True Results San Antonio Facility Closes

After helping thousands of patients achieve their weight loss goals, True Results San Antonio and the Turning Point Specialty Surgery Center have closed.  Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons helped to create the center in 2005, and continue to see patients in their primary office in the Nix Professional Building, performing procedures at their other affiliated locations.  All patients who had procedures at True Results will continue to have access to long-term follow-up care with South Texas Surgeons, and are encouraged to visit regularly with their surgeon to optimize their results. South Texas Surgeons continue to offer a full range of weight loss proceures using minimally invasive techniques.  These include the gastric balloon, v-Bloc, Lap-band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and revisional surgery.  Visit stxsurgeons.com or call 210-220-1726 to arrange follow-up for your procedure or for a new consultation.

Medical Experts Recommend Bariatric Surgery For Treatment Of Diabetes

Obesity is well-recognized as one of the most serious health problems facing Americans, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Bariatric surgery is more effective than medical or behavioral therapy in treating obesity and diabetes. Although surgical guidelines are well-recognized for treatment of obesity, referral for bariatric or metabolic surgery specifically for diabetics is less common.

Bariatric Surgery Treats Diabetes

Recent recommendations from the 2nd Diabetes Surgery Summit have broadened the category of patients who should benefit from metabolic surgery. Effective surgical procedures were considered to be the Lap-band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion. This large group of medical scholars specializing in the treatment of diabetes recommended surgery for all patients with a BMI > 40, and diabetics with a BMI 35-40. In addition, they stated that metabolic surgery should be considered for inadequately controlled diabetics on optimal medical therapy with a BMI 30-35. This further validates the role of metabolic surgery as a safe and effective treatment for type II diabetes.

Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio can help you choose the type of bariatric surgery best suited for your weight loss goals, lifestyle, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Bariatric Surgery Safe In Patients Over 60

Bariatric surgery is widely known as the most effective treatment for obesity. Surgery not only helps patients lose weight, but can also make a significant impact in related diseases, such as diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension. Unfortunately, patients who suffer from these conditions are frequently in the older age groups, and are hesitant to pursue bariatric surgery for safety concerns.

Bariatric Surgery Study

A new study in the journal Obesity Surgery helps to shed some of these fears about safety. Patients over the age of 60 who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery were compared to younger patients with similar weights and medical problems who also underwent surgery. Older patients were not found to have a significant increase in complications or hospital readmission rates, and were able to achieve similar weight loss. While Lap-Band surgery has been a popular choice for some older patients due to its safety profile, this study shows that the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures may be safely considered for some patients as well.

Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons have a vast experience treating patients of all age groups with bariatric surgery, and are happy to address any of your safety concerns. Call us at 210-220-1726 to attend a seminar or arrange a consultation.

New vBloc Procedure Offers Alternative To Traditional Bariatric Surgery

Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo have performed the first vBloc procedure in San Antonio, utilizing the latest in surgical technology.  The procedure involves the laparoscopic placement of a vagus nerve stimulator in an outpatient setting.  The device can then be adjusted in the office to regulate feelings of hunger at various times of the day.  The stomach or intestines are not divided or rearranged as in the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, and there is no restriction of food intake as with the Lap-Band. The specialists at South Texas Surgeons continue to embrace new technology such as the gastric balloon (Orbera) and vBloc, complementing traditional procedures like the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and Lap-Band.   Visit us at stxsurgeons.com, or call 210-220-1726 to schedule an appointment or attend a free seminar to learn more.

Gastric Bypass And Lap-band For Treatment Of Diabetes

Weight loss procedures such as the gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and Lap-band are well-recognized as the best treatments for diabetes in patients with severe or morbid obesity. A new study in JAMA Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh confirms that the gastric bypass and Lap-band are more effective than medical therapy and lifestyle intervention in diabetic patients with a BMI as low as 30. While still considered obese, these patients may only be 50 pounds overweight, usually not considered heavy enough by insurance companies to qualify for weight loss surgery. Three years after surgery in this study, over 2/3 of gastric bypass patients and nearly half of Lap-band patients no longer required any medication for type II diabetes, while none of the patients who underwent intensive lifestyle modification alone achieved remission.

