpt your “problem areas,” so you can finally achieve your ideal figure.
If you have any questions, please visit our website at http://www.mexicalibariatric.com/ or contact our office by calling 888-344-3916.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
EASY WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE
Staying active is important to achieving your weight loss goals and to maintaining your ideal body weight over the long run. Although undergoing bariatric surgery in Mexicali (for more information click here) is a great first step toward losing excess weight, you must also be dedicated to making healthy lifestyle choices every day. This includes being physically active every day. Staying active may seem like a daunting task, but the key is to make fitness fun.
Sure, it is helpful to lift weights at the gym or get in an hour of cardio exercise. However, there will always be certain days when going to the gym sounds as appealing as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with a 30-pound bag of weights strapped to your back. That is why Mexicali Bariatric Center is sharing the following five easy ways to stay active, even when you don’t feel like taking a single step.
1. Enjoy nature. Taking a walk along the beach or in your favorite grassy meadow is a good way to stay active. Simply tell yourself that you are going outside to enjoy the natural scenery for half an hour. It is easier to get moving when your goal is to observe wildlife or the beauty of the ocean rather than to jog for an hour on a boring treadmill. By adjusting your focus outward to appreciate the beauty of nature, you may find that your half-hour walk has turned into a two-hour-long excursion.
2. Take the dog for a walk. Just like their human owners, dogs can get lazy without outside motivation. Dogs that are left in the home all day while their owners are at work can get used to lounging around the house. Do both yourself and your dog a favor by taking your pet for a walk before and after work. You will ensure that your dog is happy and that you are staying active.
3. Play with your kids (or grandkids or neighbor’s kids). Feeling like a kid again is an easy way to stay active. And playing with your children, your grandchildren or your neighbor’s children is a great way to feel young again. Participating in a game of tag or kickball will keep the kids happy and will keep you feeling young in body and mind.
4. Walk to your next meal. Everyone needs to eat. That’s a fact of life. But why not walk or ride your bike to your next meal? Walking to and from a restaurant for one of your daily meals is an easy way to include some physical activity in your day-to-day routine.
5. Try a dance class or another fun fitness class. We understand why participating in a boot-camp-style class may be unappealing. Not everyone wants to be yelled at while being instructed to complete 100 push-ups in the sand.
However, many gyms and smaller fitness, dance and martial arts studios now offer fun classes. Try a Zumba, jazz or hip hop dance class. Or perhaps, you have always wanted to try your hand at karate or taekwondo. There are even trapeze classes and trampoline studios. Think outside the box and find a fitness class that transforms exercise into a fun, playful activity.
The key to finding an easy way to stay active is to find a fun way to stay active!
Sure, it is helpful to lift weights at the gym or get in an hour of cardio exercise. However, there will always be certain days when going to the gym sounds as appealing as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with a 30-pound bag of weights strapped to your back. That is why Mexicali Bariatric Center is sharing the following five easy ways to stay active, even when you don’t feel like taking a single step.
1. Enjoy nature. Taking a walk along the beach or in your favorite grassy meadow is a good way to stay active. Simply tell yourself that you are going outside to enjoy the natural scenery for half an hour. It is easier to get moving when your goal is to observe wildlife or the beauty of the ocean rather than to jog for an hour on a boring treadmill. By adjusting your focus outward to appreciate the beauty of nature, you may find that your half-hour walk has turned into a two-hour-long excursion.
2. Take the dog for a walk. Just like their human owners, dogs can get lazy without outside motivation. Dogs that are left in the home all day while their owners are at work can get used to lounging around the house. Do both yourself and your dog a favor by taking your pet for a walk before and after work. You will ensure that your dog is happy and that you are staying active.
3. Play with your kids (or grandkids or neighbor’s kids). Feeling like a kid again is an easy way to stay active. And playing with your children, your grandchildren or your neighbor’s children is a great way to feel young again. Participating in a game of tag or kickball will keep the kids happy and will keep you feeling young in body and mind.
