Weight loss surgery is both complex and costly. While the choice for undergoing a weight loss surgery becomes an important medical choice, for many, it is a significant financial decision as well. Weight loss surgery costs an approximate amount of $17,000-$35,000.

The first thing an individual must inquire about with the cost is how much the entire procedure will cost from start to finish. Most weight loss surgery costs generally comprise the pre-op lab and X-ray fees, anesthesia, hospital facility and surgeon’s fee. However, it is still a wise move to ask what covers the estimated cost that has been laid out by the physician. When estimating the cost of the procedure, the individual must also consider the post-procedure costs which are additional expenses for the patient. Post-procedure costs includes dietary plans, a fitness regimen, behavioral modification, nutritional supplementation, body contouring to remove excess skin, lift sagging parts, and improve loose muscles or treat fat deposits. Since most weight loss surgeries are very complex, with more variables and recovery issues, costs can escalate quickly.

Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery Insurance Info

Because weight loss surgery can cost patients thousands of dollars, many insurance companies and financial lenders offer assistance to help make payment more manageable (View Weight Loss Surgery Financing Information).

It is important to review the existing policy or speak directly with the insurance company to determine if weight loss surgery is covered. Some insurance plans explicitly exclude obesity treatment, weight loss surgery and related care. Some health insurance providers, however, are beginning to cover some or all the costs of the surgery of obesity if medical necessity is established by the physician and if the patient’s condition meets the standards of the National Institute of Health requirements. If the surgery is covered by the patient’s HMO, the approval of the primary care physician would be the next step before seeking a bariatric surgeon. Upon consulting the specialists the approval process, which is a bit complicated than it is for other common medical procedure, begins. The insurance company will likely request for a letter of medical necessity from the physician and the bariatric surgeon and other documentation like patient records of doctor-supervised attempts to lose weight such as drug therapy and group therapy. Approval is also more likely if the physician and specialists show that the patient suffers from co-morbidities such as diabetes or heart disease. Basically, the physicians will convince the insurance company how the surgery improves the health and over-all well being of the patient. If the initial attempt to authorize coverage is denied, appeal for the decision can be made. A 30 to 60 day window from the date of denial is given for the appeal. After care insurance reimbursements for a dietician, psychologist, exercise program and nutritional supplements such as Vitamin B12 injections may be minimal, if covered at all. Convincing insurance companies that bariatric surgery is medically necessary is likely to be the biggest hurdle patient’s face. It is important that patients understand the insurance approval process and play an active role in pursuing coverage for the cost of bariatric surgery.

Many patients have also opted to do the weight loss surgery outside of the United States because of the lower price offered there. These lower costs are usually a result of having lower overhead costs. However, when searching for a bariatric surgeon, it should not be just about finding the lowest price. One must also consider that the surgeon is experienced and licensed to do the procedure. Whether the insurance company allows coverage of the surgery outside should be taken into consideration as well. The total cost is more than just the cost of the surgery. When considering surgery overseas, in addition for travel cost for the patient and at least one companion as recommended, pre-op tests and additional follow up care may become added load to the total cost. Therefore, it is very important to take a closer look towards the details of the cost.

Weight loss surgeries are not inexpensive to say the least. However, the money which goes into paying for this type of surgery is being put into good use if it improves the individual’s health and quality of life. The surgery is very costly in more ways than just money as well. More important than the financial issues, is the amount of dedication the patient exerts into losing weight and having a better health. Financial problems are easier to solve with the help of insurances and lending institutions, however dedication for success of the procedure is within the hands of the patient, the physician, psychologist or nutritionist cannot help when it comes to that.

Choosing the best place for your weight loss surgery whether it is a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, lap band or gastric bypass surgery means seeking out not only the best prices but also a quality, well respected medical facility with highly skilled and experienced doctors.

As weight loss surgery generally is not covered by health insurance in the United States it can be quite expensive. This a driven the trend for medical tourism abroad where health care can be found at a fraction of the cost of the US. Many foreign destinations have tried marketing themselves as great places for different types of medical care. This is far from a novel new idea of fad. In fact medical tourism is now a multi billion dollar business with over a million Americans traveling abroad for medical care each year. Among these destinations, Mexico has emerged as one of the most popular, especially in the field of weight loss surgery. Mexican cities like Mexicali, Tijuana and Monterrey see hundreds of thousands of Americans visiting each year for medical treatment on top of the million plus who have already permanently relocated south to take advantage of a better quality of life and affordable health care.