This research is important, in that it demonstrates the long-term (at least 3 year) health benefits of surgical weight loss. This includes even modest weight loss from less invasive procedures like the Lap-band in patients with low BMI. At South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio, Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo offer these procedures as well as other non-invasive options like the gastric balloon for patients who may not meet insurance criteria for surgery, but want to improve their health. While we are usually successful utilizing most insurance plans, affordable financing options are also available. Call 210-220-1726 for a consultation.

First Gastric Balloon Procedures Performed In San Antonio

Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo performed San Antonio's first gastric balloon procedures at the True Results outpatient surgery center.  The Orbera procedure consists of placing a silicone balloon in the stomach under direct visualization with an endoscope, and filling it with saline.  The patient is discharged home quickly without any surgical incisions.  The balloon provides a sense of fullness, allowing the patient to more easily maintain their diet and lose weight.  It is removed six months later during another non-invasive procedure. South Texas Surgeons are excited to offer this new procedure, which is a non-surgical and reversible alternative to more invasive weight loss procedures.  The FDA has approved the Orbera balloon for patients with a BMI of 30-40, some of whom may not qualify for the gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery.  Call us at 210-220-1726 to learn more and to schedule a consultation.

South Texas Surgeons Offer Gastric Balloon For Weight Loss

The Orbera gastric balloon has recently been approved by the FDA as a non-surgical weight loss surgery.   The device is placed into the stomach with a flexible camera, and inflated to occupy a significant portion of the stomach.  This gives patients a helpful tool to battle hunger and feel satisfied with small portions of food.  The balloon is removed 6 months later with another non-invasive procedure.  The device is approved for patients who need to lose as little as 30 pounds, unlike the more invasive weight loss surgery.  Weight loss is optimized by close follow-up with the surgeons' nutritional support team. Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo in San Antonio are among the first surgeons in the U.S. trained and qualified to perform the gastric balloon for weight loss procedure.  Call 210-220-1726 to make an appointment and find out if Orbera is right for you.

South Texas Surgeons Offer New vBloc Procedure For Weight Loss

The FDA has recently approved the vBloc neurometabolic system by Enteromedics for treatment of obesity, and Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo are the first surgeons in San Antonio certified to perform the new vBloc procedure.  Neurostimulators are placed laparoscopically on the vagus nerves at the top of the stomach, helping to control hunger and limit portion sizes of food.  The device is rechargeable, and can be programmed easily in the doctor's office to optimize the effects for each patient.  Patients generally tolerate all types of food immediately after surgery, and complications are fewer than other traditional weight loss procedures. At South Texas Surgeons we continue to provide the latest advances in weight loss surgery, while applying the newest technology.  Visit us for a free seminar to learn how the vBloc differs from the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and Lap-band, or call 210-220-1726 for an appointment.

Diabetes Remission Following Gastric Bypass

Weight loss surgery has been well-recognized as one of the best treatments for type II diabetes in overweight patients.  A recent study in the medical journal Obesity Surgery reported that 62% of patients achieved partial or complete resolution of diabetes in the year following laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.  Younger patients had some of the best results, suggesting that surgery should be considered early in the process of diabetes treatment.  Improvement in diabetes has also been shown following other weight loss procedures, such as gastric sleeve surgery or gastric banding. Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio are experienced in all 3 common weight loss procedures, and also offer the less invasive vBloc neurometabolic device and the Orbera intragastric balloon.   Free informational seminars are given twice weekly, and the doctors are available daily for personal consultations.

