Bariatric Revision in Tijuana: Is It Worth Your Time and Money?
You follow your doctor’s advice after surgery, yet you regain or plateau on weight loss. Why does this happen? A safe and successful bariatric revision can be done to put you back on your weight loss journey. This article will help you find the next steps to attain your weight loss goal.
Weight Loss Journey
Know that you are not the only one who experiences this kind of problem. Even after a bariatric procedure, not losing sufficient weight is normal.
Revision Bariatric Surgery for Weight Loss
Usually, bariatric procedures yield successful outcomes. But not everyone is fortunate to keep the results. These could be attributed to the following reasons:
- Side-effects of previous surgery.
- Not taking appropriate post-operative precautions.
- Had your weight loss surgery from a less experienced surgeon.[1]
- Pre-existing nutritional deficiency or no nutritional compliance.
- Lack of adequate physical activity.
- Metabolic imbalance
Getting Bariatric surgery in Mexico (Near Texas Border)
Why Should I Have Bariatric Revision Surgery?
The ultimate goal of weight loss surgery is to help you attain a better quality of life. But 15 to 35% patients do not get desired outcomes from their initial weight loss procedures.[2]
However, when a bariatric procedure fails at that, revision is your second chance.
When should you think about Bariatric Revision
Is Bariatric Revision Necessary?
Bariatric Revision is necessary if you are facing either of the problems:
- Inadequate weight loss
- Complications from the previous surgery
A failed weight-loss procedure can be discouraging and put you under a lot of stress. You need not worry any longer. A revision surgery offers you a second chance at achieving your goal.[3]
Revision Bariatric Surgery Is Ideal For Effective Weight Loss
It is the ideal treatment for individuals after their first bariatric procedure falls. The risk factors are less, and the procedure is cost-effective.
So, if you have also hit the wall post-bariatric surgery, bariatric revision is what you need.[4]
How Much Is Gastric Bypass Revision Surgery in Mexico?
The primary bariatric weight loss procedure may usually sit around in the range of $20,000 to $30,000 in the U.S.[5] In Tijuana, the price ranges from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the surgery type.[6]
Gastric bypass revision surgery in Mexico cost starts at just $4,900.[7]
Cost Comparison of Bariatric Revision in Mexico
| Procedure | Cost in Mexico | Cost in the US |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric Bypass | $6,245 | $20,000-$30,000[8] |
| Mini Gastric Bypass | $6,245 | $16,000-$22,000[9] |
| Gastric Sleeve | $5,045 | $23,750-$28,500[10] |
| Lap-Band | $4,649 | $20,000-$29,000[11] |
*Note: Prices are in US Dollars.
Options for Bariatric Revision
Your practitioner will approach revision surgery depending on the type of initial procedure you have had. The suggestive method would differ as per the individual patient's needs.
The revision procedure may vary from the initial treatment you received. The parameters that your provider will weigh in before suggesting you an option for revision include:
- Comorbidities related to health
- Your weight loss goals
- Lifestyle
Note: Although 'Revision' and 'Conversion' are two different procedures in medical terminologies, they are often interchangeably used these days.
We will also use both the terms interchangeably to comply with universal language in this article.
1. Gastric Bypass Revision
Patients with GERD or other health concerns usually find Gastric Bypass an effective and safe method for losing weight. It is also known as the Roux-en-Y bypass.
The procedure divides the stomach into two parts. As a result of the divisions of the stomach into smaller and larger pouches, the body absorbs less food.
This results in a dramatic weight loss within one year of the surgery. The procedure aims to restrict calorie absorption in the body by restricting the stomach size.
A failed gastric bypass may yield limited weight loss or health complications. In either of the conditions, your practitioner will suggest a revision gastric bypass.
Find out more about your revision gastric bypass options here.
What happens in revision gastric bypass?
There are many ways to revise a gastric bypass. Commonly the practitioners reduce the stomach pouch further to pace-up weight loss.
2. Mini Gastric Bypass Revision
Mini gastric bypass is the modern method of gastric bypass. Similar to traditional bypass, it reduces the stomach size. Thus, less absorption of calories takes place in the body.
During the revision of Mini Gastric Bypass, your practitioner may choose to perform either of the two functions:
- Convert the procedure into full gastric bypass as in the Roux-en-Y process.