The cost of gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gatrectomy or lap band surgery in Mexico varies between medical facilities, though can be found ranging between 30-70% of the cost of the same procedures in the US. While this can mean saving even upwards of $10,000 of course price shouldn’t be your only concern. In the search for the best place for your weight loss surgery it is importance to know the difference between small surgery centers and actual hospitals. There are a number of small surgery centers that have popped up south of the border offering a variety of medical services. However these often spend the majority of their budgets on advertising to attract new customers which results either in higher prices or taking away from being able to afford the best doctors and equipment. Your health and safety is certainly not something to play with. In contrast the best Mexican hospitals in Tijuana, Mexicali and Monterrey offer state of the art medical facilities, providing the latest technology and techniques delivered by world class physicians. These hospitals are still able to offer the best discounts without sacrificing service and quality.

Lower cost weight loss procedures in Mexico far from mean lower quality service. In fact doctors in Mexico have actually been performing some of these procedures years longer than their American counter parts. The best hospitals in Mexico are distinguished by Joint Commission International accreditation and engage in education exchange programs with the world’s premier medical institutions such as the Children’s Hospital Boston and the Mayo Clinic. The World Health Organization has deemed these hospitals to provide a comparable level of service to the best in the US and more patients have rated their experiences in these prime Mexican hospitals good or excellent than patients who remained in the United States for treatment.

Safety should also be a consideration for those choosing to take advantage of more affordable and higher quality health care abroad. Many other places around the planet that have tried to attract medical tourists like India, Brazil and Thailand are infinitely more dangerous that taking a short trip to Mexico, not to mention more expensive to get to, which can severely cut into any savings. The leading hospitals in Mexico are often also able to assist patients with travel plans and accommodations in secure, luxury buildings. Remember that in comparison Mexico and especially the areas you will be visiting for treatment are much safer than many parts of the US. Repeat clients and word of mouth referrals are the lifeblood of these weight loss surgery centers so of course they take extreme care to make sure that all patients are treated with the utmost care and the highest possible level of personal service.

All in all, Mexico clearly offers a superior solution for those seeking weight loss surgery including lap band, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. Here you will find the best combination of discounted prices, stunning and well equipped state of the art hospitals and the most qualified and doctors along with administration and medical staff that provide first class treatment that truly make visits a delight.

With tighter economic times not only are more Americans seeking a remedy for weight problems but they are having to look abroad for affordable treatments and weight loss surgeries. It is estimated that 2010 will see around 2.6 million Americans traveling to another country for medical treatment, which is on top of many more residents who regularly travel to their home countries for health care. Far from a small industry medical tourism is well on it’s way to be a $100 billion a year business even at the incredibly discounted prices available. While some may think medical tourism is a new thing or a fad, they couldn’t be more wrong. The practice of traveling for better and lower cost medical treatment has existed since the times of the ancient Greeks. But where is the best place to go if you are seeking affordable and safe weight loss treatment like lap band, gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery today?

Several countries have become highly marketed as medical tourism destinations including; Thailand, India, Canada, Brazil and Mexico, though there are many more that also attract tens of thousands each year. Each country has different advantages and disadvantages with price generally becoming cheaper the further away the country is from the US. Prices for weight loss surgeries abroad generally range from 30-70% of the cost at home which can easily add up to well over $10,000. However, while price may be your main motivation for looking into medical tourism it should not be the only thing that you consider for obvious reasons.

Other factors that must be taken into consideration when deciding where to go for your weight loss procedure include; travel time and price, accommodations while you are there, safety of the destination, quality of the medical facility and equipment and of course how experienced and qualified the doctors and staff are as well as the friendliness and attentiveness of the service. While traveling abroad for weight loss health care has many benefits you should not sacrifice or unnecessarily risk other aspects of your health in the search just to save a few dollars.

For example, those who are considering Asia of the Middle East as an option need not only be concerned with lower medical standards and safety of the destination but the high risk of contracting exotic diseases within the chosen medically center it’s self. Unfortunately westerners can easily contract further life threatening infections or viruses as the immune system is not developed to protect against them. While Canada may seem appealing to some, obviously the weather is not as nice as most of the other options and while English is commonly spoken the discounts are not as significant as other choices. While some South American countries have been performing various forms of cosmetic surgery they are also notoriously dangerous and have received a lot of media attention and have even been the center of many Hollywood productions. For most, Mexico offers the best overall option, especially when it comes to weight loss surgeries like vertical sleeve gastrectomy, lap band and gastric bypass surgery.

Of course the predominant concern for those seeking a foreign destination for affordable health care is the quality of health care and qualifications of the doctors performing any procedures. The best way to ensure safety and quality of medical facilities abroad is to check out their designations and accreditation’s. The most notable is being accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). The JCI, a relative of the Joint Commission of the United States inspects and accredits international hospitals and certifies those that meet the highest international standards and elite levels of patient care. There are several JCI accredited hospitals in Mexico including Monterrey. When deciding on a care facility you are much better off both in terms of cost and safety by choosing an actual hospital opposed to a small surgery center. Major hospitals can also be check out via the International Better Business Bureau. A dedication to constant improvement and affiliation with other world class medical centers and hospitals is also a great indication of safety and professionalism, for example education exchange programs with the like of the Children’s Hospital Boston and the famous Mayo Clinic.

