The procedure is performed laparoscopically, which makes the recovery fast and the surgery much safer than a gastric bypass. An advantage that gastric sleeve has over lap band is the faster acting results to slim a patient’s body without needing constant band adjustments, which cost a lot. After a couple of months most gastric sleeve patients need another surgery commonly referred to as a skin lift. Every medical professional is different so ask the surgeon when you can get the other procedure. There are a lot of weight loss surgeries (bariatric procedures) to pick from it all depend on what you want. If you want a flat stomach, no need for a lift surgery, and are okay with a long recovery than a gastric bypass is better. This tends to have fewer medical checkups, but has a very high cost and is for patients who suffer from obesity.  Lap band surgery might fit a patient who is willing to wait for their ideal body and wants to spread the cost of the surgery. For gastric sleeve a lot of the price is in the medical/hospital recovery and surgeon because it is performed laparoscopically.

Gastric sleeve triggers very fast weight loss, and since the stomach is a smaller pouch it can’t hold much food. The surgery normally takes two hours to perform and one week for recovery the stomach is very upset. Before any bariatric procedure, the surgeon will have patients quit smoking a while before and after the surgery.  Some patients are put on very special diets to reduce the risk of complications and improve recovery and results. Extreme obesity is very hard on the body, and gastric bypass is recommended to lift the weight off the internal organs. Of all the bariatric surgeries, gastric bypass tends to cost the most and require enormous amounts of medical treatment during recovery only raising the overall price. Getting an experienced surgeon to perform the gastric sleeve surgery can be very important and cost a lot. This is a complicated bariatric procedure which removes most of your stomach to help your body loss weight very quickly. Complications for this surgery tend to bring the price of the medical stay way up, and recovery tends to be very long if one arises.  Some patients have complications due to over obesity, and it causes a stitch to tear or an additional procedure to correct. Most patients will need to wait about two years to either get a lift or any other surgery, for that matter.  Gastric bypass removes an enormous amount of weight and skin in one surgery but is far riskier.

Gastric sleeve Vs Gastric bypass

Gastric sleeve surgery takes long to get the body you want the weight loss is far more gradual. Furthermore, for patients with eating disorders painful because their stomach simply won’t take as much food as they like. So for quick fat and skin around the stomach than gastric bypass is probably the better bariatric procedure. However, also a longer recovery time has and requires more time in surgery.  Lap banding and gastric sleeve both have slower weight loss which and a lot of patients need another surgery to remove the sagging skin, mostly around the stomach. The medical costs can vary between the surgeries but the more a patient’s body suffers with obesity the higher the risk of severe medical problems. Some surgeons will recommend gastric bypass surgery, which does cost more normally just to help take the weight off of the patient’s body.

Gastric Sleeve Cost and Recovery

Gastric sleeve procedure normally costs about 10 thousand dollars for just the surgery. Then you have the medical prescriptions, special recovery diets, and surgeon checkups. Gastric bypass tends to cost more throughout the whole surgery and recovery. Like lap band most patients will get another surgery to remove skin commonly called a lift because after the weight loss the body did not pull the excess skin in. One downside to a sleeve procedure is that if there is a complication, they can be severe. Furthermore,, any complications or extra surgeon checkups cost a lot. The price for a surgeon, medical hospital, bariatric surgery, and recovery can be cut in half or more by traveling. A lot of people are traveling for weight loss surgeries to low cost places like Costa Rica. A lot of US perform procedures out of Costa Rica because it costs them and their clients a lot less. In most cases, it the patient gets a world-class surgery set up, and it costs them a third. Gastric sleeve is a specialty which patients travel to Costa Rica for more experienced surgeons. However, due to rising US obesity, there are a lot of hot spots around the world for cheap and great weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass and lap band surgery.

Tens of thousands of Americans and Canadians have traveled to Mexico to get bariatric surgery. The excellent prices and proximity to the United States border are the obvious benefits. By traveling just ten minutes from the US border you can have your gastric bypass surgery or gastric sleeve surgery done in Mexico for approximately 50 to 70 percent less than the surgery would cost you in the United States or Canada.

