Gastric Sleeve Surgery with Dr Kuri at Hospital Blue Medical Tower in Tijuana, Mexico
The Gastric Sleeve ProcedureThe gastric sleeve is a restrictive surgery that permanently reduces the size of the stomach by about 85 percentGastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is one of the newer forms of bariatric surgery but has quickly been gaining popularity over the recent years. Also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, vertical Gastroplasty or sleeve Gastroplasty, this procedure is another option for those looking to help with their morbid obesity through surgery. * Results may vary. The Gastric Sleeve is a restrictive procedure meaning that it achieves weight loss results by restricting the amount of food that your body is physically able to take in. There is no malabsorption involved with this procedure. Gastric Sleeve surgery involves permanently removing a large portion of the stomach, anywhere from 60% to 85% of the total stomach. The portion left behind is a slim tube or “sleeve” that will serve as your new stomach. This stomach is already connected naturally to the stomach inlet and outlet which means that no rerouting of the intestines is needed. The remaining stomach looks like a sleeve (or hose or tube) and holds about 50 to 150ml. or about the size of a banana. What differentiates a Gastric Sleeve (and Lap-Band) procedure from other weight loss surgeries is the nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) of the stomach remain intact to preserve the functions of the stomach while at the same time, reducing the volume it is able to hold. There is no bypass of the intestines with the gastric sleeve, only stomach capacity reduction. A Sleeve Gastrectomy also works because it removes the part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, which is a hormone that stimulates appetite. This helps to noticeably reduce without completely eliminating a person’s appetite. The advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery include:
This procedure is also performed laparoscopically. It is well tolerated and does not require adjustments as with the Lap-Band® procedure and may be an additional option for patients who may have limited access for getting adjustments for a Lap-Band® or are unable to tolerate needles. As with Lap-Band® surgery, after Gastric Sleeve Surgery the patient is required to do their part by learning to modify their lifestyle and develop a new relationship with food with behavior modification. We have a huge patient resource section on our website in the Patient Support section to help you with this lifestyle modification after surgery. |
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Lap-Band Revision SurgeryLap-Band Revision Surgery involves removal of the Lap Band and Conversion to Sleeve GastrectomyThe majority of our Lap-Band ® patients have experienced successful weight loss with the Lap-Band gradually over time. The Lap-Band remains the safest, most effective, reversible surgical option for weight loss. However, some of our patients have experienced intolerance to the band with symptoms such as weight regain, band slippage, infection, severe heartburn, and other issues that have made long-term weight loss a challenge to achieve their individual weight loss goals. For this reason, Dr Kuri has begun performing “Lap Band Revision Surgery” on select patients experiencing these types of issues. Lap Band Revision Surgery entails removal of the Lap-Band and surgical transition to the Gastric Sleeve. If you have intolerance to the Lap-Band, removal of your band offers immediate symptom relief. However, without another bariatric procedure, most patients will regain weight after the band has been removed. Studies have shown that weight loss following revision to Gastric Sleeve Surgery as high as 60% compared to pre-band removal weight. Laparoscopic Lap Band RemovalThe Lap-Band is removed laparoscopically and is a relatively easy and safe operation depending on existing health issues. The steps of a lap band removal surgery are as follows:
1. Insert laparoscopic instruments through small incisions. In most cases, the old incisions can be used. 2. Cut the scar tissue around the band. 3. Cut the tubing and band. 4. Pull out the band from around the stomach. 5. During the initial operation, the upper part of the stomach (fundus) is usually sutured to the part of the stomach above the band to prevent band migration. Some general surgeons tend to leave the adhesions and those sutures in place during the lap band removal operation. However, it is very important to remove those sutures and lyse the adhesions. This will restore the original anatomy of the stomach and make subsequent or later revisional surgery much easier. 6. After the band is removed, the perigastric capsule (dense scar tissue around the upper part of the stomach or esophagus) should be removed or incised to reduce the chance of obstruction after surgery. 7. The subcutaneous port is removed. 