10 FAQ's About Bariatric Surgery

10 FAQ's About Bariatric Surgery 

 

Obesity is one of the leading causes of death globally due to diseases associated with it, including diabetes and heart disease, among others. Many rate it as today’s epidemic.

While bariatric surgery has evolved markedly in recent years, this intervention raises some concerns for patients. The bariatric surgeons Dr. Rafael Abril and Dr. Horacio Hampujol from Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, respond to some of the most common questions:

1. Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?

The group of candidates for bariatric surgery are those patients with obesity with a BMI over 34, as well patients with severe diseases associated with obesity even if they have a lower BMI.

Some years ago bariatric surgery was considered only for morbidly obese patients, that is those who had a BMI greater than 40, but these criteria have changed because of advances in research; now we know more about the implications of obesity in quality of life and expectancy. We also have improved the technical aspects of surgery.

2. Besides BMI, is there another requirement for surgery?

In addition to BMI, the age of the patient is considered. The patient should generally be between 18 and 65. When not within these parameters, it is necessary to analyze the case.

3.-In what cases is surgery not recommended?

Surgery should not be performed in patients with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia; when the patient has an addiction (alcohol, drugs) and may not be 100% rehabilitated, and for those with psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, and others who have not been successfully treated. In some cases, gastric diseases such as cancer or prior surgery may be an impediment for weight loss surgery.

4 What are the methods that work best?

The two most currently performed surgeries in the world are the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve).

Gastric Bypass surgery is the most common weight loss surgery in the world and in Mexico. It is a hybrid procedure for weight loss by restricting food intake and its decreased absorption.

It has a high effectiveness, with loss of 80-90% of excess weight in a year, and a significant improvement of the associated diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In Hispano Americano Hospital we perform it laparoscopically.

Gastric Sleeve surgery involves the resection of a segment of the stomach, leaving a thin sleeve or tube. This way food intake is significantly reduced.

It has a similar effectiveness and improvement of obesity related diseases than that of the bypass; we also perform it laparoscopically.

A great advantage is that it alters the digestive tract and, therefore, the patient does not require vitamin supplements for life, because it does not alter the absorption of nutrients.

5.-What are the main risks of bariatric surgery?

There are the common risks of any surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. However, since it is an elective procedure, the patient reaches the operating room very well prepared, thus minimizing risks.

Also, current techniques are less invasive, with early recovery, with average 48-hour hospitalization, using small incisions and procedures that last about an hour.

6.- What is the success rate of bariatric surgery?

Success rates are very high. On one side there is the weight loss, and secondly the reversion of associated diseases that the patient had before surgery.

Regarding weight loss, statistically patients lose an average between 65 and 90% of their excess weight, and that is for somewhere between 70% and 80% of operated patients. In general up to 80% of patients lost at least 60% ​​of their excess weight.

7.- What obesity associated diseases can be cured?

One of the most important is diabetes, which has an overall remission rate after surgery (that is the patient does not require more medication and has normal glucose level) close to 80%.

Another disease that can be solved is the syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea, a breathing disorder which also has a very high rate of improvement or cure.

A third disease is hypertension. In over 50% of the operated cases, this condition improves or disappears.

Insulin resistance, fat levels in the blood and the psychological state of the patient is also improved or totally solved.

 8.- Is it a myth or reality that the patient after surgery can not eat solid food?

The aim of bariatric surgery is that patients change their eating habits and the quality of the food they eat. That being said, you should ingest liquid for a short period of time after the surgery but the idea is to gradually incorporate all types of food.

9.-How long does it take for the patient to return to his normal life?

The first 2-3 days after surgery the patient should be resting. On the seventh day, the patient is able to drive and at the end of the month he would be able to have moderate physical activity.

10.-Can a woman get pregnant after surgery?

What we recommend to patients is to avoid pregnancy the first two years after surgery.

After bariatric surgery the chances of getting pregnant increase because obesity is associated with infertility and what is termed as high risk pregnancy, a condition that improves after surgery.

For more information on weight loss surgery in Mexico, visit hispanohospital.com or call us toll free at 888-698-2244.

Are You A Candidate For Weight Loss Surgery?

Are You A Candidate For Weight Loss Surgery?

There are some requirements that must be considered before undergoing any bariatric surgery procedure, such as the Gastric Bypass Surgery. One of the first considerations is whether the patient has tried more than one method of weight loss and for how long. According to our experience, the percentage of overweight and BMI as isolated data are not sufficient to decide the course of treatment.