But is it safe to get a gastric sleeve Mexico?

This is a common and the most important question we get asked every day. Our surgical partners in Mexico perform over a hundred gastric surgeries a month for US and Canadian citizens with over 90 percent of those patients arriving from the United States. You will not be traveling to a situation where you are getting surgery far away from home, with no one who knows your language! You will be with a lot of other Americans, who decided the same thing you did. That saving about ten to fifteen thousand dollars was worth the trip.

What would receiving a bariatric surgery in Mexico be like?

Although a more general question, the real underlining question here is, will it be very different than getting the procedure in the States or Canada? The answer is yes and no. Traveling to another county always has some differences, you have to expect this. However, from a surgical point of view your actual surgery will be performed exactly the same as if you traveled two miles from your house. Your surgeon will have comparable credentials and experience as your surgeon at home. Our Gastric sleeve Mexico partners are Allergan Lap-Band system certified exactly the same way their United States counterparts would be. Its normal and smart to be concerned about getting a surgery away from home. Though with over 1,200 bariatric surgeries being performed on a yearly basis you can expect an extremely experienced staff performing the procedure in an accredited surgery center with quality care and service.

What’s included in our gastric sleeve Mexico packages

• All consultations and follow up surgeon visits
• All surgical fees
• All anesthesia charges
• Overnight staysin the hospital
• All medications including antibiotics
• Accommodations at the patient recovery house
• All transportation to and from the airport
• All transportation to and from the hospital
• All meals at the patient recovery house.

Accommodations at the recovery house are included in our Mexican bariatric packages. You of course are free to choose your own hotel if you wish, but we have found that our clients truly like to be around other Americans getting the same procedures as they are getting. The ability to speak to other gastric surgery patients in different stages of the process is really a big bonus, we highly recommend it.

The average cost of gastric sleeve surgery in the United States is about $16,000. Surgical Services International, has secured pricing with our Mexican gastric sleeve partners at $5,500 dollars. These prices include everything listed above. This is an incredible value, and the clinic is often booked a month in advance.

Click here to get a quote and a complimentary consultation with our bariatric surgeon.

SSI offers the following weight loss surgeries

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico

Gastric Gastrectomy surgery is a newer procedure that results in weight loss by reducing your food intake. This surgery will remove approximately 60% of the stomach laparoscopically so that it takes the shape of a tube or “sleeve.” This surgery is becoming one of the most effective weight loss surgeries

The Lap-Band® procedure in Mexico

The only adjustable surgical weight loss technique is the Lap Band system. Developed to aid in long-term weight loss, the LAP-BAND® System has been used by laparoscopic surgeons globally

Mini-gastric bypass procedure in Mexico

The Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) is a short, simple, successful and inexpensive gastric bypass weight loss surgery. This gastric surgery is for treating those patients with a BMI of over 40 and are considered to have morbid obesity

Gastric bypass or Rouc en Y procedure in Mexico

It is the surgery that obtains excellent weight loss results near the 80-90 percent of loss of the excess of weight within 11-19 months. This is the most invasive of all the gastric surgeries for weight loss.

If you are considering a weight loss surgery you have probably come across a procedure called a Gastric Sleeve. This surgery is expensive, costing many patients well over $13,000 U.S. Dollars in the States at the present.

If you are not covered by your insurance carrier for this procedure, or are self funding for any reason, then the out of pocket expenses will be important to budget for.

