LAP BAND Surgery- a New Approach to Weight Loss

San Diego, CA - A revolutionary weight loss technique is now available in South San Diego County. Drs. Hugo Barrera and Frank Hernandez of Coast Surgical Group are now offering “Gastric Banding” procedures. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, that involves large, open incisions, gastric banding is a minimally-invasive procedure that constricts the top of the stomach, thereby curbing excessive food consumption. The procedure takes about an hour and a patient can usually go home the same day.
Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the gastric band may remain in the patient for life, which provides patients with life long control over their weight. The band is also adjustable depending on the patient’s circumstances, such as pregnancy. In case a patient does not feel full after meals, the surgeon can further tighten the band to impede the passage of food. Since surgery does not permanently change the stomach, it is possible to reverse gastric banding by removing the band.
Ideal candidates for gastric banding include individuals who have 100 or more pounds to lose. “This procedure is more effective for the people who need some extra help in losing the weight. Sometimes diet and exercise aren’t enough and you really want to get down to a comfortable weight, to where you’re not flirting with the “overweight” or “obese” boundary lines,” said Dr. Barrera, Surgeon with Otay Lakes Surgery Center.
The LAP-BAND manufacturer reports more than 300,000 of the devices have been implanted worldwide. Patients can expect to lose roughly one to two pounds a week, or as much as 60 percent of their excess weight. Side effects are uncommon and it is often times the only way to avert serious weight related illnesses in the future.
Excess weight is a growing problem in the U.S. The Obesity Action Coalition reports that 30 years ago, 47 percent of adults were overweight and 15 percent were obese. Today, 65 percent of adults are overweight and 31 percent are obese. Nearly 5 percent are morbidly obese.
More than 30 different health problems are associated with being overweight or obese. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates 85 percent of patients with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. Being overweight is also associated with an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease and depression.
Otay Lakes Surgery Center offers this cutting-edge procedure performed by some of the best surgeons in the region. Dr. Hugo Barrera and Frank Hernandez are leaders of the industry and well-experienced in weight loss management procedures. Patients can enjoy the comfort and efficiency of the new state-of-the-art facilities located in Dr.’s Park in Otay Lakes. The well-trained and friendly staff is waiting to assist you. For more information, call (619) 754-2260.
OSCs are health care facilities, which offer patients the opportunity to undergo select procedures and services in a comfortable, efficient and friendly atmosphere, outside the traditional hospital.
Physicians have led the development of OSCs. Te first facility was opened in 1970 by two physicians who saw an opportunity to establish a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to inpatient hospital care for surgical services. Faced with frustrations like scheduling delays, limited operating room availability, and challenges in obtaining new equipment due to hospital budgets and policies, physicians were looking for a better way – and developed it in OSCs.