Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass

by with No Comment BariatricsBlogVirtual ConsultationsWeight lossWeight Loss Surgery

You may be considering bariatric surgery if you’ve struggled to reach and maintain a healthy weight or if you suffer from obesity-related health problems. When combined with a comprehensive weight-loss program, bariatric surgery is extremely effective.

Since there is more than one option for Bariatric Surgery we’ll explain the difference between Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass.

It can not only facilitate you in losing weight, but it can also assist in the improvement or complete elimination of obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.  Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are two of the most successful types of bariatric surgery. While both procedures can result in significant weight loss within 1-2 years of surgery, there are some differences.

What’s the difference between these two surgeries?

Gastric sleeve surgery

The surgeon permanently removes about 80% of your stomach during gastric sleeve surgery. What’s left is packed into a stomach tube. There are no other changes.

Gastric bypass surgery

During this procedure, a small portion of the stomach is isolated, and the end of the small intestine is connected to the new stomach pouch, rerouting food around a large portion of the digestive system.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Is there a difference in recovery?

Gastric bypass surgery is more time-consuming to perform than gastric sleeve surgery. This is because gastric bypass requires more modifications to the digestive system than the sleeve.  Both gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery are generally performed through laparoscopic surgery. To perform the surgery, lighted scope with a camera called a laparoscope and other tools are inserted through several small incisions in your abdomen. After gastric sleeve surgery, you should be able to return home in one or two days.

Who is a good candidate for this surgery?

CRITERIAGASTRIC BYPASSGASTRIC SLEEVE
BMI 40+✔️✔️
BMI 35-39.9 and additionally 2 or more related metabolic conditions✔️✔️
Metabolic syndrome✔️✔️

*Gastric sleeve is recommended to patients with metabolic syndrome

Do I need to make dietary changes?

YES. Dietary changes before and after either surgery are required. Dietary changes after gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery are essentially the same.

Timeline:

  • You will need to be on a liquid diet for about 2 weeks after your surgery.
  • You will need to eat pureed food and soft food for the next 2 weeks, then  softer food.
  • You’ll be able to eat normal food 30 to 40 days after surgery. 

The size of your stomach pouch, which affects how much you can eat, is the most significant difference in your postoperative diet. The pouch created by either gastric sleeve or bypass surgery holds about 3 ounces.

Following are some important dietary guidelines to follow after your gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery:

  • Eat small portions and stop when you’re satisfied.
  • Thoroughly chew your food
  • Eat slowly and take time to digest 
  • Take vitamins and supplements that are recommended by your doctor
  • Drink enough water to stay hydrated
  • Avoid difficult-to-digest foods like tough meat and bread
  • Carbonated beverages should be avoided 

Over time, your stomach pouch will stretch. After bariatric surgery, it’s critical not to overeat because your pouch can stretch to allow you to regain the weight you lost.


What are the pros and cons?

Pros and cons of gastric sleeve surgery

PROS

  • Up to 65 percent of your excess body weight can be lost.
  • Compared to gastric bypass, recovery time is shorter.
  • Absorption of nutrients and vitamins is not impaired.
  • Dumping syndrome is not as common

CONS

  • In comparison to gastric bypass, less weight is lost.
  • It can’t be reversed 


Pros and cons of gastric bypass surgery

PROS

  • Up to 80% of your excess body weight can be lost.
  • Bypassing the small intestine, fewer calories are absorbed.
  • It is possible to reverse the process, though it is difficult.

CONS

  • Since it implies more anatomical changes, there’s a higher chance of complications.
  • Intestinal bypass causes nutrient and vitamin malabsorption, which can lead to deficiencies.
  • Dumping syndrome is more common.
  • Risk of internal hernias, intestinal obstruction, or ulcers.

A gastric sleeve is a procedure that involves removing a portion of the stomach. A gastric bypass involves the creation of a small gastric pouch and the rerouting of the small bowel. Because the small bowel is rerouted, it is more invasive than the sleeve. Have an open and honest discussion with your surgeon about your fears and your goals. You should walk away confident that you chose the best procedure for you.

DISCLAIMER

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider.

Exercising After Bariatric Surgery: Stay Healthy & Tone Your Muscles

by BlogUncategorizedWeight Loss Surgery

Having Bariatric Surgery is a significant part of  your weight-loss journey. The word journey is something that, as a bariatric patient, you need to remember, because life really changes after weight loss surgery.