In summary most Americans and others will find the Mexico offers the best combination of benefits when it comes to weight loss surgery from a close destination with great discounts to hosting some of the best international hospitals that are staffed by elite teams of highly trained and experienced doctors.

For those seeking out an effective form weight loss treatment whether it is vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or lap band surgery there are a number of factors that should be considered before making an informed decision and making sure you get the best treatment at the best price.

Factors To Consider Include:
Cost of weight loss surgery
Travel
Experience of doctors and medical staff
Safety of location
Quality of hospital
Attention to service

Cost of Weight Loss Surgery
As weight loss surgery is not normally covered by health care insurance electing to have gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy or lap band surgery in the USA can be an extremely expense procedure that can cost upwards of $17,000 to $30,000. In comparison, medical tourism destinations like Mexicali, Tijuana and Monterrey Mexico offer lap band surgery for as little as $6,300 in superior facilities and performed by more experienced doctors.

Travel
Even if you were to stay in the US for your weight loss surgery you will likely have to travel to find a quality medical facility offering the procedures. There are far away destinations like India offering low cost weight loss treatments, though the costs of traveling there are prohibitive and eat away at the discounts and better quality treatment can be found closer to home, across the border in Mexico. The better hospitals offer assistance with travel as well as stay in luxury accommodations.

Experience of Doctors and Medical Staff
Of course the huge savings from seeking medical treatment abroad comes from mainly form the lower cost of construction and labor. This does not mean lower quality or inexperienced medical professionals, simply that local living costs are lower and wages are lower. In fact the best hospitals in Mexico that specialize in weight loss surgery actively participate in exchange programs with the world’s leading medical institutions as well of course having doctors that have also studied at the best US universities. While lap band, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy surgeries may be rare in some countries that are trying to begin offering them, Mexican doctors have been performing these procedures even before their US based counter parts. This translates to more experienced and better trained medical professionals who can offer the best and safest treatment.

Safety of Location
While medical tourism has been booming throughout this decade and now motivates millions of Americans to travel abroad each safety should still be a consideration. Countries where English is rarely spoken can lead to all kinds of safety issues and concerns. Countries like India and other parts of South America can be extremely dangerous for tourists. However staying in the US is not necessarily the answer. In fact compared to Mexico, many US cities are far more dangerous and prone to random crime even average American towns you would not normally consider violent or dangerous like Jacksonville, Florida.

Quality of Hospital
Whether you choose to stay at home or go abroad the quality of the hospital you choose is very important. The Joint Commission International is the international non-profit organization that accredits hospitals worldwide that meet the highest global standards. Any hospital that you consider choosing should be accredited by the JCI. Also look for hospitals that have exchange programs and are connected with other prime medical institutions which is a sign of the level of quality you can expect. Also hospitals are a much safer and wiser choice than small private surgery centers. Fortunately for those heading to Mexico there are several incredible hospitals that are easily the equivalent of the best US hospitals using the latest techniques and offering the best state of the art equipment and technology.

Attention to Service
Great equipment, low prices, safety and expert doctors are all important and critical. However when electing to undergo any type of weight loss surgery or other medical treatment you deserve to receive personal attention and great service, especially when you are paying for it. The International Business Bureau is just like the local Better Business Bureau that you use to check up on everyday companies and surgery is definitely something you want to check up on providers for. To ensure the best service also look for hospitals that unlike small surgery centers do not rely on advertising to find new clients, but their great reputation instead.

Gastric Bypass Surgery is a proven method for permanent weight loss as well as a potential cure for Type II Diabetes and other conditions related to morbid obesity. Basically, the surgery helps lose weight of patients by changing how their stomach and small intestine handle the food they eat. The surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as diet, exercise and medicines have not worked. Generally, the surgery is considered for patients who have a body mass index of 40 or higher or if there is a life threatening or disabling condition related to the patient’s weight.

Preparation before the procedure includes a thorough and extensive screening process like blood tests, physical exams, bleeding and clotting time, and other needed laboratory work-ups. If the patient is smoking, the act is prohibited for weeks prior to the surgery. Eating will also be prohibited hours before to prevent aspiration. The operation requires a two to four day stay in the hospital and is done under general anesthesia.