4. Walk to your next meal. Everyone needs to eat. That’s a fact of life. But why not walk or ride your bike to your next meal? Walking to and from a restaurant for one of your daily meals is an easy way to include some physical activity in your day-to-day routine.
5. Try a dance class or another fun fitness class. We understand why participating in a boot-camp-style class may be unappealing. Not everyone wants to be yelled at while being instructed to complete 100 push-ups in the sand.
However, many gyms and smaller fitness, dance and martial arts studios now offer fun classes. Try a Zumba, jazz or hip hop dance class. Or perhaps, you have always wanted to try your hand at karate or taekwondo. There are even trapeze classes and trampoline studios. Think outside the box and find a fitness class that transforms exercise into a fun, playful activity.
The key to finding an easy way to stay active is to find a fun way to stay active!
Monday, March 24, 2014
WAYS TO REWARD YOURSELF AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY (THAT DON’T INVOLVE FOOD)
In order to maintain your ideal body weight after you have lost the excess weight with the help of bariatric surgery in Mexicali, you must learn to change unhealthy lifestyle habits. For instance, perhaps in the past, you had gotten into the habit of rewarding yourself for accomplishing a specific task or goal with your favorite foods. However, a much healthier option would be to reward yourself with a relaxing stroll along the beach or around the park.
You deserve to treat yourself for a job well done. And, losing excess weight with the help of weight loss surgery is definitely a feat that deserves a reward. Just be sure to reward yourself in a healthy way.
To help you, here is a list of five ways to reward yourself after bariatric surgery (that don’t involve food).
1. Treat yourself to new clothes. For many individuals who have lost excess weight with bariatric surgery, purchasing new clothes for their wardrobe is a fun reward. Often, they find that they are able to fit into certain styles of clothes that they never would have worn before.
If buying a whole new wardrobe is not in your budget, purchase a single special item that you have had your eye on for a while. Or, stop by your local vintage consignment shop to discover fabulous finds that have a rich history.
2. Take a vacation. Taking the vacation of your dreams is a great way to reward yourself. You can plan a vacation that is particularly suited to your likes and dislikes. Do you love the beach? Plan a tropical vacation. Do you hate the sand? Plan a visit to a cosmopolitan city center. You can travel anywhere you can imagine. And, now that you have lost the excess weight with weight loss surgery, you can travel comfortably and with confidence.
3. Try something new. Losing weight with bariatric surgery will open doors for you to try things you were not able to do before. Ride a roller coaster! Go skydiving!
If you would rather keep your feet on the ground, try a new physical activity. Perhaps chasing after your children or grandchildren is something you were not able to do before you had bariatric surgery. Simply stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new is a rewarding experience in itself.
4. Enjoy the company of your favorite people. It is easy to get distracted by daily responsibilities and overlook the importance of spending time with your family and friends. However, spending quality time with your loved ones is an easy, gratifying reward.
5. Plan a spa day. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing spa day? You can request a manicure and pedicure, a Swedish massage, a European facial or whichever spa indulgence you most desire. Pamper yourself! You deserve it!
Treating yourself to something other than food may be difficult at first. It takes some imagination to come up with new ways to reward yourself that don’t involve eating. However, once you brainstorm healthy treat ideas, you will see how fun and fulfilling it can be to reward yourself for a job well done. If you have any questions please visit our website www.mexicalibariatriccenter.com or contact our office at 888-344-3916.
You deserve to treat yourself for a job well done. And, losing excess weight with the help of weight loss surgery is definitely a feat that deserves a reward. Just be sure to reward yourself in a healthy way.
To help you, here is a list of five ways to reward yourself after bariatric surgery (that don’t involve food).
1. Treat yourself to new clothes. For many individuals who have lost excess weight with bariatric surgery, purchasing new clothes for their wardrobe is a fun reward. Often, they find that they are able to fit into certain styles of clothes that they never would have worn before.
