Among these procedures, the bariatric sleeve has become one of the best alternatives to treat obesity problems. It is a restrictive surgery in which the size of the stomach is reduced, which ends up helping the patient to make the necessary changes in their daily intake and their nutrient absorption.

5 things you need to know about the bariatric sleeve

Although, like the other procedures, it can help the patient lose weight, this is one of the least invasive procedures comparing it to a gastric bypass. It has also become the most requested weight loss surgery, as it can be performed on most obese patients, even those who suffer from excess weight and body mass.

Recovery is faster

In the old days the recovery process after weight loss surgery used to be quite slow. Nowadays, with medical advances, this type of procedure has improved and recovery is faster, although it must be clarified that each case is different. 

Even so, after performing a bariatric sleeve, there is usually a fairly short estimated recovery period. Patients usually recover from surgery between 7 and 10 days after having it, although as mentioned before, this can vary depending on each patient.

It is necessary to follow all the doctor’s indications so after the period, the patient can continue with his normal life. If all indications are not followed, the patient may be at risk for complications and his recovery will be slower than expected.

Decreases the size of the stomach

After surgery, the size of the stomach is reduced by up to 80%. The help of surgical staples is used to perform this procedure, this makes it very difficult for an abnormal enlargement of the stomach size to occur due to the excess consumption of food.

Another thing that must be taken into consideration is the quality of food, the patient must maintain a diet according to the size of his stomach. For the recovery to be totally successful, the patient will carry out a liquid diet first, then it will be switched to soft foods and finally to solid food.

There are fewer nutritional complications that the patient can have, for the same reason it is very rare that it generates other problems such as dumping syndrome. This is one of the reasons why the bariatric sleeve is commonly said to be the perfect procedure for treating severe obesity.

It is one of the safest techniques

Unlike other procedures, the bariatric sleeve is one of the safest, this is because it is done through laparoscopic surgery. To perform this technique, only 4 or 5 small cuts in the abdomen are necessary, this helps to considerably reduce the risk of surgical complications.

Another advantage of this technique is that it does not usually leave marks on the skin, because the incisions are very small and heal easily. In addition, weight loss is very fast, but it is also safe for the health of the patient and they can lose between 60% and 70% of excess fat in a short time. 

Improves other health problems

It is common that when someone suffers from overweight problems, problems like heart disease appear that damage their health even more. This increases when being overweight has turned into obesity, as a series of metabolic diseases are unleashed, which further damage the patient.

Something that not many people know about weight loss surgeries is that they can help improve these medical conditions or even cure them. Surgery such as bariatric sleeve have been shown to provide a better quality of life for people with diabetes.  

With its help, glucose levels in the blood are reduced and patients with this condition can have a healthy life. They are also able to reduce and control other very common problems in people who are overweight or suffering from obesity.

It is important to mention that for people who have undergone any bariatric procedure, it is important to start doing exercise programs and control their food intake. 

It is a fairly accessible surgery

Weight loss surgeries are usually quite expensive depending on several factors, among those factors are the country, the clinic and the type of surgery. In cities like Tijuana where medical tourism is up-to-date, surgeries are usually much more accessible than in other cities.

At the same time and unlike other weight loss procedures, the bariatric sleeve cost is more affordable for most people. Depending on the hospital or clinic where the surgery is performed, the cost usually includes hospital, operating room, anesthesiologist and surgeon fees.

But it is also advisable to take into consideration other types of expenses that may arise if you do not live in Tijuana. Some of these expenses are accommodation and transportation, since after the surgery it will be necessary to periodically go for a check-up.

Final tips

As with all surgeries, it is necessary to see an expert to perform bariatric sleeve surgery. Not everyone is trained to perform this kind of surgery, and it can be dangerous in inexperienced hands.

The most advisable thing is to look for a specialized clinic that has the qualified personnel to be able to work properly. At Baristic, thanks to our high-quality services and the expert hands of our surgeons we are one of the most popular professional clinics in Tijuana. 

