Gastric Bypass

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Tijuana, Mexico

Gastric Bypass Cosmetic & Bariatric Surgery Center

The gastric bypass is one of the most common bariatric procedures performed to help patients lose weight. This procedure reduces the size of the stomach and alters the digestive process, leading to significant weight loss. People often seek this surgery to improve their health and overall quality of life. By successfully losing weight through gastric bypass, individuals can reduce or even eliminate the significant health risks associated with excess weight.

Our certified bariatric surgeons are some of the most trusted bariatric surgeons in the Tijuana, Southern California, and Baja California areas, and their countless hours of experience can help you achieve the weight loss results you have been striving for. At Cosmetic & Bariatric Surgery Center, we are committed to guiding patients through their weight loss journeys and helping them achieve success with personalized care.

To explore how a gastric bypass procedure can improve your life, please schedule a consultation with our certified bariatric surgeons today. If you have any questions about our practice or procedures or would like to speak with a specialist over the phone, please feel free to call our Tijuana office. If you are calling from the U.S., please dial (619) 572-8981. If you are calling from Mexico, please dial (664) 607 33 77.

About the Gastric Bypass

Obesity continues to be one of the largest public health issues in the United States and Mexico. Nearly one-third of all adult Americans are obese, (1) and in Mexico, an estimated 36.1% of people experience obesity. (2) Left untreated, this excess weight can lead to significant health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular problems, certain types of cancers, and more. It is also a significant mental burden and reduces the mobility and self-esteem of patients.

Weight loss is a challenging journey for many individuals. Dieting and exercise can have promising and effective results for many, but countless other men and women do not see the results they desire and lose motivation with each attempt. Gastric bypass surgery offers patients an impactful solution. The procedure involves creating a small pouch from the stomach. This pouch limits the amount of food a person can eat at one time. Additionally, it reroutes the small intestine so that fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed—an effect known as malabsorption. By bypassing the stomach, restricting the amount of food an individual can consume, and partially inhibiting caloric absorption, patients can feel satisfied with smaller meals and reduce their weight.

Benefits of the Gastric Bypass

When you receive a gastric bypass from our certified bariatric surgeons, you can expect:

  • Significant Weight Loss: Most patients lose a substantial percentage of their excess weight.
  • Improvement in Health Conditions: Many obesity-related diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, can greatly improve or resolve after surgery.
  • Increased Mobility: Decreasing body weight can lead to improved physical function, allowing individuals to engage in activities they enjoy.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: With weight loss, many patients report increased self-esteem and better emotional well-being.
  • Lower Risk of Heart Disease: Losing weight can reduce strain on the heart, improving cardiovascular health.
  • Long-Term Weight Management: Patients who adhere to follow-up care and recommended lifestyle changes tend to maintain their weight loss.

Candidates

Generally, gastric bypass candidates have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 40. Patients with BMIs of at least 35 may also be eligible if they have medical conditions related to obesity, such as hypertension, diabetes, or others. Ultimately, the most important factor determining candidacy for the procedure is a strong desire to lose weight and a commitment to ongoing lifestyle changes to keep weight off.

Personal Consultation

If you are considering weight loss surgery in Tijuana, the first step is scheduling your consultation with our certified bariatric surgeons. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to share your needs and goals. You will also discuss the history of your weight loss journey and the motivations behind seeking a gastric bypass procedure. He will then assess your candidacy ensuring that you receive the safest, most effective treatment for your case.

Your choice of surgeon makes all the difference in the success of your procedure. Our certified bariatric surgeons have the training, skills, and experience to successfully guide patients through their weight loss journeys. To get started with your gastric bypass consultation, contact our office today.

Preparation

After your gastric bypass surgery is scheduled, you will receive specific preoperative instructions tailored to your situation. Here are some general guidelines that will likely be included:

  • Medication changes: Disclose all medications and supplements, as some may need to be paused before surgery.
  • Quit Smoking: Cease smoking several weeks prior to the operation, as smoking can increase complications during healing.
  • Eat Wisely: You may need to follow a preoperative diet to prepare your body.
  • Transportation and Support: Arrange for someone to drive you home or to your accommodation post-surgery, as anesthesia will impact your ability to self-transport.