If buying a whole new wardrobe is not in your budget, purchase a single special item that you have had your eye on for a while. Or, stop by your local vintage consignment shop to discover fabulous finds that have a rich history.
2. Take a vacation. Taking the vacation of your dreams is a great way to reward yourself. You can plan a vacation that is particularly suited to your likes and dislikes. Do you love the beach? Plan a tropical vacation. Do you hate the sand? Plan a visit to a cosmopolitan city center. You can travel anywhere you can imagine. And, now that you have lost the excess weight with weight loss surgery, you can travel comfortably and with confidence.
3. Try something new. Losing weight with bariatric surgery will open doors for you to try things you were not able to do before. Ride a roller coaster! Go skydiving!
If you would rather keep your feet on the ground, try a new physical activity. Perhaps chasing after your children or grandchildren is something you were not able to do before you had bariatric surgery. Simply stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new is a rewarding experience in itself.
4. Enjoy the company of your favorite people. It is easy to get distracted by daily responsibilities and overlook the importance of spending time with your family and friends. However, spending quality time with your loved ones is an easy, gratifying reward.
5. Plan a spa day. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing spa day? You can request a manicure and pedicure, a Swedish massage, a European facial or whichever spa indulgence you most desire. Pamper yourself! You deserve it!
Treating yourself to something other than food may be difficult at first. It takes some imagination to come up with new ways to reward yourself that don’t involve eating. However, once you brainstorm healthy treat ideas, you will see how fun and fulfilling it can be to reward yourself for a job well done. If you have any questions please visit our website www.mexicalibariatriccenter.com or contact our office at 888-344-3916.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
HOW TO AVOID OVERINDULGING AT HOLIDAY PARTIES
The holiday season is upon us, which means spending time with relatives, giving gifts and, of course, maneuvering through a host of holiday parties. The holidays are an exciting time of year with many opportunities to dress up and mingle with friends. However, the holiday festivities also include countless opportunities to overindulge in your favorite — and perhaps less nutritious — foods. Fortunately, Mexicali Bariatric Center, a premier Mexicali weight loss surgery provider, offers the following tips to help you avoid overindulging at holiday parties.
Stay Away From Fad Diets. Most people want to look great in their holiday party outfits. However, following the latest fad diet is not the way to accomplish this. Fad diets typically involve eating too few calories each day or avoiding a specific food group. Although this may seem like a good idea at first, following a fad diet often leaves you with an unsatisfied feeling, which can eventually lead to overindulging in unhealthy foods when you are hungry. Instead of following the latest fad diet, eat well-balanced meals and stay active.
Have a Healthy Snack Before a Party. Don’t go to a holiday party hungry! If you are extremely hungry, it will be easier to overeat when you finally get to the appetizer or dining table. Try eating a few almonds before you go to a party. Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber and vitamin E. They also contain more calcium than other types of nuts. Eating a few nuts before the party will make it easier to exercise willpower once you arrive.
Eat Living Foods. The good thing about holiday parties is that they often offer a large variety of foods, making it easier to find healthy choices among the cheesy, fried appetizers and meals. Sticking to colorful, crunchy living foods is a great way to ensure you are getting needed nutrients. As an added bonus, most fruits and vegetable contain a significant amount of water, helping you stay hydrated and feel full.
Drink Water. Lastly, be sure to drink plenty of water. Try to switch out every other alcoholic drink with a glass of water instead. There are many good reasons to do this. For instance, the more water you drink, the less alcohol you will consume, helping you avoid a hangover the next day. Also, keeping your stomach full with water allows you to eat less and still feel satisfied.
The holiday season is a great time of year, so enjoy it. Enjoy the company of family, friends and colleagues. Enjoy the holiday decorations and traditions. Just be sure to avoid overindulging during the holidays, so your clothes still fit comfortably when the New Year rolls around.
