Once you have decided that having bariatric surgery is right for you, you will then need to select a facility and surgeon in Mexico.
Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) includes a variety of procedures performed on people who suffer from obesity. Weight loss is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach with a Gastric Band or through removal of a portion of the stomach (Sleeve Gastrectomy) or by resecting and re-routing the small intestines to a small stomach pouch (Gastric Bypass).
The following list provides a good starting point for questions we would encourage you to ask of any surgeon you are considering:
- Are you a Bariatric (weight loss surgery) specialist, or do you perform other types of surgery?
- How long having you been performing weight loss surgery procedures and how many have you done?
- How many papers have you published on weight loss surgery?
- How do you determine who is a good candidate for this surgery / how do you screen patients?
- What is the charge for band adjustments and who preforms them?
- What’s your past experience with weight loss surgery? Your complication rate? Your conversion rate to an open incision?
- What do I need to do in order to see success with this program?
- What is included in the cost? (Look for hidden fees, band adjustments, fluoroscopy, anesthesia, program fees for support groups, etc.)
- Do you have insurance coordinators available to help me with insurance questions?
- Is a seminar required or can you provide me with the information I need privately?
Having bariatric surgery may be the most important medical decision you may ever make. This is a very personal decision. Mexico Bariatrics provides you with education and support while you are researching your options for obesity treatment.
Before Having Bariatric Surgery
- You will see a surgeon who will be carrying out the operation, so you can discuss the risks and benefits associated with the surgery.
- You will see a specialist nurse who will go through the operation with you and talk through your hospital stay.
- You will be seen by a dietician who will discuss your required pre and post- operative diet plan. You will be asked to adhere to a “liver reducing diet” for two weeks before your operation. This helps reduce the size of your liver making your operation easier and safer.
- You will be seen by a nurse and an anaesthetist in the pre-operative clinic, where you will have your bloods taken and a heart tracing (ECG).
After Having Bariatric Surgery
- You will be encouraged to mobilise as soon as possible.
- You will be seen by the surgeon who will discuss your operation it’s outcome and plan. Usually the surgeon will then be happy for you to go home later that day.
- You will be seen by the specialist bariatric nurse who will discuss your operation and answer any questions you may have and also discuss all the information you will need to know before you go home.
- You will be seen by the specialist bariatric dietician to discuss your eating plans for the coming weeks.
- You will continue on your liquid diet and before you can go home will need to be able to manage some soup.
You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if:
- You’re an obese adult, especially if you have a weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes.
- You know the risks and benefits.
- You’re ready to adjust how you eat after the surgery.
- You’re committed to making lifestyle changes to keep the weight off.
Teens usually don’t get weight loss surgery unless they’re extremely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35, and with a weight-related condition.
If you’re thinking about it, talk to your doctor about whether it’s a good option for you.