However, one of the main measures is to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI). If a patient has an index of over 35 is generally considered to be a candidate for bariatric surgery. A BMI of this level means that you weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) in addition to those they should have.

The Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a relationship between weight and height of the patient, is calculated by dividing weight by height squared, BMI = weight (lb) / height2. You can calculate your own here.

Other requirements for Bariatric Surgery

You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if BMI 35 or more exists, and if in addition you have at least one of the following associated conditions:

• Hypertension
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Injuries to joints
• hyperlipidemia
• Gallbladder Problems
• Liver disease
• Other conditions (Consult our specialists for more information)

To be a good candidate for bariatric surgery should know the details of the issues mentioned above. Bariatric surgery reduces the risk of those conditions that affect your life, besides improving your appearance and overall health. However, for best results, you need a total commitment during the recovery period and afterwards.

As part of this process, Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, asks its patients to consult with our psychologists and nutritionists in order to prepare for the changes that will present in the future. Furthermore, plastic surgery may be necessary for functional and aesthetic reasons. This may not be necessary in all patients and this is evaluated in the months after the bariatric surgery is performed.

To determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery, contact our specialists in bariatric surgery today. You can visit us at hispanohospital.com or call us toll free 888-698-2244. Our doctors will discuss with you all necessary conditions for Bariatric Surgery, and help in the process towards the healthy lifestyle you've been searching.

Myths and Facts of the Gastric Bypass

Myths and Facts of the Gastric Bypass

Myth # 1 Any overweight person can undergo bariatric surgery.

False: Bariatric surgery is reserved for obese patients. Initially it was indicated only to the morbidly obese but because of the good results shown for the control of some associated diseases it became an efficient tool for obese people with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, insulin resistance carriers, among others.

Myth # 2 There won't be changes in my life after surgery.

False: This is completely false. After surgery patients are going to experience many changes, especially related to eating behaviors that should be modified along with a healthier lifestyle.

Myth # 3 be operated in Mexico is cheaper but riskier.

False: In both Mexico and the United States there are doctors without the proper experience, as well as highly qualified physicians.. In institutions such as Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali we have a professional team of surgeons led by board certified Dr. Rafael Abril and Dr. Horacio Hampujol. Thanks to the thousands of American and Canadian patients looking for weight loss surgery in Mexicali, Mexico, they also have a high workload, meaning they have plenty of experience. What is not a myth is that health services in Mexico are way more affordable for millions of American and Canadian patients.

Myth # 4 Regardless of what you eat, you're not going to get fat again.

False: For results to be satisfactory and do not ever get fat again, you must make a change in lifestyle, in addition to following the instructions of the physician. The long-term success depends mostly on patient although the vast majority achieve it.

Myth # 5 In people under 35, the body adapts faster to rapid weight loss.

True: People under 35 have elastic tissue, so the body can adapt quite well to weight loss. However, this depends not only on age but also on the number of pounds that are lost, because someone morbidly obese after dropping most of the excess must undergo cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin.

Myth # 6 Once operated you are only going to be able to eat mashed foods.

True: During the first months, patients learn to eat again. At this stage they can only eat mashed foods, then chopped food and finally they can move on to more normal food.

Myth # 7 After the operation, the discomfort will prevent you to live a normal life.

False: Pain is very subjective and depends on each person, probably some will feel more discomfort, but that does not mean they can not carry out their normal life. Each case is different, but to alleviate the discomfort of an operation is essential that patients follow to the letter the instructions of your doctor.

Myth # 8 To be operated in simple, there is only to want it.

False: People who undergo bariatric surgery should be evaluated by several specialists and have a comprehensive study done. In Hispano Americano Hospital we have a comprehensive team of experts that will give you professional advice.

Myth # 9 Such procedures achieved reverse associated diseases such as diabetes.

True: Bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass, have shown excellent results in healing associated with obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension and certain dyslipidemias. Weight loss surgery in Mexico has proven to be highly effective in helping patients regain both their looks and their health.

Myth # 10 hair falls over and weaken nails after surgery.

True: Indeed hair falls and nails weaken, but this condition lasts only a few months. It iss related to the stress that the body generates after the surgery itself and also due to the abrupt decrease in weight. That is why vitamins are given to patients, which must be taken for life.

For more information on the gastric bypass and other weight loss procedures, please visit is at hispanohospital.com or call us toll free at 888-692-2244.