During the surgery, the surgeon uses surgical staples to create a pouch from the upper part of the stomach separating it from the rest. A section of the intestine is then bypassed and re-connected to the pouch. This then creates a shorter route for the food to pass in the digestive system, thus lesser food is absorbed in the body. Gastric bypass be done by making a large incision in the abdomen (an open procedure) or by making a small incision and using small instruments and a camera to guide the surgery (laparoscopic approach). Other than the small size of the digestive system, some scientists also believe that weight loss following bariatric surgery is also the result of diminished blood cells of a recently discovered hormone called ghrelin, which is secreted by endocrine cells within the stomach. Blood ghrelin levels rise prior to meals and in the face of food restriction or starvation.

Just like any surgery, gastric bypass involves a set of risks. Risks common to all surgeries for weight loss include an infection in the incision, a leak from the stomach into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected which may lead to peritonitis, and a blood clot in the lung. Ulcers also develop 5 to 15% of the time. Over time, the problems that may occur include, breakdown of the pouch, which would require another surgery to repair it, narrowing of the opening between the stomach pouch and the small intestine, low calcium levels, which can cause early osteoporosis. Also, problems such as gallstones and gallbladder attacks, gastritis, heartburn, stomach ulcers, poor nutrition, vomiting from eating more than your stomach pouch can hold, dumping syndrome when the contents of the stomach move through the small intestine quickly, incisional hernia and kidney stones may occur over time. An iron and vitamin B12 deficiency also occurs more than 30% of the times. About 50% of those with an iron deficiency develops anemia.

Weight loss is the major benefit of gastric bypass surgery. An expected weight loss of 65% to 80% of excess body weight is typical of most large series of the surgery. Most people lose about 10 to 20 pounds a month in the first year following the procedure. Comorbidities accompanying morbid obesity may also be corrected if the surgery is performed. Hyperlipidemia is corrected in over 70% of patients. Essential hypertension is relieved in over 70% of patients and medication requirements are usually reduced in the remainder. Obstructive sleep apnea is markedly improved with weight loss and bariatric surgery may be curative for sleep apnea. Snoring also improves in most patients. Over 90% of patients with type II non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus are expected to be off medication. Problems like, asthma, joint pain, arthritis, reflux, fatigue and shortness of breath are also improved or cured. In summary, the procedure causes an overall increased sense of well-being and an improved ability to engage in physical activity.

After the surgery, a restriction of eating for one to two days to allow the stomach to heal may be required, to be followed by a specific diet for about 12 weeks. Activities can be resumed after the patient can move around without a lot of pain usually in 3 to 5 weeks. Following the procedure, the patient needs to follow the exercise and nutrition guidelines established by the physician and the dietitian to lose weight and avoid complications of the procedure.

A real commitment to change your entire lifestyle is the only way that you can maintain the healthy benefits of Lap Band surgery. If you are one of those who have had lap band surgery or are still panning to undergo this type of bariatric surgery in order to achieve your weight loss goals, you must be completely prepared for a 360-degree shift to change some particular aspects of your life. The real struggle to achieve weight loss can be experienced by a patient after bariatric surgery. Weight loss surgery alone will not shed your excess weight. Gastric banding, gastric bypass, and gastrectomy are just surgical operations to diminish your food intake and the body’s absorption of nutrients. Proper eating habits, diet modification, and other lifestyle changes are the primary elements for successful weight loss.

As a matter of fact, bariatric surgery is not a miracle cure to obesity and the direct ticket to losing all that excess weight you painstakingly want to get rid of. It is the combined diet and lifestyle alterations post-lap band surgery that will help you achieve your fitness goals. Your bariatric doctor will explain to you the pre- and post-surgical guidelines so as to help and support you to lose weight and prevent health risks. Lap band patients are examined beforehand to ensure that he or she is capable enough to withstand the pressure post-surgery.

DIET and NUTRITION

Following your lap band surgery, you must adhere to a strict diet. Right after your surgery, you are only to take occasional sips of water or suck ice chips. You must not be taking more than that. You can take more fluid a day after your operation, but only small amounts at a time. Besides water, you can also take other fluids with more calories. The first 3 to 5 days, you are on strict liquid diet.

One to four weeks after surgery, you can have clear broth/soup (without vegetables or meat, not creamy), low-fat yogurt, skimmed milk, jello, fruit juice, or pureed soft fruit. In the first week post-surgery, you may be allowed to eat food that may be restricted in your diet later as they may contain many calories. It is very important that for the first week after the surgery you must allow your stomach to be accustomed to the lap band system.

During the fourth to sixth week after surgery, you are now allowed to consume slightly thicker and creamier soups. By that time, you can be able to eat solid food. However, you may want to skip bread, red meat, and rice as they may be difficult to digest. Start with softer solid foods that are better and easier to digest (fish or moist white meat [chicken or pork]). You must cut your food into small pieces and chew your food thoroughly. If not, you will experience vomiting, nausea, stomach irritation and swelling. If this happens, you can go back to the liquid diet you had on the early days after the operation.

