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!



Gastric Sleeve: Why are weight loss results different?

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

If you are reading this, you are probably doing some research about one of the most effective and safest bariatric procedures available: the Gastric Sleeve. Also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, this is an advanced procedure that helps eligible patients lose excess weight and lead a healthier lifestyle. From happy patients and their success stories, we can assure that it is a life-changing procedure! And here at VIDA Bariatrics, we want to help you understand the surgery’s results. So, we sat down to chat with our board-certified bariatric surgeons who told us, first-hand, why don’t all patients lose the same amount of weight? This is by far one of the greatest concerns we hear from patients!

“The surgeon removes a significant portion of your stomach, leaving a small “stomach pouch”. This will benefit you, the patient, in two main ways: a smaller stomach means you will need to ingest less food and you will produce less Ghrelin, the hormone that signals hunger. This, combined with the patient’s commitment to follow a healthy diet, leads to sustained weight loss over time. My colleagues and I support our patients from start to finish, and we always recommend working alongside a nutritionist, but of course, results are different for everyone! Every patient is different, every lifestyle has certain variations and organisms react differently!”

We assure you that no two cases are the same, however, if the patient is committed to making lifelong-healthy changes, they can definitely expect to lose and keep off a significant percent of the weight.

“It is not uncommon for VIDA patients to come into their initial consultation and ask us exactly how much weight will they lose from Gastric Sleeve surgery. The truth is- every case is different. We prioritize our patient’s health and safety, that always comes first! And we never just tell patients that they can expect to lose a set amount of weight. I understand that living with obesity is frustrating, and the Gastric Sleeve is a tool to change their lives. It is however unfair to promise patients that they will lose a defined number of pounds in a limited amount of time. As experienced and honest bariatric surgeons, we are able to tell patients an approximate amount of weight but never without discussing first all of their doubts and helping them set proper expectations.”

Apart from the surgery, there are a variety of factors that will help a patient lose weight: diet, exercise and an overall commitment of changing unhealthy lifestyle habits. He also noted that the size of the “sleeve” the surgeon makes affects how much weight loss patients can expect. “This is why we take great care in explaining the procedure specifically for the patient and how it will help them.”

The first 6 months after surgery are a period of constant dramatic changes. “This is when most of the weightloss happens. On average, a patient who is dedicated, follows a diet and exercise plan, can expect to lose between 60% and 80% of their total weight loss. And, if patients are committed and work with the support team we have available at VIDA, including a nutritionist, they will likely keep on losing weight for around 24 months. Again, this changes with every patient. What I really like to stress is that their dedication to losing and keeping their weight off is what ultimately makes a difference.

The stomach is an elastic muscle, so if the patient falls back into bad habits and excessive eating, the ‘sleeve’ will start stretching again and patients can regain weight. Long-term weight loss requires an effort. Patients need to know they are not alone, we hear them, we understand their struggles and we are here to help! It makes me feel happy and proud to see how many patients’ lives improve after the surgery!”

Although the amount of weight loss is a major concern, our surgeons all agree that the benefits of a Gastric Sleeve extend far beyond pure weight loss. As we said at the beginning, we know it is a life-changing procedure. Starting your weightloss journey is only the beginning. The way you see yourself and the way you feel about yourself will change with every pound lost! The benefits of finally beating obesity will be different for every patient but one thing is certain, although no two patient’s weight loss story is the same, getting a Gastric Sleeve will improve your life and the way you interact with your loved ones. Give yourself the opportunity to live a healthier life. At VIDA we not only have the best bariatric surgeons in the region; we are also proud to be the first surgical facility in Mexico to receive international accreditation by QUAD A and have an entire staff dedicated to help YOU.


So, if you want to determine whether or not you are a candidate for a Gastric Sleeve or have doubts regarding the procedure, don’t wait any longer and contact us. Our bilingual staff will be more than happy to answer any question or set up an appointment. Call us at 1 (664) 608-6460 from Mexico, at 1 (619) 955-6845  from USA, or reach us at our toll-free number 1 (619)738-2144.
You can also email us at contact@vidawellnessandbeauty.com.

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!

