Bariatric Surgery Central

The solution for permanent weight loss through Lap-Band, Gastric Sleeve or Gastric By-Pass Surgeries.

Are you ready to live longer and healthier?

Making the decision to go through bariatric surgery to put an end to your weight loss problem is not an easy one. Lap-Band, Gastric Sleeve or Gastric By-Pass Bariatric Surgeries are the most popular Bariatric Surgeries to help you achieve permanent weight loss. If you are obese, weight loss surgery could save your life. Potential risks often scare people away from surgery that can give them a longer lifespan. Are you ready to transform your live and live longer and healthier?

Are you ready to transform your life?

Weight loss surgery is anything but a quick fix; however, it can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses. If you are considering bariatric surgery such as lap band, gastric sleeve or gastric by pass, carefully weigh your options before you make up your mind. Bariatric Surgery Central is here to help you through this process. Once you decide which bariatric surgery is good for you, we will work with you to make this process a smooth and relaxing experience. It will be the best decision for a better and healthier you.

Recent research reveals that conventional methods of weight loss generally fail to produce the permanent weight loss we are all looking to achieve. Also, that bariatric surgery is putting an end to weight loss problems by transforming lives, giving you control of your and allowing you to live a longer and healthier live.

For many, this can translate into what’s called the “yo-yo syndrome,” where patients continually gain and lose weight with the possibility of serious psychological and health consequences.

Lap-band, By-Pass and the Gastric Sleeve surgeries were all developed to induce weight loss. However, some behavior pattern must be modified simultaneously in order to achieve and maintain the desired weight loss. After surgery, you will need to make changes in your eating habits, not only to prevent complications, but also to produce the desired weight loss. It is very important to follow the eating and drinking instructions right from the start after the operation.

Are you ready to see the new you?

Everyone associated with Bariatric Surgery Central has gone through the same highs and lows that you are currently experiencing and we know how you feel. Currently, in different stages of our “New Slimmer Personalities” we try to help those looking for a change work through the process of finding and locating the best surgeons available at the most reasonable costs.

Bariatric Surgery Central can proudly say that we have the best qualified Doctors available for you. Our staff is here ot help you with the most important decision of your life. We will work with you to provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision and choose the best doctor to perform your surgery. The hardest part of this process will be to choose a date for your surgery, we will take care of the rest. For more information and to start your journey for a better a healthier you, contact us today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

SURGERY

Q: How long does it take to perform the Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery?
A: Placement of the Lap Band takes 35 minutes, on average. You must also consider the anesthesiologist’s time, which would add another 30 minutes. The total procedure will take about an hour. In most cases the patients will be up and walking five to six hours after surgery, sometimes less depending on your reaction to the General Anesthesia.

Q: Is the surgery very painful?
A: This surgery is minimally invasive—described as a “keyhole” surgery—with minimal pain. You will be given pain medication for any discomfort you may experience. This normally last for 2 days in the hospital, most patients find that the gas used in the surgery proceedure will cause more discomfort than the actual surgery.

Q: How many incisions will I have?
A: You will have four to six, 1 cm incisions. Some of our doctors are now using different proceedures which will take from 1 to 2 incisions. Be sure to ask your surgeon if you have a preference and if this is available for your surgery.

Q: Is this type of surgery reversible?
A: Yes, that is a huge advantage over other types of bariatric surgeries. To reverse the procedure, the silicone band is simply laparoscopically removed.

Q: How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
A: You will be in the hospital the night of your surgery. Each hospital is different, most are only 1 night, some prefer 2 nights as you will be leaving by the 3rd day to your home location.

LIFESTYLE

Q: Does the Lap Band limit any physical activity?
A: No. In fact, Lap Band patients take part in all kinds of sports activities.

Q: When can I go back to work? When can I start exercising?
A: You should be able to return to work three to five days after Lap Band Surgery as long as you do not need to lift, push or pull anything over 10 lbs for the first two to three weeks after surgery. You may begin light exercise only one week after surgery, initially walking then gradually increasing exercise as you lose weight.

Q: When can I start driving a vehicle, after surgery?
A: We recommend that you rest for two to three days, then you resume driving.

Q: Can I become pregnant if I am a Lap Band patient?
A: Yes. Obesity produces a hormone imbalance that can make it difficult to become pregnant. Many patients are able to become pregnant after they have lost some weight. The band may be emptied during pregnancy. Women with Lap Bands have had and are still giving birth to babies with normal birthrates.

Q: What is the most common reason for retaining or regaining weight? What is the best way to avoid these two pitfalls?
A:The most successful Bandsters focus on three key areas:
1. Protein
2. Water
3. Exercise
If you’re focusing on these three areas and you are not losing, you would probably benefit from another fill.
The most common reason for weight retention is not having the proper level of restriction. Another issue would be lack of exercise. Exercise is key in any weight loss program. Building muscle mass increases one’s metabolism. Another key to long-term Band weight loss maintenance is developing good habits during your weight loss phase; for example: exercise, eating slowly, watching your portion sizes, limiting treats, etc. Regular exercise such as walking four to six times per week for 30 minutes will help you lose the weight and keep it off.

NUTRITION

Q: Other than the obvious high calorie foods, are there foods Bandsters should avoid?
A: Each stage will be different. You should be sure to include high fiber and high protein foods. You will be eating a lesser quantity of food, but will still need to receive the same levels of protein and fiber as before. We recommend that you not drink carbonated beverages because they will most likely make you feel uncomfortable; carbonation may cause distention underneath the band so that you may feel bloated. Most surgeons recommend no carbonated drinks, this also includes Beer.

Q: Is it wise to drink prior to eating since it’s advisable not to drink with meals?
A: You should drink in-between meals. The general rule of thumb is nothing 30 minutes before or one hour after, but that varies. If you drink too closely to your meal, you may fill your pouch with liquid, leaving no room for food. If you eat during or right after, you will be pushing your food through your pouch, thus, eliminating satiety. Plus, drinking water in-between meals helps you to lose weight.

Q: How many meals should Bandsters focus on? Three meals or six smaller meals per day?
A: The Bio-Enterics literature says three meals per day. Some follow this regime, others have three meals per day plus a snack. Yet others eat six smaller meals throughout the day (200-300 kcal each). Those that eat three meals might eat a 300 kcal breakfast, 500 kcal each for lunch and dinner, and a 200 kcal snack. Try to keep your calorie intake to 1200 kcal per day (see more below).

Q: Is snacking a no-no?
A: Snacking can definitely sabotage your weight loss and the usual snack foods are a no-no. High carbohydrate foods will give you calories without satisfaction. If you’re hungry you should try to have only protein. If you need something sweet, try some fruit (it has fiber). You may also “snack on water” since hydration is also important.

Q: What is the average caloric intake during weight loss?
This depends on the person and the fill level. Here are some ranges:

Liquid stage 800 – 1200 kcal/day
Puree stage 1000 – 1300 kcal/day
Normal food (post-op/ pre-1st fill) 2000 2200 kcal/day
Post-1st fill 1600 – 1800 kcal/day
Post-2nd fill 1200 – 1800 kcal/day

Some people keep their intake levels much lower, but others find that they stop losing weight if they go too low, as their metabolism shuts down. The goal here is not to feel deprived, but to figure out how you can avoid that feeling and still lose weight.

Q: Should I take vitamins or protein supplements after surgery?
A: Usually, you won’t require any type of food supplements because the Lap Band procedure does not have any effect on the absorption of nutrients. With the Lap Band you will still obtain the vitamins and nutrients from what you eat; Lap Band Surgery is considered a “restrictive” vs. a “mal-absorptive” surgery.