Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico: How to Choose the Safest Option

Look out for cheap pricing

Many bariatric centers offer surgery for $3,000 – $4,000 USD. Be careful with these weight loss surgery doctors and hospitals, since the way they manage to reduce their costs is by saving on quality materials.

One clear example of cost-saving measures that can cause post-surgical complications is when bariatric surgery clinics try to save a few dollars by using low-quality staples or too few staples to seal the stomach well enough for a proper recovery.

By neglecting this part, it’s possible that complications arise, and then “cheap is expensive;” that is, patients have to pay for a revision surgery that costs a minimum of $7,000 to $15,000 USD.

We are aware that having weight loss surgery in the US requires a significant financial commitment. Because of this, more Americans are choosing medical tourism and seeking bariatric surgery in Mexico in pursuit of less expensive options. Sadly, inexpensive doesn’t always equal better.

People occasionally travel for bariatric surgery in Mexico in search of lower costs on their weight loss journey. While cheaper costs may be alluring, going for affordable weight loss surgery without due diligence comes with several dangers.

Make sure the clinic is offering patients precise estimations of their bariatric surgery expenses while obeying all laws and regulations. Having a cheaper alternative for a certain bariatric procedure greatly benefits the patients but that doesn’t mean you won’t consider where the costs are being cut.

Hospitals and health systems are currently focusing their strategic efforts on delivering a better patient financial experience—one that enables patients to be more involved in healthcare purchasing decisions and provides transparency into out-of-pocket costs—while also enhancing the financial performance of the hospital.

Doctors certifications

One way to know that the doctor is trained and prepared to perform bariatric surgery is to have a specialization certificate. In Mexico the certificate of specialization looks like this:

Some less-than-reputable doctors may put their certifications on their website without being certified. To verify this, it is necessary for medical tourism patients to view the official records and look for the name of the bariatric surgeon.

A bariatric surgeon’s qualifications can be determined by looking at whether or not they have a certified medical board certification, which indicates that an advisory board has given their approval. It’s possible that picking the correct surgeon will be the most important decision you ever make.

You’ll want to be certain that the surgeon has training and is capable of carrying out the task. Several surgeons have advocated passing the tests issued by a national board of surgeons. Ask about the “board certification” of your medical professional.

Modern medical facilities and a four-star hotel are used by Mexico Cosmetic Center. Our surgeons have years of expertise, are skilled, and are board certified. We offer a reasonable all-inclusive medical tourism price. Choosing bariatric surgery in Mexico for your bariatric surgery.

Make sure that you have selected one of the best bariatric facilities in Mexico. The clinic should have years of experience in the medical tourism sector and have completed hundreds of bariatric surgeries, making it a reputable weight loss surgery provider.

Hospital certifications

Make sure you know where your bariatric surgery will be performed. Look for the name of the hospital and check on their website if they comply with cleanliness, health, and hygiene regulations.

Most experienced bariatric surgeons are employed by one or two accredited hospitals. Find out where your medical team will perform weight loss surgery and how frequently that location performs the same bariatric procedure. According to research, people frequently recover better from surgery in accredited hospitals and facilities that have more experience doing the bariatric procedure.

When researching medical tourism options, ask questions and take precautions because receiving medical care overseas has additional risks. Verify the credentials of the Mexico weight loss surgery providers you’re considering. Do your research on the hospital, as its standards might not be the same as those a demanding hospital accreditation agency asks of healthcare facilities in the United States.

These criteria and more can be used to compare hospitals. How did other patients feel about their time in the hospital setting? How successfully did the medical team interact with weight loss surgery patients and deal with pain management?

It’s important to know if your chosen Mexico bariatric surgery clinic complies with global standards with a patient-centered approach, medical care planning, and international patient safety objectives.

An American patient researching medical tourism may feel more at ease knowing that a doctor or hospital offering weight loss surgery in Mexico is reputable and offers the standard of treatment they are used to receiving. This can be verified through proper research into the clinic’s accreditation.

