With a rebound in infections, the call to continue to protect ourselves at home and maintain a healthy distance abroad, the arrival of the Covid19 vaccine gives us a break and helps us maintain hope. However, new doubts arise about the implications of this vaccine and the relationship it may have with the bariatric process, before, during, and after Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass surgeries.

This is a 10 FAQ on this topic. If you don´t see your concern reflected, feel free to leave us a message or contact us to answer any additional questions you may have in this regard.

Is the Covid19 vaccine high risk for bariatric patients or people with obesity?

Not. The coronavirus vaccine doesn´t represent a significant harmful risk to health in the general population, as well as in bariatric patients.

Do I need to take a test to know if I have Covid19 if I want to travel and have an operation?

Yes. According to the new health regulations, hospitals and clinics request as a mandatory requirement to present a negative test to Covid19 for elective surgery patients who are admitted.

What if I had Covid19 and I want to have surgery?

Your operation is possible, as long as Covid19 has not left lung sequelae that modify the anesthetic or operative risk. In general, it´s necessary to wait at least eight weeks after having suffered the disease to consider bariatric surgery.

How long does it take after I have recovered from Covid19 before I can operate?

The general recommendation is to allow at least eight weeks to pass.

What happens if I get SARS-CoV-2 after my bariatric surgery? 

You should have the same care as the rest of the people who suffer from Covid19 without having surgery: hygiene measures, confinement, good nutrition and hydration, rest, and medications for general symptoms. 

After a bariatric procedure, the immune system is weakened, does that increase the possibility to get infected with Covid19? 

No, as long as you follow the general nutritional recommendations: hydration, vitamin supplements, and proteins. 

What if I already have my surgery scheduled and I get Covid19? 

The protocol indicates that it is necessary to reschedule your surgery for a later date. Remember that it´s necessary to wait at least eight weeks after having suffered the disease, to be able to perform your surgery safely. 

What are the new health protocols in the hospital to avoid contagion? 

We take the protection and prevention of infections very seriously. Temperature filters and symptoms are applied when you arrive at the hospital to avoid any risk. As we mentioned previously, patients are also required to present a negative test for Covid19; as well as the use of antibacterial gel/mats. 

Of course, all medical personnel wears masks at all times. For now, companions are not accepted during hospitalization. 

How might it affect my post-surgery recovery if I get infected? 

If the symptoms of Covid19 are mild (as in the vast majority of cases – 90%) it should not affect at all. 

How can I strengthen my immune system before my surgery to reduce the possibility of infection? 

You can do it by taking care of your diet and hydrating. It is also highly recommended that you sleep between 6 and 8 hours a day, avoid junk food, alcoholic beverages, and don´t smoke. 

Can the Covid19 vaccine have any side effects on my recovery after bariatric surgery?

Not at all. There is no medical evidence that indicates that giving you the Covid19 vaccine can cause any consequence that influences your postoperative process. 

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Any other questions you have about bariatric procedures, feel free to send us a direct message through Facebook or Instagram. We will gladly answer it.

Be very careful and remember >> If you can do it, stay home.

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You can face two possible scenarios. After a while, and for no reason you can identify, the scale has stopped budging. You’ve hit a weight-loss plateau. Or, on the other hand, it is possible to that you already have lost enough weight and want the scale to stop.

Don’t get discouraged. By understanding what is causing you this situation, you can decide how to respond and avoid backsliding on your new healthy habits.

Losing weight depends on healthy habits

We all have an ideal weight goal, and achieving it depends on the factors listed above. Weight loss is quick immediately following your surgery, but then it can become a little slower. It depends on your habits, such as diet, exercise, and especially the quality of the food you eat.

However, you can keep a good rhythm on your weight loss by adopting a healthy lifestyle. If you see that you have stopped losing weight and still do not reach your target weight, you should check your diet and exercise plan.

On the other hand, if you follow the instructions of your post-bariatric diet correctly, you will not have any problems being stuck at a weight-loss plateau or losing more weight than desired.

Bariatric surgery is the first step, but not the final stop

Remember that obesity is a disease that affects different aspects of your life, not just the physical one. You should think of weight loss surgery as a first step that will help you change your life habits, not just the way you are eating.

This means that for the rest of your life, you must have a healthy and well-balanced diet. Ideally, you must have the constant guide of a nutritionist to monitor your intake.

On special occasions, you can make exceptions, but it may not be the rule. It is also essential that you develop the habit of exercising, as much as possible. The most advisable thing is to do at least one-hour walks between three and four times a week.

The post So, does my body knows when to stop losing weight? first appeared on Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center.

Currently, Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass are the two most popular weight-loss surgeries. The final selection will be depending on your general health condition and the amount of weight you want to lose. Of course, a bariatric surgeon has to help you in this crucial process.

Each kind of bariatric surgery has particular implications and characteristics. They don’t apply to everyone.

Among all the bariatric options, and unlike other laparoscopic procedures, both Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass are procedures that have many features in common. Both are permanent, reduce the feeling of hunger, and produce a significant weight loss.

In a Gastric Sleeve surgery, 60% to 80% of your stomach is removed. This portion of your stomach contains the Ghrelin, also known as the “appetite hormone.” The remaining part of the stomach forms a tube or “sleeve” that limits the portions of food that you can consume, and thus, weight loss occurs.

On the other hand, a small part of the stomach is cut in the Gastric Bypass to connect it directly to your small intestine. This method uses restriction and malabsorption. It limits much more the portions of food that you can consume and the nutrients that you can absorb to promote more significant weight loss.

How much weight will you lose?

A central point of any bariatric procedure is to know how much weight you can lose after undergoing surgery.

However, you should know that long-term weight loss depends more on the lifestyle you adopt and not exclusively on the surgery you choose.