Start your Journey Today

Is Pregnancy Safe for a Bariatric Surgery Patient?

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

Malnourishment, high-risk pregnancy and other fears can follow when we think about undergoing bariatric surgery and becoming pregnant. We invite you to clear up all the doubts you might have by reading this article.

What should I know about pregnancy after bariatric surgery?  Will my baby be able to obtain sufficient nutrients?

 We have good news for you! Pregnancy after any type of bariatric surgery can be safe and healthy as long as you have adequate management and supervision by you and your doctor. In fact, research suggests that pregnancy after a weight loss surgery can be safer for both, the mother and the baby, in comparison with a high-risk pregnancy caused by obesity problems.

Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that bariatric surgery can protect obese women and their babies from some issues during pregnancy such as first-stage diabetes, preeclampsia, high blood pressure, and signs of damage in some vital organs like kidneys, after 20 weeks into the pregnancy.

If you underwent bariatric surgery or are thinking about it and want to become pregnant, you should consult your doctor for planning. You can also consult a certified nutritionist to help you with nutrition and weight control during your pregnancy. And more importantly, you should let your OBGYN know that you have a weight loss surgery so he or she can supervise you in an adequate manner.

How long should I wait after my Bariatric Surgery?

Experts recommend to post-pone a pregnancy until your weight stabilizes after bariatric surgery. Normally the recommendation is to wait from 12 to 18 months after your surgery.

This is due to the fact that rapid weight loss may deprive a growing baby of important nutrients, with a risk of having an underweight newborn. To monitor your baby’s growth, your doctor may recommend a fetus ultrasound during the first trimester into the pregnancy.

Vitamins, vitamins, and more vitamins!

Depending on the type of bariatric surgery that you had chosen and your specific nutrition needs it is probable that your doctor recommends certain supplements like, folic acid, vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, besides your daily doses of prenatal vitamins before and after the pregnancy.

Would you like to lose weight or learn more about bariatric surgery? Reach out to VIDA Bariatrics

In VIDA Bariatrics in Tijuana, we have certified bariatric surgeons, nutritionists and internal medicine doctors so you can answer all of your doubts and questions, as well as receive appropriate advice about which type of bariatric surgery is more convenient according with your general health, lifestyle and expectations. And as if this wasn’t enough, we have certified plastic surgeons that will help you sculpt what you wish to improve once you have your beautiful baby. So, there you have it! There is no reason to worry about the goals and dreams you have in mind!

For more information contact us at 1-619-610-1667 toll free from the US, or from Mexico you can contact us at (664) 608-64-60. You can also write to: contact@vidawellnessandbeauty.com or have a virtual consultation at the following link: Virtual Consultation 

For more information about the profile of our bariatric surgeons in Tijuana, click the following link: Medical Team VIDA Bariatrics

Blog Post: Breastfeeding Post Weight Loss Surgery 101

BEATING OBESITY: THE GASTRIC SLEEVE

by BariatricsWeight lossWeight Loss Surgery

Want to know if a gastric sleeve is right for you?

 Answer to those phrases that you identify with:

  • I’ve tried to lose weight with diets and exercise without getting results.
  • My overweight is causing me health problems and diseases.
  • When I look into the mirror, I would love to look different.

If you answered yes to more than one of the above sentences, and your BMI (Body Mass Index) is more than 30, we have an excellent option for you: Gastric sleeve surgery.

Severe to moderate obesity has become an epidemic disease in the last decade. Contemporary lifestyles, as well as hormonal, thyroid, and endocrine problems, make it difficult for many people to reach a healthy weight, despite multiple efforts like working out, diets, and medication, it just seems something impossible to achieve.

In the United States, two-thirds of women are overweight and have obesity problems. Even worse, there are 67.6 million obese people and 65 million overweight individuals, according to a study by the Washington Medical University of Saint Louis, Missouri, in 2012. This means that 40% of the US population is facing overweight problems and health disorders associated to obesity. If you are part of the statistics, we want to help you!

 What is the Gastric Sleeve?

 Gastric sleeve is a safe and new procedure and a very effective option to the treatment of obesity, changing the life of people in the long term since it promotes a new lifestyle, making it difficult to recover the lost weight.

