If you are significantly overweight, or medically obese, bariatric surgery can be extremely beneficial. The various types of bariatric surgery encourage significant weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, and, in some cases, limiting caloric absorption by rerouting the digestive tract.

As with any surgical procedure, there is a degree of risk involved with bariatric surgery. However, the potential benefits of bariatric surgery for those whose health has been threatened by excess weight often outweigh the risk of complication.

Still, patients want to know what the safest types of bariatric surgery are for their unique needs. At our Tijuana, Mexico bariatric center, we offer a high rate of surgical success, thanks to the skill and experience of our surgeons. While any procedure can be safe under the care of our doctors, there are certain techniques that are less invasive and, therefore, less risky. Here, we discuss some of the safest types of bariatric surgery.

LAP-BAND®

LAP-BAND® surgery is considered the least invasive form of bariatric surgery. This procedure does not require the removal of any stomach tissue or the rerouting of any intestinal organs.

Instead, during this procedure, a LAP-BAND® device is placed around the top portion of the stomach. This band-like device reduces the capacity of the stomach. With the LAP-BAND® system in place, patients require less food to feel full. In addition, the LAP-BAND® system slows down the digestive process so that patients feel full longer.

One of the great benefits of the LAP-BAND® system is that the band can be adjusted to meet a patient’s changing needs. LAP-BAND® surgery is also completely reversible; should any complications occur, the device can be removed.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve

Another minimally invasive bariatric surgery technique is the single incision laparoscopic sleeve. During this procedure, a substantial portion of the patient’s stomach is removed. This procedure reduces stomach capacity and minimizes hunger to make weight loss easier for patients.

Although the results of this technique are the same as those of a traditional gastric sleeve procedure, this is a safer technique because it uses laparoscopic surgical tools that only require one small incision by the belly button, rather than four or five incisions.

This surgical option is ideal for overweight patients with a BMI of 39 or below.

Gastric Sleeve Plication Surgery

Gastric sleeve plication surgery reduces the capacity of the stomach without actually removing any stomach tissue. During this procedure, a fold is created within the stomach.

By suturing this portion of the stomach, capacity can be reduced by as much as 75 percent. This minimizes the amount of food that a patient can comfortably eat and allows them to feel full faster.

Gastric sleeve plication is a less-invasive bariatric option because it preserves stomach tissues and leaves the digestive tract unaltered. Because gastric sleeve plication is a technically difficult procedure, it is not as widely offered as other bariatric techniques. We are proud to offer this innovative procedure at Tijuana Bariatric Center.

Mini Gastric Bypass

For some patients, the most effective way to achieve significant weight loss is by rerouting the digestive tract so that fewer nutrients and calories can be absorbed by the body. Although our surgeons make patient safety the utmost priority, gastric bypass is a riskier procedure because of the alterations that are made to the intestines.

Mini gastric bypass offers a simpler and safer alternative to traditional gastric bypass surgery. During this procedure, less of the digestive tract is rerouted. In all, mini gastric bypass offers weight loss results that are similar to traditional gastric bypass with a lower risk of complications.

Learn More

When diet and exercise fail to provide patients with the weight loss results they desire, bariatric surgery may be the ideal solution. To learn more about the various types of bariatric surgery offered at Tijuana Bariatric Center, contact us at your earliest convenience.

Tagged In: Bariatric Surgery

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 39.8 percent of the American population was obese in 2016, accounting for roughly 93.3 million adults. That explains why so many people come to our Tijuana, Mexico center for weight loss surgery. We offer different types of bariatric surgery procedures that can be used to promote weight loss that is both safe and rapid.

Sometimes we receive calls at the Tijuana Bariatric Center asking about weight loss procedures for elderly patients. We are asked if seniors can safely undergo bariatric surgery, and if there are increased health concerns for weight loss surgery patients over 65. Dr. Fernando Garcia and his team would like to discuss some of these topics below.

