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Is Surgery Safe for My Teenager?

As surgical techniques and medical technology have continued to improve, the safety of bariatric surgery for both adults and adolescents has also advanced. Studies have shown that when comparing the safety of the procedure between teenagers and adults, the risk of in-hospital complications is similar, and the length of stay in the hospital is shorter for teens.

At Tijuana Bariatric Center, the safety of your child is the surgeon's top priority. You can expect that your child will receive a level of specialized care equal to or greater than what a doctor in the United States would provide. Our hospitals adhere to the most stringent international safety protocols and are known for being immaculate. 

Teenage girl smiling and standing with arms behind her back

Why Bariatric Surgery May be Recommended for Teens

If you are considering weight loss surgery for your teenage child, Tijuana Bariatric Center’s preferred surgeon network in Tijuana, Mexico can determine if the treatment is appropriate. Weight loss surgery for teens can provide many positive changes but requires significant commitment and discipline on the part of both the child and their parents.

Obesity can have a long-lasting negative impact on your child’s overall health. The effects of obesity can also lead to anxiety and depression. Addressing obesity can help your teenager to avoid many health risks and other adversities, including:

  • Fatty Liver Disease
  • Type II Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Orthopedic Injuries
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Bullying
  • Discrimination

The risks associated with obesity continue to rise as a child reaches adulthood. This includes the development of health conditions such as coronary heart disease, various cancers, stroke, and musculoskeletal disorders.

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Dr. Garcia was wonderful. He greeted us all with a handshake and a hug. We were immediately put at ease. Initially, we were told by many to stay away from Tijuana. WHY? We had a WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE! Dr. Garcia was very helpful, knowledgeable, and worked wonderfully with our 16 year old daughter. He came in right after the surgery and took us to see her resting very comfortably. He made sure that his orders for her were complete, and that our daughter knew everything that was happening. We are 6 weeks post-op and our daughter has lost 45 pounds! Would I recommend Dr. Garcia? ABSOLUTELY.... Worth every penny of the money that we spent for a successful surgery. What a GREAT PLACE to go to that is so very affordable, and treatment is so good!

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Candidacy and Other Considerations

If you and your teenager are considering bariatric surgery, it is important to understand that there are many benefits that can be achieved, but the surgery may not be right for everyone. Before deciding to pursue surgery, you and your child should spend plenty of time considering the following facts.

  • At a younger age, the patient must have the maturity, discipline, and commitment to make significant lifestyle changes, which include improved diet and more frequent exercise.
  • Bariatric surgery patients need a dependable support group to help them navigate the entire process.
  • Nutritional changes and exercise should be thoroughly attempted before resorting to surgery.
  • Nutritional deficiencies and malnourishment are potential side effects that could affect physical development.
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Meet
Dr. Fernando Garcia – Tijuana Bariatric Center’s Leading Surgical Authority

Overview
Dr. Garcia is an accomplished, multifaceted bariatric surgeon with over a decade of expertise in his field. Over 10,000 successful procedures have been performed at Tijuana Bariatric Center, allowing patients to reclaim their quality of life, well-being, and self-confidence. In addition to his consummate skill and technical precision, Dr. Garcia is known for his compassionate and personalized bedside manner. This is especially beneficial when dealing with younger clients who need to feel a deep sense of trust in their provider in order to feel safe.

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Philosophy

As a physician who has undergone his own weight loss journey, Dr. Garcia is uniquely tuned in to the daunting and challenging nature of the weight loss process. For this reason, he stresses the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, which includes individualized dietary counseling, in-depth education, access to online support groups, and extensive follow-up via phone and email. Dr. Garcia is committed to ensuring every patient continues to thrive and succeed long after their surgery is complete.

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Background
and training

Dr. Garcia is an industry veteran in the field of bariatric surgery, having completed a wealth of prestigious Fellowships in gastric sleeve surgery, minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery, and LAP-Band procedures. His Licensed Physician Degree was undertaken at the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo. He subsequently pursued a demanding residency in General Surgery at Hospital General (General Hospital), endorsed by Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC). Currently, Dr. Garcia serves as a professor of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at Universidad Autonoma de Baja California and has worked for ten-plus years at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

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Contact Us for Additional Information

Deciding whether bariatric surgery is right for your child is a decision that requires extensive research, contemplation, and trustworthy advice. The preferred network of doctors at Tijuana Bariatrics Center is prepared to help with any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. You can depend on your surgeon to recommend weight loss surgery only if it is truly in your child's best interest. To set up a time to discuss your options, please reach out online or call 1-800-970-0577.

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Save $600 on your Gastric Sleeve surgery with Dr. Garcia*

*Surgeries must be scheduled from December 2nd - December 14th, 2024

  • Expert Surgeon: Dr. Fernando Garcia, a leading bariatric specialist.
  • All-Inclusive Package: Includes pre-op assessments, surgery, and post-op care.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Advanced technology and top-notch patient care.

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