Here, at VIDA Bariatrics we have been lucky enough to guide thousands of patients through their bariatric and post-bariatric journeys. One of the things we always remind them of is: your body will change. The way you eat and exercise after bariatric surgery must change as well. Ready for the next chapter? the one that starts the morning after the surgery.

From experience, we know that as a patient, if you are committed to it, life after bariatric surgery definitely changes for the better!

Our VIDA Bariatric surgeons always encourage patients to think of weight loss surgery as a new beginning, a new chance at being healthy and happy. If you’ve been struggling with obesity, surgery alone will not give you the results that you want. Any weight loss procedure you get is just one ingredient for progress.

How to Lose Weight After Bariatric Surgery

Do you want to know how to lose weight after bariatric surgery? The most important thing to keep in mind is that proper nutrition and working out after bariatric surgery is as important as going into the OR!  We also understand it can be intimidating having to keep up with all the things you now have to change and adjust. In reality, with easy-to-follow lifestyle changes and the right support team (Us!), you can expect some amazing results.

Today we want to share with you some valuable information and tips on exercise after bariatric surgery, so you’re better prepared for your new beginning: weight loss, self-love, and wellness.

Exercise and Bariatric Surgery

You probably have a lot of doubts regarding exercise following your weight loss surgery. It is a surgical procedure after all! Some of the questions we get from patients revolve around the right time to start doing physical activity and the best exercise after bariatric surgery.

Incorporating sweat-inducing activities into your post-bariatric routine has tremendous benefits, not only for your weight loss goals but for your health in general. Exercising after bariatric surgery will help you:

  • Boost your metabolism.
  • Strengthen your joints and bones.
  • Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Lose pounds and keep them off.
  • Reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer.
  • Improve your mood.

Working Out After Bariatric Surgery

What else do our bariatric surgeons want you to know? Be kind and patient with yourself! Your doctor will tell you exactly when you can start working out. High-intensity cardio and weight training after bariatric surgery will be off the table from anywhere to 6 weeks for patients who had laparoscopic surgery to 10 weeks for patients who had open surgery. But there are other things you can do in the meantime. Read more here on what to do after weight loss surgery. 

Exercise for bariatric surgery patients: step by step

Literally, step by step! The first physical activity your surgeon will clear you to do is walking. Walking after your surgery is a simple, yet effective way to kick-start your post-bariatric fitness journey.

Always go with what your body is telling you. While exercising does require effort, you should not feel sick, dizzy, or in pain, particularly in the first few weeks after surgery. So, the first week, stick to walking. You can start to walk around your house, try to resume your daily chores and take a short walk around the block. Slow and steady, nothing too strenuous!

As the amount and type of exercise you can do increases, don’t stop walking. We always encourage patients to aim for 10,000 daily steps.

Post-Bariatric Surgery Exercise Plan

When you exercise after your procedure, start off slow and steady, and as your doctor allows, you can incorporate more exercises such as swimming, dancing, and biking. Try and find something that you enjoy too or ask your loved ones to join you for a quick power walk! A couple of weeks following the procedure, you should start to focus on your flexibility and strengthening your muscles as well. As a post-bariatric patient, you can do yoga, ballet, aerobics, or pilates. A good combination of aerobic exercise and weight resistance training will give you the best post-bariatric results!

Toning exercises and building muscle after bariatric surgery

Adopting a new workout routine should always be done under professional guidance. We believe that joining a gym is great and can be very motivating, but always remember that as a post-bariatric patient, slow and steady is rule #1. Set yourself up for success by trying some of these tips:

  • Don’t lift weights that are too heavy. Start with few reps and light weights, and slowly build up to that muscular guy working out next to you. Do what feels best for you!
  • Body weight exercises can be just as effective. If it’s been a while since you’ve worked out, avoid injuring yourself. Start doing toning exercises such as squats, lunges, and sit-ups with no additional equipment. We cannot stress this enough, be patient and you’ll get stronger.
  • Looking for an additional challenge? Try using resistance bands to perform exercises such as biceps curls, squats, and leg raise. Those stretchy little things are seriously effective.
  • Always dedicate several minutes to warming up before your workout session and make sure to stretch afterward.

And most importantly, enjoy your workout. You are doing something great for your health and body! It is good to remember that saggy skin can only be toned up so much, so you could always consider post-bariatric plastic surgery to help. Ask your surgeon for more advanced exercise program recommendations so you can tone your muscles better.