The critical point is the regular practice of physical exercise and having healthy eating habits. This way, you will lose weight faster, and at the same time, you will be changing your life to increase its quality.

People who choose Gastric Bypass lose between 60% and 80% of their extra weight. While with a Gastric Sleeve surgery, the loss ranges are between 50% and 70% of excess body weight in two years.

What comes after bariatric surgery?

After a bypass or gastric sleeve surgery, you need to be especially careful about what you eat, avoiding certain foods, and ensuring a healthy balance.

General differences and similarities between both procedures

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• It is done in about 35 to 40 minutes.
• It is indicated for people with 75% overweight or more.
• A part of the stomach is removed.
• This surgery is highly recommended for patients with type diabetes 2.
• Special bariatric formula multivitamins are needed.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• It is done in about 70 to 90 minutes.
• It is indicated for people with 85% overweight or more.
• A part of the stomach is removed to connect it directly to your small intestine.
• This surgery is highly recommended for patients with type diabetes 2.
• Yes, special bariatric formula multivitamins are needed too.

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When you have body overweight, your chances of getting diabetes increased more than double. On the other hand, someone whose weight is at some level of obesity has up to three times the risk of diabetes.

Remember that type 2 diabetes is the most common kind of diabetes and causes high levels of blood glucose, kidney disorders, ophthalmological and cardiovascular problems, as well as some nervous diseases.

Nowadays, there are different medical methods for this terrible disease. As we already said, bariatric surgeries have proved to be one of the most effective treatments to combat it.

Bariatric Surgeries are procedures for massive weight loss that are suitable for people who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30.

This are the two most popular bariatric surgeries to stop type 2 diabetes

The Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a restrictive type of weight loss surgery that surgically reduces the size of the stomach to limit food intake and lessen the sensation of hunger.

The procedure does not involve cutting, rerouting, or bypassing any portion of the small intestine like Gastric Bypass. Neither does it require a medical implant or periodic adjustments as with Gastric Banding.

Gastric Bypass Surgery procedure yields impressive weight loss results because it is a procedure of mixed type: restrictive and malabsorption.

The operation is major gastrointestinal surgery that permanently and substantially alters the stomach and intestines to help significantly overweight individuals achieve lasting weight loss and improved health.

Bariatric Surgeries also improves other conditions associated with weight, such as osteoarthritis of the knees and spine, excessive snoring, apnea, and other sleep disorders.

Bariatric surgeries advantages over traditional diabetes treatment are:

• Your glycemic control shows noticeable improvement.
• You have over 75% chances to put on remission your type 2 diabetes within the first year after your weight loss surgery.
• Your Hemoglobin A-1c levels will normalize also during the first months after getting your weight loss surgery.
• Other complications related to type 2 diabetes show up is delayed.

Give your body the chance to recover its health!

Contact us for more information and schedule the first appointment to evaluate your general health status and tell you if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.

The post Stop type 2 diabetes is possible first appeared on Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center.

Good news! When you opt for a bariatric surgery, this is possible.

An increasing number of obese patients consider bariatric –or weight loss– surgery because of difficulty in maintaining weight loss with exercise and diet alone.

Bariatric surgery isn’t a specific type of procedure. Instead, it’s an umbrella term used to describe an operation that helps people lose weight by reducing their stomach size and altering their digestive systems.

Two types of bariatric surgeries

There are actually a few types of bariatric surgical procedures, but two are widely used. They include laparoscopic techniques for Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy; and Gastric Bypass, or Roux-en-Y.

In both surgeries, the size of the stomach is reduced by up to 80%. The result will decrease the amount of food and liquids that your stomach can take. Given that you will consume fewer calories, your body will use the extra body fat as an energy source, and this will result in a massive weight loss.

Weight loss surgery is an excellent tool for those who have suffered from long-term obesity, helping put them on track toward a healthier lifestyle. In addition, bariatric surgery can help treat a number of obesity-related health conditions and improve your overall quality of life.

Your stomach is not the only thing reduced

Surgeries to lose weight reduce the size of the stomach, so the patient feels satisfied with less food. The capacity of the stomach decreases by 80%, approximately. The patient eats less, have a smaller calories intake, and then lose weight.

Currently, this is the only option that effectively treats morbid obesity in people who have already tried other methods such as diet, exercise or medication without success. Other great benefits of these surgeries are the control or fading of comorbidities and the improvement of the quality of life.

Reducing your stomach can save your life

This type of surgeries has proven to work in people with obesity or morbid obesity. In those cases, they have serious health problems or even their life is in danger because of their weight.

Thus, it´s a fact that after successful bariatric surgery, patients see a marked improvement or total regulation of their blood glucose and blood pressure. A reduction or elimination of sleep apnea also is generated; as well as a considerable decrease in cholesterol levels, and the workload of your heart when doing physical activities.

It´s important to note that all these benefits of weight loss surgeries are not instantaneous. The patient must make a real and permanent change in their life habits and follow the instructions to achieve results and be healthy in a full way.

6 benefits of weight-loss surgeries

• Total control of diabetes or even overcome it (restrictions apply according to your case).
• You will be able to rest better during the night because your sleep apnea will be reduced.
• Your kees, ankles, elbows, and wrists will be move better, and the pain in these joints will decrease.
• With the loss of weight and fat, the risk of tumors in the stomach, colon, intestines, and liver is also lower.
• When you reach your weight, your kidneys and heart will be less overloaded and work normally.
• The amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood also will decrease considerably.

Change the size of your stomach and gain life.

Contact us for more information and schedule the first appointment to evaluate your general health status and tell you if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.

The post shrink your stomach and live longer first appeared on Bariatric Surgery Tijuana Center.

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.

Contact us today for more information about bariatric surgery or if you have any additional frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery that were not included in this list.

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