Stay Away From Fad Diets. Most people want to look great in their holiday party outfits. However, following the latest fad diet is not the way to accomplish this. Fad diets typically involve eating too few calories each day or avoiding a specific food group. Although this may seem like a good idea at first, following a fad diet often leaves you with an unsatisfied feeling, which can eventually lead to overindulging in unhealthy foods when you are hungry. Instead of following the latest fad diet, eat well-balanced meals and stay active.
Have a Healthy Snack Before a Party. Don’t go to a holiday party hungry! If you are extremely hungry, it will be easier to overeat when you finally get to the appetizer or dining table. Try eating a few almonds before you go to a party. Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber and vitamin E. They also contain more calcium than other types of nuts. Eating a few nuts before the party will make it easier to exercise willpower once you arrive.
Eat Living Foods. The good thing about holiday parties is that they often offer a large variety of foods, making it easier to find healthy choices among the cheesy, fried appetizers and meals. Sticking to colorful, crunchy living foods is a great way to ensure you are getting needed nutrients. As an added bonus, most fruits and vegetable contain a significant amount of water, helping you stay hydrated and feel full.
Drink Water. Lastly, be sure to drink plenty of water. Try to switch out every other alcoholic drink with a glass of water instead. There are many good reasons to do this. For instance, the more water you drink, the less alcohol you will consume, helping you avoid a hangover the next day. Also, keeping your stomach full with water allows you to eat less and still feel satisfied.
The holiday season is a great time of year, so enjoy it. Enjoy the company of family, friends and colleagues. Enjoy the holiday decorations and traditions. Just be sure to avoid overindulging during the holidays, so your clothes still fit comfortably when the New Year rolls around.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REVISION BARIATRIC SURGERY
Revision bariatric surgery may become necessary for a variety of reasons. Some patients fail to lose their desired amount of weight, or they regain weight. Others fail to resolve co-morbidities or suffer from surgical complications that affect their health.
If you think that you might require revision bariatric surgery, it is important that you visit a well-qualified bariatric surgeon to guide you through the revision surgery process. Revision bariatric surgery is often riskier than the original procedure, because it usually takes longer, may require open incisions and may cause greater blood loss. Revision weight loss surgery also has an increased risk of leaks and infection. Due to these increased risks, not all weight loss surgeons perform revision procedures. And, many of the ones that do, do not have much experience with revision bariatric surgery.
That is why it is crucial to choose a bariatric surgeon with extensive experience in revision weight loss surgery, such as Dr. Alberto Aceves of Mexicali Bariatric Center. Dr. Aceves is highly seasoned in revision weight loss surgery, and he takes every precaution available to minimize revision surgery risks.
In addition, Dr. Aceves carefully evaluates each patient’s medical and surgical history as well as the reason that the initial bariatric surgery failed to help the person lose weight or resolve co-morbidities. That way, he can recommend one of the following types of revision bariatric surgery that will best fit the patient’s needs.
Converting Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
About 80 percent of those who undergo vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) successfully lose excess weight. However, the other 20 percent of VSG patients fail to do so, resulting in what is called “vertical sleeve gastrectomy failure.” This can be corrected by converting the initial VSG to one of the following options:
• Gastric re-sleeving (i.e., stapling the stretched stomach)
• Duodenal switch surgery (i.e., leaving the sleeve intact and rerouting a lengthy part of the small intestine, producing two distinct pathways and one shared channel)
• Gastric bypass surgery (i.e., making a small pouch and connecting it directly to the middle section of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper section of the small intestine)
Converting Lap Band to Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass
The most common type of revision surgery that Dr. Aceves performs is conversion of Lap Band to either gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. He performs this type of revision bariatric surgery at least once a week. Typically, patients require this type of revision weight loss surgery due to Lap Band slippage, lack of weight loss and weight regain.