Contact any of our experienced bariatric surgeons with questions or concerns regarding bariatric surgery, post-bariatric exercise guidelines, diet recommendations, and anything in between. Call VIDA Bariatrics at (619)610-1667.

What to Eat After Bariatric Surgery

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

We have already discussed that getting a Gastric Sleeve is only part of the equation. The magic formula to losing weight and keeping it off? A long-term healthy diet after the procedure. In fact, the secret to being a successful bariatric patient? Still, a healthy, balanced diet for life.

If you are reading this, you are probably doing research on life after bariatric surgery. The bariatrics staff at VIDA Bariatrics wants to help you be prepared and know what to expect, once you’ve been discharged and are ready to take your new stomach pouch for a spin. Let’s start your weight loss journey the right way, with realistic expectations and knowing how you can make the most out of the procedure.

Food after Gastric Sleeve Surgery will not change.

Your habits won’t change automatically either. This is where you must consult with your doctor so you can eat the right way after getting any bariatric surgery. One of the benefits of getting a Gastric Sleeve is that not only are you getting a smaller stomach, but also the Grehlin hormone, which causes hunger, will be substantially reduced. Even after all of this, it is still possible to overeat.

Eating Too Fast After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Eating too fast after Gastric Sleeve surgery is also something you should be conscious about. First, your stomach is still elastic, so if you overeat constantly, you will overstretch it again. Second, take into account that as you eat, your stomach sends a signal to your brain so you get that feeling of fullness. This is not always simultaneous, and like any muscle, your stomach has memory: it was used to being overfed. It is particularly important for bariatric patients to remember this and be aware of their eating habits!

Understanding your diet after Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The following weeks are a vital part of the procedure. Your bariatric surgeon will give you simple instructions on how to reintroduce food the proper way to your new stomach. Remember that in the first week after surgery, your diet will mostly consist of clear liquids. Introducing food too early can potentially hurt your esophagus and cause you unnecessary pain. Around 10 days after surgery, you can expect to start feeling like new again, this includes feeling hungry. The focus is still on a mostly soft diet. At the 3-week mark, soft solid meals can be included. Most patients will be cleared to eat a normal diet around a month post-surgery. This, however, means that you still have to be mindful of the ingredients in all of your meals, be it liquid or solid. Simple carbs, fried foods, over-processed foods, and large amounts of sugar after Gastric sleeve are a straight no. Being conscious of your diet post-surgery and for the rest of your life are the key to success!

From entrées to bariatric snacks: what and how you should eat!

Apart from some dangerous problems that may result from not eating balanced meals; such as diarrhea, gas, and vomiting, life-long benefits will only be achieved through life-long eating habits.

It is important to know the nutritional quality of our food. These are some of the basics to keep in mind:

  • Eat small portions and at a slower pace
  • Don’t drink your calories, beware of carbohydrate and sugar contents in sodas, juices, and other drinks
  • Avoid drinking water while you eat
  • Plan your meals and snacks

With the help of a nutritionist, you can work on a meal plan that is feasible for you and gentle with your Gastric Sleeve.

Best Snacks for Bariatric Patients

Snacking is sometimes associated with weight gain. While any dedicated bariatric patient will take all the precautions to follow a healthy diet, avoiding snacks is the wrong approach. VIDA Bariatrics advises to instead practice mindful snacking. Go for low calorie, high protein snacks such as plain yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, egg whites, and lean meats. Choose whole foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables make great snacks. Raw nuts such as almonds and cashews, with no salt or sugar added, are easy to carry and their “crunch” will help curb cravings.

Reaching Ketosis after Gastric Sleeve

Eating healthy fats instead of carbs or sugars will also help you reach ketosis. Ketosis is a normal metabolic process that will help you burn unwanted fat. The principle of ketosis is simple:  you burn more fat when you rely on healthy fats for fueling your body instead of carbs. Bariatric patients can benefit from reaching ketosis after Gastric Sleeve surgery and lose weight, lose stubborn fat and achieve an overall healthier metabolism.

Are you considering bariatric surgery but want more information? Let us help you understand the procedures, their advantages and prepare you for the changes you can expect afterward! Contact us now at (619)610-1667.

Read Also: Portion Sizes for After Weight Loss Surgery

The Truth About Weight Gain After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

The decision to get Gastric Sleeve Surgery comes with a lot of hope for patients and what post-op life will be like.

As one of the safest bariatric surgeries preferred by the expert medical team at VIDA Bariatrics, the Gastric Sleeve allows patients to lose weight thanks to a smaller stomach and less Ghrelin production, the hunger-causing hormone.