Gastric Sleeve VS Lap Band

The Lap-band became very popular over 10 years ago as a safe, reversible alternative to the gastric bypass for weight loss.  While the gastric band is still a viable alternative for many patients, the gastric sleeve has gained popularity over the last several years.  This report addresses some of the differences and similarities between the procedures. The Lap-band is an adjustable device placed surgically at the top of the stomach to help control hunger and portion sizes.  It is almost always performed as an outpatient, with the patient going home the same day.  Recovery is very quick, with most patients returning to work in less than a week.  There are very few dietary restrictions following surgery, although most patients eat slowly and avoid bread and tough, fibrous foods.  Complications requiring further surgery occur in about 5% of patients, but are usually managed safely with elective, outpatient procedures.  Serious complications are extremely rare.  Typical weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week.  Monthly follow-up with the surgeon is recommended initially after surgery, then decreased to annually after the band is adjusted appropriately.

The gastric sleeve is a permanent operation that removes most of the stomach to create a long, narrow tube.  Incisions are very small, comparable to the lap-band.  It also works by reducing hunger and controlling portion sizes, without changing the body's ability to absorb nutrients.  Most patients spend the night in the hospital, and return to work in about a week.  The diet is restricted to liquids and very soft foods for about a month after surgery, but most patients eventually tolerate all foods well in small portions.  Weight loss is usually somewhat quicker than with the lap-band.  Complications requiring repeat surgery are rare (1-2%), but can be serious and require a longer hospital stay.  Follow-up is less intensive, as the procedure is not adjustable.

Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio have a vast experience with both of these procedures, and are happy to meet for a private consultation to help you pick the operation that suits you best.  Call 210-220-1726 for an appointment.

Metabolic Effects Of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The gastric sleeve is one of the bariatric procedures that you may hear about in the media often, since celebrities like Lisa Lampanelli and Rosie O'Donnell lost significant amounts of weight with the sleeve procedure. New research has shown that the health benefits of the gastric sleeve , such as significant weight loss and improvement in diabetes and heart disease, are not simply caused by a reduction in the stomach size, but by increased levels of bile acids in the blood. These findings indicate that bile acids could bring new hope and methods for treating obesity and diabetes. The gastric sleeve procedure involves the permanent removal of over 80% of the stomach. This turns the stomach into a long, narrow tube using a row of staples. In the medical community, there is debate about how small a gastric sleeve should be made. Conventional thought is when you make the stomach smaller, patients lose more weight because they must eat smaller portions. This study suggests that biochemical effects may also play a role. You can read more about the study here.

At South Texas Surgeons we prioritize staying on the leading edge of bariatric research. We specialize in the Lap-Band, and also proudly offer the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass to appropriate candidates. Free seminars are held twice weekly in our office to discuss the differences between the gastric band and gastric sleeve procedures. Our surgeons are available to answer your questions and help you decide which procedure is best for you. You can register for a seminar online, or call our office at (866) 463-5499.

Long-term Weight Loss With The Gastric Bypass VS Lap-band Or Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The three most commonly performed weight loss procedures in the United states are the gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band, and the gastric sleeve surgery. When choosing a procedure, patients must consider safety, resolution of comorbidities (such as diabetes, sleep apnea and high blood pressure), and durable weight loss. A recent publication in the British Journal of Surgery by renowned surgeon Dr. Paul O’Brien compared the long-term weight loss of these operations. The gastric bypass and the Lap-band yielded similar weight loss when patients were followed over a 10 year period. Early data for the gastric sleeve surgery is similar, but the procedure has not been performed long enough to evaluate patients 10 years after surgery. These procedures will continue to be studied for their long-term results.

While many patients continue to choose the gastric bypass due to it’s proven track record, others look to the Lap-band due to its safety, adjustability and reversibility. This study demonstrates that when performed correctly by experienced surgeons and with appropriate follow-up, the Lap-band offers durable weight loss similar to the more invasive procedures.