The gastric sleeve has a few advantages over the gastric band since there is no foreign body in the stomach. This surgery also known as vertical gastric sleeve consists of the removal of 85% of the stomach from the body, this reduction is what forces the patient to eat only 10% to 15% less than before, causing a dramatic weight loss in the first six months after the surgery. Of course, the patient needs to make some changes in his nutritional habits, eating more balanced in order to keep good health. In a few words, the person learns to eat again.

Another of the advantages is the minimal invasion of the body, since it is a procedure done by laparoscopy, via incisions ½ inch or less. This has added safety to the operation as well as patient acceptance.

Are you a candidate for the gastric sleeve?

If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 35 it means you are a candidate for this type of surgery, also if you have been diagnosed with serious conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure related to overweight.

How much weight am I going to lose?

Most of the weight is lost in the first six months after the surgery.  After this period the patient must continue with a balanced diet and a training plan in order to keep a healthy lifestyle.*

Health benefits

When you compare the statistics against traditional diet and workout programs or even specialist-supervised programs, you’ll find out that the surgery is more effective with long-term weight maintenance and improvement of health. The patients often live a long, productive, and healthier life, with fewer visits to the health care system.

Also, the savings in health care expenses will pay for the surgery in 2 or 4 years, since in 75% of the cases patients will experience the reduction or total disappearance of chronic disorders like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and other degenerative illnesses.

Change your life today in the hands of top-qualified surgeons and world-class care at affordable prices.

At VIDA Bariatrics you would find an experienced team of bariatric surgeons, certified and qualified with more than 5,000 successful surgeries. If you are seeking a lifelong impact, at VIDA Bariatrics you have the opportunity to do it, paying 50% less than in the United States for a bariatric procedure like the gastric sleeve.

If you want more information or want to schedule a virtual consultation, feel free to call us at 1 (619) 610-1667 from the US, or access to a
Virtual Consultation from the safety of your own home.

*Bariatric surgery results may vary in every person. A nutritional program follows bariatric surgery in order to achieve the best results.

THE 3 TOP REASONS PEOPLE REGAIN WEIGHT AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

After decades of a toxic relationship with food, Sara found herself in a hospital bed at 50, thinking she was going to die. Today, Sara climbs mountains instead of holding on to railings to pull herself up the stairs. She works as a life coach, helping people release the fears and long held beliefs/habits that have stopped them from living a full, healthier life.

At VIDA Bariatrics we care about every part of your journey.

We’re very happy to announce Sara as a VIDA Bariatrics collaborator.

Making the decision to have weight loss surgery is a very big deal. It seems obvious to say that when someone agrees to weight-loss surgery they’re desperate for help to change the way they’re living, or not fully living their lives. Everyone goes into the procedure ready and willing to surgically alter their anatomy hoping for a better future. So why is it that so many will fall short of losing the optimal amount of weight for their health and will actually regain within 3 years much if not all of the weight they lost? Some studies say 1/3 of patients will regain most of their weight post-surgery. I think the number is actually higher because many people who regain simply fall out of contact with their bariatric surgeon and support staff because they feel ashamed, so the statistics do not include these people. So, why do most people regain the weight? What can you do to help insure that you will be one of the successful long-term losers of your excess weight? By examining why people fail you can create a plan for how you will succeed.

The government agency, National Institutes for Health (NIH) defines weight-loss surgery as “merely a tool that helps people get a new start toward maintaining long-term good health. The surgery alone will not help someone lose weight and keep it off.

Together with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet and daily exercise, surgery will help an individual lose weight and maintain the weight loss.” Please read that a few times. That is how important this quote is! The surgery alone will not help someone lose weight and keep it off. We as weight-loss surgery patients have a history of seeking comfort, happiness and pleasure through food. We wouldn’t be here if that weren’t true. Me included. The process of surgically altering our anatomies does nothing to remove from us the tendency to seek comfort in familiar ways but assures there will be physical suffering if we do. Post-surgery we will still have the same brain that is used to comforting us with food, and we will still have the fingers and the arms that are used to lifting food to the same mouth to find comfort and pleasure. It is critically important that the WLS patient seek out new ways to soothe, comfort, and find pleasure in their world other than by eating.