It is a fact that after getting Gastric Sleeve surgery, patients can expect to lose weight for up to 18 to 24 months. But beyond all of the success stories flooding the internet with bariatric patients who have lost up to 80% of their weight, it is easy to forget a hard topic: weight gain after a Gastric Sleeve.

Can you gain weight back after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Is it possible to regain weight after bariatric surgery? Yes. To better address this topic, we had a chat with some of our board certified bariatric surgeons.

“There are too many doctors who treat patients for their gastric sleeve procedure and never discuss the follow-up, nor do they talk about the possibility of gaining weight back. I like to be upfront about it, and explain to my patients that it is possible to regain weight and then some after any bariatric surgery. The good news is that if we work closely with the patient and explain to them how the procedure helps them and what steps they can take to make the most out of it, we can prevent weight gain and set them up for a life full of healthy habits.”

Gaining weight after a Gastric Sleeve is possible…but preventable.

While patients can feel discouraged by this information, our expert surgeons assure us that gaining weight after gastric sleeve surgery is definitely not the norm. Particularly when you go to a surgeon who supports patients throughout their weight loss journey, even post-op.

“We get a lot of patients who haven’t thought about the possibility of gaining weight after having a Gastric Sleeve. We always outline strategies for the patient on how to prevent that from happening. We are their support team after all. So whether they need extra help by seeing a nutritionist or just need to understand the procedure better, we are there for them.”

The first thing patients need to learn is the logic behind it. The stomach is an elastic muscle, and while a surgeon will remove a significant portion of it, this doesn’t change. Your new smaller stomach can stretch after a Gastric Sleeve because it retains those expansion and contraction capabilities, which allow food to flow through when you eat. When people constantly overeat, they constantly overstretch their stomach. “Think of a rubber band, If you over-stretch it too often or for too long, it will not shrink back to its original size. Here at VIDA Bariatrics, we like to provide that visual example to help patients understand the importance of following a balanced diet, with adequate portions after their surgery.”

Simple steps to avoid re-gaining weight post Gastric Sleeve  

  • Remember that getting a Gastric Sleeve is only one part of your weight loss journey. Patients must make a lifelong commitment to changing their eating and exercise habits.
  • Tracking your food intake and discussing sustainable strategies with a nutritionist can set you up for success.
  • Set real goals and make yourself accountable. Take it step by step: one day at a time, one healthy meal at a time.
  • Gastric Sleeve means changing and adjusting: to a new body, with your loved ones and to your new dietary restrictions. Join a Gastric Sleeve support group to help you navigate these changes and keep the weight off.

Contact our VIDA Bariatrics department so we can help you finally beat obesity! Our staff will help you decide if a Gastric Sleeve is for you, craft a strategy that will ensure you lose the weight and keep it off and make sure you get all the support you need. Visit our website  or call us at
1 (619) 610-1667 to see how we can help you!

Mini Gastric Bypass vs Gastric Bypass: Which One Is Better?

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery, such as mini-gastric bypass surgery or traditional gastric bypass surgery, offers patients the possibility to improve their lives in more ways than they can anticipate. At VIDA Bariatrics, we know that the journey to get to that *happy* place can be overwhelming at times.

Should you get gastric bypass surgery or mini-gastric bypass surgery?

What about a gastric sleeve?

In fact, what are the differences?

Today we are going to discuss a question we hear often: what is the best bariatric procedure out there?

The number of questions, doubts, and choices that patients face before getting invasive surgery for weight loss can be intimidating for bariatric patients. No patient has to go through their bariatric journey by themselves. Finding a surgeon who will support and guide you every step of the way will determine the procedure that will help you the most when it comes to losing excess weight. And it is not as simple as naming the single best weight loss procedure. Patients’ health, lifestyle, expectations, and safety come first.

Let’s start by talking about two weight loss procedures that up until recently, were the go-to choice for bariatric patients: mini-gastric bypass vs gastric bypass.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Traditional gastric bypass surgery is a very popular choice in the United States as far as weight loss surgery goes. Gastric bypass surgery has two main steps. During a gastric bypass procedure, a bariatric surgeon will reduce the size of the functional part of your stomach. Your surgeon basically makes your stomach smaller, so, your food intake will be limited.

