Common Bariatric Surgery Questions

Bariatric Surgery FAQs

How Much Does Bariatric Surgery Cost?

Cost is a common concern, and for many patients in the U.S., it is simply prohibitive. The low-cost procedures available through Tijuana Bariatric Center include gastric sleeve surgery starting at $4,580, gastric bypass surgery starting at $6,500, and LAP-BAND® surgery starting at $5,000.

How Do I Know if I am a Good Weight Loss Surgery Candidate?

Prior to gaining approval for any type of surgery or making travel arrangements, each patient will undergo a thorough evaluation with our bariatric surgeons to determine their candidacy. Important considerations include age, body mass index (BMI), overall health, and the presence of any and your expectations regarding the results that can be achieved through weight loss surgery.

In 2022, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders updated standards for bariatric surgery patients. BMI continues to be the benchmark for general qualifications but has been lowered to 35 or over for candidates whether or not they have serious health problems, like high blood pressure, heart disease or sleep apnea related to obesity, or a BMI of 30 if patients have tried and been unable to sustain significant weight loss.

How Will Surgery Help Me Lose Weight?

Bariatric surgery helps patients lose weight using two different techniques: restriction and malabsorption. Several procedures combine both restriction and malabsorption for patients who need to lose more significant amounts of excess body weight.

• Restrictive Surgery: Weight loss surgeries such as gastric sleeve and SILS work by limiting the amount of food that can enter the stomach. By physically restricting the size of the stomach, the number of calories a patient can consume is limited.
• Malabsorptive Surgery: This procedure type, which includes roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery, is more complicated as it changes how food is absorbed by the digestive system. A bariatric surgeon will remove part of the small intestine and reroute the gastrointestinal tract so the body absorbs fewer ingested calories.

How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose?

We can give you no precise answer. Weight loss depends on your starting weight and your medical problems. However, According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, most bariatric surgery patients can expect to lose 60-70% of their excess weight after the procedure.

How Long Will the Results Last?

According to the National Institutes of Health, most will sustain long-term weight loss as long as patients remain compliant with healthy dietary and exercise habits. Following the procedure, patients will receive instructions on how to start exercising and eat healthy foods and maintain good habits to promote lasting results. We also recommend ongoing nutritional counseling.

How Many Days of Work Will I Miss?

Various factors will play a role in determining how long the recovery process will take, including the type of bariatric surgery you undergo, your work duties, and your body's natural ability to heal. Most patients will stay in the hospital after the surgery for one to three days. According to the ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery), most patients can return to work within one to two weeks following their bariatric procedure.

How Long Do I Need to Wait to Exercise?

The primary goal during the recovery period is to ensure that patients heal in a timely manner, suffer no complications, and can return to their regular activities as quickly as possible. Although we understand you may be anxious to become more active, it is typically recommended that patients start exercising through low-impact movements, such as walking for 20-30 minutes a day. The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute recommends that the intensity of your workouts can slowly increase beginning six weeks after your weight loss surgery.

Do Most Patients Need Plastic Surgery After Losing Weight?

After losing most of their excess weight, many patients may have loose or sagging skin.  Sometimes, this condition is temporary. Loose or sagging skin depends upon several factors, including how much weight you lose, your age, genetics and whether or not you exercise or smoke. Patients can hide loose skin with clothing or compression garments. Wait at least 18 months before having plastic surgery to remove excess abdominal and breast skin. Insurance often covers plastic surgery in those areas because of the potential for sagging skin to cause rashes.

Do Bariatric Procedures Cause Hair Loss?

For reasons we still don’t fully understand, hair loss after bariatric surgery is common between three and six months after surgery. However, hair loss is almost always temporary. Adequate protein, vitamins, biotin and minerals will help ensure hair regrowth and avoid longer-term thinning.

Will I Need Vitamin and Mineral Supplements?

You will need to take a multivitamin for life. You may require higher doses of specific vitamins or minerals, especially Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin D if you undergo a malabsorptive procedure. You will also need to have at least yearly lab checks. Most insurance companies do not cover supplements, but you can pay for them through a flex medical account.

Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery

If you have additional questions regarding whether bariatric surgery is right for you, please use the online contact form or call 1-800-970-0577. A team member at Tijuana Bariatric Center will assist you with your weight loss question, set you up with a consultation and help guide you through the medical tourism process.