8. The surgeon will then proceed with the Gastric Sleeve surgery after the band is removed. Lap Band Conversion to the Gastric SleeveGastric Sleeve Surgery involves permanently removing a large portion of the stomach, anywhere from 60% to 85% of the total stomach. The portion left behind is a slim tube or “sleeve” that will serve as your new stomach. The remaining stomach looks like a sleeve (or hose or tube) and holds about 50 to 150ml. or about the size of a banana. The Gastric Sleeve works by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten. In addition, it promotes weight loss by changing hormonal signals between the stomach, brain, and liver to establish a lower set point. As a result, fewer calories are absorbed into the body and the hormonal signals between the stomach and the brain are changed causing patients to feel less hungry. Consequently patients experience weight loss and improvement in overall health and well-being. The overall health benefits of the Gastric Sleeve include:
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Why an FDA Approved Lap Band is Important?Dr Kuri performs ALL surgeries with the FDA Approved Allergan Lap-Band®Surgeons in Mexico often use bands that are NOT FDA Approved and do not tell their patients. This is how they are able to advertise Lap-Band Surgery for so much less then their competitors. This may be a huge a problem for patients who live in the US and Canada and need to have their bands adjusted. While there is nothing wrong with those other bands, getting the necessary fills/adjustments will most likely not be possible in the US or Canada. Generally speaking, US and Canadian doctors will not provide services to patients that do not have a FDA approved Lap Band. This will require those patients to return to Mexico for adjustment at an additional cost to the patient. Beware that some surgeons in Mexico are not using FDA approved bands and/or using FDA bands that are expired. Due to these factors other surgeons are able to offer the surgery at a much lower price. Always inquire as to which band will be used, if it is FDA approved, and finally make sure your band is not expired. Each band has its own unique serial number. You may lookup your band on the Allergan website to ensure it is certified. What you need to know about the different types of Adjustable Gastric BandsDid you know that there are 9 adjustable gastric bands manufactured throughout the world? The important thing to know is that only two of them are FDA approved for use in the US and Canada. They are the Allergan Lap-Band and the Realize Band. Perhaps you have heard that Dr. Kuri does not use the “Newest” Allergan Lap-BandThere is a very good reason for that. The Allergan AP Lap-Band was released to coincide with the introduction of the Realize band system. The AP band as well as the Realize band take much larger fill volumes (the amount of fluid needed to adjust the band). Over time as was predicted, these larger fill volumes have made both band systems more difficult to adjust resulting in slower weight loss for the patient. Many surgeons are now rethinking the use of these newer bands because of this. Dr. Kuri prefers the ease of adjusting patients who have the earlier model of Allergan Lap-Band. This model is still in production and offered throughout the world today. It has a longer patient use record than any other competing adjustable gastric band system. It is the band that Dr. Kuri and many other surgeons throughout the world prefer to use and will continue to use. |
Why Choose Lap-Band® Surgery?The Lap BandAdjustable Gastric Banding System is a simple yet advanced gastric banding system that helps you gradually lose and control your weight with long term success. * Results may vary. The LAP-BAND is simply placed around the stomach to restrict food intake and provide an early sensation of fullness after eating a meal. Imagine Not Feeling Hungry All Day Long!The Lap BandAdjustable Gastric Banding System is a simple yet advanced gastric banding system that helps you gradually lose and control your weight with long term success. * Results may vary. The LAP-BAND is simply placed around the stomach to restrict food intake and provide an early sensation of fullness after eating a meal. The Lapband is a Safe, Reversible, and Effective Alternative to the Gastric Bypass procedure.One of the unique qualities of the LAPBAND is that it can be adjusted or removed. Unlike the traditional Gastric Bypass procedure where your stomach is cut, stapled, and the intestine rerouted, the LAPBAND is secured by simple and minimal stitching. If removed, the stomach typically returns to its original state/function. Also, the risk of having post-surgery nutritional deficiencies associated with the Gastric Bypass procedure is much less. Gastric banding surgery is a minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible weight loss solution. The adjustable gastric band is the top weight loss surgical procedure used by surgeons to treat severe obesity. * Results may vary.