The gastric bypass portion of the operation happens when the surgeon connects your now smaller stomach to a section of your small intestine, bypassing a portion of your small intestine and the rest of your stomach. After the intestinal rerouting procedure, you can expect the gastric bypass to help you lose excess weight on three levels: a restrictive, a malabsorptive, and a metabolic component. In simpler terms: gastric bypass restricts the amount of food you can consume, limits the number of calories your body is able to absorb, and reduces the hunger-hormones production in your gut, making you feel satisfied faster.

Decades ago, a traditional gastric bypass was a risky procedure that involved painful healing and hours in the OR. Medicine has evolved, and getting a gastric bypass has become less invasive. Our bariatric surgeons, for their part, opt for the laparoscopic approach, the innovative technique that requires smaller incisions and is less invasive.

Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery: the “Mini Bypass”

Less known than its “big brother,” the mini-gastric bypass results in a smaller stomach pouch. Similar to a traditional gastric bypass, the mini-gastric bypass weight loss procedure promotes weight loss at a restrictive, malabsorptive, and metabolic level.

As its name suggests, the laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass is safer and takes less operating time when compared to the traditional laparoscopic gastric bypass. Post-surgical weight loss results with mini bypass are similar to the traditional laparoscopic gastric bypass, but requiring as little as 4 small incisions, mini bypass recovery can be faster and safer. The risk of complications during weight loss surgery is also lower during a mini-gastric bypass compared to a traditional gastric bypass.

After reading this you’re probably wondering: why don’t more people choose mini-gastric bypass? Factors such as insurance restrictions and laparoscopic expertise and training have influenced mini bypass popularity. Finding a bariatric surgeon familiar with the mini-gastric bypass procedure can be a challenge for some patients. The good news is that the VIDA Bariatrics surgical team is highly experienced and trained in performing laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass surgeries, so, you can rest assured you’ll receive the best mini-bypass care possible.

Have You Considered a Gastric Sleeve Instead?

Perhaps neither a traditional gastric bypass nor a mini-gastric bypass surgery is for you! A third option that should definitely be on your radar is the gastric sleeve.

With bariatric surgery advances, more patients are exploring their options beyond gastric bypass and mini-gastric bypass. And while, for the right patient, a mini bypass or traditional gastric bypass surgery may be the best choice, physicians all over the world are encouraging their patients to consider the gastric sleeve as their weight-loss surgery. Why?

The gastric sleeve is far less invasive than mini-gastric bypass and traditional gastric bypass surgeries and has proven to be more effective. When you undergo this operation, the bariatric surgeon will remove a significant portion of your stomach, leaving a small stomach pouch. After surgery, your food intake is decreased and because the portion of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hormone that causes hunger, is also removed, you will naturally eat less. For patients with a very high BMI index who need to lose substantial excess weight, the gastric sleeve is often the safest option when compared with mini-gastric bypass and traditional bypass, and it’s one that will help them achieve the greatest excess weight loss.

How Do I Decide Between Mini-Gastric Bypass vs Traditional Gastric Bypass vs Gastric Sleeve?

Did we solve the question ‘Which is the best bariatric procedure for weight loss?’ Well, at VIDA we believe that what determines the best bariatric surgery is actually the surgeon. An honest, caring and experienced bariatric surgeon will guide you into choosing what is best for you, whether it’s a mini bypass, gastric bypass, or gastric sleeve. So, definitely start there: with a comprehensive evaluation with your bariatric surgeon. Our team of talented laparoscopic doctors will be more than honored in helping you with this first step in deciding between gastric bypass, mini-gastric bypass, and gastric sleeve.

“We pride ourselves in putting the patient first, never jeopardizing their well-being,” concluded the staff at VIDA Bariatrics. Furthermore, we only work with board-certified physicians, who are active members of bariatric and laparoscopic medical societies such as the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Do you think you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery? Is this something you have explored with your physician? Then give us a call or visit our website. Feel free to contact us via phone, email, or Facebook Messenger. If you’re calling from the USA, you can call us at (619) 955-6845. Calling from Mexico? Dial (664) 608-6460 to reach us. International patient? Reach us at our toll-free number, 1-619-738-2144, we’ll assist you every step of the way and answer any questions you have about gastric bypass, mini-gastric bypass, and gastric sleeve.

With us, you will not only find the best bariatric surgeons, but also internationally accredited surgical facilities. We’re more than happy to help you in deciding the best weight-loss surgery for you! Don’t wait any longer to change your life.

More Info About Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss

Relationships and Bariatric surgery: Dealing with the Changes.