With our help, dozens of people have been able to improve their quality of life, since from the beginning of their treatment we guide them in every step. Thanks to this, losing weight has become a real option for patients.

The post 5 Things you should know about weight loss surgery first appeared on Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center.

Tijuana Mexico has become an important medical tourism destination, because it has many board certified bariatric surgeons that perform these surgical procedures.

Weight loss surgery has become one of the best alternatives to treat obesity along with exercise and a good diet. Although a few decades ago in Mexico there was not much talk about the subject or even in some places it was not known about its existence, today it is a well-known surgical procedure and increasingly popular for people with obesity that want a long term solution for their weight issue.

Although there are several reasons for this, one of the main ones is the fast increase in overweight and obese population in Mexico. However, not all people are candidates for this type of procedure, so it is necessary to learn more about this surgery before thinking about performing it.

There are many board certified surgeons in Mexico, who are specialized in bariatric surgery. 

In the case of women who undergo this surgery and who also seek to become pregnant, they must wait at least 18 months after having performed it. It is also recommended to talk with your surgeon and OB about your pregnancy plans.

Not everyone is a candidate

Although bariatric surgery Tijuana is a popular procedure, not all patients can be candidates to perform it. To determine whether or not a patient is a candidate, several guidelines are followed with which a conclusion can be reached.

Some of the characteristics that determine if a person can have the surgery are body mass index, as well as if they have had weight loss or not, after performing specialized weight loss programs with supervision. Age and medical history are also considered, so that any inconvenience during surgery can be avoided.

Can surgery have risks?

As with any type of procedure, there are always risks, although these are different for each person. Pre-operative studies are always carried out in order to determine the patient’s health status and the way to avoid possible risks. In case the patient is in poor health, he will be advised to postpone the surgery until he is in good condition.

Weight loss also depends on the patient

The type of procedure, as well as the patient’s eating habits and exercise play a very important role during the weight loss process. For patients with adjustable gastric bands, weight loss will be a slower process during the first year than those who undergo gastric bypass usually have.

However, it is necessary to eat healthy and exercise to prevent the stomach from widening again by excess food.

After surgery

In order for your stomach and digestive system to heal properly, feeding the patient for a day or two will be avoided. In this way the chances of the wound improving quickly will be higher, after that stage the patient is given a special diet which will have to follow for a few weeks.

In the first stage of the diet, only liquids are started, after this the patient begins to consume pureed foods and, as progressing, small portions of common foods will be passed.

Medical checks

After performing the weight loss surgery, the patient must attend medical check-ups so that the doctors can monitor their health. This should be done periodically during the first months after surgery, possibly it will be asked for some studies to corroborate your health.

Depending on the case, it may be asked for laboratory tests or blood tests for proper examination.

Tips for after bariatric surgery

It is necessary to change the lifestyle. Although all weight loss surgeries can help the patient initially lose weight, they need to maintain a healthy diet and do physical activity to prevent bad habits from causing a lost weight recovery.

Changes in the body. It is very common that after losing weight quickly the patient notices excess skin, this is due to the rapid loss of fat and muscle mass. As you lose weight, dangling skin may increase, mainly in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.

When this happens, it is advisable to go with your doctor and talk about the several alternatives that exist in order to treat this problem. Excess skin is commonly removed through specialized surgery.

Avoid empty calories. Eliminating unhealthy foods from your refrigerator will go a long way to avoid relapsing into bad eating habits. Replacing empty calories with healthy foods will be helpful in avoiding such situations. But it is necessary to follow the diet that the doctor recommends.

Set a target. There are times when, although the patient undergoes weight surgery, his objectives are not very clear and the process to lose weight is more difficult. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable for the patient to set a healthy, realistic and desired weight as a goal so that the following months after the surgery will be easier to carry.

