What to Expect in Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery | El Paso TX

laparoscopic surgery

Often patients experience symptoms that require laparoscopic gallbladder surgery to remove their gallbladder. Dr. Clapp works directly with patients to determine if surgery is best for them and what they can expect throughout the experience.

During Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is done to get rid of gallbladder and gallstones through a lot of little incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon in charge of this operation enlarges your abdomen with carbon dioxide or air to view the operation area properly.

The surgeon fixes a scope that is lighted on a video camera (laparoscope) which is inserted into one incision close to the belly button. The surgeon then uses a video monitor as a guide while inserting surgical instruments into the other incisions in order to be able to remove your gallbladder.

After Surgery

After surgery, you could be required to stay in the hospital for about a day or two. While for some patients it could take up to a week to 10 days before they can get back on their feet as they are likely to be very sore after having laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. But will be back on their feet faster than people who have open surgery. No special diets are required after surgery.

How Well It Works

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a very effective and safe method for the removal of gallstones that are found in the gallbladder. It can’t be used in removing stones that are found in the common bile duct. There is the possibility that gallstones can be formed in the common bile duct a couple of years after the gallbladder has been removed, although a case like this is rare.



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Weight Loss Surgery Treatments in El Paso TX

weight loss

Weight loss surgery has been shown to improve symptoms of weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux, sleep apnea and heart disease. What’s more, doctors can now tackle weight from multiple angles, making almost any case of overweightness or obesity remediable by surgery.

We have discussed below the main types of weight loss surgery offered at El Paso Bariatric. Read on to get an insight into the specific types of weight loss surgery before deciding on which one you think suits you best.

1) Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is performed to limit the amount of food your stomach can hold. The surgeon creates a pouch at the top end of your stomach, to which the small intestine is cut and connected. Food thus flows into the intestines without getting into the main part of the stomach, effectively reducing the amount of food you can take per sitting and, consequently, the amount of calories your body absorbs.

This may be the best type of surgery if you have acid reflux as it reduces the upward pressure that pushes up stomach content into the esophagus.

2) Sleeve Gastrectomy

This procedure is pretty similar to gastric bypass, except for the fact that the cut portion of the stomach is removed entirely from the body. The objective is straightforward – to physically reduce the size of the stomach, so you get full without eating much. The surgery also reduces one’s urge to eat as the hormone that alerts the brain when one gets hungry is located in the section of the stomach that is cut off.

Sleeve gastrectomy heals more quickly than gastric bypass and is suitable for people who have had multiple other surgeries in the abdominal area.

3) Adjustable Gastric Band

In this, an inflatable balloon is placed inside a silicone ring, which is attached to the upper part of the stomach. A small tubing is attached to the balloon with one of its endings connected to a port placed under the skin in the abdomen.

Using the port, the surgeon can modulate the diameter of the opening at the top of the stomach and to create a pouch where food sits for a while after a meal so the individual feels full faster.

4) Biliopancreactic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

The BPD/DS involves two procedures: a sleeve gastrectomy – where part of the stomach is tied into a banana shaped pouch – followed by the surgical attachment of the small intestine to the pouch. It is known as a malabsorptive surgery as it is designed to regulate the amount of calories absorbed along the gut. It makes the food storage part of the stomach much smaller and makes the food reach the small intestine faster.

Bariatric Surgery in El Paso

Weight loss surgery is the way to go if you’re looking for a quick and effective way of shed the few extra pounds. Call (915) 351-6020 today to schedule a consultation with one of the best bariatric surgeons in El Paso.

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Reflux Surgeon Near Me, El Paso TX

reflux surgery

Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid flows backward in the esophagus causing heartburn and other symptoms. Mild reflux symptoms can be relieved by prescriptions drugs, diet, and healthy life changes. If acid reflux (GERD) symptoms are severe and cannot be relieved by medications and life changes, your doctor may recommend reflux surgery.

Reflux surgery focuses on repairing or replacing lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It is this valve that normally keeps acid from flowing back from the stomach. If this valve is weakened or damaged, GERD occurs.

Benefits of reflux surgery (surgery for GERD)

  • Reflux surgery helps avoid long-term medications for GERD
  • Reflux surgery help prevent complications such as inflammation of the esophagus

Where to Get Reflux Surgery 

Have you been diagnosed with GERD? Do you think you are a good candidate for reflux surgery? El Paso Bariatric surgery may be the right place for you. Dr. Benjamin Clapp is an experienced surgeon who has performed several types of reflux surgeries. He is adept in fundoplication, Nissen fundoplication, hernia repairs, including Hiatal hernias and paraesophageal hernias, among many others. 