Bariatric Surgery Benefits Health Later in Life

Middle-aged people who are obese can wind up living longer if they undergo bariatric surgery. According to a November 2015 study published by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), a 45-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 45 could potentially increase her life expectancy by 6.7 years if she underwent bariatric surgery.

The increased lifespan reflected weight reduction as well as alleviation or minimization of comorbidities associated with obesity later in life, such as hypertension, heart disease, and development of certain types of cancer.

Can Senior Citizens Undergo Bariatric Surgery?

Yes, it is possible for people age 60 and older to under bariatric surgery and experience health benefits. Losing excessive weight can help obese people and morbidly obese people at any age. While certain health benefits will not be as pronounced in elderly patients, overall quality of life should improve in myriad ways.

Safety of Weight Loss Surgery After Age 60

According to 2015 data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), weight loss surgery could be performed on people even over the age of 70.

In fact, MBSAQIP numbers found an increase in older patients undergoing bariatric procedures. From 1999-2005, patients 60 and older made up just 2.7 percent of bariatric surgery patients; that number increased to 10.1 percent from 2009-2013. This speaks to the scope of the obesity epidemic and the safety of surgical techniques performed today.

Are Health Risks Greater for Patients Over 60?

No, as research has it. According to a 2011 study presented at Digestive Disease Week 2011 in Chicago, a bariatric surgery patient aged 65 or older faced no greater risk of adverse complications following the procedure than patients in their 30s or 40s. Patients 60 and older would likely experience longer hospital stays to recuperate from their procedure, however.

Carefully Screening Patients for Bariatric Surgery

While the overall risk of complications may not be greater in elderly patients, we acknowledge that health situations vary from patient to patient. No matter your age, we will carefully screen you and conduct a medical history review to determine if bariatric surgery can be safely performed. That’s why the consultation process is such an important part of developing a surgical weight loss plan.

Contact the Team at Tijuana Bariatric Center

For more information about weight loss surgery and whether or not it’s the right option for you, be sure to contact an experienced bariatric surgeon. Our team is here to help you make the best possible decisions for you and your needs. You can reach our Tijuana office by phone at (866) 786-6256 and our San Diego and Rancho Cucamonga locations at (877) 218-3516.

Tagged In: Bariatric Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery has allowed thousands of obese patients to drop excess pounds and take control of their health. With a single surgical procedure, patients can reduce or eliminate their obesity-related health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

Since bariatric surgery was first introduced, advances have continually been made. Today, there are multiple bariatric methods to choose from. The various types of bariatric surgery enable treatment to be tailored to the unique needs and desires of each patient.

Here, patients can learn more about the history of bariatric surgery, and how it allows our Tijuana, Mexico surgeons at Tijuana Bariatric Center to offer the safest and most advanced surgical weight loss techniques.

Jejunoileal Bypass

The first metabolic surgery dates back to 1954; it was performed at the University of Minnesota. This procedure was called jejunoileal bypass and was based on the theory of malabsorption. If a portion of the digestive tract could be bypassed, then the body would absorb fewer nutrients and calories, thus resulting in weight loss.

Although many bariatric procedures rely on this same theory, this surgical technique differed. It bypassed the majority of the small intestines, while keeping the stomach intact. Weight loss results following this procedure were significant, but it also resulted in undesirable side effects, such as dehydration and diarrhea.

Ultimately, the flaws in this procedure prevented it from ever gaining widespread attention or success.

The Start of Bariatric Surgery

The first technique that was labeled bariatric surgery was introduced in the 1960s by Dr. Edward E. Mason. Dr. Mason observed that patients who had to have a portion of their stomach removed to treat stomach cancer or ulcers experienced the unexpected side effect of significant weight loss.

Dr. Mason figured that the same technique could be used to encourage weight loss in obese individuals. While the initial method that Dr. Mason used involved a loop bypass (with less removal of the stomach), he further adjusted the technique and introduced RYGBP, which is a gastric procedure that is still offered today.

RYGBP removes a greater portion of the stomach and bypasses just enough of the intestines to limit calorie intake without resulting in dehydration or severe malabsorption.