Don’t be embarrassed by your weight. Sometimes patients avoid medical check-ups when they start gaining weight, this is a serious mistake, if you notice an increase in weight, you should talk to the specialist. That way the doctor can give you the help you need to get back on track and continue with a healthy weight loss.

Bariatric Surgery Tijuana is a professional clinic specialized in weight loss; we have all the necessary permits requested by the Mexican government. We also have qualified doctors who at all times will provide the patient with the highest quality care and support. For us the health of the patient is first and we are with him in every step of his treatment.

The post 5 Things You Should Know About a Mexican Weight Loss Surgery first appeared on Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center.

Those who are already obese are in the risk group for coronavirus, no matter how old they are. However, a question has arisen among many patients who have had a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve: has having undergone this surgery made them more susceptible to the virus?

The answer is NO.

It is true, after bariatric surgery, there is a small fluctuation in your immune system due to the adaptation in your calorie intake. Your diet, in general, is drastically modified, and this impacts your immune system, but this situation is transitory and is not significant.

Beign a bariatric patient is NOT a risk factor for Coronavirus

If you have already had gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve surgery (6 months, one year or more), this is not a risk factor at all. After bariatric surgery, you will lose weight, and this helps you get out of the risk zone of obese patients because you now lead a healthier and more active life.

It is true; coronavirus is a highly contagious disease. This virus can live for several hours on different surfaces, and for this reason, it is crucial to follow the recommendations made by the health authorities.

Symptoms of coronavirus disease can present as a mild cold or, in more severe cases, as pneumonia and respiratory failure. When a patient loses weight as a result of bariatric surgery, he experiences a noticeable improvement in his general state of health and a considerable decrease in health complications related to comorbidities.

Stay home as long as possible

SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus that must be respected, but not to be afraid of. The mortality represented by this virus, fortunately, is low. However, no one wants to catch or spread to their family, friends, or the people around them.

The pandemic that we are living demands all our solidarity and, therefore, it´s essential to show respect to our fellow men, family, friends, and our coworkers, taking care of ourselves and staying at home. Let’s show that respect by following the rules, not visiting our neighbors, not visiting our family, not going on vacation, or out for a walk.

Extreme precautions, without falling into panic

The coronavirus is very infectious because it is transmitted easier than other diseases caused by respiratory viruses. This level of contagion is, precisely, the reason why we must take extreme precautions and stay home for now.

The actions taken by the authorities have the mission of avoiding more contagions that may cause a more significant public health problem. Remembar: Our main goal now is to slow down the spread of the virus and control this disease soon.

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Any questions you may have about Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass or Mini Gastric Bypass, please feel free to send us a direct message through Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp.

We will gladly reply to you.

The post What is the risk for Coronavirus for those who have a Gastric Sleeve? first appeared on Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center.

The answer to this is YES. During the hospital stay, we carry out at least three tests to verify that the stomach is tight. These tests allow us to ensure that there are no acid leaks to the abdominal cavity.

We mean precisely this common risk in Gastric Sleeve Surgery

A leak like this could occur as a hole in the joints created during surgery. It is through this hole that some liquid can leak into the abdomen. This situation is most probable to happen during the first postoperative days and, in rarer cases, in the weeks after the procedure.

This topic is very delicate, and it is necessary to pay enough attention to it. Leaks can lead to many complications for the patient. Therefore, it is essential to have a testing protocol established as part of the surgery.

This kind of leaks appears in the list of most frequent complications after Gastric Sleeve surgery. However, there is no need to be alarmed. By saying “frequent,” we mean that they can occur in an average of 1% of all the cases that we attend to every month.