Converting Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)
Those who have undergone vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), or any other type of “stomach stapling” bariatric surgery, typically seek revision bariatric surgery because they either regained the weight they lost or they developed maladaptive eating habits. In addition, metabolic issues may hinder the patient from losing weight with VBG. Depending on the reason that the patient requires revision bariatric surgery, Dr. Aceves may recommend one of the following revision weight loss surgery procedures:
• Convert VBG to gastric bypass (for improved weight loss)
• Convert VBG to vertical sleeve gastrectomy if medically appropriate, depending which surgical approach was taken in your original VBG procedure (for improved weight loss)
• Convert VBG to duodenal switch surgery if medically appropriate, depending which surgical approach was taken in your original VBG procedure (for improved weight loss)
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Aceves to find out which type of revision bariatric surgery is right for you, please contact Mexicali Bariatric Center by calling (888) 344-3916.
If you think that you might require revision bariatric surgery, it is important that you visit a well-qualified bariatric surgeon to guide you through the revision surgery process. Revision bariatric surgery is often riskier than the original procedure, because it usually takes longer, may require open incisions and may cause greater blood loss. Revision weight loss surgery also has an increased risk of leaks and infection. Due to these increased risks, not all weight loss surgeons perform revision procedures. And, many of the ones that do, do not have much experience with revision bariatric surgery.
That is why it is crucial to choose a bariatric surgeon with extensive experience in revision weight loss surgery, such as Dr. Alberto Aceves of Mexicali Bariatric Center. Dr. Aceves is highly seasoned in revision weight loss surgery, and he takes every precaution available to minimize revision surgery risks.
In addition, Dr. Aceves carefully evaluates each patient’s medical and surgical history as well as the reason that the initial bariatric surgery failed to help the person lose weight or resolve co-morbidities. That way, he can recommend one of the following types of revision bariatric surgery that will best fit the patient’s needs.
Converting Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
About 80 percent of those who undergo vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) successfully lose excess weight. However, the other 20 percent of VSG patients fail to do so, resulting in what is called “vertical sleeve gastrectomy failure.” This can be corrected by converting the initial VSG to one of the following options:
• Gastric re-sleeving (i.e., stapling the stretched stomach)
• Duodenal switch surgery (i.e., leaving the sleeve intact and rerouting a lengthy part of the small intestine, producing two distinct pathways and one shared channel)
• Gastric bypass surgery (i.e., making a small pouch and connecting it directly to the middle section of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper section of the small intestine)
Converting Lap Band to Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass
The most common type of revision surgery that Dr. Aceves performs is conversion of Lap Band to either gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. He performs this type of revision bariatric surgery at least once a week. Typically, patients require this type of revision weight loss surgery due to Lap Band slippage, lack of weight loss and weight regain.
Converting Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)
Those who have undergone vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), or any other type of “stomach stapling” bariatric surgery, typically seek revision bariatric surgery because they either regained the weight they lost or they developed maladaptive eating habits. In addition, metabolic issues may hinder the patient from losing weight with VBG. Depending on the reason that the patient requires revision bariatric surgery, Dr. Aceves may recommend one of the following revision weight loss surgery procedures:
• Convert VBG to gastric bypass (for improved weight loss)
• Convert VBG to vertical sleeve gastrectomy if medically appropriate, depending which surgical approach was taken in your original VBG procedure (for improved weight loss)
• Convert VBG to duodenal switch surgery if medically appropriate, depending which surgical approach was taken in your original VBG procedure (for improved weight loss)
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Aceves to find out which type of revision bariatric surgery is right for you, please contact Mexicali Bariatric Center by calling (888) 344-3916.
Friday, March 21, 2014
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY: BEFORE AND AFTER
Provided that the bariatric patient follows all the weight loss surgeon’s instructions closely and adheres to a healthy eating and exercise regimen after surgery, weight loss surgery can be a critical tool in the journey to losing a substantial amount of weight, living healthier and improving quality of life. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery with successful, long-lasting results lead an incredibly different life before and after surgery.