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Why you should choose Dr Kuri as your Lap-Band® Surgeon?Since the introduction of the Lap-Band system, Dr. Pedro Kuri has performed more Lap-Band Surgeries than any other surgeon in the world. There are medical groups that have collectively performed more procedures than Dr. Kuri. However, no single surgeon has performed more Lap-Band Surgeries to date.The Experience and Record of Dr. Pedro KuriDr. Kuri has been performing the Lap-Band procedure before the FDA approved its use in the states. Due to this fact, Dr. Kuri often has much more experience than U.S. Doctors. Since the Lap-Band was approved by the FDA in 2001, many people have undergone this type of weight loss surgery for morbid obesity. However, it wasn’t until recently this year that the FDA lowered the BMI requirements for patients with a BMI level of between 30 to 40. Subsequently more people then ever are now eligible for surgery. Due to the strict requirements of the FDA, many U.S. bariatric surgeons have limited or no experience with the Lap-Band. Now that many of the restrictions have been lifted by the FDA and insurance carriers are beginning to cover the procedure, many less experienced surgeons have begun doing the procedure. One of the most important factors in choosing a surgeon is experience and training. Dr Kuri has shown time and time again over the years that he is a dedicated, well-trained, and extremely proficient surgeon of the Lap-Band system. Often people assume that if a physician is trained in the U.S. they are automatically a superior doctor. However, some of the best surgeons in the world are foreign born and trained. Many of these foreign doctors often go to medical school abroad and later practice in the U.S. Currently there are over 9,500 foreign doctors practicing in the U.S. The training and experience Dr. Kuri brings to the table as a surgeon of 30 years, performing nearly 6,000 Lap-Band procedures in the past 18 years – highly distinguishes himself from other surgeons in his field. Dr. Kuri understands and speaks english fluently, which enables him to answer any and all questions a patient may have and to clearly understand a patient’s needs. His love and dedication to his patients is unparalleled, and apparent to all know him. Dr. Kuri treats his patients with love, dignity, and respect. Annually Dr. Kuri invites all of his patients back to Mexico to celebrate their success at the annual Kuri Bandster Bash. Dr Kuri is always available to his patients. If the office is closed, phone calls are forwarded to his personal cell phone. Our patients are always amazed that they can speak directly with Dr. Kuri even if he is out of the office. This kind of personal access to a physician is very uncommon. Dr. Kuri has a large team of support staff available to his patients including patient facilitators, on-site office personnel, and a patient education coordinator. He also provides numerous online resources to support his patients after care, education, and to further their success along every step of their journey. In addition, Dr. Kuri works with a number of outside service providers to provide his patients with resources and information, including local fill providers. |
Why have Lap-Band® Surgery in Mexico?Safe, Affordable, and Professional Lap-Band Surgery with Dr. Kuri & Hospital Blue Medical Tower in Tijuana, MexicoState of the Art Medical FacilityDr Kuri performs all his surgeries and procedures at the new Hospital Blue Medical Tower. The hospital features state-of-the-art medical equipment and diagnostic services and is fully equipped for any emergency. Travelling Is EasyWe have traveling for surgery down to a science. No matter what route you choose, we provide cross-border transportation to make the process as safe and simple as possible. We recommend a two night stay at the Palacio Azteca Hotel. If you choose to stay in a hotel, we provide transportation to and from the hotel and hospital as well. Bottom line is: you are cared for from the moment you arrive. Availability of the Surgeon and StaffOne of the things Dr. Kuri’s patients appreciate most is the availability of he and his staff. Our office is open Monday through Saturday 8:30am – 8:00pm. During off hours, our phone rings directly to Dr. Kuri. Patients are frequently shocked when they get their surgeon in the middle of the night. You can’t get that sort of attention in the States! Support – At Home and AbroadDr. Kuri has nearly 5,500 patients that are available to each other for support. We have an online support group called the Kuri Patient Board, in addition to a Patient Educator, team of Patient Facilitators, and other support staff. AftercareFill Providers: We have an extensive list of fill providers in various US cities and Canadian provinces. Included is information on how to contact the provider, how much the fill appointments cost (they vary), and any other additional information available. Many patients choose to sometimes use a local provider, but to check in with Dr. Kuri now and again for a fill and check up. Dr. Kuri’s fills are FREE FOR LIFE. He loves seeing his patients post surgery! Learn More…If you would like to take the next step and learn more about Lap-Band Surgery with Dr Kuri, please click the button below. You will be entered into our email system which will provide you with further details. There is not purchase necessary and you may unsubscribe from our system at any time.
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Disclaimer
Dr Kuri & Associates provides no guarantees of weight loss results. Individual results vary depending on each patients personal medical history, and willingness to adhere to a new weight loss lifestyle. Weight loss surgery involves a lifetime commitment to significant lifestyle changes, and is not suited for everyone.
All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. Serious complications may occur in any surgery, including up to and including death. Examples of serious or life-threatening complications, which may require prolonged and/or unexpected hospitalization and/or reoperation, include but are not limited to, one or more of the following: injury to tissues/organs, bleeding, infection and internal scarring that can cause long-lasting dysfunction/pain. Risks of surgery also include the potential for equipment failure and/or human error.