Treatment Advances

Although there are variations to each bariatric surgery procedure, the general techniques employed today do not differ much from those introduced in the 1960s.

However, one major advance that has further enhanced the safety of bariatric surgery is the laparoscopic technique. Laparoscopic gastric bypass was performed for the first time in 1994. Laparoscopic gastric bypass requires a much smaller incision, which reduces the risk of surgical complications, and allows for a shorter recovery period.

Since it was first performed, laparoscopic gastric bypass has become increasingly popular.

Learn More

At Tijuana Bariatric Center, we offer a comprehensive range of bariatric surgery techniques that allow patients to safely lose the weight that is compromising their health. If you would like to learn more about these services, contact us at your earliest convenience.

Tagged In: Bariatric Surgery

Fighting obesity is sometimes easier said than done. A good diet and regular exercise can take time to see results, which is why many people come to our Tijuana, Mexico practice for weight loss surgery. There are different types of bariatric surgery procedures to meet your needs, with some surgeries more ideal for the morbidly obese or super obese.

People sometimes ask Dr. Fernando Garcia if it is better to undergo bariatric surgery or simply eat healthy and exercise more. The team at Tijuana Bariatric Center would like to compare these weight loss options below.

Weight Loss Through Bariatric Surgery

There are different bariatric surgery techniques available, though they operate on the same general principle: limit the patient’s caloric in-take in order to promote rapid weight loss. This can be done by reducing the size of the patient’s stomach so they consume less during meals, altering the patient’s digestive tract so they absorb fewer calories during digestion, or a combination of these methods.

Some of the most popular weight loss surgeries include the gastric sleeve, gastric banding, and the gastric bypass.

The Pros of Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss

Bariatric surgery is ideal for people who are obese or morbidly obese and suffer from one or more obesity-related health problems. The key advantage of bariatric surgery is that patients lose weight quickly, with peak weight loss reached around 1 to 2 years after the procedure.

Patients wind up losing up to 70 percent of their excess weight in the process. Studies have shown that bariatric procedures can also help treat comorbidities such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

The Cons of Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss

While bariatric surgery leads to quick results, it carries some common risks associated with surgery, including potential infection and ineffectiveness. Bariatric surgery patients may experience nutritional deficiencies because of diet restrictions, and could develop gallstones later in life. The cost of surgery may be prohibitively expensive for some individuals and households as well.

Weight Loss Through Diet and Exercise

Eating healthy and exercising regularly are a recipe for long-term health and maintaining a healthy weight. By eating whole foods with an emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruits, patients can have rich, nutritious mealtimes. Exercise helps shed excess weight, and can also improve cardiovascular health and overall mood.

The Pros of Good Diet and Exercise

For losing weight, taking up a diet and regular exercise helps you establish healthy habits that you can maintain throughout your life. There is no need for surgery, and you can still have a whole range of foods and beverages so long as you practice moderation and common sense.

The Cons of Good Diet and Exercise

While diet and exercise are great ways to stay healthy, the weight loss results may come slowly. Even people who are committed to healthy living will not lose as much weight as rapidly as bariatric surgery patients. There’s also a question of diligence since healthy eating and lots of exercise requires a lot of discipline to maintain.

If you have a pressing health issues, you may need a quicker fix like bariatric surgery just to immediately lengthen your life expectancy.

Diet, Exercise, and Bariatric Surgery Combined

If you do undergo bariatric surgery, remember that the procedure also assumes you’ll be committed to healthy eating and regular exercise. During the consultation process, we can discuss life after bariatric surgery in more detail so you know what to expect.

Contact Tijuana Bariatric Center

To learn more about your many options for losing weight and achieving better overall wellness, be sure to contact the Tijuana Bariatric Center. Dr. Fernando Garcia and his team are here to help. You can contact our Tijuana office by phone at (866) 787-5113, and our San Diego and Rancho Cucamonga locations by phone at (877) 638-9302.