- Convert the MGB into duodenal switch
Depending upon your case history and weight loss goal, your surgeon will decide the course of action.
3. Gastric Sleeve Revision
In certain gastric sleeve surgeries, patients battle the enlargement of the sleeve after one year of the surgery. In such cases, your practitioner may suggest a Gastric Sleeve Revision.
Moreover, revision gastric sleeve further reduces the stomach size to promote restrictive weight loss.
The good news about gastric sleeve revision is that there is almost no post-operative complication involved and is an effective way to lose the regained weight after sleeve.
4. Lap-Band Revision
During a Lap-Band, an adjustable silicone band is placed around the gastroesophageal junction of the stomach. This procedure results in decreased stomach capacity that restricts calorie intake.
Usually, Lap-Band patients require frequent band adjustments to gain effective weight-loss results.
However, Gastric Bands are reversible. So, it becomes easier for the practitioner to adjust a failed Lap-Band. The patients also get the flexibility to convert Lap-Bands into gastric sleeve or bypass.
Lap-Band surgery restricts the food intake dramatically by making the person feel fuller with less food consumption. But in some cases, complications arise when the band slips or starts to erode.
In such scenarios, it becomes necessary to convert the Lap-Band to either of the procedures shown above or remove it.
Revision not only corrects the complications from the Lap-Band but puts you back on your weight loss journey.[12]
Who Qualifies for Bariatric Revision?
Not all the patients who gain weight post-bariatric surgery qualify for a revision. It is because marginal weight gain is expected after one year of surgery.
However, it may be an option if you are experiencing:
- Higher weight gain
- Limited weight loss
- Other health complications
Such individuals qualify for revision surgery. In any case, the bariatric surgeon will evaluate your health aspects before suggesting a revision.[13]
Do Bariatric Revision Surgeries Yield Successful Outcomes?
Revision surgeries give enhanced results at weight loss. But the higher risk of complications is also associated with revision compared to initial surgery.[14]
Moreover, the success of the surgery depends on the skills of your bariatric surgeon.[15]
Therefore, you should only have a Bariatric Revision Surgery from a skilled and experienced surgeon for effective results.
Medical Tourism Corporation can help you find experienced surgeons in Tijuana.
What to Expect Post-Bariatric Revision?
Your health care provider will monitor you closely for post-op complications. During your stay in Tijuana, your practitioner will thoroughly explain the healing process to you.
Overall, you can expect the following things after your surgery:
- The healthcare staff will closely monitor your health.
- Doctors will keep taking your vitals at continuous intervals.
- The nurses will encourage you to ambulate after 24 hours of surgery to reduce complications and decrease the length of stay.
Post-Operative Care and Effective Weight-Loss After the Surgery
Bariatric Surgery Diet and Lifestyle by Katelyn Mock, a registered dietician
Transitional Diet
This will include starting with a complete liquid diet after the surgery and moving to solid foods eventually.
A transitional diet plan speeds up the healing process along with helping you lose some excess weight.
Routine Activities
You should avoid strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. You are expected not to lift heavy weights and not to work out in strict routines.
On the other hand, the doctor will suggest staying active by doing light physical activities like walking for a few minutes or washing the dishes.
After you are fully healed, you can resume your routine activities and exercise regimes.
Revision Bariatric Surgery Clinics in Tijuana
Many patients choose Tijuana for a good surgery and weight loss experience since it's an accessible city from the US and Canada.
Our partner clinics housing a team of expert bariatric professionals who offer world-class care in Tijuana are:
- Twin Towers Bariatric Surgery Hospital
- Oasis of Hope Bariatrics
- Florence Hospital
For over 60 years, the Hospital in Tijuana has been a global leader in healthcare.
The BBB-accredited hospital offers various services, including general and orthopedic surgery, bariatric procedures, and alternative cancer treatments.
With over 100,000 patients from more than 60 countries, it’s a trusted name in cancer care.
- 60+ Years of Excellence
- 100K+ Happy Patients
- BBB Accreditated
The clinics are well equipped with modern technology equipment. Due to a major influx of patients traveling to Tijuana, the medical team is experienced at handling foreign patients.
