Dr. Amir Mehran Advises Current Gastric Band Patients to "Use It or Lose It" With New Campaign

LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- While effective bariatric procedures have been around for decades, the field of weight loss surgery saw a big uptick in the number performed from 2000 to 2010 as the gastric band emerged as an operation that was both highly advertised and when compared to other weight loss surgeries, had a lower certification bar for surgeons. Yet, as the decade came to a close, it became abundantly clear that all of these bands were not as effective and free of complications as many people thought. Nevertheless, a subset of the medical community including Amir Mehran MD, FACS, of University Bariatrics anticipated and warned of this impending realization whilst informing their patients about the existence of much better options such as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy or Roux en-Y Gastric bypass. With his new "Use it or Lose it" campaign, Dr. Mehran aims to educate more patients about the misconceptions surrounding the long term efficacy of gastric bands compared to other bariatric procedures.

• Use it: While far more people than expected have had issues with the gastric band procedures, there are still some who continue to experience positive results from them. These patients have diligently followed physician instructions, receive the proper number of adjustments, and as a result, have maintained a meaningful degree of weight loss. While these patients are in the absolute minority, Dr. Mehran asserts that by continuing these behaviors, the benefits of keeping bands might outweigh the continued risk profile associatede with their presence. However, with the lifetime reoperation rate for the gastric bands being close to 100%, it is often only a matter of time before these patients require further intervention. As revisional surgery can become more difficult and risky over time, earlier intervention remains the best option for maintenance of positive health outcomes.
• Lose it: Either because of subpar weight loss, band slippage or erosion into the stomach, severe refluc and intolerance of oral intake, chronic abdominal pain, or a variety of other complications, Dr. Mehran advises that the best option for the majority of gastric band patients is to have them removed urgently. This can be done as a standalone procedure or as part of a revision to a gastric sleeve or bypass. Dr. Mehran especially recommends further bariatric surgery for Thousand Oaks residents who are living with obesity comorbidities like diabetes and heart disease that are a constant threat to their health.

Dr. Mehran has been a respected bariatric surgeon for over a decade, and has a wealth of experience that he uses to advise and inform patients about their best options for future treatment. On his website, patients can find answers to many FAQs about weight loss surgery in addition to instructions about how patients can proceed with a revision or primary bariatric procedure. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mehran today, call 805-379-9796.

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SOURCE University Bariatrics