Weight Loss Blog
South Texas Surgeons Announce New Location
It all begins with an idea.
Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo, along with the entire South Texas Surgeons team will be moving to Westover Hills effective December 1, 2019. In addition to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, we will continue to perform surgery at the Foundation Surgical Hospital, Methodist and Baptist facilities. Come visit us at our new clinic:
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Surgical Solutions
11212 Hwy 151
Plaza 2, Suite 201
San Antonio, TX 78251
Types Of Acid Reflux Surgery And How To Begin The Process
It all begins with an idea.
In part two of South Texas Surgeons’ educational video series on acid reflux surgery, Dr. Keith Wright explains the types of corrective anti-acid reflux surgeries offered at South Texas Surgeons and how to begin the process.
Experiencing Chronic Acid Reflux? South Texas Surgeons Can Help. Learn More About Acid Reflux Surgery With Dr. Keith Wright
It all begins with an idea.
Dr. Keith Wright explains common symptoms associated with acid reflux and reviews when to seek a more permanent, surgical solution.
Single-anastomosis Loop Duodenal Switch Proves Safe And Effective
It all begins with an idea.
Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons have provided thousands of patients in San Antonio with safe and effective weight loss surgery for over 15 years. In addition to having the most experience with the Lap-Band in San Antonio, they have also performed the most single-anastomosis loop duodenal switch surgeries (known also as SIPS or SADI). This procedure improves the results of the sleeve gastrectomy on weight loss and diabetes resolution without some of the side effects seen occasionally with the gastric bypass. They are reporting excellent results a year after surgery without any major complications.
South Texas Surgeons continues to offer a full range of services tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Whether it’s a minimally invasive procedure such as a gastric balloon or Lap-Band, or a more permanent solution such as a sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or duodenal switch, we will help individualize a treatment plan for you. Combined with our nutritional, psychological and group support, we are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals.
Dr. Keith Wright Discusses Weight Loss Surgery On KENS-TVs “Great Day SA”
It all begins with an idea.
Watch as Dr. Keith Wright discusses the many types of weight loss surgeries offered at South Texas Surgeons, their respective benefits of each, and how the latter part of the year is a great time to begin your bariatric journey. Give South Texas Surgeons a call at 210.220.1726 to schedule a consultation.
New Low Price For Sleeve Gastrectomy: $9,900
It all begins with an idea.
South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio is excited to make weight loss surgery more accessible to qualified patients by offering a new cash price for the sleeve gastrectomy : $9,900. The price covers surgery by Drs. Keith Wright or Gerardo Carcamo, both board-certified, Center of Excellence designated bariatric surgeons. We continue to accept most insurance plans as well, and offer other procedures such as the gastric balloon, Lap-band, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch. Call 210-70394440 or visit stxsurgeons.com for a consultation with the surgeons to help decide which option is best for you.
South Texas Surgeons Offer New Bariatric Procedure: Single-anastamosis Loop Duodenal Switch
It all begins with an idea.
Drs. Wright and Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio continue to offer the most innovative procedures for weight loss. Having safely performed over 7,500 standard procedures such as the gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and Lap-band, we are also constantly keeping up with the newest procedures, techniques and technology. While not previously offering the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BP-DDS) due to reported high complication rates, modifications to the procedure have been made to improve it's safety profile. We have reviewed years of data and spent time working personally with the surgeon who pioneered this new procedure to ensure that it is an appropriate option for our patients.
The single-anastamosis loop duodenal switch is a modification to the sleeve gastrectomy, increasing its effectiveness on weight loss and resolution of diabetes. Most patients have a 1-night hospital stay, with a recovery period similar to the sleeve.
Visit with Dr. Wright or Dr. Carcamo at South Texas Surgeons to learn more about this procedure, and see if it is right for you. Call 210-220-1726 for a consultation.
Risk Vs. Benefit Of Today's Weight Loss Surgical Procedures
It all begins with an idea.