Surgical Services International has packages for Gastric Sleeve surgery that are all inclusive. The cost of gastric sleeve surgery is $5,500

Click here to get a detailed gastric sleeve cost based quote. All surgery fees are included in your price

Breakdown of the costs that you must budget for when getting Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• The bariatric surgeon’s fee
• Facility expenses hospital or surgical theater
• Laboratory pre-op fees
• X-ray fees
• Post surgery medications
• Post surgical supply’s
• Gastric sleeve cost breakdown, including monies that will pay out over a longer timeframe as a consequence of your procedure.
• Follow up consultations with your doctor or dietitian
• Travel expenses if you are traveling to get your gastric sleeve surgery.
• Additional surgeries that may be needed down the road after your weight loss.
• Additional gastric procedures like a full bypass if you are using the gastric sleeve surgery as a first stage procedure and need a more invasive gastric procedure.
• Cost of post gastric surgery diet, will you be purchasing special meals, vitamins or supplements over a long term.
• Possible loss of wages for you, will your job pay you when you are undergoing this procedure. Will another member of your household need to take off work to assist you?

Expense checklist to go over with your bariatric surgeon

First go over your doctors quote for gastric sleeve surgery and identify exactly what is clearly included in the quote. Be very detailed in this process, it will alleviate any misunderstands and allows you to budget accordingly. The last thing you need is to have financial concerns on top of the stress of undergoing a gastric sleeve procedure.

Many patients are hesitant to closely question their surgeons about matters of finance as it relates to surgery. You need to have a more regular consumer approach toward the procedure. You are the buyer and the surgeon is the seller. Ask the questions that you would ask about any major purchase, what’s the warranty, what’s covered, who is responsible for it breaking? What if something goes wrong, what are my options and who is paying for those options?

Do not hesitate to ask for the detailed points you discuss about financial matters to be put into writing, most surgeons will have no problem doing so.

Questions to ask your surgeon or his head of administration concerning gastric sleeve cost

• What is the cost of the vertical sleeve surgery; ask for a detailed surgeryquote in as much detail as possible. Even if they say that it is an all exclusive price for the surgery. Ask under what circumstances could the price could be affected. A good example of where a cost can change, is most quotes are for a standard patient. What does that mean? Well, say you have a allergy to the normal anesthetic the anesthesiologist normally uses and they need to buy or use one special for your surgery, this normally includes a surcharge for the patient. Almost every all inclusive quote has circumstances that will affect the surgery cost, get this information in advance so you can budget for your bariatric surgery accordingly
• If you are getting a second bariatric procedure at a later date, can you get a discount? Don’t hesitate to ask, again treat this like a normal large ticket purchase. If you are getting two bariatric surgery you should get cost savings, no question.pub gonfiabile
• Ask about what financing options are available and what the interest rates are. Financing for bariatric surgery is not typically at very competitive rates, unless your credit score is above average. Make sure to total the entire price with financing charges before accepting any credit terms.
• Discuss what happens if you have to have a second surgery due to a complication or any other reason. What are the surgery costs involved, and what is your financial responsibility. should the need arise for a second surgery. Often if there is a complication, which is rare with gastric sleeve surgery, the patient pays a reduced rate for the procedure or just has to cover actual surgical theater cost. But it is something you want to know in advance.

A clear idea of how much your gastric sleeve surgery cost will be, including ALL fees is an important step.

The most common gastric sleeve complications, and the symptoms associated with them include:

Internal bleeding after gastric sleeve surgery

If a patient starts to bleed it will typically occur during the first 24- 36 hours.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty in breathing (shortness of breath)
• Elevated heart rate
• Gray skin tone, pale skin complexion
• Becoming dizzy when walking
• Not passing urine can also be a cause for concern.
• Bleeding through the rectum is common and will be used to help determine if it is normal or if there is a complication. This is also the reason the patient will be overnight in the hospital

Blood clots after a gastric sleeve surgery

Occurring in less than one percent of gastric sleeve complications, a blood clot is still a very real risk for obese patients undergoing any type of procedure. A blood clot breaking into the blood stream can be fatal. Blood thinners are given prior to surgery, and special leg fitting are often used during surgery to squeeze the legs. The most important prevention, however, is having the patient walk as soon as possible after the surgery. Even short walking distances are useful after surgery. The walking should take place as soon as two hours after the surgery but each patient is different and based on your circumstances will vary.