Procedure

Gastric bypass surgery is a medical weight loss procedure that modifies the digestive system by reducing the size of the stomach to that of a small pouch. The procedure will begin with the patient being placed under general anesthesia. Following this, the first step is the creation of the gastric pouch. You will be carefully positioned to provide our bariatric surgeons with optimal and maximum access to the stomach. After making small incisions, laparoscopic probes will be inserted. These are small metal rods with specialized tools that allow surgeons to perform delicate tasks inside the body without making large incisions. Our bariatric surgeons will trim the stomach tissue to create a smaller pouch. (3)

Once the pouch has been created, the stomach will be connected to a new site on the small intestine. This helps to further reduce calorie absorption. This connection is made by taking a piece of the small intestine, called the Roux limb, and bridging it between the stomach’s lower sphincter and the new site on the small intestine. (3) Once this connection is achieved, our bariatric surgeons will carefully close the incisions.

Recovery

Gastric Bypass Cosmetic & Bariatric Surgery Center

You may be required to stay at our center for the initial stages of your recovery. In the period immediately following your procedure, we seek to provide you with the best possible medical care and monitor your condition closely.

During your recovery, you can expect:

  • Swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treatment area which can be alleviated with medication
  • Diet progression beginning with liquids for the initial weeks, gradually introducing softer foods
  • Follow-up appointments for monitoring weight loss, diet adherence, and overall health.

It may take four to six weeks to return to normal daily activities. During recovery, it is crucial to follow your healthcare team’s advice closely for optimal results.

Results

The results of gastric bypass surgery can be transformative. Many patients experience significant weight loss within the first year, often losing anywhere from 50% to 70% of their excess body weight. Additionally, there tends to be an improvement in obesity-related health conditions, allowing individuals to lead healthier lives. Maintaining these results involves an ongoing commitment to a balanced diet, regular exercise, and follow-up care to keep track of nutritional intake.

Bariatric support groups are a helpful option to help patients form healthy habits and share their stories with others and have been shown to help results last longer and increase the rate at which patients lose weight. (3)

Other Weight-Loss Procedures

Gastric Sleeve

Sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve surgery, is another form of weight loss surgery offered by the Cosmetic & Bariatric Surgery Center. During the procedure, approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed, resulting in a smaller sleeve-like structure. This reduced stomach size means individuals feel fuller more quickly after eating less food. Additionally, the surgery influences hormone production, which plays a role in appetite control. To decide which type of weight loss surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with our certified bariatric surgeons.

Cost of Gastric Bypass in Tijuana

The cost of your weight loss surgery will vary based on your individual treatment plan. After your consultation with our bariatric surgeons you will receive an accurate quote. We offer financing plans for qualified patients.

If you have any questions about weight loss surgery in Tijuana, please call our office and get the information you need.

FAQ

Is a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass better for me?

Our bariatric surgeons will determine which weight loss procedure is best for you after a thorough analysis of your medical history and individual needs at your consultation.

How long does gastric bypass surgery take?

A gastric bypass procedure typically takes around 2 hours, though some surgeries may be longer, depending on individual circumstances.

Will I have to follow a special diet after gastric bypass surgery?

Yes, patients must follow a strict diet starting with liquid intake and gradually transitioning to solid foods while focusing on a healthy, balanced diet.

Can I regain weight after gastric bypass?

While many patients successfully maintain weight loss, some may regain partial weight if they do not adhere to recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. It is vital to follow specific lifestyle directions provided by our bariatric surgeons to maintain the most effective results.

References

  1. Stahl JM, Malhotra S. Obesity Surgery Indications And Contraindications. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513285/
  2. Barquera S, Rivera JA. Obesity in Mexico: rapid epidemiological transition and food industry interference in health policies. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2020;8(9):746-747. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s2213-8587(20)30269-2
  3. Mitchell BG, Gupta N. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553157/
  4. Seeras K, Lopez PP. Sleeve Gastrectomy. Nih.gov. Published January 19, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519035/