"How do I know if I am a candidate for weight loss surgery?" , "Which weight loss surgical procedure would be right for me?" , "What are the risks associated with weight loss surgery?" and "What can I expect post-weight loss surgery?" are common questions from prospective bariatric surgery patients.
Bariatric Surgery Benefits Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
It all begins with an idea.
The benefits of bariatric surgery regarding weight loss, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and sleep apnea are well-known. Improvement in knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis has also been established, but the mechanism generally accepted is that pain relief occurs by reducing the mechanical load on the joints.
A recent presentation to the World Congress on Osteoarthritis, however, demonstrated that the majority of pain relief occurred in the first month after surgery. This is encouraging for patients suffering from osteoarthritis for 2 reasons: pain relief is not completely dependent on weight loss, and pain relief can occur early after weight loss surgery.
The study followed 150 patients with knee osteoarthritis for 2 years after bariatric surgery. Symptoms improved in patients following the Lap-band, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass, although patients with the sleeve and bypass had the greatest reduction in weight and knee pain. "Post-bariatric surgery changes in inflammatory biomarkers, especially leptin, may help to explain the symptomatic relief of knee pain," stated NYU rheumatologist, Dr. Jonathan Samuels.
At South Texas Surgeons, we routinely evaluate patients who are referred for their osteoarthritis. Patients may either pursue bariatric surgery in hope of avoiding a joint replacement, or their orthopedic surgeon may request a substantial amount of weight loss prior to their knee surgery to optimize results, limit complications, and optimize rehabilitation.
Call 210-220-1726 to make an appointment with Dr. Keith Wright or Dr. Gerardo Carcamo to see if weight loss surgery is right for you.
Linx Is More Effective Than Medical Treatment For Regurgitation In Gerd
It all begins with an idea.
Early reports from the Caliber trial were recently reported at Digestive Disease Week in Chicago. Doctors studied patients that had persistent regurgitation despite taking reflux medications (omeprazole). Patients who were given higher doses of medication were compared with those who received the Linx procedure.
Linx is a band of expandable, magnetic beads placed using minimally invasive techniques to reinforce with esophagaeal sphincter, limiting reflux and regurgitation.
After 6 months, 92.6% of Linx patients reported resolution of their regurgitation symptoms, compared to only 8.6% of patients with double-dose medications. Symptoms of reflux were markedly improved in the surgical vs. medical patients as well. No major compilations are reported.
Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio, offer the Linx procedure, as well as the Nissen Fundoplication and the TIF procedure for patients with reflux who either have a poor response to medication, or choose not to take them.
Call for an appointment today to see if these procedures are right for you.
Dr. Keith Wright Discusses The Advantages Of The Gastric Balloon Weight Loss Procedure
It all begins with an idea.
South Texas Surgeons First In San Antonio To Utilize Latest Technology In Bariatric Surgery
It all begins with an idea.
Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons have been instrumental in the application of new technology for minimally invasive surgical procedures, ensuring hospitals provide the best available equipment for patient care. In bariatric surgery, stapling devices are critical to ensure that the stomach and intestines are divided and reconnected safely without complications such as leaking or bleeding. Drs. Wright and Carcamo adopted the use of the Covidien (now Medtronic) iDrive powered stapler at the Nix Hospital in 2015. Impressed with the quality of the staple line, they have performed over 1,000 procedures without staple line reinforcements, and with complication rates lower than what is frequently reported nationally.
"This limits the amount of foreign material implanted and lowers the cost of the procedure, which can be passed on to the patient," says Dr. Wright. Other hospital systems in San Antonio have since made the device available.
Again, at the Nix Hospital, Drs. Wright and Carcamo are the first surgeons in San Antonio to utilize the latest generation of stapling devices, Medtronic's Signia stapling system. This system employs Adaptive Firing technology that measures the required firing force based on tissue thickness, and adjusts the stapling speed accordingly. This provides real-time feedback to the surgeon while freeing up the opposite hand, without distracting from the operative field.