Tagged In: Bariatric Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery

Obesity is at an all-time high. In the United States, approximately 36 percent of the population is overweight. Globally, more than one in ten individuals suffer from obesity. Because obesity poses a number of serious health risks, it is important to understand the numbers behind this unfortunate trend.

Here, our surgical team discusses obesity statistics in the United States and across the globe. At our Tijuana, MX practice, we offer different types of bariatric surgery to help patients achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life.

Defining Obesity

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that obesity is characterized by a BMI of 30 or higher. This disease is further divided into three classes:

Men and women who are about to undergo a weight loss procedure at our Tijuana, MX practice will be asked to follow a specific diet before bariatric surgery. This will help reduce the amount of glycogen in the liver and promote tissue and muscle repair.

Today, our team at Tijuana Bariatric Center will explain why patients should increase protein intake before bariatric surgery.

The Importance of Protein before Bariatric Surgery

In simple terms, protein helps to curb hunger. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in protein, triggers the part of your brain that signals fullness. Therefore, when you eat more protein, you are less temped to snack.

Protein intake also helps support healthy muscle function. The more muscle you have on your body, the higher your metabolism. In turn, you burn more fat, even when you are resting.

In fact, lean muscles burn 25 times more calories compared to fat. To further break down this information, consider this:

When you undergo any sort of bariatric surgery procedure, the size of your stomach is drastically reduced. This helps limit calorie consumption, allowing a person to lose a lot of weight. This can also lead to an adjustment period for the patient as they figure out the limits of their appetite. Overeating after bariatric surgery is a common issue in the first weeks after surgery, and it can lead to some problems.

The weight loss surgery experts at our Tijuana, MX practice would like to consider the side effects of overeating after a bariatric procedure. We’ll note the causes of overeating as well, and then offer some insight into how overeating can be properly managed.

What Happens When Bariatric Patients Overeat?

When a bariatric surgery patient eats too much, their small stomach pouch is stretched to capacity. This leads to a number of immediate complications, such as:

Your diet before and after a gastric bypass matters. Prior to surgery, your diet can help facilitate weight loss and get your body ready for the procedure. After surgery, your diet can help with healing and prevent discomfort.

The team at our Tijuana, Mexico weight loss surgery center would like to go over some of the basics when it comes to the pre-op and post-op gastric bypass diet. We will offer more guidelines and insight during the consultation process.

Pre-Surgery Diet

Before surgery, patients will have a special diet to follow to help lose weight heading into surgery and make sure the body is as healthy as possible for the procedure. These pre-op diets typically begin up to a month before surgery.

Bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, is an excellent way to lose weight and reclaim a healthy lifestyle. At our Tijuana, Mexico bariatric center, we believe that compassionate patient care begins at the initial consultation.

Part of this process involves communicating exactly what patients can expect before, during, and after their gastric sleeve procedure. Here, our team at Tijuana Bariatrics discusses pre-op gastric sleeve instructions so that you can be well-informed during the treatment process.

The Importance of Pre-treatment Instructions

First, knowing what to anticipate before any surgical procedure can help alleviate fears and worries of the unknown. We want our patients to feel at ease under our care, and part of that process is transparency regarding treatment.

Second, gastric sleeve surgery requires several preparations, some beginning several weeks before the procedure. Therefore, it is important for patients to have a thorough understanding of the process, from beginning to end.

Several Weeks before Surgery

If you drink alcohol or use tobacco products of any kind, you will be asked to stop these activities for several weeks leading up to your gastric sleeve. Both excessive alcohol consumption and smoking seriously impede your body’s natural healing ability. By eliminating these habits, you can improve your chances of a comfortable and successful recovery.

Two Weeks before Surgery

In most cases, patients will be asked to begin a liquid diet to prepare for gastric bypass. Not only will this create ideal conditions for the surgery itself, it will also help patients become accustomed to the dietary expectations in the days and weeks following treatment.

Generally, a liquid diet will consist of protein shakes and plenty of water. Your doctor will discuss your specific guidelines with you during your initial consultation.