Drs. Gerardo Carcamo and Keith Wright at South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio offer all 3 weight loss procedures, gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band, and the gastric sleeve surgery, and provide the long-term nutritional and psychological support required to ensure success. We are happy to discuss which procedure is best for each individual patient.

Lap Band Weight Loss Surgery Allows Patient To Get Off Multiple Medications

Dione battled with her weight for many years. She endured the cruel comments in childhood and then felt the many negative effects as an adult like taking numerous medications before age 35. Lap Band Weight Loss Surgery allowed her to get off the medictions. Now she says she is a more pleasant person with energy and a social life. Read more>>

Robotic Techniques In Weight Loss Surgery

We are occasionally asked by patients about the benefits of robotic techniques in bariatric surgery. At South Texas Surgeons, we have experience in these procedures, but feel that there is no proven benefit to warrant use of the robot for most patients who choose weight loss surgery.  A recent review in the publication Surgical Endoscopy supports our view.  In this study, patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery or Lap-band surgery were evaluated. There was no difference in complication rate or outcome with the use of the robot.  In fact, the only difference noted was that robotic surgery cost over 20% more than traditional laparoscopic surgery. We will continue to use state-of-the-art technology  in weight loss surgery to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Using current surgical techniques that we have refined at South Texas Surgeons, typical procedure times for the gastric sleeve surgery are less than an hour, and less than 30 minutes for the Lap-band surgery procedure.  With low complications and early hospital discharge for our patients, we feel the increased risk of robotic surgery (increased operative time, likely higher incidence of incisional hernia formation, and increased cost) do not currently warrant its use.

Drs. Gerardo Carcamo and Keith Wright, with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio, are happy to discuss this topic, as well as any other questions you have regarding the Lap-band, sleeve gastrectomy, or the gastric bypass.

Weight Loss Surgery Controls Type 2 Diabetes For Years

A new study confirms what we have been seeing in our patients for years: weight loss surgery can be highly effective in treating patients with both obesity and type 2 diabetes. The landmark study, known as the STAMPEDE (Surgical Treatment And Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently) trial, showed that weight loss surgery enabled nearly all patients to be free of insulin and many to be free of all diabetic medications as long as three years after surgery. The trial involved 150 obese patients with diabetes, who were randomly divided into 3 groups. Fifty patients were treated non-surgically with Advanced Medical Therapy (AMT-- diet, exercise, and medication therapy), 50 patients underwent gastric sleeve surgery and AMT, and 50 patients were treated with gastric bypass surgery and AMT.

The bariatric surgery patients maintained much better control of their diabetes at three years. As much as 95% of patients who had surgery no longer needed insulin. Thirty-five percent of surgery patients achieved a three year remission of diabetes or much improved blood sugar control. However, not one of non-surgical patients achieved remission. Additionally, their improvement in blood sugar was much less than the patients who had bariatric surgery. Weight loss in the surgery group was five to six times greater, on average, compared with those in the AMT-only group. Surgery patients also experienced an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in the need for blood pressure and cholesterol medications, compared to those only receiving medical therapy.

The conclusion based on this data is that bariatric surgery maintains its superiority over medical therapy for treating type 2 diabetes in severely and mildly obese patients. If you are struggling with obesity and diabetes, weight loss surgery may be a good option for you. Give us a call at (866) 463-5499 to learn more about weight loss surgery, or attend one of our free educational seminars. We are always happy to answer your questions and help you understand your options.

Weight Loss Surgery Recommended For Low-BMI Patients

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (www.ahrq.gov) recently published a study comparing weight loss surgery (Lapband, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve) with medical and behavioral therapy for obese diabetic patients who currently do not meet criteria for surgery based on current standards used by most health care providers. A clear benefit from surgery was demonstrated for patients with a BMI of 30-35, with very few surgical complications. This suggests that overweight diabetic patients may attain the best control of their disease by seeking weight loss surgery prior to gaining the degree of weight (typically 70-100 pounds) that insurance companies require. Drs. Keith Wright, Gerardo Carcamo and Carlos Godinez with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio have experience dealing with patients in this category, and would be happy to discuss these results.