We don’t do one. We do three tests to make sure there are no leaks

• During the surgery. The first test is performed just before the end of the surgical procedure. In it, we verify that the grape line is kept airtight and with no liquid (or air) flowing into the abdominal cavity.
• X-ray study. In a second moment, we do another test with a contrast medium as part of an X-ray study. The patient takes a dye, and we verify that the passage of the same happens through the stomach only. This test allows us to confirm that there are no leaks to the side where we place the staples.
• When the patient arrives at his room. Finally, we perform the third test in the patient’s room. We also do this final test using a dye method to assess the tolerance or the path of fluid from the stomach to the intestine.

As you can see, there are three tests that we strictly perform before removing the drain from our patients and sending them home.

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Do you have more questions about Gastric Sleeve Surgery? Leave us your comment or find us on Facebook and Instagram to request more information, we will gladly answer you.

Remember, your health comes first. Bariatric surgery can help you recover the energy that obesity has been stealing from you.

The post We make three tests to avoid this common risk in Gastric Sleeve Surgery first appeared on Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center.

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This is how we do a Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a restrictive surgical procedure in the sense that it “restricts” how much food the stomach can hold. 

In a Gastric Sleeve Surgery, up to 80% of your stomach will be removed. Before starting, we apply anesthesia, and once you are completely asleep, we remove a part of your stomach, this leaves you with a smaller stomach and with a banana shape.

How much weight can you lose with a Gastric Sleeve?

The total weight you can lose relies on your following a postoperative diet and a healthy lifestyle after your surgery.

During the first year, a patient who undergoes a Gastric Sleeve will lose an average of 70% of the excess weight in his/her body.

• You will have lost between 25 and 35% of your excess weight after three months
• At six months you will have lost between 45 and 55% of your excess weight
• One year later you will have lost between 70 and 80% of your excess weight

If you lose your excess weight, you will also decrease the risk of complications caused by hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and other diseases associated with obesity.

Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery at a glance

• Your surgery will last 1 to 1 hour and a half.
• You will be walking 2 hours later.
• You will come back home two days later.
• You will be able to return to your daily routine seven days later (without any physical effort).
• You will not have any postoperative pain two weeks later.

Your new life day by day

STEP 1. Are you or a candidate for Gastric Sleeve surgery?

On your first visit to our office, we will review your general health history. We also will check the damage you may have derived from other diseases associated with overweight and obesity.

If your BMI is above 30, Gastric Sleeve maybe your best option to return to your healthy weight. If necessary, we will send you to make different analyzes.

So, if you really are a candidate for surgery, your change begins here. We can set a date for your surgery, and you must follow all the medical indications we give you.

Two weeks before you start with a preoperative diet, that means:

• No sugar
• No smoking
• Restricted carbohydrates
• Increase protein intake
• Increase in vegetable consumption
• Many liquids

Two days before your surgery, the diet will change to:

• Liquids
• Broths
• One protein shake a day
• Review the possibility of stopping taking any medication

12 hours before surgery:

• Do not eat anything
• Don´t drink anything
• Do not smoke

STEP 2. The big day arrived

Pre-surgery preparation helps us significantly reduce risks during the procedure; In addition to that, it will be an essential factor for you to lose weight faster.

The routine of preparing for your surgery is the one generally followed for any other surgical procedure:

1. Take off your clothes and jewelry
2. Put on the hospital gown
3. Know your nurses and anesthesiologist
4. Receive medicine to relax and sleep

Once you are under anesthesia, we will make four small incisions. These incisions will be between half a centimeter and one centimeter and, through an optical lens, we will have a complete view of your pelvic-abdominal cavity.

With this minimally invasive technique, we reach your stomach. Once there:

1. We remove the excess fat around the stomach to be able to section it.
2. Next, we proceed to cut the stomach and remove 80% of its size.
3. With a smaller stomach, we suture and make sure there is no leakage or internal bleeding.

Once out of the operating room, you will be able to stand in approximately 2 hours.

STEP 3. Welcome to your new life!

The recovery of a Gastric Sleeve Surgery is usually short. You will experience the results of weight loss from the first week after your surgery.

However, it is in your diet where the real transformation lies, and you must follow a progressive process of recovery and adaptation to your new stomach.