Infection and mortality rate

One of the most important pieces of information you should ask about your chosen Mexico weight loss surgery clinic is their mortality and infection rate. If the person contacting you from the clinic doesn’t know these numbers, it is a red flag. Don’t put your life in danger.

Serious problems during or after bariatric surgery in Mexico are always a possibility. However, medical facilities with skilled, organized, and effective staff swiftly identify these patient safety issues and administer prompt treatment. Even though some deaths may be unavoidable, greater complication-related death rates could indicate that patients weren’t closely monitored following surgery or that no effective measures were taken.

By selecting a bariatric surgeon who has had thorough training and experience in executing the treatment, you can reduce the dangers associated with weight loss surgery in Mexico. You can ask the doctor about his or her experience with the treatment or procedure, the number of times they’ve done it, and their track record for both success and complications.

Some of the follow-up questions you should consider when choosing a bariatric surgery clinic to carry out your procedure are: how frequently does the hospital administer the suggested therapies for some common ailments, including surgery, and others such as pneumonia, asthma, heart failure, and heart attacks.

A key element that should be considered is if the hospital is cautious about performing enough and proper tests on bariatric surgery patients. Find out how each hospital makes use of its facilities, equipment, and professional personnel, for example how they manage outpatient imaging procedures like CT scans and MRIs.

Hidden fees for bariatric surgery

When reviewing a quote for medical tourism, ask if the sale price they are offering is the final price or if there are other bariatric surgery expenses you should consider. It may be that they are offering a very cheap price for medical services because they don’t include the stay or transportation to the hospital. This brings us to the next point:

Facility fees. There may be a medical facility fee that easily runs into the hundreds of dollars if you receive a medical test in a doctor’s office run by a hospital. What exactly are you purchasing? These increased costs come from charges made by the hospital. After a procedure, you generally won’t be able to negotiate the price for medical bills, but if you learn about this fee in advance, you might be able to avoid it.

In some hospitals, a staff member is lower on the totem pole than a doctor. They might examine you while the doctor is still present to watch over the process. Therefore, you receive a charge from the doctor and the certified registered nurse. This frequently does not occur as intended, and while your insurance should notice these errors, you should also be cautious.

Overcharges. Being billed for a treatment at a price greater than most hospitals do is exactly what it sounds like. Another example of an overcharge would be paying for a brand-name medication when a generic equivalent was available.

Rogue fees. Patients may find charges for incorrect goods like gloves that ought to be included in the operating room price. A toothbrush or comb, which should be included in the price of your hospital stay, could also be billed to you.

Charges for time. Most insurance plans won’t permit you to be charged for the time you were in your room on the day you were released. You might succeed in claiming that a hospital shouldn’t charge you for the several hours you were there that morning, similar to how a hotel wouldn’t.

Working toward having a clear understanding of the general workaround of the clinic’s fees and services and how your insurance coverage might help will greatly impact how you feel about the doctors and the bariatric surgery clinic in general.

You might have to pay more if you choose to use a hospital, surgeon, or specialist who is not covered by your medical health plan. Or if you’ll need to fulfill any requirements, such as additional forms or charges levied before you receive care or once you leave the hospital.

All-inclusive Mexico weight loss surgery medical tourism package

Ask if the Mexico weight loss surgery clinic offers this type of package, because if you are traveling for a medical procedure, ideally they should take care of all the logistics so you don’t have to worry about travel-related complications.

You can experience industry-leading quality care for a fraction of the price of bariatric surgery in other countries by deciding to come for bariatric surgery in Mexico.

If you purchase an all-inclusive weight loss surgery package, you will always pay the same fixed amount. Therefore, you won’t be required to pay any more expenses if you need additional tests or procedures that weren’t included in your initial bariatric surgery treatment plan. Your all-inclusive medical tourism plan handles it.

