The purpose of the following is to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery in Mexico. When you book your procedure you will receive more details on the information discussed here.
I have decided to have surgery, now what?
You can call our toll free number or send us your contact information. You will be contacted within 48 hours. Dr. Rosales will personally call you to conduct a detailed consultation with you. He will determine if you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery and will answer all your questions. He will explain the specific aspects of your treatment and what you can realistically expect as a result. Depending on your previous medical history, he will let you know if you will need any preoperative tests back home, besides the ones you will have done when you come to have surgery. A desired date for surgery and all the logistics will also be addressed. Don’t worry; you will be guided step-by-step through the whole process.
Does my weight issue justify a measure like the one I am considering?
Yes, if you have a BMI of 35 and an obesity related disease, or have a BMI of 40, you should definitely look for an effective and long-lasting treatment. weight loss surgery has been proven to provide these results. Being obese reduces your life expectancy considerably.
Is being obese entirely my fault?
Definitely not, obesity is related to several factors, and behavior is only one of them. If you want to succeed, you need to change your eating habits, but you need the proper tools to achieve your goals. weight loss surgery will certainly put you on the right track and will encourage you to get where you want to be. Some people think weight loss surgery is for the weak and the ones who want the easy way out… We have only one explanation for this: they have never had weight problems. No one but overweight people understand the situation and how hard it is to keep those pounds off. Besides, having surgery requires courage and commitment so it is actually not an easy decision.
What if I try to lose weight only by dieting and exercising?
Everyone is capable of dieting and exercising, you just have to find the time to do it, which can be hard in today’s society and our busy lives. However, it is important to mention that as soon as you stop dieting and exercising, all the weight comes back. It is proven that 95% of the people who have a BMI over 35 and lose a considerable amount of weight with diet and exercise, gain it all back pretty fast. So the problem is not losing those pounds but keeping them off! This is why weight loss surgery is a good solution.
Does weight loss surgery involve considerable expense and risks?
Certainly weight loss surgery is not the cheapest option and involves some risks, but the expenses associated with treating chronic obesity related diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain medications, etc., are much higher. The same happens with the risks, which only last for the weeks following surgery and not for a lifetime like the risk of stroke, heart attack, sudden death, etc. Besides, the quality of life after weight loss surgery has no comparison; as a matter of fact, many patients regret not having this treatment done years before.
Is there a weight limit to have any of these procedures done?
No, the higher the BMI the more important it is to do something ASAP. You should still consider that the risk for surgery increases as the BMI does, so if you are considering having this done in the future, do not gain any more weight.
How long does the surgery take?
It varies from patient to patient, depending on previous medical and surgical history. In general, when performed by an experienced surgeon Gastric Banding takes about 25 minutes and Gastric Sleeve surgery takes about 90 minutes.
Is it relevant how much time surgery takes?
You should look for a team of surgeons and anesthesiologists who have experience with these procedures, since taking too much time increases the chances of complications during and after surgery. So consider experienced people in the field such as our group.
Is age a factor to consider or discard someone as a good candidate for weight loss surgery?
Yes, but there can be exceptions depending on the case. In general, patients younger than 17 and older than 65 are not good candidates for surgery.
I am obese and have several diseases like high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, diabetes and more; am I a good candidate or am I too ill to consider surgery as an option?
The majority, if not all, of the chronic diseases get better when patients lose weight, so after a thorough study of your case and proper clearance from the different specialists involved, you should benefit tremendously from weight loss surgery.