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

We’ve said it before and we will say it again: bariatric surgeries are life-changing. At VIDA Bariatrics we take pride in helping our patients beyond the procedure itself, hence we’d like to discuss a topic many of our patients have dealt with: family and relationships.

Going through a bariatric procedure, such as a Gastric Sleeve, a Lap Band or a Gastric Bypass will mean that your body will go through major changes. However, changes don’t stop there. Your life will go through major adjustments as well! And we want to help you feel better prepared because life changes are not only adjusting your diet with the help of a nutritionist, following an exercise plan, or getting a new wardrobe. Your family and relationships will evolve too. As your support team, we are ready to guide you and help you make the most out of your weight loss surgery.

Changes to relationships are a topic that not enough doctors discuss with their patients. If left unattended, those changes can be negative and overwhelming. But, if you work together with a team of experts like the one at VIDA, who are willing to help you manage those changes and address your concerns from the start, then be prepared to have your life impacted for the better. These are some simple tips we’d like you to consider:

Honest and constant communication.

A major challenge is feeling heard and understood. You are the one going through changes, your friends and family are not. It can be a time of adjustment in how you feel, your routine, your self-esteem, how others treat you, etc. The best way to handle this is constant, honest communication. Don’t be afraid to let your partner and close family members know how you feel. Our doctors know how important it is for patients to feel heard and understood. Effective communication is a vital part of this. Communicate what you like, dislike, new challenges that may have arisen from the surgery, etc.

Get your loved ones involved.

Another good strategy to deal with the procedure is to make your family an active part of the process. Try to include your partner and close family members in everything you feel comfortable sharing. Once you communicate you are getting bariatric surgery, they will likely be prepared for you to experience major weight loss. It is unlikely, however, that they will be expecting you to go through mental and emotional changes alongside the physical ones. Keep the communication channels open and let them know how you feel. Mental health is important too! Making them part of this evolution in your life will also make them know how important they are to you. Your loved ones will feel a part of your new, post-bariatric surgery life, instead of feeling left behind.

Your habits and routine will change, your partner’s might not.

And this is completely normal! After weight loss surgery, the team at VIDA encourages you to make use of all the resources we have available for you. From expert nutritionists to life coaches and plastic surgeons. So, change is in the horizon…for you. However, unless your family members are having bariatric surgery too,  it is not reasonable to expect them to change their lifestyle at the same speed as you. Our advice goes again to communication. Ask for support in these areas, but be understanding if maybe your partner is not keen on the idea of going on power walks every morning, or following your diet plan. Your new lifestyle involves an adaptation process. The best idea is to involve your family in this process and see what changes you can share with them and what changes will work only for you.

Ask for help if you need it.

From professional counseling to an honest conversation, it is okay to ask for your family’s support throughout this process. As you prepare to undergo surgery or get ready to go back home and live with your new body, it is normal to feel scared or unsure about what to expect. Apart from discussing it with your surgeon, share your feelings with your loved ones. As we like to say, “Help them help you!” Your loved ones won’t always be able to tell when you need help, so share this with them. There will be times in your weight loss journey when you will need help, be it physical or emotional. You are not weak for needing help, it is a normal part of the process.

Don’t be hard on yourself or your partner.

Always remember that you are doing this for all the benefits bariatric surgery can offer, to beat obesity and live a better, healthier life. The weight loss process may be challenging sometimes, for you and those around you. This is normal! Our doctors always remind us that no two patients are the same. Just like they take the time to discuss and plan the surgery specifically for you, remember that the before and after the process will also be specifically yours. Spend quality time with your family and share your fears and your gratitude too! Remember that your body will change and your life too. This sounds redundant, but sometimes, a simple reminder can help you and your family cope with the changes ahead. Get ready to live a healthier life!

At VIDA, we strive for patient satisfaction and well-being, in the long term! We’re in it with you! Our staff of bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, nurses, and life coaches are more than happy to help you make the most out of your bariatric procedure. Ready to finally beat obesity but have questions or concerns about how to include your family in this process? We are here for you!  You can visit our website or contact us via phone, email, or Facebook. Call us at (664) 608-6460 from Mexico, at (619) 955-6845 from USA or reach us at our toll-free number, 1-619-738-2144. We are also available via email at contact@vidawellnessandbeauty.com. Let us help you conquer obesity and improve your life for good!