Your past medical history and present general health will determine if you qualify for an all-inclusive medical tourism package. At your initial consultation with your consultant, this will be a topic you will discuss.

Without sacrificing the level of care and quality provided to our patients, we want to make your bariatric surgery procedure as simple as we can. As a result, we offer packages for all-inclusive weight loss surgery in Mexico to support our patients.  The price is the only significant difference. Therefore, always choose an all-inclusive medical tourism bundle.

With every bariatric surgery patient having a different body shape and set of needs, it is challenging to determine fixed pricing for bariatric surgery in Mexico. Thankfully, we make things simple for you.

A modern hospital and four-star hotel or a recovery boutique should be used by the clinic of your choice. Our surgeons have years of expertise, are skilled, and are board certified. We offer a reasonable all-inclusive medical tourism price, not just for post-bariatric surgery patients, but for all medical tourists in need of affordable, high-quality cosmetic and plastic surgery solutions.

Results matter

When reviewing weight loss surgery results, the most important thing is that they also have success stories of past patients who have already undergone weight loss surgery in Mexico with that clinic.

Good testimonials from past patients will also give you an idea of what their experience has from the moment they arrived until months after the bariatric surgery to know if the clinic offers good results.

A good weight loss surgery clinic should maximize the value for patients by delivering the greatest results at the lowest cost. The only accurate indicators of quality in value-based care are patient-relevant outcomes. Results are further improved when they are measured and reported by the clinic because this encourages progress and the implementation of best practices.

The level of treatment offered by hospitals varies. When a hospital gives you the care and treatments that are known to produce the best results for your situation, they are giving you high-quality care. Do they review options for gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery, and other procedures that could be relevant? Receiving high-quality medical attention could aid in your recovery and prevent other issues.

Did most patients improve? Learn how hospital mortality rates for specific diseases compare to the other medical tourism clinics you’ve selected, or to the national average of the country you are seeking for any recurrences, complications, and mortality rates.

Given that individual experiences with primary care varied due to variations at the facility level, quality improvement initiatives at facilities offering surgery in Mexico may improve those experiences. The correlation between individual traits and experience ratings emphasizes the importance of patients’ expectations of care as well as the possibility that doctors’ treatment of patients has an impact on the experience.

Professional advice

There are many weight loss procedures, such as gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, etc. You must receive counseling from an expert on which procedure to lose weight is recommended for you, or if you already have a preference, confirm with the surgeon if you are a candidate for that procedure.

Keep in mind that you will be able to obtain the care you require from the healthcare system if you have more knowledge of how it works. You’ll benefit from better health, well-being, and quality of life if you can learn how to acquire the appropriate healthcare and steer clear of the wrong healthcare.

When you understand what is happening and are involved in making decisions about your weight loss surgery in Mexico, you can find a treatment that will work best for you. Make sure you are aware of what your treatment entails and what it will and won’t accomplish. Ask for both the doctor’s instructions in writing, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Every individual has particular health demands, and as people age, those needs change. Inquire about the specialties and interests of your medical professional. If you are not a dedicated athlete, consulting a medical professional who specializes in sports medicine might not be the best option. Likewise, it’s to keep your search criteria in the procedures and professionals that are experienced in the procedure that you want. For example, if you’re looking at gastric sleeve surgery, ask whether your prospective surgeon specializes in that.

Ask your doctor if any other therapies might be effective if the suggested treatment causes you discomfort. Ask the doctor whether there are any less expensive options available, for instance, if cost is an issue. The physician can collaborate with you to create a treatment strategy that addresses your needs.

In some cases, you would want to explain to your doctor some concerns you have or questions. You might not know much about a certain illness. The specialist can describe it to you and how it might impact you and what results you can expect.

If there is anything you don’t understand before you undergo surgery (or after), you can phone your primary physician for clarification or request printed materials to read.

