Category: AGB
Adjustable Gastric Band Easily Reversible?
November 24, 2014 3:25 pm
The Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) procedures have been advertised as “easily reversible” minimally invasive procedures. A point of interest is why doesn’t anyone ask the question, “Why would a successful device and/or procedure need to be revised or removed?”
The long term success data shows that the AGB procedure is the most inferior of all bariatric procedures. It is important, that when looking at the published data, special attention is given to the definitions in that particular study. An example would be that if a study defines “successful outcomes as weight loss for 30 days!” then all procedure will be successful.
The following is an example of a patient who had the Lap Band (R) a several years ago in another institution. She was seen for surgical follow up with minimal weight loss over a short period of time. She then developed the typical complications of the band, namely the upper abdominal pain, reflux, inability to swallow solids, persistent nausea and vomiting. Her symptoms were all “worked up” and was told that all the studies were normal. All of her symptoms were contributed to her eating habits, even though they persisted after the Lap Band (R) was completely empty.
The patient then presented n our office for a second opinion. After being seen in our office and having a full work up, she had the Lap Band removed and was revised to a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. She had complete resolution of all of her prior presenting symptoms.
“Normal” Lap Band placement!
April 23, 2013 9:39 pm
One of the most common problems that we see are patients who have been told that their band is in correct placement, and yet they are still having nausea, vomiting, reflux etc. These patients are frequently blamed for their symptoms as if properly placed band completely eliminates the problems being associated with the band.
Slipped Band
November 02, 2012 10:40 pm
Revision or Reversal of the Duodenal Switch
September 08, 2012 7:00 pm
A significant portion of my practice involves the revision of the Gastric bypass and Adjustable Gastric Banding procedures to the Duodenal Switch operation. The re-operations are necessary to correct the complications that have been caused by these procedures. There are also instances of required revisions due to inadequate weight loss or weight regain. Our website contains detailed information regarding reasons for revision and the reversal of weight loss surgical procedures. I think it is important to mention that these complications are very common and almost never have anything to do with the patient’s behavior.
Duodenal switch operations may also require reversal or revision. The general reasons for a revision or reversal of the Duodenal Switch is the same as for all weight loss surgical procedures and include a variety of reasons. The reversal or revision of the Duodenal Switch operation is one of the simplest revision surgeries that I perform.
Let’s review a few facts about Duodenal switch.
The Duodenal Switch procedures has two components:
1.) The sleeve gastrectomy
2.) The separation of the biliopancreatic secretions from the food to limit its absorptions.
Clearly, the portion of the stomach that has been removed cannot be reintroduced to the abdominal cavity. The second part of the operation can, however, be easily “undone.
The assumption is that the bowel needs to be divided again and re-anastomosed to reconstitute its continuity. This revision or reversal of the Duodenal Switch operation is done by simply creating a new connection between a new anastomosis, located between the biliopancreatic limb, and the alimentary limb.
If a complete reversal is needed, then the connection is made just distal to the ligament of Treitz. Ligament of Treitz is the transition point between the duodenum and Jejunum. This single anastomosis is safe and simple to perform and does not involve removing the previous staple lines.
If a partial revision is needed, or the common channel needs to be lengthened, then the anastomosis is made further proximal to the junction of both the alimentary limb and the biliopancreatic limb, but distal to the ligament of Treitz to allow for increased absorption of the calories and nutrientsIn my opinion, the revision and reversal of the Duodenal Switch operation is, from a technical perspective, the simplest of all revisional weight loss surgical procedures.
In my opinion, the revision and reversal of the Duodenal Switch operation is, from a technical perspective, the simplest of all revisional weight loss surgical procedures.
Carbonated Drinks and Weight Loss Surgery
August 11, 2012 3:56 pm
The consumption of carbonated drinks is discouraged after weight loss surgery. In fact, there is a wealth of information that documents the detrimental health effects of carbonated drinks for each individual. These include osteoporosis, obesity, and premature dental decay, just to name a few. Indirectly, carbonated drinks have been found to increase risk of stroke and Cardiac events. There are studies that show a 48% increase in heart attack and stroke rates for individuals who drink diet sodas vs. those who drink it rarely or not at all.
There is also no health benefit to diet carbonated drinks. In fact, there are animal studies that show that rats who consume no-calorie sweeteners found in diet sodas experience an increased appetite (Susan Swithers, PhD- 2004).
There are also other factors to consider. The carbonation comes from a mixture of dissolved gasses that are released when the container is opened. The Carbon Dioxide gas dissolved in the drinks, amongst others, can distend the stomach. Potentially, stretching your stomach. There is also acidity that needs to be corrected by the body. This has been shown to result in changes in the bacterial population in the GI track, resulting in significant bloating and reduced absorption of nutrients.
Calcium loss is caused by the leaching of the calcium from the bones with carbonated drinks, which can cause osteoporosis.
Yearly lab and medication requests
October 17, 2011 5:28 pm
As the years pass, weight-loss surgery patients, like everyone else, will require routine screening for certain chronic conditions. What is important is ensuring your primary care team is aware of the need for specialty testing to monitor vitamin and mineral levels.
You should also check with one of the labs and your insurance company to make sure they are a contracted facility and that the order is covered under your policy. It is your responsibility to ensure that your insurance company will pay for the ordered labs. We are in no way responsible for verifying the benefits of the laboratory services we order.
It is critical that patients who have undergone weight-loss surgery receive continuous annual follow-up care and monitoring. It is critical that patients continue to receive yearly follow-up care, not only by completing their scheduled laboratory studies but also by attending an in-office follow-up exam. Patients are welcome to contact our office and schedule an in-person or virtual follow-up.
Weight loss information
September 22, 2009 4:22 am