ONE main reason patients regain their weight is they search for ways to get around the surgery, still thinking of food as primarily a source of pleasure, not a source of fuel that can be pleasurable. This is often done relying on liquid calories, which may pass more easily, like high calorie coffee or juice bar drinks or alcohol. This is also done post-operatively by trying to maintain the presence of “trigger foods” in their lives. “Trigger foods” are often foods from the patient’s past that helped cause obesity, do not satisfy hunger but instead create a craving. Many are high-calorie and highly processed, not nutritious. Trigger foods can include chocolate, chips, crackers, bread, cookies, ice cream, pudding, lattes, frapuccinos and alcoholic beverages. Really, any food can be a “trigger food” if there is so much pleasure in the “mouth-feel” or taste that repeating the pleasurable experience takes on more importance than actually feeding hunger. Very successful patients cultivate a mostly trigger-free postsurgical life. Bariatric surgeons know the most common reason for regain. The most common postsurgical complication is “noncompliance.” Non-compliance is a fancy word that means the patient is not eating and exercising the way he/she agreed to before surgery. These people “talk the talk.” The successful patient “walks the walk” after surgery and changes how they eat and move.

A SECOND reason people often regain beginning in the second or third year post-op is that the “honeymoon” is over. The “honeymoon” generally encompasses the first 12 to 18 months postsurgery. During this time many patients will say, “I could eat all the chocolate and ice cream I wanted and still lose weight. I didn’t have to try and the weight just came off.” This is often true because the body has been through such a shock after surgery that it takes months for the body to reset itself and learn to function with its’ new physiology. Patients who regain their weight often believe that this “honeymoon period” is the new way that it will always be and don’t adopt healthy eating patterns. So when their “honeymoon period” ends as it will they believe that the surgery has somehow failed them. In reality they have failed their surgery! During the first 12-18 months post-op it is essential to develop healthy patterns around food and exercise. This is the time when it is actually easiest to do and to not do so wastes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to begin a great new life with positive momentum.

A THIRD reason many patients regain much of their lost weight is a lack of support. Humans are social animals and we desire and need the support of each other throughout our lives. For thousands, if not tens of thousands, of years people coming together as a family or a community over food has been a way we connect with each other. Post-surgery, when the patient isn’t able to eat what others are eating or in the quantities others are eating, or others are eating their ‘trigger foods”, life can feel very stressful and lonely. This can be compounded by being around unsupportive people or people who want to be supportive but don’t know how. Patients fail by not surrounding themselves with supportive people in a safe environment where they also must be accountable for their actions and behavior with food and their bodies. It is key to have a community of professionals and non-professionals who understand the challenges and hardships faced by those carving a new life with a new anatomical structure. There are online and in-person support groups. Even patients who’ve gone abroad for weight loss surgery can often use the support services available with their local medical group’s Bariatric department. Creating relationships that support and assist you in becoming a healthier person and that hold you accountable for making healthy choices are key.

These are my top three. What would you add to this list? What plan will you create to deal with the items you add to this list? Who will support you on this journey of your life…..for your life?

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8 Tips For The Bariatric Patient

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

Thinking about getting bariatric surgery? The benefits from this weight-loss procedure are life-changing, and according to the ASMBS, the number of bariatric surgeries in 2017, 228,000 bariatric procedures were performed in the U.S., which is about 1 % of the population eligible for surgery. Here are some tips for the bariatric hopeful. 

Mr. Right Doctor

We cannot stress enough the importance of the right fit between you and your doctor. This person is about to guide you into one of the most important events in your life, and if you’re not 110% comfortable with them, you shouldn’t move forward. Trust and communication are key when it comes to the doctor-patient relationship. A trustworthy bariatric surgeon is board certified, has documentation of his work, and probably has a ton of patient referrals willing to vouch for him. Do your research on bariatric surgeons online, including reading testimonials and checking out every option. Don’t be afraid to ask every single question and resolve every doubt. This is your life we’re talking about, and the right doctor will not rush you and understand your own personal process.