Since Gastric Sleeve Surgery reduces the size of your stomach permanently, you will have to follow a special postoperative diet, which will start only with liquids.

Gradually, your diet will progress through stages slowly until you reach solid foods again. At the end of this process, you will be able to eat almost every kind of food, as long as they are part of your new healthy lifestyle.

However, from now on, you will eat smaller portions of everything and fill up faster. You will lose excess weight, and gradually your energy and your health will improve.

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Need financing for your surgery?

If you need assistance financing the surgery, or if you would like to experience Medical Tourism by operating outside of the country, we can help you. We offer financing through Citerra Finance and United Medical Credit for bariatric treatments with Dr. Miguel Navarro.

Contact us and apply today for more information regarding surgery cost and travel.  Choose Baristic, and let us take care of everything else.

The post A Gastric Sleeve Surgery could be the best decision of your life first appeared on Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center.

Any surgery produces hesitation and fear, it is therefore completely normal to doubt and hesitate. Even more-so when the surgery happens to reverse a health problem with which we have lived for a lengthy period of time and has caused so many complications in our lives.

Surely you have heard some myths behind Gastric Sleeve Surgery procedure. Whether through friends, family or online and it wouldn’t come as a surprise that you perhaps have heard it at a doctor’s office.

The secret to overcoming that fear is to be informed in order to create the confidence to take the necessary steps towards this major change in getting rid of the excess weight in your body.

Here are the concerns and myths behind Gastric Sleeve Surgery we hear most often in our daily practice:

1. It’s a high-risk surgery

Bariatric surgery IS NOT riskier than living with obesity. Thanks to laparoscopy and the surgeons expertise, this surgery is completely safe for the patient with virtually no downside. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique which allows the vision of the abdominal cavity through the use of an optical lens.

2. It’s an easy way out

This is NOT an easy way out. There are cases of severe obesity that can’t be controlled with traditional techniques to lose weight, such as diet or exercise. This surgery implies a great commitment because the patients must transform their lifestyles to reach an ideal weight.

3. After the Gastric Sleeve I will suffer anemia

This belief has been denied over time. Gastric Sleeve Surgery only restricts the amount of food, AND DOES NOT MODIFY the nutrients that are ABSORBED. The stomach never returns to its original size despite not follow dietary instructions, rather what happens is that the body adapts to take full advantage of even small amounts of junk food to regain weight again.

4. I will not be able to eat what I want

After surgery to reduce your stomach, you will eat less than before. Your stomach will tolerate smaller amounts so you must be conscious and aware of what you eat. It will be optimal for you to eat foods that are rich in protein and quality nutrients that help to restore your health.

5. Yes, you lose weight, but then you can be stuck at a weight- loss plateau

The first few months are like a honeymoon. You will see a great change because you are going to lose many pounds almost effortlessly, but you must be aware of and improve your eating habits. Do it with discipline and perseverance and you can keep that rhythm in weight loss. If you stick to healthy nutrition and don’t fall into temptation, you would prevent a weight-loss plateau or weight gain.

In conclusion, Gastric Sleeve is a radical change in your life.

A change for better in order to live more and healthier. The problems that can arise are only up to you.

As we have mentioned, they issues never be as dangerous as living with obesity.

From now on, when you hear someone say that this is a dangerous procedure or that it is not safe for your health, you can tell them the reason why that is not true.

Do you know another myth about the Gastric Sleeve? Write us a message, an email or contact us by phone. We will gladly tell you what is the medical truth behind every mistaken belief about Gastric Sleeve.

Don’t let obesity keep taking your life and energy away. Don’t let fear overcome your decision to make a drastic change in your life for the better.

All of your questions can be solved by visiting our office to check your general health status and medical history. With this information, we can determine whether or not you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.

The post Facts and myths behind Gastric Sleeve Surgery first appeared on Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center.