Your new nutritional plan must be followed for life. When you are able to digest solid food without any stomach problems, you must pay attention to your diet. You will not feel full if you only take liquid food. High-caloric food and drinks must be completely avoided. Eat three small meals a day. You must not eat in between meals. If you are already full, you need to stop eating. Eat only quality food while avoiding those with less nutritional value and those that are fibrous. Drink enough water and low-caloric fluids a day.

EXERCISE

As with any other health and wellness program, an exercise plan can be very crucial, it plays a very important role to achieve fitness or weight loss objectives. Exercise may be very difficult at the early days of post-weight loss surgery. Just take exercising simple and less strenuous at first. If you it becomes more comfortable, you can book a set each day as your exercise plan. Working out in the morning, mid-morning, or after work can make exercise an important item in your new lifestyle after bariatric surgery.

MONITORING AND ADJUSTMENTS

The lifestyle changes after lap band surgery can be very overwhelming at first. You need to keep your doctor in touch with you to monitor your progress. Adjustments to your band will be done during your visit to your doctor. You must need 5 to 8 adjustments within one year after the weight loss surgery.

In contrast to the circumstantial increase in the incidence of obesity among people these days, many medical professionals are choosing surgical options for people with weight problem. The choice to recommend weight loss surgery methods by doctors to their patients are greatly shaped by the relative failure of conventional weight loss strategies. Nowadays, most doctors are resorting to surgical options to effectively to control and restrain the rise of weight-related disease and accompanying costs. One of the surgical weight loss methods that are popularly done these days to obese patients is the bariatric surgery. This surgical operation is remarkably effective. However, there is more to it than just being under the knife to reduce your food intake. Your success in losing weight is usually gauged after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgical procedure that refers to several different procedures that are aimed to reduce weight via the modification of the gastrointestinal tract to decrease the intake of food and lessen the amount of absorption within the body. The weight loss can be achieved through gastric banding (reducing the size of the stomach with an implanted medical device called lap band) or via gastric bypass surgery (resecting or re-routing the small intestines to a small stomach pouch) or by means of removing a portion of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch).

With many patients who have had bariatric surgery, doctors and other medical professionals have concluded that this surgical option for weight loss goal is highly effective. Long-term research and studies have proved that bariatric surgery has several advantages. Benefits of bariatric surgery are inclined to weight loss and improvements in health conditions.

Weight Loss. Weight loss after gastric bypass surgery occurs really rapidly among men and women alike. For women, they lose about 1 pound every day within the first 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. In men, they usually lose 2 pounds during the first few weeks after gastric bypass. Characteristically, patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery lose about 20% of excess weight within the first 2 months after the operation. About 30%- 40% of excess weight are eliminated after 3-4 months. One year after gastric bypass surgery, patients usually lose 60%-85% of excess body weight.

For those who went under gastric banding, weight loss can vary. The usually lose 25%- 60% of their excess weight within 1 to 3 years of adjustable band surgery. Compared to gastric bypass surgery, weigh loss after gastric banding is slower. Averagely, men and women will lose 40% of their excess weight.

After bariatric surgery, many patients will gain weight after their initial weight loss if they don’t follow recommended diet, exercise, and follow-up regimens.

High-Blood Pressure Improved. Hypertension among bariatric surgery patients may improve often just a few days after surgery. This medical condition may be completely resolved in 75% of patients. Although, some patients may still undergo treatment of their hypertension after the surgery, they are now treated with fewer medications or at lower doses.

Normal Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels. A few months after this weight loss surgery, many patients (80% of patients) will develop normal levels of cholesterol and triglyceride.

Improved Blood Sugar Control. It is very important that diabetic patients monitor their blood sugar levels shortly after gastric bypass surgery. Usually, blood sugar levels will become normal after a few days from the operation.

Diminish Risk of Heart Disease. Gastric bypass surgery effectively reduces the risk of patients to heart disease. Bariatric surgery can prevent major risk factors to heart disease such as hypertension, high levels of cholesterol, and diabetes.

Respiratory Insufficiency Reduced. Obese people have problems with breathing, especially on exertion. After bariatric surgery, these patients have improved lung capacity. Oxygen uptake during normal activities and activities with exertion is improved as body’s need of oxygen is now equal to the body’s supply.

All the patients who have undergone weight loss surgery find that they have overall quality of life. They are able to face all the challenges that they have faced before their operation.

These are just some of the known benefits of bariatric surgery. You can discover more advantages of this weight loss surgery with your bariatric doctor. Researching through medical books or online resources on gastric bypass, lap band surgery, and gastrectomy prove to be helpful for you to understand this weight loss option.