Is it safe to get a Gastric Sleeve in Mexico? YES!

by Bariatrics

When talking about life-changing medical procedures, Bariatric Surgery is in a league of its own! Among bariatric surgery procedures, the Gastric Sleeve is an option that for the right patient, can improve their lives and provide plenty of long-term benefits. Some of our former patients have even said that getting a gastric sleeve was a defining moment for the rest of their lives!

Do you think you may be a candidate for a gastric sleeve? Then consider coming to Tijuana for the surgery. Reasons? Well, a part of having some of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the world, internationally-certified facilities that will aid in having a speedy recovery, an all-inclusive luxury experience, and a price tag that won’t make you break the bank, we want to make the possibility of YOU changing your life without risking your health a reality. Right here, in Tijuana, Mexico.  

So…Is it safe to get a gastric sleeve in Mexico? Short answer: Absolutely! Particularly if you choose the medical team here at VIDA.

Let us share with you the reasons why it is not only safe but wise, to choose to get a gastric sleeve here:

A solid base: Laparoscopic surgery in Mexico

While some patients will see great results from traditional bariatric surgery, Mexico has seen a rise in popularity in laparoscopic surgery. Less pain, less external scarring, and faster healing have made laparoscopic surgery a preferred method in many instances. These types of procedures have been done successfully in Mexico for years. In Tijuana, millions of patients come from all over the world to receive premium medical treatment. So, you can rest assured that Mexican doctors are experts in laparoscopic surgery.

VIDA Surgeons are Certified and true Experts

In Tijuana, Mexico, you’ll find that many clinics offer bariatric surgery. However, come to VIDA Bariatrics to be treated by the absolute best! Our bariatric experts are talented laparoscopic surgeons who genuinely care for their patient’s well-being and are the best at what they do! Our physicians are board-certified and members of some of the most important bariatric and laparoscopic medical societies in the region, such as the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases. Having internationally accredited and experienced doctors are part of what ensures your safety, from the initial consultation to the last day of recovery and a lifetime of wellness.  

“We understand that our patients are people, not numbers, not profits, but people. They are human beings who have been dealing with obesity and need medical help to lose excess weight. We also understand that struggling with obesity goes far beyond the weight itself and that it is a disease that frustrates patients, their loved ones and affects their whole lives, increasing their risk of suffering from several obesity-related health conditions. I’ve made it my life’s mission to help every patient I see for a gastric sleeve or any bariatric procedure get remarkable results. Nothing makes me happier than a patient who loses weight, wins back his/her self-esteem and overall health. ”

Facilities that Exceed International Safety Standards.

At VIDA, we are honored to work with the best surgeons in the country and region, ensuring our patient’s health and safety. But we are also proud of our hospital and recovery center, both sure to exceed your safety expectations (as should be!). Our surgical facility, Cosmed Clinic, was the first in Mexico to receive international accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), and we are also members of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the leading professional association for board-certified plastic surgeons. We’d love for you to take a virtual tour of VIDA and see how every detail of our facilities is designed with your health and safety in mind, not to mention our top-notch boutique-style recovery rooms.

Affordable Safety.

We firmly believe that everyone should be able to change their lives without affecting their lives. Don’t make financial concerns a part of the equation. According to Realself, in the United States, a Gastric Sleeve can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars, making the procedure an unaffordable luxury for most patients. At VIDA, on the other hand, we have the privilege of offering you the possibility to start your weight loss journey with a Gastric Sleeve at a more affordable price. The procedure, including surgeon fees, anesthesiologist fees, lab work and your recovery stay starts at only $5,000 USD.

Conclusion: choosing certified surgeons and hospitals who always follow high-quality standards is what makes getting a Gastric Sleeve in Mexico safe. At VIDA, patient safety and satisfaction are always priority #1. Our medical staff will carefully evaluate your case and health before recommending a Gastric Sleeve. So, if you are ready to get rid of the excess weight that is holding you back from enjoying your life, we are here for you!  You can visit our website or contact us via phone, email, or Facebook. Call us at 1 (664) 608-6460 from Mexico, at 1 (619) 955-6845  from the USA, or reach us at our toll-free number 1 (619)738-2144. We are also available via email at contact@vidawellnessandbeauty.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

BARIATRIC SURGERY, IS IT FOR ME?

by Bariatrics

Q: How do I know if I am a candidate? 

A: We all know that the United States and Mexico are leading countries in obesity and that it is very difficult to lose weight. I think we all have gone through wanting to do certain diets and lose weight; But often our lifestyle forces us to eat outside; at late hours, eat junk food, overeating, and so on. It takes a lot of discipline that people generally do not have to achieve weight control.