Best Bariatric Surgeons in Mexico
We recommend a few certified professionals and trust their expertise in the field:
Dr. Hector Perez
Certified by the CMCOEM and the Mexican Council of General Surgery, Dr. Perez has performed 10,000+ surgeries.
He currently leads the Scientific Committee and CMCOEM programs.
Educación
- Mexican Faculty of Medicine, La Salle University
Membresías
- International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
- Mexican College of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases
- Mexican Association of General Surgery
Dr. Luis Cazares
Certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery, Dr. Cazares has performed 3000+ bariatric surgeries.
With IFCO certification, he specializes in advanced laparoscopic surgery techniques.
Educación
- University of Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Membresías
- International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
Find out more about Dr. Luis Cazares here.
Dr. Guillermo Lopez
Trained from IFSO, Dr. Lopez has performed 5,000+ bariatric surgeries.
He's mentored various Mexican bariatric surgeons. Moreover, he is ACLS-certified by the American Heart Association.
Educación
- Autonomous National University of Mexico
Membresías
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Mexican Association of General Surgery
- Spanish Surgery Association
Click here to find out more about Dr. Guillermo Lopez.
Testimonials
Several happy clients of Medical Tourism Corporation have found relief and reached their weight loss goals with us.
Bonnie Bond is among one of them, and here is her review.
“I have had an excellent experience with the Medical Tourism Corporation, Florence Hospital, Dr. Reyna and Dr. Carmelo. From the very start, all my questions were answered and I felt safe and comfortable. All of the staff members were excellent at their jobs and friendly.
I did not have any trouble communicating and the response to all my requests were immediate. In many ways the service was superior to that in the US; plenty of contact with the doctors, immediate response to the call button, pain medication given in a timely manner, constant checking by staff to make sure you were okay.
During the whole experience, I was never in pain, Veronica is an absolute dream to work with, always there to help, always upbeat and positive. This experience will definitely cause me to recommend others to use MTC and Florence hospital. There is no quality sacrificial due to the lower fee than what is charged in the US. I wish you much success and God Bless All of you."
Bonnie Bond.
How to Travel to Tijuana?
Being a border town sharing a border with the US, Tijuana makes travel for American tourists easy and convenient. As an American national, you can enter Tijuana by the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian bridge.[16]
Travel Options
- Take a 15 to 20 Minutes walk through the bridge to enter Tijuana.
- Hire a cab/taxi
- Travel by air
Tips for Crossing the Border
- Carry a valid passport
- Pass through the customs check on green light
- If driving, leave your car in paid parking on the US side
You need to fill the FMM form at the airport terminal and keep it safe for travel back to the US.
Benefits of Having a Bariatric Revision in Tijuana
Tijuana offers safe and cost-effective medical tourism destinations to thousands of patients worldwide.
Being the border town between the US and Mexico, the culture of Tijuana is mostly Americanized.
People speak the local language but are also acquainted with English due to an influx of visitors from America and Canada.
Benefits of Bariatric Revision
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, having a revision bariatric procedure is safe in Tijuana as you find expert care coupled with excellent medical facilities.
The medical staff is well-trained and encourages you to stick to your weight-loss goals by giving you the right insights on post-op care.
Medical Tourism Corporation recommends Dr. Hector Perez, Dr. Luis Cazares, and Dr. Guillermo Lopez for their exemplary work and experience in the field.
The doctors have immense experience and happy patients vouching for their care. The doctors give you the best surgery and fill you in with the post-operative measures to follow.
The clinics in Tijuana accept cash or cards as modes of payment. Card payments may be subject to surcharges.
No, you need not travel to Tijuana for pre-op recommendations. After you qualify for the surgery, your surgeon and the dietician will keep you updated through e-mail for the pre-op recommendations to follow.
For post-op care, your doctor will share post-op care instructions for you to follow. You can alternatively access the post-surgery online support group, moderated by the specialized and registered dietician.
Conclusion
Overall, Tijuana offers a multitude of benefits for bariatric patients from Foreign land. Being an American or Canadian national, you can also save a lot of money compared to your homeland.
The quality of care is excellent with well-trained and caring medical staff. So, if you worry about spending huge on a revision bariatric procedure, Tijuana is the answer.