One Week before Surgery

Like most other surgical procedures, patients will need to stop taking any blood thinners one week prior to treatment. This will expedite healing and prevent major blood loss during the gastric sleeve operation.

The Day before Your Procedure

As a general rule, patients will need to begin fasting at midnight the night before their procedure. This will decrease the risk of nausea and other serious surgical complications.

The Day of Your Surgery

The morning of your procedure, patients should take any necessary blood pressure medication with a small sip of water. Any other medications should be avoided, as well as all foods and beverages.

Patients should feel as comfortable as possible the day of their surgery. Be sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, and avoid wearing makeup, contacts, or jewelry. If you require glasses or a hearing aid, you can bring them along with you.

Your surgery day marks the beginning of your new life. Stay positive and enjoy knowing that you are doing something constructive for your long-term health.

Contact Us for More Information

If you are planning on undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, or any other bariatric surgery, following your pre-operative instructions is essential for a successful outcome.

During a consultation at our practice, we will provide you with everything you need in preparation for your treatment. To learn more, or to speak to a team member, contact us online or call us anytime.

Tagged In: Gastric Sleeve

If you are suffering from obesity, gastric sleeve surgery could be the solution. Gastric sleeve surgery has helped millions of patients worldwide lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Bariatric surgery is known for decreasing the size of the stomach, and therefore, reducing portion size in patients who desire to lose weight. But did you know that significant research indicates that bariatric surgery also reduces ghrelin, the “hunger hormone”?

Today, our team at the Tijuana Bariatric Center in Tijuana, MX discusses gastric sleeve and the reduction of ghrelin.

What Is Ghrelin, and What Does it Do?

Made in the stomach, ghrelin is referred to as the “hunger hormone” because it arouses the appetite. In turn, this increases food consumption. In fact, when administered to the body, it can increase food intake by up to 30 percent.

Research also suggests that ghrelin can directly affect the amygdala, a region of the brain associated with reward processing. Therefore, this hormone may be partially responsible for the emotional aspects of overeating.

How Ghrelin Levels Can Affect Obesity

In general, you would expect overweight individuals to have a higher level of ghrelin compared to those who are not overweight. However, this is not necessarily true. In fact, ghrelin levels are usually lower in obese individuals. The difference is, however, that overweight patients are typically much more sensitive to the hormone.

It is also interesting to note that ghrelin levels generally increase after dieting. This reveals why diet-induced weight loss can be incredibly challenging to maintain.

How Gastric Sleeve Affects Ghrelin Levels

Research has repeatedly suggested that bariatric surgery is the most effective, long-term solution for obesity. Individuals who have lost weight after their procedure consistently have lower ghrelin levels than individuals who primarily lost weight through diet and exercise alone.

Gastric sleeve surgery works so well because the portion of the stomach responsible for the majority of ghrelin production is removed. Therefore, in addition to eating less due to reduced capacity, patients also eat less because the hunger signals are not as strong.

Because each individual is unique, the results can vary significantly based on the specific case.

Is Ghrelin Reduction Permanent?

While one patient may have a large portion of the stomach removed, another patient may only have a small segment removed. This will have a direct effect on the amount of ghrelin production. It is also possible for the cells that produce ghrelin to grow back at some point, though this does not occur until at least two years after the procedure. Therefore, it is important to make necessary preparations as you continue on your weight loss journey.

Other Considerations

Ghrelin reduction is not the only element when it comes to bariatric surgery. Other factors, such as reduced stomach size, exercise plan, and emotional health all come into play for the long-term success of your treatment. Therefore, if you do not experience a decrease in appetite following your surgery, it is not a cause for concern. Your experienced team of doctors can help you design a personalized plan that will help you succeed.

Learn More about Bariatric Surgery

If you are considering weight loss surgery and you would like to learn more, schedule a consultation at our practice. You can contact us online anytime or give us a call at one of our three office locations.

Tagged In: Bariatric Surgery