Ricardo M. Bonnor M.D., F.A.C.S

Long-term Success with Bariatric Surgery - June 3, 2009

Dr. Ricardo Bonnor, general surgeon on staff understands the impact bariatric (weight-loss) surgery can have on a patient's life, and from this perspective stems a deep passion for the patient's long-term success. Through personal focus on patient education and consultation, the nurturing of a patient-physician partnership and unparalleled post-surgical support, Texas Endosurgery Associates has set a new standard for Bariatric Surgery.

Texas Endosurgery Associates' goal is for patients to achieve wellness, which is why Dr. Bonnor offers Lapband® (gastric banding), gastric bypass, and gastric sleeve for weight-loss surgery candidates. "When you look at the real impact bariatric surgery can have on a patient's life—remission of negative health conditions (i.e. hypertension, diabetes), improved outlook on life, heightened self confidence—it is tremendous," said Dr. Bonnor. "This is the result we want for our patients."

This is the reason Texas Endosurgery Associates offers a comprehensive approach to bariatric surgery. Solid aftercare, in-house support groups, technical expertise, real world advice and support, and counseling by a trained psychologist and a life coach are ways in which Dr. Bonnor works to ensure his patients’ success. In addition, nutrition and exercise education is incorporated into after-care.

"Education and the setting of expectations," said Dr. Bonnor, "must be undertaken with a focus and dedication." A doctor may have had a number of patient consultations in a day, but for the patient, this meeting is his or her one chance to be introduced to the surgical reality and to understand the changes they must be prepared to make. "This is a life-changing decision," he added, "and I must dedicate the necessary time to them. A patient must be well-informed. It is important to me to have integrity with every one of my patients."

A Lifetime Of Support

The support groups at Texas Endosurgery Associates accomplish the goal of overall wellness and change from many different perspectives. Research has shown that there is a higher success rate in patients who participate in long-term support and education. "Even in the best hands," added Dr. Bonnor, "a patient stands to regain their weight if they succumb to their old habits. The patient must be fully committed to a change in lifestyle."

Texas Endosurgery Associates treat the whole patient without oversimplifying weight loss goals. These groups are led by professionals who incorporate the emotional and psychological aspects of healthy change alongside the physical and educational reality. Discussions about new ways to handle stress and change ingrained behaviors help patients transition into a new approach to health. Patients are taught strategies for incorporating exercise into their new lifestyles, and nutritional guidelines and education are provided to support the new routine necessary for long-term success.

Soon, Texas Endosurgery Associates will also include an internist, who will round out this big picture approach to health. The in-house services are the cornerstone of what differentiates Texas Endosurgery Associates from other providers.

With a team of professionals under one roof, a patient’s care can be smoothly coordinated and more easily facilitated for a lifetime of success. This helps patients by making the management of their healthcare simplified and effective. There is no excuse for not being proactive and diligent with this range of support in one place.

Experience, Integrity, Education

"The relationship a patient has with the surgeon they choose really is for life," said Dr. Bonnor. He recommends thoroughly interviewing surgeons when considering bariatric surgery. Feeling comfortable with their skills, having open communication, and developing a good rapport between doctor and patient are important due to the fact that much time will be spent together post-surgery.

In addition to weight-loss surgery, Dr. Bonnor has specialized training in the laparoscopic treatment of colon cancer, reflux disease, achalasia, hernias, disorders of the spleen, pancreas and the adrenal gland. This includes procedures to help chronic heartburn, repair hernias and treat a wide range of ailments such as gallstones, diverticulosis or Chron’s Disease.

Breakthrough StomaphyX Procedure Now Offered at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital

(Katy, TX - July 21, 2009) - Obesity is growing to epidemic proportions worldwide and is anticipated to be the number one global health problem within the next 20 years. Many patients seek surgical solutions such as gastric bypass and adjustable laparoscopic gastric banding. While these offer substantial success for most patients, some patients may need additional assistance attaining long term satisfactory weight loss.

StomaphyX, a revolutionary incisionless procedure, is now available from Ricardo M. Bonnor, M. D., bariatric and general surgeon on staff at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital in Katy, Texas. Dr. Bonnor, a leader in bariatric surgery, is the first specialist in the Katy area and is now trained and performing the StomaphyX procedure. This technique creates a series of full-thickness folds inside the gastric pouch resulting from a gastric bypass. This procedure is tailored for post-gastric bypass patients that meet specific criteria.

StomaphyX is a revolutionary transoral device. Widely recognized as the next step in the evolution of minimally invasive techniques, StomaphyX is introduced into the body, not through an incision, but through a natural body orifice, the mouth. Once inside the stomach, a small section of the stomach wall is suctioned into the device and fastened with a suture-like fastener creating a fold similar to a pleat. As many as 10-20 full-thickness folds are typically created to allow Dr. Bonnor to reduce the size of the stomach pouch.

For more information on this procedure contact Dr. Ricardo Bonnor at 281-579-5638 or CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital at 281-599-5700.