Why pick Gastric Bypass for Weight Loss Surgery

Why pick Gastric Bypass in Mexico for Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric bypass in Mexico and other weight loss surgeries consist of making changes in the digestive system to help you lose weight by limiting the amount of food you can eat. Gastric bypass and other types of weight loss surgery are done when diet and exercise have failed or when you have serious health problems due to weight.

There are many types of weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass is one of the most common ones. Many surgeons prefer gastric bypass surgery in Mexico because it generally has fewer complications than other weight loss surgeries.

This procedure reduces risk of potentially life-threatening health problems related to overweight, including:

- Gastroesophageal reflux disease

- Heart Disease

- hypertension

- Severe sleep apnea

- Type 2 diabetes

For this operation, in Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, we use a laparoscope, a thin tube-like instrument with a camera attached. The laparoscope is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. The tiny camera on the tip of the laparoscope allows the surgeon to see and operate inside the abdomen without making large incisions. This procedure speeds up recovery and is less painful for the patient.

One of the most important advantages is that with gastric bypass surgery in Mexico weight loss is greater: it is expected that the patient will eventually lose about 80% of excess weight. This will also depend on how much you follow your doctor’s nutritional recommendations after surgery.

Another very important aspect of gastric bypass surgery in Mexico is the possibility of eliminating type 2 diabetes. Researchers from the Division of Endocrinology in the  Children's Hospital in Boston found that the small intestine is instrumental in the body's metabolism, and gastric bypass surgery can eliminate type 2 diabetes by making this organ change the way it processes glucose.

There are many reasons to choose gastric bypass in Mexico over other surgical procedures for weight loss. In Hospital Hispano Americano in Mexico we have one of the best teams in bariatric surgeons ready to perform this and other procedures. Besides, weight loss surgery in Mexico is both safe and affordable for American and Canadian patients with weight problems.

If you’re considering a gastric bypass surgery in Mexico to lose weight, contact us at hispanohospital.com or call us toll free at 888-698-2244 to speak with our experts. We are confident that we will find the best option for you.

Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico

Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico at Hispano Americano Hospital

Gastric Bypass is one of the most commonly performed surgery for overweight patients. It is one of the different bariatric surgeries available. It consists in dividing the stomach into two parts using surgical staples, the upper part resulting in a small pouch. The surgeon then connects the small intestine with both sides of the stomach. After surgery you will feel less hungry and your body will absorb fewer calories, so faster weight loss occurs.

There are various techniques and methods for performing a bypass surgery. In Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, we use laparoscopy. This basically means that small incisions are made using instruments and cameras, resulting in a more comfortable and faster recovery process for our patients.

Hospital Hispano Americano has become one of the favorite choices of patients seeking weight loss surgery, this due to our team of certified bariatric surgeons, plus high quality equipment and facilities. In addition surgery in Mexico offers affordable prices for thousands of American and Canadian patients looking to lose weight and return to the path of a healthy lifestyle.

Weight loss surgery such as the gastric bypass, is an increasingly popular option. Your health is what matters most and we seek to offer the best alternative for our patients to regain a good quality of life. If you decide to undergo weight loss surgery we recommend to follow the recommendations of your doctor to ensure greater likelihood of success. 

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  Dr. Rafael Abril Andara (Licence 5114330)

Bariatric Surgery (Obesity)
Advanced Laparoscopy (Minimally Invasive)
Gastrointestinal Surgery General Surgery

Professional

Graduated from UABC School of Medicine
Specialty in General Surgery at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Hospital General del Estado de Sonora, Sonora, Mexico
Course in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, supported by the Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery at Clinica No. 1 IMSS
Training in Bariatric Surgery at Hospital Sao Camilo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery
Member of the Mexican College of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases
Member of the Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, AC
Member of the College of General Surgeons of Mexicali, AC
Board Member of the College of General Surgeons of Mexicali, AC

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  Dr Horacio Hampujol (Licence 5114294)

Bariatric Surgery
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive)
Gastrointestinal Surgery
General Surgery

Professional
Graduated from UABC School of Medicine
Specialty in General Surgery at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Hospital General del Estado de Sonora, Sonora, Mexico
Course in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, supported by the Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery at Clinica No. 1 IMSS
Certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery
Member of the Mexican College of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases
Member of the Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, AC

Member of the College of General Surgeons of Mexicali, AC

For more information visit us at www.hispanohospital.com or call us toll free at 888-698-2244