To find out if you are a candidate you can calculate your body mass index, people above 35 BMI and who have comorbidities (pre-diabetic, hypertension, glucose problems) could be candidates for metabolic or bariatric surgery. Books or standards say patients with a BMI over 40 are already candidates for metabolic surgery. Or if you are a male with over 20% body fat or a woman with more than 30% body fat. Obviously considering that these patients have already tried to lose weight with diet, exercise and have failed, that’s when they are recommended metabolic surgery. It is important to mention that we could operate on a patient with a BMI less than 40, considering the patient’s health state and comorbidities, each patient is different.

         Bariatric Surgeon Specialist

 

Q: What types of bariatric surgery are there?

A: There are several procedures, broadly divided into two:

Some are the restrictive procedures; That limit the amount of food you can eat; And others are malabsorptive procedures, where what you eat is not completely absorbed.

There are mixed procedures that restrict the amount you eat as well as the absorption; You could say that those are the most complete. At one time Gastric Bypass was considered the gold standard of this type of surgery because it combined both procedures: Restrict what you eat and absorption of calories.

Gastric Bypass consists of cutting the stomach and leaving a small pouch where it fits a small amount of food much smaller than before, and we make a short circuit where the food leaps and unites more distally towards the intestine. Depending on the length we want to give, we can jump up to 3 meters of intestine or more where there will be no absorption. By jumping the pancreas or duodenum we then have a positive metabolic effect on the patient. This surgery helps control comorbidities. Therefore, some patients with diabetes, glucose intolerance, or metabolic syndrome could greatly benefit from the bypass.

Gastric sleeve
It is a restrictive procedure with metabolic changes comparable with bypass. Has become the most popular procedure worldwide. This consists of cutting a part of the stomach, around 70% thereby eliminating its great storage capacity, leaving it in the form of a tube that is calibrated with an oro-gastric boggle and cutting the rest.

With this, we achieve that the patient does not eat as much food and at the same time to eat more times per day. It also gets rid of a hormone that is partly responsible for being hungry. So, if we eliminate a great part of the production of this hormone the patient has no longer the anxiety to eat.

The gastric sleeve is one of the simplest surgeries with the best results.

Duodenal Switch
This is a combined procedure, that has a restrictive and malabsorptive component. where we combine the gastric sleeve and skip a large part of the intestine leaving the absorption of food in about two meters of the intestine before passing to the large intestine for elimination.

The disadvantage of the duodenal switch is that it requires a lot of care with supplements. Because the patient can become malnourished if not fed correctly. Then the patient must visit the nutritionist constantly to take care of all their nutrients and microelements to maintain optimal health.

How much weight will I lose with bariatric surgery?

A: With the gastric sleeve let’s say you can expect a loss of 70% to 80% of the patient’s overweight. Also with weight loss helps the patient to control comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemias.

The bypass has a greater success rate of weight loss and the duodenal switch even more, up to 90% of the weight loss. That’s why I mentioned that in the duodenal switch, we have to take great care of nutrition because we can go to the other extreme.

Q: What is the impact on a patient’s life?

A: Well, it’s completely radical … In an overweight patient; Their self-esteem, their quality of life are seriously affected. Obviously, if the patient is very young, he may not feel it as much, but as the years’ pass, the overweight begins to affect the knees, the spine and gives some osteoarthritis because of being overweight. Hypertension, diabetes, and other diseases also begin to appear. Then by eliminating all this, it greatly enhances the health of the person.

On the other hand, is the aesthetic aspect. The patient now looks thinner, looks better, becomes motivated, starts to exercise that he has never done or to be more constant. Then he becomes much more motivated and starts to take care of his diet. Something very important is not to see this type of surgery as the definitive way to lose weight and to be well. It is more a tool to learn to eat well, learn new habits that lead to a healthier lifestyle, lose weight and enjoy better health for a longer time.

If you want to know more information about costs or consultations for these and other procedures, please call (664) 608-6460 and (619) 955-6845 from the United States, you can also access a Bariatric Virtual Consultation by going here 

Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez specializes in General and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery. She brings to VIDA Wellness and Beauty a wealth of experience in bariatrics.

Virtual Consultation

Start Your Weight Loss Journey with Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico

To schedule an appointment with our bariatric surgeon to learn more about the advantages of bariatric surgery in Tijuana, México, contact VIDA Wellness and Beauty by calling 1-619-313-6435 (toll free) and start your weight loss journey!

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