Ask the specialist at the weight loss surgery clinic to advise your primary physician of any diagnosis or treatment. This enables your primary care physician to monitor your medical care. At your next appointment, you should also inform your primary physician of the effectiveness of any therapies or medications the specialist advised.

Follow-up program

To achieve the result you want, you must go with an expert. Ask the clinic if they offer a follow-up program as part of their medical tourism offerings. This ensures that they really care about the results of their patients and not don’t just do the largest possible volume of surgeries per year.

Keeping up with patients or checking on their progress since their previous appointment is known as follow-up. An appropriate follow-up can assist you in finding misunderstandings, providing information, doing additional assessments, and adjusting treatments. Additionally, follow-up aids in creating a positive professional relationship between you and your patients.

You might need to schedule follow-up appointments, testing, or specialist visits after your visit. Before you leave the clinic, while it’s still fresh in your memory, make these appointments. When results are available, send your doctor a message if you need assistance understanding them or to find out what to do next.

The medical system might be challenging to understand. One thing you can do to have a better experience—and better health outcomes—is to take charge of your doctor visits.

The clinic or your doctor should decide on doing a follow-up, on the following points. Monitoring your health, reinforcing any information and making plans to continue your treatment, scheduling future appointments, verifying through any follow-up referrals, and sharing any lab results with you.

Which Weight-Loss Surgery Is Right for Me?

BARIATRIC SURGEON | Gabriela Rodriguez, MD, FACS

In a recent post, we spoke about weight loss surgery requirements. At the same time, patients who are thinking about bariatric surgery for weight loss have more than one option. From a gastric bypass to a gastric sleeve or lap band, every surgery has its forte for different types of patients. You are probably interested in bariatric surgery in Mexico if you have been dealing with obesity and want to explore options for a lesser cost than other countries like the United States.  Particularly if you haven’t seen results from diet and exercise, the key to finally overcoming your obesity problem may be weight-loss surgery.

What bariatric surgery is better? Which weight-loss procedure will help you lose weight faster? As our bariatric expert, Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez explained, there is not one single procedure that could be declared “the best”. We created this guide to help current and potential VIDA Bariatrics patients understand the different procedures we offer at our Tijuana clinic: Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Banding, Gastric Bypass, and Duodenal Switch.  

Stop dreaming about losing weight! If you are tired of dieting without results or thought you could not afford surgery to help you lose weight, give us a call. At VIDA Bariatrics, we are experts in helping patients not only lose hundreds of pounds but also get the best results, with the fewest risks by helping them choose the bariatric surgery indicated for them without the exorbitant price tag. 

Bariatric Patients Deal With More Than Just Obesity

The day a patient told us he felt so discouraged because being “fat” had been the hardest thing to overcome, we were reminded of the importance of helping our bariatric patients understand one thing: obesity is a disease and like any other disease, you need medical help. Being morbidly obese is more than simply “being fat”, and if fitness plans and new diets do not help, you are not to blame. 

For most of our patients living with obesity, bariatric surgeries are the single most effective tool to (finally) losing excess weight, and with that, reversing illnesses and daunting diagnoses that come with carrying all those extra pounds. If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, or another Cardiovascular disease, you will be glad to know that some bariatric surgeries can help you reverse that diagnosis -in addition to helping you lose up to 80% of your weight. 

Which Bariatric Surgery is right for you? 

There are some key elements your bariatric surgeon will consider before recommending a bariatric surgery over another:

  • A BMI of 40 or +. Your body mass index is a big factor when deciding first if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery. 
  • A BMI of 35 and a diagnosis of fatty liver disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. 
  • Any previous bariatric surgeries. 
  • If you have uncontrolled diabetes. Particularly if a new diet does not help you lose enough weight to control your diabetes. 
  • If you have any other risk factors, such as heart disease, severe metabolic disease, or lung problems. 
  • If the surgeon thinks you would do better with either a reversible or irreversible weight-loss procedure.