All Set?

The pre-op process is lengthy and vital for the outcome. These are a few important points:

  1. Do your research. Understanding the surgical process and what to expect afterward will make this easier. Talk to people who have gone through it before, and make sure you have a support group. This is not only a physical makeover, but an emotional one as well.
  2. You will have to make changes pre-op. Losing a bit of weight before surgery reduces risks and speeds up the recovery process. If you smoke, you will definitely have to stop. Your surgeon will also have you go through a qualification process tailored to your specific case.
  3. Bear in mind that your life will truly completely change after this. Your eating habits will be modified for the rest of your life, so you must be mentally prepared for this 180°, have an outlined plan to maintain your weight loss after surgery, and be able to follow through.

Let’s Get Physical!

Working out is equally important in pre-op & post-op. Increasing your level of fitness is obviously good for your mental and physical state, and focusing on cardiovascular exercise improves heart health, decreases body weight and helps lose fat. Be sure to work with caloric facts and medical guidance as to not overdo it and hurt yourself. After surgery, you should gradually incorporate low-intensity physical activity in your daily routine, with the guidance of your doctor or health care specialist. Without a doubt, exercise will form a key part of your success for the rest of your life.

Easy As Pie

A diet designed especially for the post-op bariatric patient is imperative to ensure the goals are reached, i.e. help the body heal and modify their overall eating habits. It’s truly important to follow the recommended guidelines carefully prepared by your healthcare providers for this situation. The purpose of a diet is to limit the amount of caloric intake you consume without sacrificing balanced meals that help you achieve optimum nutrition and preserve muscle tissue. It also helps to get used to new portion sizes, lose the actual weight and avoid side effects from the surgery. Some general guidelines would be:

  • Eat balanced meals with small portions.
  • Follow a diet low in calories, fats, and sweets.
  • Keep a record of your food portions and of your calorie and protein intake.
  • Eat slowly and chew small bites of food thoroughly.
  • Do not use straws, drink carbonated beverages, or chew ice. They can introduce air into your pouch and cause discomfort.

The specifics of your diet should be discussed with your personal healthcare specialist. Needless to say, life after surgery is going to be very different, and you have to be patient with yourself and ease into this new and improved lifestyle. Have some fun looking for (or making your own!) creative recipes for this new phase of your life.

H2Go!

We’ve all heard the 8-glasses-of-water-a-day rule, and as obvious as it may seem, this essential liquid plays a key part in your metabolism. Although most of us take it for granted, water has many qualities almost tailored for the bariatric patient. Apart from naturally suppressing the appetite, studies have shown that the amount of water you drink has a direct relationship with the decrease/increase of fat deposits in your body.

This is because our kidneys can’t work at their full potential without enough water consumption. When this happens, some of their work is passed on to the liver. The liver, as we know, metabolizes fat into energy, but when it has the kidney’s load on top of that, it can’t fulfill its task properly and metabolizes less. Consequently, the fat remains in the body, and weight loss suddenly becomes way more difficult, so be sure to stay hydrated!

No Mama Drama

You most definitely and obviously cannot go through bariatric surgery while pregnant or while still healing from this beautiful process, but there are some things you should know about when looking forward to pregnancy after weight loss.

  1. After a bariatric procedure, your body is going through a LOT. A body that is losing weight rapidly and adjusting its nutritional deficiencies is not a good habitat for a baby. Experts recommend waiting 18 months after surgery so your body is in tip-top shape for the newcomer.
  2. According to a 2004 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women who’ve had bariatric surgery have a higher risk for a cesarean process. The causes are not exactly clear, but the results are. Talk to your ob-gyn from the beginning so they can guide you in these issues.
  3. Great news! A 2005 report in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing tells us that women with obesity-related fertility problems see a significant improvement in their fertility after weight-loss surgery.
  4. Remember that our bodies and minds are inextricably linked. You may have to deal with body image issues when your body starts changing again during pregnancy. From accepting this change in your physicality –again- to coming up with strategies to lessen stress-eating and sticking to a good diet, make sure you’re ready for the pregnancy journey.

