Nova Vita Bariatric Surgery

10 Things You Should Know About Weight Loss Surgery

Excess weight can interfere with our lives and daily activities. In addition to the restriction on your mobility and social lifestyle, excess weight makes one vulnerable to life-threatening diseases like cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and even COVID-19.
Dr. David Roman
Dr. David Roman

Medical Director

10 Things you should know about weight Loss Surgery in Tijuana Mexico
Excess weight can interfere with our lives and daily activities. In addition to the restriction on your mobility and social lifestyle, excess weight makes one vulnerable to life-threatening diseases like cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and even COVID-19.
However, being overweight isn’t a death sentence, and there are a good number of proven treatments that can provide timely relief. A common approach to weight loss for most people is exercise and going on diets. While these put you on the right track and in the right direction to achieving your goal, it’s worth stating that there are other effective ways of losing weight. A fast, affordable, and reliable way of getting rid of excess weight is through bariatric surgery.

What are Bariatric Surgeries?
Bariatric surgeries are also known as weight-loss surgeries, and they offer quick and long-term results compared to other weight loss programs like diets and exercise.
Some of the common weight-loss surgeries being performed all around the world including Tijuana Mexico are
1. Gastric Sleeve or Sleeve Gastrectomy
2. Gastric Bypass and
3. Gastric Banding.
The basic idea behind all of these weight loss surgeries is to reduce the size of your stomach to limit the quantity of food you can consume and also minimize the number of calories your body can absorb.
They also help to suppress your appetite by altering your hunger hormone, Ghrelin – this way, your cravings no longer become an issue, and you become full quickly.

Overview of Bariatric Surgery in Mexico
Bariatric or weight-loss surgeries present little to no risks or complications. Let’s look at what you should expect from some of the common weight-loss surgeries in Tijuana.

What is a Gastric Sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is done by making your stomach narrow and smaller – the size of a banana and it is less invasive. The surgeon used a laparoscope to remove up to 80% of your stomach, leaving you with a smaller stomach that limits the quantity of food you can consume.

What is Gastric Bypass?
During gastric bypass surgery, the doctors make a small incision through which the procedure will be performed with the aid of a laparoscope (a specialized instrument with a camera at the end that allows the surgeon to see what he is doing on a monitor).
The surgeon then proceeds to divide your stomach into two sections with a smaller part at the top. He then uses the top section of the stomach to make a small gastric pouch or stomach. The next step is to cut a loop of your small intestine, bring one end up and attach it to the new stomach.
The other end of the small intestine is then reconnected back into itself at the bottom. This effectively bypasses or redirects food from your stomach to an area farther down the digestive system. Hence, reducing your stomach capacity and allowing for fewer calories to be absorbed into your body.
You can get professionally done gastric bypass in Mexico at a very affordable price and in a world-class facility.

Gastric Banding
As the name suggests, the size of the stomach is reduced with the aid of an adjustable band.

What qualifies you for weight Loss Surgery in Mexico?
You must consult your weight loss surgeon to determine what procedure is best for you. Also, bear in mind that your course of treatment will be made based on a realistic goal. 

Know your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a determinant of whether or not you require weight loss surgery or not.
BMI also tells you if you are underweight, healthy, or overweight. Other categories on the BMI scales are obese and morbidly obese.
A BMI of 40 and above qualifies you for bariatric surgery. Also, lower BMI and underlying weight-related health problems like Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure make one eligible for bariatric surgery.

Here Are Ten (10) Things You Should Know Before Bariatric Surgery
Having an understanding of what weight loss surgeries are and what to expect after undergoing one makes your transition smooth and puts your mind at peace.
Have it in mind that weight loss surgeries like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass in Mexico yield result gradually and at a steady pace.
Ultimately the results are permanent, and that’s what matters most. Let’s get on with our checklist!

10. Commitment 
Deciding to go through with a weight loss surgery requires a commitment to adapt to major life changes like your diet and lifestyle.
It also requires some mental and emotional preparedness to help you on your weight loss journey.

9. Disclose Medical History
Ensure that you disclose every aspect of your medical history to the weight loss surgeon and nurses before the surgery date. Let them know if you are currently on any medication; vitamins, minerals, and herbs. This is to eliminate any chances of adverse medical reactions/interactions.

8. Lose Some Weight before Surgery
If you are looking to cut your hospital stay short, you should try to lose up to 10% of your excess weight before your surgery.
Losing this amount of weight will also accelerate weight loss afterward. You can achieve this through a pre-surgery diet plan.

7. Adopt a healthier lifestyle 
To help you prepare life after weight loss surgery, you should pick up some new lifestyle and health routines before the surgery. This will also make your transition easier.

6. Learn New Eating Habits
Try new eating habits like slowing down on quick you chew and swallow. Learn to chew your food properly (at least 20 times) and to put your spoon or fork down between bites.
Learn to delay drinking after a meal, say 20 minutes after every meal. Eating and drinking at the same time, cause the new pouch or stomach to get full quickly and may cause you to throw up or experience nausea.

5. Manage Your Cravings
Take time to study your eating pattern and habits. Identify what triggers your cravings and learn alternative ways of managing them.
Possible triggers that lead to overeating could be your mood, time of the day, events, and lots more. Keep an eye for any of these signs, and prepare your mind to fight them off.

4. Keep an Open Mind
Set realistic expectations and weight loss targets. Discuss what you want with your weight loss surgeons and keep an open mind to their expert opinion on what is achievable.

3. Get a blender!
Get a blender! You will be staying off solid foods for some time after weight loss surgery. Until your physician gives you the green light to take solid food, you will be on a thin soup and purée diet. Ensure that you have some ready ahead for when you come out of surgery.

2. Stick to Doctor’s Instruction
Take every advice from your doctor seriously, especially those given days leading to your surgery. You may be told to stay off food and water for some time. Follow all fasting instructions religiously. 

1. Get a Helping Hand
Ensure that you have someone to assist you with some errands and chores. Since you are likely going to be on bed rest to a couple of days, having a relative or companion around will help make your stay lively.
These should get you adequately prepared for your surgery. If you are parents, remember to get someone to take care of your kids while you are away. Also, remember to take a comfortable pair of pajamas or nightdress, some books/magazines, your phone or tablet to keep in touch with loved ones. 
Weight loss surgery in Mexico is provided by an experienced multidisciplinary team comprising of seasoned doctors and nurses who will liaise to give you the best experience. 

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