Bariatric Surgeries: Restrictive and Malabsorptive 

Essentially, bariatric surgeries can be classified as either restrictive or malabsorptive procedures. A restrictive surgery helps you lose weight by limiting food intake by reducing the size of the stomach. A malabsorptive surgery limits calorie absorption by bypassing portions of the small intestine

Some surgeries combine both methods. 

We’ll go over the bariatric procedures our very own Dr. Rodriguez performs on a regular basis, and explain to who she usually recommends each one. 

Gastric Sleeve could be the best weight-loss surgery for you

 

Gastric Sleeve surgery, also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a restrictive procedure for weight loss where the surgeon removes a significant portion of the stomach, leaving a small “sleeve” shaped stomach pouch. A smaller stomach means the patient can eat less food. 

Dr. Rodriguez could recommend Gastric Sleeve surgery to:

  • Higher-risk patients: Gastric Sleeve is a “simpler” surgery to perform on higher-risk surgical patients because it is shorter and the surgeon does not modify the GI tract. 
  • Patients with a BMI of 40 or more: Particularly for patients who weigh 450 lbs or more, a gastric sleeve is a better option than surgeries that require rerouting of the GI tract, like a gastric bypass.
  • If you have had abdominal surgeries in the past:  Since a gastric sleeve only involves operating in the stomach, a patient with scar tissue from a previous procedure can have this surgery without increased risk for complications. 

Gastric Banding could be the best weight-loss surgery for you 

 

Gastric Banding, popularly referred to as Lap-Band surgery, is a reversible weight-loss procedure where the surgeon places a silicone band around the upper section of the stomach. This creates a smaller stomach pouch, limiting the amount of food the patient can ingest. 

Dr. Rodriguez could recommend Gastric Banding surgery to:

  • Patients with a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 30 or higher and an obesity-related illness.
  • The surgeon believes you would benefit from a reversible procedure.
  •  A patient that is willing to see the surgeon if the Lap-Band needs to be readjusted (which is a very simple procedure, often done laparoscopically). 

Gastric Bypass could be the best weight-loss surgery for you

 

A Gastric Bypass is a restrictive and malabsorptive weight-loss surgery where the surgeon decreases the size of your stomach, down to about the size of an egg, and bypasses a portion of the small intestine. 

Dr. Rodriguez could recommend Gastric Bypass surgery to:

  • Patients with a high BMI where the surgeon still has room to modify the GI tract. This is because Gastric Bypass patients lose more weight. 
  • Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes. While all bariatric procedures will certainly benefit diabetic patients, gastric bypass is considered the gold standard for patients with obesity-related health problems. 
  • Patients with other types of health problems related to their excess weight like obstructive apnea, high triglycerides, high cholesterol, infertility, heart disease, or high blood pressure among others.  

Duodenal Switch could be the best weight-loss surgery for you

 

Duodenal switch surgery is a restrictive and malabsorptive surgery where the doctor removes 70% of the stomach, most of the duodenum in order to reroute the food pathway to a distal portion of the small intestine. 

Dr. Rodriguez could recommend Duodenal Switch surgery to:

  • Patients who are extremely thorough at following the surgeon’s instructions. Because of the complexity of the surgery, a duodenal switch might not be for everyone, particularly because the patients will need strict vitamin and mineral supplementation for the rest of their lives. 
  • Patients with a BMI of 50 or more. 
  • Patients who understand that a duodenal switch is riskier than other bariatric procedures and can have more complications afterward. 

Decide on a Low-Cost Gastric Surgery For You 

Knowing which bariatric surgery you are a candidate for is ultimately determined by you and your bariatric surgeon. Don’t forget that Dr. Rodriguez is also an expert in Revision Bariatric Surgery, in case you had a previous weight-loss procedure that did not work as expected. To know which bariatric procedure will lead to losing the most weight and a healthier you, contact Dr. Rodriguez and the VIDA Bariatrics team in Tijuana for a FREE consultation. 