"We are excited to work closely with surgical equipment industry in an effort to provide the best, and safest products for our patients," says Dr. Carcamo.
To schedule an appointment with South Texas Surgeons, please call 210.220.1726 or visit www.stxsurgeons.com for more information.
Meet Mother And Daughter Weight Loss Surgery Patients, Jill Edwards And Angela Plemons. Each Describe How Their Successful Weight Loss Surgery Has Benefitted Their Lives.
It all begins with an idea.
Jill Edwards and Angela Plemons, both weight loss surgery patients, describe how their procedure has benefitted their lives and offer hope and advice on how to start your own bariatric journey with South Texas Surgeons.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Facts
It all begins with an idea.
Also known as Gastric Sleeve Resection and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Sleeve surgery helps patients lose weight by diminishing hunger thus reducing food intake. Many patients prefer this surgical option since, unlike other weight loss procedures, the Gastric Sleeve does not involve intestinal rerouting or food malabsorption. Below are 9 other facts on the increasingly popular weight loss surgery - the Gastric Sleeve.
1. Gastric Sleeve is Permanent
It is important to note, Gastric Sleeve surgery is permanent and is not reversible. Bariatric surgeons will remove up to 80% of the stomach, leaving just a slender tube or "sleeve" for the new stomach pouch. As a result, hunger can be controlled due to the smaller pouch or "sleeve." The part of the stomach that is cut out is completely removed from the body, as opposed to other procedures that leave it in place.
2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery Can be done Laparoscopically
The benefits of Gastric Sleeve surgery being done laparoscopically is that there will be less incisions. Less incisions means less chance for infections and a much quicker recovery time.
3. Hunger Producing Hormone, Ghrelin, is Reduced
During the surgery, the section of the stomach that is removed is the section of the stomach that produces Ghrelin. Ghrelin is responsible for creating the feeling of being hungry. Less Ghrelin production means you will feel less hungry.
4. Gastric Sleeve Surgery can be a "One-Stage" or "Two-Stage" Surgery
In the past, Bariatric Surgeons used the Gastric Sleeve surgery as the first procedure in a "Two-Stage" operation. At a later date, surgeons typically did a second procedure - the Gastric Bypass or a Duodenal Switch Surgery.
5. No Foreign Objects
One of the benefits to the Gastric Sleeve over the Lap Band surgery (Gastric Banding) is that no foreign objects or mechanisms are left in the body. No worrying about Lap Band slippage or possible erosion.
6. Gastric Sleeve Surgery is Covered by Insurance
Most major insurance providers cover the cost of Gastric Sleeve surgery as they see the long-term benefits for the patient and the cost benefits for their insurance company.
7. Gastric Sleeve Surgery is No Longer Considered Investigational
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, reclassified Sleeve Gastrectomy as a proven method of weight loss surgery rather than an experimental one.
8. Digestive System Remains Intact
For patients that have a significant amount of weight to lose, the Gastric Sleeve surgery has become the most common weight loss procedure in the U.S. Overall, it is a less complicated operation that either the Gastric Bypass or Duodenal Switch surgery since the pyloric valve and the small intestine are left intact.
9. Gastric Sleeve Surgery Patients Lose 80% of Excess Weight in 24 Months
Studies have shown that patients who have the stand-alone procedure typically lose from 60-80% of their excess weight in a two-year period. Patients who feel their weight loss has been insufficient may choose to have a second, malabsorptive weight loss procedure, such as the Duodenal Switch surgery.
Of course, healthy weight loss following bariatric surgery depends on the patient's willingness to adopt a new lifestyle, which includes changes in eating habits and getting regular exercise. For more information on the Gastric Sleeve surgery, or any other weight loss procedures, please call South Texas Surgeons at 210.220.1726 or visit www.stxsurgeons.com and allow us to help you on your bariatric journey.
Sonia Brown, A South Texas Surgeons’ Gastric Sleeve Patient, Discusses How Her Weight Loss Procedure Changed Her Life.