Bariatric surgery will completely change the eating ways-from the types of food the body will tolerate to how much the person can eat at any one time. It helps with hunger control and will make it easier to limit eating. Bariatric diet is a dietary plan typically recommended to patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. After weight loss surgery, the stomach changes in capacity and function, so the patient’s diet needs to be adjusted. The bariatric diet plan will focus on minimizing calories and maximizing nutrition that will in turn help in losing weight while staying healthy at the same time.

The bariatric diet begins with the pre-surgery diet and continues after surgery with the recovery diet. Pre-surgery diet includes the restriction of eating six to eight hours prior to the procedure. The physician may also recommend taking a diet high in protein and low in calories, fats and carbohydrates. Diet before the procedure is facilitated in the hospital since the patient will be admitted during this time.
Surgery for weight reduction is not a miracle procedure. It doesn’t guarantee that the individual will lose all of their excess weight or keep it off long term. Weight loss success after the surgery depends on the individual’s commitment in making lifelong changes in their eating and exercise habits. Therefore much attention should be given by health care professionals in teaching and making sure that patients understand and follow the diet guidelines post-op. First and foremost, remember that the overall goal is to optimize the nutritional value of small portions of foods being eaten and to obtain the nutrients needed by the body to be healthy. Portion sizes for meals should be no more than six to eight ounces and this should be enough to make the patient feel full. It is important that the patient be aware of body signals of satisfaction.

The diet progression through recovery can take up to three months, but it can also occur sooner. It all depends on the extent of surgery and how well the patient’s body adjusts to the changes. Immediately after the surgery there will be a restriction for eating and drinking for at least 24 hours. For the first week following the surgery the patient can only tolerate nutritious fluids which include water, tea, broth, protein fruit drinks, and artificially sweetened non-carbonated beverages. Second week diet includes having pureed and blended foods. Pureed foods are soft foods that have been blended into the smooth consistency of baby food and do not contain any chunks because the chunks can cause pain and vomiting. After a month, the diet will now include trying out of soft solid foods which can still be in pureed form. The aim is to make the patient chew soft pieces of food. Food items like meat paste, fish, cottage cheese, pasta, and rice are some examples. Once you are able to eat soft foods without any significant difficulties the surgeon will now begin introducing solid foods, the last stage of the diet progression. Foods will be added on a gradual basis to make sure it is tolerated by the digestive system.

Since the diet will be small portions, measuring tools can be used to check on the portion sizes. Serving meals on smaller plates, such as salad or luncheon plates will help make these smaller portions look more appealing. It is also important that the patient chew foods slowly possibly taking 15-20 chews per bite in order to ensure that nothing gets stuck passing through the narrowed outlet from the pouch. Perhaps taking 20-30 minutes to complete a meal is ideal for post gastric bypass patients. Since most bariatric patients are fast eaters before the procedure, this is a difficult behavior to change. Protein is an important nutrient for fast recovery and proper functioning of the body post surgery. Since our body does not store protein, it is a must that patients meet the daily minimum protein requirement which is approximately 50-60 grams for women and 60-70 grams for men. The patient should drink about 64 ounces of water or other fluids each day. With the reduced intake of food the body will gain less fluid, making it a must to drink fluids in order to be well hydrated. All fluids should be taken in between meals not with the meal. Carbonated and alcoholic beverages should be restricted. Additionally, patients will have a lifelong regimen of vitamins and mineral supplements post surgery. Patients should avoid high carbonated foods such as chips and pretzels. Snacks and grazing between meals and foods high in fats and sugars should also be avoided.

Having good understanding of proper nutrition for post bariatric surgery patients is essential for the success of the procedure. Failure to follow the guidelines may lead to potentially serious complication such as dumping syndrome. It is important to see the physician and dietician for consultation as well. The surgery will help in trying to control the weight, but the ultimate change of a person’s life into a better one will be on the hands of the person themselves.

Lap band surgery or Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band “LAGB” surgery is a surgery done with a small abdominal incision with the use of laparoscopic camera to guide the surgery. Lap band surgery aim is to insert an inflatable gastric band (circular shaped balloon) around the upper part of the stomach. The inserted band’s size can be modified by the surgeon by adjusting the amount of silicon or saline inside the band. This adjustment is easily done through the access part of the device that is usually placed under the skin of the patient’s abdomen and is connected to the gastric band with a connector tube.
Lap band surgery therefore leads to forming a small gastric pouch with lesser capacity than the normal stomach “about 1/5 to 1/6 the normal capacity”. This is makes it an effective long-term solution for weight loss. After a lap band surgery, patients get the sense of fullness and satisfaction with much smaller amount of food! The surgery takes from 30 minutes to an hour and needs minimum hospitalization and the patient can resume his normal daily life in approximately one week only.
Types of gastric bands:

Allergan® Lap band:
Allergan Lap band is a leading lap band manufacturer approved by the FDA in 2001. These innovative lap bands are well manufactured to reduce the stomach capacity as much as needed to reduce the volume of the meal with the least possible side effects.

