10 faq about Bariatric Surgery
An increasing number of obese patients are considering weight loss surgery because of difficulty in maintaining weight loss with exercise and diet alone. Still, this kind of surgeries is still not well understood, and many people have FAQ (frequently asked questions) about bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery can improve or resolve more than 30 obesity-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, and joint pain.
Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana will change your life physically, emotionally, and socially
At Baristic Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center, we understand the difficult challenges that you experienced when attempting to maintain weight loss. We have heard many frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery, so we want to tell you the truth behind some of the most common concerns.
Am I too young for bariatric surgery?
Although the procedure remains controversial for people under 18, the safest minimum age for bariatric surgery is 16 years. The biggest concern of having a weight loss surgery during adolescence is not to affect the physical development of teenagers. It is important to mention that the patient must have authorization from their parents or tutor and must be accompanied by them throughout the entire process.
Can I lose weight with exercise and diet alone?
You need to make changes in your lifestyle to lose extra pounds, including diet, exercise or eating healthy. But if you have already tried all of this and everything has failed, or if you have other serious diseases caused by obesity, you should consider bariatric surgery.
What benefits does bariatric surgery have for my physical condition?
Bariatric surgery will help you lose weight but remember: this is only the first step in a longer path to a healthier life. After recovery, physical activity or exercise, and healthy food will help you to keep losing weight and stay healthy. The long-term goal is to do up to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. After bariatric surgery, some of the activities you will be able to practice without complications are climbing stairs, riding a bicycle, tennis, dancing, and hiking.
When I get back from Mexico, will I have a surgeon’s support in my recovery?
Yes, totally. Baristic surgeon Dr. Miguel Navarro will be available for answer all of your questions. We also have a FB Group for patient´s support after surgery where you can share information, recipes and tips with other bariatric patients.
When will I start to see the results of my bariatric surgery?
Right after your surgery you will see a huge change in the scale, as well as in your mood. The total weight you can lose depends on whether you follow a postoperative diet and a healthy lifestyle after your surgery. During the first year, a patient who undergoes a bariatric surgery will lose an average of 80% of the excess body weight.
Will I still be able to eat dessert or drink alcohol after bariatric surgery?
You’ll need to eat and drink these items in moderation. But after a while, you can have a piece of cake at a wedding or a glass of wine for your anniversary. Because your body will process and absorb foods differently after surgery, we recommend that you not eat foods high in sugar and fat immediately after surgery or drink alcohol for two years.
Will I be able to get pregnant after bariatric surgery?
Pregnancy after bariatric surgery is not a problem. The possibilities increase considerably once the patient’s weight has stabilized. However, it is recommended to use contraceptive methods during the first 18 months after surgery to avoid complications such as baby low birth weight, nutritional deficiencies, or premature birth. If you are planning a pregnancy after weight loss surgery, pre-conception and early prenatal nutritional counseling are very important
What can I do if I don´t want my kids to inherit my obesity?
It is very possible that your children replicate the same habits that led you to suffer from obesity, that is why it is very important to lead by example and teach them that overcoming obesity is possible. Change your lifestyle and look for ways to control your weight and keep it at a healthy level. Surgery for weight loss may be the solution you are looking for to lose weight and prevent your children from inheriting your obesity.
Will bariatric surgery help me to reduce my diabetes and hypertension?
Bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in 80% of cases to reduce diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, and a lot more weight related physical and metabolic conditions. So far weight loss surgery it’s the only way to put on remission type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Will I be able to get rid of depression after my surgery?
When you lose weight, definitely your self-esteem and personal relationships improve. Bariatric surgery is great for the treatment of depression when it is caused by obesity or when it is related to eating disorders. However, to get better results, you must have psychological alongside your bariatric treatment.