It all begins with an idea.
Tonia Brown, a gastric sleeve patient, discusses how her weight loss procedure changed her life.
Sonia Brown, a South Texas Surgeons' gastric sleeve patient, discusses how her weight loss procedure changed her life.
Dr. Gerardo Carcamo Discusses When Should A Patient Consider Weight Loss Surgery
It all begins with an idea.
Dr. Gerardo Carcamo, Bariatric Surgeon with South Texas Surgeons, discusses when should a patient consider weight loss surgery, what can a patient expect from their initial consultation, and how to get started on the path to their new, healthy lifestyle. To begin, please call South Texas Surgeons to schedule your consultation with Dr. Carcamo at 210.220.1726.
Dr. Keith Wright Discusses The Benefits Of Weight Loss Surgery
It all begins with an idea.
Dr. Keith Wright, Bariatric Surgeon with South Texas Surgeons, discusses the benefits of weight loss surgery, particularly for diabetic patients, and how to begin your Bariatric Journey with South Texas Surgeons.
Selecting The Best Bariatric Surgeon In South Texas For Your Weight Loss Surgery
It all begins with an idea.
How to Choose a South Texas Bariatric Surgeon Who Is Right for You
Committing to weight loss surgery is a big decision. It’s a promise to yourself and those around you that you want to make a positive, healthy change in your life by losing excess weight.
But perhaps even more important than making the decision to have weight loss surgery is your choice of a doctor to perform that surgery. Here in South Texas, you have many options for bariatric surgeons. Knowing the right questions to ask before selecting a South Texas-based bariatric surgeon can ensure you are satisfied with both the surgery and the results.
Ask the following questions prior to choosing a weight loss surgeon for your procedure:
What are your qualifications?
How many of these procedures have you performed, and with what success rate?
Can I speak to past patients about their experience with you?
Will you continue to care for me as a patient following the weight loss surgery?
Do you offer patient support groups?
In addition to the surgery I have elected, what other weight loss surgeries do you perform?
Why Choose South Texas Surgeons as Your Bariatric Surgeons?
South Texas Surgeons was founded in 2003 by Drs. Wright and Cárcamo, two board-certified San Antonio general surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery. Drs. Cárcamo and Wright are two of the nation’s premier LAP-BAND® surgeons. They have safely performed more than 6,500 weight loss procedures, including LAP-BAND®, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, vBloc Procedure, Gastric Balloon, and more.
In addition to surgery, South Texas Surgeons offers long-term nutritional and psychological support for weight loss surgery patients. Among the first in the U.S. to offer the vBloc neurostimulator and the Orbera gastric balloon, STX Surgeons also provides aftercare to patients who have had procedures at True Results facilities.
Contact us today to learn more about your weight loss surgery options and meet with our highly qualified and experienced bariatric surgeons.
Drs. Wright And Carcamo Provide Continued Care For True Results Patients
It all begins with an idea.
Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo were instrumental in founding the True Results weight loss surgery center in San Antonio in 2006. They have helped thousands of patients achieve weight loss while developing ground-breaking techniques in outpatient surgery.
True Results Facility Closes
Although the True Results facility closed after 10 years of successful operation, the doctors' primary office (South Texas Surgeons) in the Nix professional building remains open. The doctors continue to provide aftercare for Lap-band, gastric balloon, gastric bypass and sleeve patients, including band adjustments, diagnostic studies, and nutritional and psychological counseling.
The Nix office can also complete insurance authorizations for patients who started the process in preparation for surgery at True Results.
Drs. Wright and Carcamo continue to perform bariatric procedures at their other affiliated facilities. Those facilities include the Nix Medical Center, the Foundation Surgical Hospital, Methodist and Baptist hospitals.
Call the South Texas Surgeons office at 210-220-1726 to arrange surgery, schedule routine post-op care, or to meet with the surgeons to optimize weight loss from a prior procedure.