Johnson & Johnson™ Lap bands:
This alternative is also great gastric banding solutions designed for effective and comfortable manipulation of the stomach size and controlling the patient’s diet by inducing earlier feeling of fullness and satisfaction from smaller meals.
Indications of Lap band surgery:
Laparoscopic gastric banding is a less invasive surgical interference to manage obesity. However, as a surgery, it should be done for the following indications only “or according to doctor recommendation”:
Obesity: Those with Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 40 or 100 pounds over their ideal weight.
Failure of non-surgical weight loss remedies.
Significant history of obesity – usually 5 years or more.
The presence of major risk or risks for developing complications of obesity as heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes and other possibilities.
For those to whom the above indications apply, Lap band could be a great help to overcome a major problem threatening their life. Ideal age for lap band surgery is usually between 18 and 55 years. However, people with significant contraindications or risks for having surgeries whether for physical or psychological factors should not be recommended to choose the lap band surgery solution. Additionally, pregnant females with gastric bands should refer to their doctor as soon as she confirm her pregnancy for band adjustments during pregnancy and breast feeding.
Keep in mind that although this is an effective solution, you have to follow a healthy diet as well to keep the surgery’s effect at maximum. This means that you will still have to be on low carbohydrate and fat diets, getting more proteins and minerals and more water. Dietary modifications should be also based on your doctor’s instructions and recommendations.

• Gastric Banding Surgery Information
• Candidacy Information for Lap-Band
• Side Effects of Lap-Banding Surgery
• Price of Lap Band Surgery
• Success Stories of Lap Band Surgery
• FAQs on Lap Band Surgery
• Life After Lap Band Surgery

What to do before surgery

First of all, you must to know that you have to inform your doctor if you are on any medication as many medications should be stopped few days before the surgery. Also, you should stop any herbal medications or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as aspirin, Nuprin or Advil at least 7 days before surgery. Then, you have to follow the doctor instructions for surgery preparation which may include some medications as to correct hypertension or to control diabetes.
Necessary life style modifications after surgery the degree of surgery success is related to the life style modifications you will be recommended to follow after having the surgery. The instructions may vary according to your condition but the following are mandatory steps:

Diet modification:
After the surgery you will have smaller stomach so you need to keep that in mind. To benefit from the surgery and avoid any possible complications you have to stop eating once you feel fullness and satisfaction. You must eat slowly as well; Try to make your meal time about 30-45 minutes but with small amount of food.
You’ll be required to drink about 8 cups of water daily but not during the meal. This is to avoid stomach over-distention which may lead to enlarging the stomach pouch or dislocating the gastric band.
During the first week after surgery you should be eating soft food as jelly, yoghurt, soft drinks and blended food but with low carbohydrates and fats. Then you should start eating vegetable and fruits from the second week and start to include meat patties, fish, egg or beans from the third week. From the fourth week you may eat chicken but the food have to be moist by sauce or any moistening additions you prefer as long as it is not dry food.
From the fifth week you can eat ground beef and you can resume your normal meals starting from the sixth week. But you have to make your diet healthier with small meals, 8 cups of water every day and eat slowly. You will begin noticing you weight loss in the first weeks!

Exercise:
It is very helpful to begin regular exercise. This will be useful for weight loss, improving your general health and decreasing any risk of obesity complication. But keep in mind avoiding bending over from the waist after the surgery to preserve the stitches and let the surgical incision heal properly.
The best exercise for you after recovery is regular walking. You have to start gradually as sudden start of vigorous exercise may harm your heart and circulation. Start with a 10 minutes’ walk at the first week then 20 minutes in the 2nd week to be 30 minutes from the third week. A 30 minutes’ walk 5 days per week is very good to get less weight and healthier body.

Advantages Vs Disadvantages:
Lap band surgery has the following overwhelming advantages as a weight loss operation:

It needs only a small incision that is later on sutured by self dissolvable stitches.
The surgery takes 3o minutes to an hour.
Quick recovery and less hospitalization – The patient could be discharged within 24 hours from the operation.
Suits many people with different ages and physical conditions.
Completely reversible as the stomach comes back to normal after removing the band.
No stomach cutting or stapling.
Modifying the treatment by adjusting the band is non-surgical.
Doesn’t complicate mal absorption syndrome.
Less risk of abdominal surgeries complications.
On the other side, LAGB surgery may develop one of these complications in some patients.
Mechanical functional defects of the band may be present.
Surgical complications “less common” as infection, pain in the incision site, etc.
Possibility of leakage from the band, mechanical dislocation of the band, infection of the solution inside it or developing some GIT disturbances in susceptible patients after the surgery.