Dr. Clapp is also surrounded by an excellent team of professionals who will make your experience exceptional . The Dr. will discuss your specific condition and will work with a plan for reflux surgery that is best suited for you. Book an appointment to get started.

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What To Ask Your Weight Loss Surgeon | El Paso TX

It is common to have questions about any procedure that will require surgery. Though weight loss surgery is a common procedure there are still risks during surgery and challenges you may face in the time after. To help better understand your procedure, here are a few common questions patients ask their weight loss surgeon:

  • Do the benefits of weight loss surgery last? A new study has just emerged revealing that weight loss surgery not only helps people lose a significant amount of weight but that the weight “appears to stay off for at least 10 years”.
  • Can I return home the day after surgery? Patients typically must stay in the hospital for one to two days following surgery. And return home with a list of post-operation directions that must be followed for a speedy recovery process and for the best results.
  • How soon may I eat food? Expect to be on a liquid diet (including protein shakes) for the first two weeks following your surgery as your body heals. During week 3, you may shift to soft foods such as meatloaf, fish, eggs, etc. By week 4 you should be able to resume back to normal.

Schedule Your Appointment

To learn more about what to expect with weight loss surgery, contact your bariatric specialist in El Paso to schedule your appointment today.



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Weight Loss Surgery Near Me, El paso TX

weight loss

Not everyone is a good candidate for weight loss surgery in El Paso. No matter what information you read online, the absolute best way of finding out whether or not weight loss surgery is the right choice is to schedule an in person 1-on-1 consultation with our experienced weight loss surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Clapp.

Surgery is almost always a last resort when other non-invasive remedies fail to deliver the results you want. Before taking the step to get rid of your weight surgically, it is expected that have done as much research as possible about bariatric surgery. Following the procedure, you can lose between 40 and 80% of your “excess” weight.

Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

Generally, not every overweight individual is a good candidate for weight loss surgery. While losing weight will change your appearance, it is not the only benefit of bariatric surgery. It will also help to improve your overall health and quality of life, enhancing your well-being and possibly adding years to your life.

Please schedule a consultation with your weight loss surgeon in El Paso, TX to discuss your specific weight loss goals and the best bariatric weight loss surgery for your case.


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How Common is Hernia Repair Surgery? El Paso TX

hernia repair surgery

Every year in the United States about 600,000 people must undergohernia surgery. A lot of these surgeries are done using the “open” approach method which gives direct external access to the hernia defect by a single skin incision.

What is the best treatment option for a reoccurring hernia?

Most Patients that have a hernia that reoccurs are the perfect candidates this laparoscopic repair because “open” treatment for recurrent hernias often leads to complications such as relapse, injury to blood vessels, and nerve injury. The little incisions that are made during Laparoscopic Hernia Repairs also lead to a different cosmetic result when it is put at par with the open procedure.

How Long Does It Take to recover From a Hernia Repair Surgery?

Recovery from hernia repair surgery varies with every patient. Some patients may develop moderate to severe pain after laparoscopic surgery but many can expect to go home on the day of, or the day after your operation.  You will feel sore and some discomfort in your groin after your hernia repair surgery and painkillers can help relieve the pain.

If you are a candidate for a Laparoscopic Hernia Repair you will undergo a physical examination and detailed consultation with a top-rated bariatric surgeon in El Paso to be sure that surgery is best for you. You will learn the risk and benefits and your doctor will inform you of all the possibilities relating to converting from a laparoscopic procedure to an open one.

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Advantages of Weight Loss Surgery in El Paso TX

weight loss

You’re only considered a good weight loss surgery candidate if your chances of positive results are realistic. Also, the surgery should not pose a significant threat to your health. It should, instead, improve your appearance and health, and change your quality of life in the long run.

Of course, the surgery may not solely guarantee to turn your life around. The surgeon may require that you make certain behavior and lifestyle modifications to complement the results and ensure they last. You may even be recommended to consider additional clinical procedures and medications.

Common complementary procedures include breast lift, breast augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty, all of which are dedicated to treating fat, improve loose muscles, lift sagging areas and remove excess skin.

