Includes your scheduling, airfare, transportation to and from airport, all pre-op tests and medical expenses associated with surgery, 3 days and 2 nights in Huacuz Surgical Center Hospital.

The Lap Band or "Adjustable Gastric Banding System" is the newest and the only Adjustable and Reversible surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States, It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.

This minimally invasive surgical procedure eliminates the need for drastic stomach stapling and by-pass, for normal digestion.

The newest and least invasive surgical technique is the Lap Band system.

The band is placed laparoscopically (or using "keyhole" surgery) around the upper part of the stomach thus dividing the stomach in two parts, this creates a new small stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below the band so the food storage area in the stomach is reduced, and the pouch above the band can hold only a small amount of food.

The band also controls 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. When the stoma is smaller, you feel full sooner and have a feeling of satiety so you are not hungry.

The Lap Band system is a silicone elastomer ring designed to be placed around the upper part of the stomach and filled with saline on the inner surface.

Duodenal Switch( Bileo Pancreatic Diversion)- $18,000.00 - All inclusive Learn More

Scheduling, airfare, transportation to and from airport, all pre-op tests, and medical expenses associated with surgery, 9 day 8 night stay in Huacuz Surgical Center Hospital.

IThe Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) procedure which later evolved to include the duodenal switch (BPD-DS) as pictured to the right. The procedure promotes weight loss through a method called malabsorption, a process through nutrient absorption is impaired. The actual surgery involves removal of all but about 1/3 of the stomach and repositioning of the small intestine to create a shorter section where food is digested. Although the BPD and BPD-DS do offer enticing weight loss results for the morbidly obese, the rate of malnutrition associated with the procedures is high.

Benefits of the Duodenal Switch

• The stomach is reduced in volume but tends to function normally so most food items can be consumed, albeit 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 for high BMI patients (BMI>55 kg/m 2 ).
• Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 35-45 kg/m 2 ).
• Appealing option for people with existing anemia, Crohn's disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.
• Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds.

  Is the Duodenal Switch right for you? Find out

Gastric Sleeve - $11,000.00 - All inclusive

Scheduling, airfare, transportation to and from airport, all pre-op tests, and medical expenses associated with surgery, 6 day 5 night stay in Huacuz Surgical Center hospital.

The Gastric Sleeve surgical option that induces weight loss by restricting food intake. With this procedure, approximately 70 to 80 percent of the stomach is removed laparoscopically so that the stomach takes the shape of a tube or "sleeve" which is roughly the size and shape of a banana. The stomach that is removed is one of the key areas that produces grehlin, a hormone which stimulates hunger and appetite.

Since the operation does not involve any "rerouting" or reconnecting of the intestines, it is a simpler operation than the gastric bypass or the duodenal switch. In addition, unlike the Lap-Band® procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy does not require the implantation of a device inside the abdomen.

Question: What kind of results can I expect from the Gastric Sleeve?
Answer: Studies have found with this operation that average weight loss is between 33 to 83 percent of excess body weight. This weight loss usually happens between one and two years post-operatively with most occurring within the first year.


Benefits of the Gastric Sleeve:

• 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 for high BMI patients (BMI >55 kg/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.
  
  Is the Gastric Sleeve right for you? Find out

Lapband vs Gastric Bypass or Failed Gastric Bypass-

After gastric bypass, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to lose for 18 to 24 months. Over time, however, some patients tend to eat more food, or eat more often. The tiny stomach pouch may stretch. The opening between the pouch and the reconnected intestine expands, allowing the stomach to empty at a faster rate. And, eventually, patients may start to gain weight again. In addition, over time, the body learns to adapt to the bypass and the small section of the intestine starts to work more efficiently - taking in more calories and nutrients.

Important Information about Gastric Bypass Surgery:

• Gastric Bypass is far more invasive and difficult procedure affecting many areas within the abdomen
  
• It is a permanent, nonreversible procedure. Once you have Gastric Bypass done, it can never be reversed.
  
• Due to the fact portions of the digestive system are bypassed, poor absorption of iron, B-12 and calcium can cause a greater chance of having anemia, bone calcium loss and a small chance of metabolic bone disease. Patients are often required to take nutritional supplements to avoid these risks.
  
• The bypassed portions of the abdomen from Gastric Bypass surgery cannot easily be seen using X-ray or endoscopy if there are problems such as ulcers, bleeding, or malignancy.
  
• Dumping syndrome can occur after Gastric Bypass when a patient eats too much sugar or large amounts of food. While it is not a serious health risk, the results are very unpleasant. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, sweating and faintness. Some people are unable to eat sugary foods after surgery.

Comparison Information about Lapband Treatment

• Lapband treatment is a less invasive procedure with lower surgical risks and smaller risks of complications or hospitalization.
  
• After Lapband surgery you will have slower, but steady weight loss. Patients generally settle at their final weight about two years after surgery
  
• No dumping syndrome with Lapbands.
  
• Reversible unlike Gastric Bypass your Lapband can be removed.
  
• Adjustable Your Lapband can be adjusted to during your doctors visits to accommodate your customized weight loss needs
  
• More follow-up required with your doctor to monitor progress and make adjustments.
  
• No rearrangement of anatomy. Lapband is far less invasive.

Dr Huacuz recommends the LAP-BAND for patients who have experienced a failed gastric bypass. Once in place and inflated, the LAP-BAND re-establishes the small size of the pouch. After surgery, the size of the LAP-BAND can be tightened by simply inserting a needle under the skin to add more saline. Most patients require three to five adjustments in the LAP-BAND within the first year after surgery.

Surgery is not a magic bullet for weight loss and there are risks to the procedures. Patients should be fully informed about the benefits, risks, and post-operative expectations and needs. In addition, patients will need nutritional counseling and may need behavioral modification, emotional support and an appropriate exercise program. Find out if a Lapband Trip is right for you.