Stomach leaking after gastric sleeve

A very serious infection can result if a hole develops in the staples used during the surgery. Acids from the stomach can escape into the abdomens’ cavity, affecting the other organs. This can lead to a condition known as Sepsis.(wide spread complications in the key body process caused by infections) In rare occasions multiple organs can fail, which can lead to death. This is, however, very unusual but you can see that monitoring of your overall body condition immediately following surgery is critical. If you feel anything is amiss, DO NOT HESITATITE TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR PROCEED TO AN EMENGENCY ROOM.

Common Gastric Sleeve complications, the Symptoms of the stomach leaking after a gastric procedure includes:

• Running a fever for no apparent reason
• Stomach pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Difficulty in catching your breath
• Rapid shallow breathing
• Feeling very weak, and ill

A stomach leak is an acute gastric sleeve complication because it is hard for the surgeon to confirm that there is a leak. Currently, no full proof test is available. The surgeon will look at all the patient symptoms and decide based on experience with the procedure. If the surgeon suspects the presence of a leak you will be brought back in for an additional surgery..

Gastric sleeve complication rates are truly low, but the risks are real, none the less. If you feel not well, even if it’s just a feeling that something might be wrong. If you have any of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to call your doctor or surgeon immediately or seek medical attention.

Gastric Sleeve surgery is often used as a first stage surgery prior to a full Gastric Bypass. The Gastric Sleeve is used on patients that are considered too high risk or are just too ill to undergo the stress of a bypass.

The Gastric Sleeve surgery removes a large section of the actual stomach itself. The part of the stomach that is surgically removed is the upper stomach, which is responsible for producing the hunger hormone, Ghrelin. This surgery helps the patient lose weight twofold, the new size of the stomach is restrictive and you will feel full very fast. Two, you will have less hunger issues as your body is not producing the hormone which tells your body that it is hungry. Combining these two powerful processes has increasingly made the Gastric Sleeve an increasingly popular stand alone surgery.

The Gastric Bypass procedure, the most common being the Roux-en-Y bypass . In a full bypass your stomach is also reduced in size by surgically making a small pocket in the upper part of the stomach with surgical staples or by installing a restrictive device which is essentially a plastic band. The reduced stomach is then surgically routed to the middle portion of your small intestine. This causes your food to pass through the intestinal tract too quickly to absorb all the calories and nutrients, causing weight loss. This rerouting of the digestive process is a much more invasive and arduous surgery than a Gastric Sleeve and has a higher rate of complications such as nutritional deficiencies and possibilities of developing ulcers.

The Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass Comparison

Deciding between the procedures requires that you fully understand the fundamental differences in the surgical process used for each.

With the bypass, your surgeon will create an new outlet for your stomach (think it of it as putting in a new exit door) After creating the new outlet in your stomach, the surgeon will remove the unused portion of the small intestine and route the remaining small intestine to the new opening he created(stoma).

With the Gastric Sleeve your stomach will still be surgically reduced in size but your digestive track is not rerouted, or bypassed at all. This has the distinct advantage of not causing malabsorptive problems. Nutritional deficiencies are not an issue as all the stomach remains intact, you just feel full when eating, and are only able to eat reduced portions. Your entire digestive system remains the same and you just use it at a reduced rate.

Gastric Banding vs. Gastric Sleeve

A Gastric Sleeve can be substituted by a Lap Band (adjustable band) instead of a surgery to remove a portion of the stomach. The band will restrict the quantity of food you can eat at one sitting by basically choking the entrance to the stomach itself. This is the only easily reversible gastric procedure and has the advantage of having the least complications. Gastric Banding does however, require frequent visits to your doctor for maintenance. The band is regularly tightened or loosened by injections into the band via a connection in your lower abdomen. The Gastric Band is often used in conjunction with a bypass surgery.

Which weight loss surgery is right for me?

The ultimate decision on which is better for you, a Gastric Bypass vs Gastric Sleeve surgery should be made between you and your health practitioner. I think you can make your preference clear by being comfortable with an informed understanding of the process involved. A basic medical understanding of weight loss surgery will go a long way in having a quality consultation with your surgeon about your decision.