Why Choose a Weightloss Surgeon?

Bariatric surgery is a fast, safe, and effective way to reduce your weight while warding off the dangers of obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among others.

If you think weight loss surgery may be right for you, please contact your bariatric specialist in El Paso today.

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What Is Laparoscopic Hernia Repair? El Paso TX

hernia repair surgery

Laparoscopic hernia repair is one of the numerous techniques used to restore inguinal hernias; it is a preferred alternative to open hernia repair. Below are some of the advantages of laparoscopic hernia repair procedure:

  • The procedure provides quicker recovery.
  • The procedure involves smaller incisions.
  • The procedure reduces the risk of infections and wounds.

Procedure For Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Our Laparoscopic hernia repair specialist at our practice uses slender, telescope-like equipment inserted through a tiny laceration at the belly button. Before our specialist starts the procedure, they sit down with the patient and ask them about their state of health and medical history, after which a physical exam is carried out. Our specialist evaluates the patient using an electrocardiogram (EKG). 

Additionally, our specialist administers general anesthesia to the patient so that the entire procedure is pain-free. Our expert attaches the laparoscope to a small video camera, smaller than a dime, that projects an “internal view” of your body onto a television screen in our operating room. Our specialist inflates your abdomen with a nontoxic gas, which makes space to let our specialist view your inner structures. 

Our qualified expert cut the internal lining of the abdomen to display the frailty in the abdominal wall.  Our specialist placed mesh on the inside to cover the blemish in the abdominal wall and fortify the tissue. After our specialists are done with the procedure, they close the tiny abdominal incisions with multiple stitches or surgical tape. After a few months, the incisions are hardly visible.

Contact Us Today

Contact us today at our practice to schedule an appointment. Our specialists will be happy to meet with you and determine whether the procedure is right for you.

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Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in El Paso TX

gastric sleeve surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery comes with a host of positive benefits including:

  • May physically reduce your hunger. This will help you maintain the weight that is lost from the procedure, but it’s important to understand that the reduction of hunger does not always occur in every patient.
  • Does not require as much operating time as compared to gastric bypass.
  • Does not require any re-rerouting of the intestines.
  • No dumping syndrome experienced. Dumping syndrome is a condition that can develop after surgery to remove all or part of your stomach or after surgery to bypass your stomach to help you lose weight. Also called rapid gastric emptying, dumping syndrome occurs when food, especially sugar, moves from your stomach into your small bowel too quickly.
  • No adjustments are needed. Other weight loss tools such as the Lap Band do require several doctor visits. However, gastric sleeve surgery will require follow-up appointments.
  • No foreign objects left in the body.
  • Weight loss typically occurs in most patients over a period of 18 months. The majority of weight loss occurs in the first year.

Consult Your Weight Loss Specialist

If you are desiring to lose weight with the latest weight loss surgery, contact your weight loss specialist in El Paso, TX.



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Weight Loss Surgeon in El Paso TX 79902

weight loss

Who Can Benefit from Weightloss Surgery?

Medically known as bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery is recommended for patients suffering from severe obesity, meaning that they have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and above.

Most adults are good candidates for a weight loss procedure, though the first criteria that physicians look at are your BMI. There are three main categories of people who can benefit from bariatric surgery:

  • People with mild obesity and BMI of 30 to 35
  • People with moderate obesity and BMI of 35 to 40
  • People with severe obesity and BMI of over 40

Physicians recommend that patients consider bariatric surgery when dealing with moderate obesity, and a BMI between 35 and 40, rather than waiting until their BMI is over 40 or even 50 when the patient is less likely to enjoy the full benefits of the procedure.

Why Choose a Weightloss Surgeon?

Bariatric surgery is a fast, safe, and effective way to reduce your weight while warding off the dangers of obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among others.

There are many different approaches to bariatric surgery, though the most common ones are:

  • Sleeve gastrectomy – Used by around 60 – 70% of obese patients, the procedure requires the doctor to remove 80% of your stomach. This procedure is particularly suited for patients with a BMI of 35 to 40.
  • Gastric bypass – This procedure is recommended for severely obese patients. It involves bisecting the stomach and small intestines into two segments and then linking the smaller ones together to reduce both your food intake and absorption in the intestines.

Please keep in mind that surgery is usually considered as a last resort, when diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes fail.

If you think weight loss surgery may be right for you, please contact your bariatric specialist in El Paso today.



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