Body Language

When considering weight-loss surgery, most people tend to think about the bariatric process only, when in reality there are more decisions to make. Massive fluctuations in weight often cause the skin to lose its elasticity, so it can no longer shrink back to a smaller size and shape once the excess weight has been lost. This can leave post-bariatric patients with loose excess skin that hangs off the body in folds. The board-certified plastic surgeons at VIDA Bariatrics realize this and for each specific case, there are several procedures that can solve this.

Patients who have undergone major weight loss surgery generally see body contouring as the next step. This consists in a combination of procedures that address the problematic areas in each situation. Generally, it targets excess sagging skin on the buttocks, excess skin on the thighs and hips, and/or limited fat deposits in lower body areas. To correct all these aesthetic concerns, plastic surgeons offer the post-bariatric lift, which focuses on the upper body and lower body.

For instance, for patients needing extensive contouring throughout their entire lower body, lower body lift surgery can include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery), lateral thigh lift, and Brazilian butt lift surgery. For other patients requiring less extensive body contouring, the CosMed plastic surgeon may only include abdominoplasty and thigh lift surgery. To get a broader sense of the post-bariatric lift, you can click on the following link:

www.vidawellnessandbeauty.com/services/bariatrics/post-bariatric-body-contouring

Lifelines

A lifestyle change is easier said than done. The weight-loss experience can be a hard and emotional one, even when you have the means to recover in luxury. Support is what will get you through this process more than anything else. Readjusting almost all of your life can be terrifying, and we know that. That’s why we recommend keeping your dear friends close by for familiar warmth, group therapy with people who have gone through the same ordeal and can advise you on things they’ve been through themselves, or life coaching from a certified specialist that can give you psychological and emotional support through your brave journey.

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!

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The Beth Project: Super Creative Pictures Document a Woman’s Weight Loss!

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

A life transformation is something to be remembered!

This is exactly what Beth Beard and Blake Morrow had in mind when they went into this almost 2 year long project called the “Beth Project“. Blake is a pop culture oriented photographer based in Toronto that has interned for Annie Leibovitz and photographed bands like Radiohead, Oasis and Moby. Beth has a background in theater and more importantly, had a life journey to share.

When she approached her old friend Blake about doing some before and after pictures to document her weight-loss after bariatric surgery, they both jumped on the chance to be creative. We love how these photos turned out!

They named this series “The Beth Project“ and Blake released a little statement of the piece on his website:

“I created a series of pop culture-inspired portraits for my friend Beth, playfully celebrating her fantastic weight-loss of 150 pounds. I shot her “Before“ and “After“ selves two years apart, and then digitally integrated them to interact with each other within each scene. To properly communicate and celebrate Beth’s accomplishment, her body shape has not been digitally altered.”

We love this attitude and their artistry. Hurray for real bodies, and real journeys!

If you’re interested in documenting your weight-loss transformation, here at VIDA we’d be more than happy to oblige!

Get creative with us! If you want more information, feel free to call us at 1 (619) 610-1667, and we’ll be more than happy to help you!

How to Determine Which Bariatric Surgery is Right for You

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

Lap Band, Gastric Sleeve, Mini- Bypass or Full Bypass Surgery? Our expert bariatric surgeon will help you decide which surgery is right for when diet and exercise just isn’t enough, bariatric surgery is an effective option for losing a large amount of weight quicklPlus, unlike crash diets and other “quick fixes”, long-term studies have shown that bariatric procedures not only help patients lose significant weight – and keep the weight off, but actually aid in the recovery from diabetes, improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, and a reduction in mortality of 23% from 40%.Something very important, is not to see this type of surgeries 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 a better health for longer time.

Things to consider are:

  • Amount of Excess body weight
  • Health state
  • Comorbidities
  • Life style
  • Expectations
  • Procedures

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 for 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

Is a restrictive procedure with metabolic changes comparable with bypass. Has become the most popular prodcedure worldwide. Which 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 a oro-gastric boogie 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 combine 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 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 micro elements to maintain optimal health.

For more information about the gastric sleeve, or to find out which weight loss surgery is right for you, please contact VIDA Bariatrics