Liposuction VS Bariatric Surgery

Liposuction has become one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the country, but what happens to the fat that is removed? Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine recently discovered that it eventually returns within 1 year. It tends to be redistributed to other parts of the body, such as the upper abdomen, shoulders, and arms. Long term weight loss is best achieved through bariatric surgery for patients who qualify. In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery patients achieve health benefits such as improvements in blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, which are not affected by plastic surgery.

Patients who are looking into plastic surgery as a method of weight loss should seek the advice of an experienced bariatric surgeon prior to making that decision. Bariatric procedures such as the Lap-Band are better alternatives for sustained weight loss, and provide significant health benefits as well.

Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio are happy to discuss all the available options to help you choose the most appropriate procedure.

Lap-band Surgery Can Resolve Metabolic Syndrome

A recent study out of NYU presented at the American College of Cardiology conference discussed the health benefits of Lap-Band surgery. The majority of patients experienced resolution of the metabolic syndrome in addition to weight reduction. The metabolic syndrome consists of a group of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The use of diabetes and blood pressure medications were decreased after surgery as well. This study included patients with a BMI as low as 30, a group that is not commonly offered weight loss surgery. Given the safety and efficacy of the Lap-Band, the FDA has approved its use in patients with medical problems in this weight class.

This is exciting information for overweight patients who have been told in the past that they do not qualify for weight loss surgery. Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio have a broad experience in treating patients in various weight categories. They will be happy to discuss these new findings and how they may relate to you during a private consultation.

Comparison Of Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, And Gastric Banding

Recent data reported in the Annals of Surgery from the University of Michigan compared weight loss and complication rates between the gastric bypass, gastric sleeve resection, and the adjustable gastric band (i.e. Lapband). Complication rates were highest with the gastric bypass, and lowest with gastric banding. Serious complication rates were similar between the bypass and sleeve, but still greater than the gastric band. Early weight loss with the bypass and sleeve were better than the gastric band. While weight loss surgery has become increasingly safe (and popular), there is no ideal operation. Early weight loss may not always correlate with long-term, sustained weight loss. In addition, the severity of complications, not just the total complication rate, must be taken into account. The balance between safety and efficacy must be considered by each individual patient with the help of his/her physician and surgeon.

At South Texas Surgeons, Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo aim for long-term success and uncompromised safety for all of our patients. Attend our free seminar and arrange for a private consultation to discuss which procedure is best for you.

Positive Quality Of Life Changes Seen After Surgery

Carrying excess weight can put a lot of stress on the body, causing serious health problems and health risks. These health conditions include heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and certain types of cancers. Research has shown that slow, healthy weight loss can help reduce these risks and health problems. Bariatric surgery procedures, such as the LAP-BAND, can be effective in both inducing sustainable weight loss and improving obesity-related health conditions. Now, a recent study has found that weight loss surgery can not only improve physical health, but can improve overall quality of life as well. In the study, participants who had weight loss surgery reported experiencing mental and social benefits after their procedures, such as having better relationships with friends, family and significant others. They also reported a decrease in depression after surgery. Doris Palmer, co-author of the study paper and a doctoral student in the School of Social and Family Dynamics sociology program at ASU said “This provides evidence that overcoming the stigma of being overweight, as reflected by negative reactions of others, can lead to greater satisfaction among relationships with family and friends, and in social life in general.” In addition, the participants reported significant improvements in physical health and conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol level, and sleep apnea.

Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo, at South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio, are available to discuss these results in more detail during a private consultation. We recognize the need to address not just the physical aspects of obesity, but the mental, social, and emotional aspects, too. To help patients get the most positive outcome possible, our multi-disciplinary team consists of highly trained surgeons and health care specialists who provide medical, nutritional and psychological support.