Our entire team is bilingual, board-certified and our convenient Tijuana location allows us to offer competitive bariatric surgery pricing in a modern clinic that exceeds international standards set by QUAD A.  Call us at +1(619) 738-2144 and speak to a patient specialist today!

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

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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!

Weight Loss Surgery vs. Diet and Exercise: What You Need to Know

Have you been struggling with obesity for a long time? If you have tried to lose weight and had little to no success, it can be very frustrating. You can follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Or, you can consider Bariatric Surgery, one of the most effective options that could be a total life changer for the right candidate. Which approach to dealing with obesity is better? Is weight loss surgery vs. diet and exercise a fair comparison?

A healthy diet and an exercise routine seem to be the easiest, simplest methods for losing weight. But if you are reading this, you’ve probably tried a diet program or two, signed up at your local gym, and still haven’t been able to make progress. What added benefits does bariatric surgery have? And, are the benefits worth it? Is Bariatric surgery more effective than regular dieting and exercising?

Our expert bariatric surgeons shared with us some of the pros and cons of both approaches and offered some advice on how to decide if weight loss surgery is for you.

Bariatric Surgery vs Natural Weight Loss

First, no bariatric surgeon underestimates the benefits of following a healthy lifestyle. Apart from maintaining a healthy weight, it can help prevent many diseases, improve your mood and boost your energy.

Some of the pros of exercising regularly and eating healthy foods are: Increase your metabolic rate; improve your circulation, heart, and lung function; sleep better; decrease your risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure; decrease the risk of certain cancers; prevent brain disorders and mental conditions. Furthermore, doing these as part of your daily routine means developing healthy habits for life. A major con to choosing only diet and exercise is that your progress might be incredibly slow. And your metabolism might not respond to this “natural” weight loss approach.

“Following a balanced diet and exercising regularly are the most valuable habits anyone can have in order to live a long, fulfilling life. It is a mistake, however, to think that Bariatric Surgery is opposed to this,” explained Dr. Oscar Lumban, one of the Bariatric Surgeons at VIDA. “A healthy diet is vital, whether you are dealing with obesity or not. The same goes for exercising. But, it’s an unfair misconception to assume that these alone will help people beat obesity for good. Some patients have success with a new diet at first, but end up stalling or gaining the weight back. Patients who are obese need extra help, and that is the biggest advantage of choosing weight loss surgery.”

Patients who don’t respond to diets can find unrivaled benefits in a bariatric procedure, either a Gastric Sleeve, a Gastric Bypass, or a Lap Band.

“I always remind patients that weight loss surgery does not undermine their efforts to eat healthily and be more active. On the contrary, they complement each other. One couldn’t be successful without the other! And, for most of my bariatric patients, the weight they lost after having surgery and committing to living a healthy life, is priceless,” adds Dr. Rodriguez, who for years has been helping patients get their lives back through Bariatric Surgery.

Is weight loss surgery more effective than diet and exercise?

Weight loss surgery actually makes diet and exercise effective for those who have been battling obesity for years but haven’t thrived on conventional methods. If your BMI is over 35, you diet, lose weight, and gain it all back within months, then bariatric surgery might be for you!

The biggest con our doctors hear from their patients is that bariatric surgery is risky and recovery might be uncomfortable. While any surgery does have certain risks, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Our bariatric doctors opt for a laparoscopic method, making surgery and recovery less invasive and less uncomfortable for patients. A little discomfort and an adjustment period are expected post-bariatric surgery, but for patients, beating obesity is finally possible. These surgeries, when paired with a balanced diet and exercise, will improve their quality of life indefinitely.

Do you think you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery? Is this something you have explored with your physician? Call us now at 619 610 1667 and let’s finally beat obesity, together!

More Info About Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss

What to Eat After Bariatric 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

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!