Before surgery, most bariatric patients are unhealthy and unhappy. After surgery, many weight loss patients are healthier and dramatically happier. To illustrate the differences in life before and after weight loss surgery, Dr. Alberto Aceves of Mexicali Bariatric Center shares some of the positive changes that can come from successful bariatric surgery.
Before: Ample Excess Weight
If you are considering bariatric surgery, it is because you struggle with an ample amount of excess weight that you have failed to lose on your own. This creates both physical and mental hardships for patients.
After: Loss of Excess Weight
Fortunately, bariatric surgery patients who adhere to a healthier diet and overall lifestyle after weight loss surgery typically lose a significant amount of their excess weight. How much weight you lose depends on several factors, including which type of bariatric surgery is performed, how much excess weight you are trying to lose, what health problems you have prior to surgery and how well you maintain a healthier lifestyle and diet after surgery.
The following is a list of weight-loss averages for common types of bariatric surgery:
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: Within approximately 14 months, those who undergo the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass lose at least 70 percent of their extra body weight. You may lose 100 percent of your excess body weight and keep it off if you follow the rules extremely closely.
Adjustable gastric banding procedure: The average amount of weight lost after the Lap-Band procedure is about 50 percent of a patient’s excess weight.
Sleeve gastrectomy: Gastric sleeve patients have results that are comparable to the average amount of weight loss with gastric bypass. Dr. Aceves‘ latest follow-up study showed that patients are losing an average of 96 percent of their excess body weight in less than 12 months!
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: Patients who undergo this type of bariatric surgery lose an average of 70 to 80 percent of their extra body weight within the first two years following weight loss surgery. DS surgery has the best long-term weight loss maintenance statistics.
Before: Obesity-Related Health Problems
If you are substantially overweight, you may also suffer from obesity-related health problems known as comorbid conditions. These may include type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, gallbladder disease, liver disease, cancer, arthritis, asthma, sleep apnea and several other conditions.
After: Reversal of Comorbid Health Issues
Although there are quite a few scary health problems on this list, undergoing weight loss surgery and losing a substantial amount of weight can improve comorbid health issues. After weight loss surgery and ensuing weight loss, many bariatric patients report that they no longer suffer from diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, arthritis or a host of other health conditions that had plagued them before weight loss surgery.
For instance, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) reports that following weight loss surgery: 76.8 percent of bariatric surgery patients experience total remission of Type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure, or hypertension, is resolved in 61.7 percent of those who have undergone bariatric surgery; high cholesterol levels are reduced in more than 70 percent of patients; and sleep apnea is eliminated in 85.7 percent of bariatric surgery patients.
Before: Inability to Live Life Fully
Another common complaint that severely overweight people tend to have is that they are not living life to their full potential. Suffering from obesity often hampers the ability to lead a playful, active life. If you suffer from obesity and are a parent or grandparent, you probably know that it is difficult to keep up with your children or grandchildren. Obesity can make maneuvering stairs, walking, traveling and engaging in certain activities such as riding roller coasters difficult, if not impossible.
In addition, suffering from obesity can also lead to a range of psychological issues, including depression, low self-esteem, negative self-image, low self-confidence and numerous others. These psychological problems can have a lasting negative effect on a person’s psyche if left untreated.
After: Improved Quality of Life
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t lose hope. The good news is that by undergoing weight loss surgery and losing the excess weight, you can remedy these problems. Before weight loss surgery, you may not be able to walk up a flight of stairs without stopping for a breath, but after bariatric surgery and the ensuing weight loss, you will be able to run up the stairs if you so wish. You will be able to chase after your kids or grandkids. You will be able to experience life more fully. After weight loss surgery, you will be happier than you were before undergoing a bariatric procedure. In fact, the ASMBS reports that depression is resolved in 55 percent of bariatric surgery patients after weight loss surgery.
To schedule a consultation to learn more about your bariatric surgery options with Dr. Aceves, please contact Mexicali Bariatric Center by calling (888) 344-3916.
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