Apparently, you can get the advantages and avoid the disadvantages of Lap band surgery by following the recommendations and instruction given by a well known experienced surgeon!

About lab bands surgery Mexico:
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery is a simple low risk surgical procedure capable of changing a person’s life by modifying his satiety to a new level easily reached by a healthy diet.
Dr. Zapata is an experienced surgeon working with a top tier team to make this simple solution works for all patients hoping to get the best out of this simple technique. The band is usually inflated after 4-6 weeks of surgery depending on the patient’s body healing. Dr. Zapata has arrangements with many lap band surgery clinics across the USA and Canada to make it easier for the patient to inflate and adjust the lap band according to proper schedules.
You’ll not get tied by strict schedules or clinic visits to a certain locations! Dr. Zapata’s team uses the best well-known registered lap band brands. The use of FDA approved gastric bands make it possible for you to go to any near and reachable lap band surgery clinic to adjust the band as needed.

Gastric Bypass Surgery or also known as Roux-en-Y Surgery or RNY is a laparoscopic bariatric surgery done with many techniques. Despite the variable types of the surgery, its concept is to do excessive stomach stapling to form small pouches opening in distal parts of the intestine bypassing a great part of the stomach.

In this operation, no parts of the stomach will be removed but the stomach is divided into two parts forming a small pouch “the new stomach” and then both the new and old stomach is sealed by stapling. Then, the small intestine is detached from the stomach which will be stapled also and the small pouch is connected to the intestinal free part by staples. This is to skip a big part of the GIT and therefore decrease the surface area for digestion and absorption. This will induce weight loss by decreasing the amount of food ingested as well as the food substances absorbed from the GIT.

Benefits:
This procedure is usually done for obese persons with Body Mass Index BMI over 40 or with less BMI but with obesity related disease. The operation is not a magical cure for obesity but it is a step forward. It can decrease your weight significantly within few weeks to months.

Advantages:
Laparoscopic operation requires small abdominal incision.
It leads to restrictive and functional changes in the GIT. In other words, it reduces the stomach size and the GIT absorption as well. This makes its effect more predictable, powerful and sustainable.
It reduces about 30% during one year only.
Most of the health hazards associated with obesity are resolved after the operation.

Disadvantages:
As a surgical procedure taking about an hour and a half or two hours, gastric bypass surgery have many possible complications. This requires good pre and post operative care.
The patient will have to change his habits and lifestyle after the procedure.
It is an irreversible operation.
It may lead to mal absorption syndrome (Dumping syndrome).
It may lead to bleeding gastric ulcers, gall stones or intestinal obstruction.
It is not the procedure of choice in all patients.

Pre-operative care:
The procedure should be done after good pre-operative care. The most important guidelines are:
Counseling the doctor and informing him with your medical history or regular or recent intake of any medications
Starting Atkins diet 2 weeks before the surgery in order to reduce the amount of fat present around your liver.
Regular intake of clear fluids for at least 48 hours before surgery.
Cleansing your colon by magnesium citrate or Colyte or alternatively extending the time of clear fluids intake to 4 days instead of only two.
Stop any medications except those recommended by your doctor.
Stop taking any herbal medication and any OTC drugs for headache other common conditions 7 days before the surgery.

Post-operative care:
After the gastric bypass, you have to follow certain lifestyle modification to benefit the most of the procedure. The lifestyle modification is mainly based on changing your diet and eating behavior.
You’ll be instructed to follow certain diets after the operation as being on soft foods only for few days and return to normal food over several weeks so that your stomach stapling and incision heal properly. You’ll be required to change your eating habit to slower eating and smaller diets with more attention to its nutritional value. It should be with much less fat and carbohydrates and more proteins, vitamins and mineral.
Pay attention that gastric bypass reduces the GIT absorption what may complicate mal absorption syndrome. That is making focusing on vitamins and mineral in addition to proteins in your diet is essential to avoid this complication. Another important thing to get a balanced and nutritive diet is taking adequate water supply during the day (about 8 cups) but not during meals. You must avoid ingesting liquids together with solid foods.

It is also helpful to have regular exercise after recovery to promote your health and improve your weight management. However, you must counsel your doctor before starting exercising to set proper schedules with gradual start. It is mandatory to start gradually to achieve moderate levels of exercise then you can make your exercise a daily routine. Exercise reduces weight and all obesity related risks but sudden vigorous exercise can have a bad effect on you.

Again, gastric bypass procedure will not be the magical solution to get rid of weight problems. Although it has a great effect by reducing the absorbed meal, gastric bypass surgery is just a step forward to healthier life. After the surgery you will have to do regular exercise, lifestyle modifications and follow ups with a dietitian to avoid mal absorption and let your body get the healthy diet it needs.