Weight Loss Surgery Comparison Chart

Bariatric surgeries for obese patients were originally discovered accidently during more severe operations for patients with stomach cancers or ulcers that required surgical removal. The patients that underwent these procedures ended up losing a large volume of excess weight as a side effect. Considering the high percentage of obese people in the United States the potential for a weight loss procedure was very large. Voila, the birth of the weight loss surgeon was a short step away.

There are two types of weight loss surgeries with different procedures targeted to different types of patients. In order get a clear picture of what this means, you should have a working knowledge of the digestive process, its sections and a little bit about how the weight loss procedures affect them. Let’s first examine the digestive process.

Digestive Juices and enzymes mix with your food as it travels from your mouth to your esophagus, then to your stomach. The average stomach has a volume of about three pints and contains very strong digestive acids which are used to break down your food into smaller components and absorbable sizes.

After passing through your stomach, your food moves to the duodenum. This is the first section of your small intestine. Your body produces bile and pancreatic juices to continue the breaking down of your food. The duodenum is where Calcium and Iron nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

The next stop is the Jejunum sometimes referred to as the mid-gut. After the Jejunum it travels directly through to the ileum. The jejunum and the ileum are responsible for absorbing the remainder of all other nutrients and calories that were not absorbed by the Duodenum.

After all nutrients have been absorbed in the small intestine the remaining matter is then passed to the large intestine where they are eliminated from the body.

“All weight loss surgeries are based on placing restraints or eliminating parts of the digestive tubing and stomach.”

The two types of gastric weight loss surgeries are Restrictive Gastric Surgery and Malabsorptive Gastric Surgery. Let’s examine them both.

Restrictive Gastric Surgery

There are two types of restrictive surgeries used for weight loss.

A bariatric surgeon will remove a portion of your stomach. This causes you to feel full much faster and reducing portion-sizes when you eat which results in weight loss. This procedure is permanent and does not need annual maintenance from your doctor after your weight loss is stable and a foreign device is not implanted into your body.

Another version of a restrictive surgery is the Lap-Band. This is also known as a Gastric Band. This is a physical device that restricts the amount of food that can be taken at one sitting. The devise requires several annual visits to your doctor to be maintained. But a Gastric Band used in weight loss surgery does have a distinct advantage in that can be removed at a later date if desired. Gastric Banding is more popular of the two types of restrictive surgeries used for obese patients. Gastric Sleeve is the second most popular, but in the last few years is gaining in popularity very quickly.

Malabsorptive Gastric Surgery

A section is cut away from the small intestine. The small intestine is where your body absorbs most of its nutrients and calories. A section is removed so basically the food passes too quickly through the digestive track to be fully absorbed. This also means that the nutrients are not absorbed as well either. Patients choosing to get this procedure will be on supplements for life due to shortages in vitamins being absorbed. Sometimes and ony for the most serious cases, a malabsorptive surgery like a gastric bypass is combined with a restrictive procedure like a Lap-Band. Surgeries like Gastric Bypass are the most invasive and have the highest rates of complications

Other important considerations to look at are the benefits and possible risks involved in a getting weight loss surgery. Only by having a thorough understanding of the procedures, the pros and cons weighted carefully can you make a good decision that is likely to work well and integrate into your lifestyle.

The Positives

The most obvious is weight loss, after all this is the point of the surgery at its core. If you get a gastric procedure and you follow your surgeons nutritional guidelines you can expect to lose up to 100 percent of your excess fat during the first two years. This is a generalization as each patient and each weight loss surgery is different. But this is a realistic outcome of the process. A small percentage of patients will gain some of the weight back after this time, but will never regress back to their prior level of obesity.

The resulting health benefits of losing the excess weight are dependant on the pre existing conditions that are individual to each person’s medical history but most often include many of the following;

• Diabetic conditions minimize or return to normal
• Reduction in cholesterol related diseases
• Patients with hypertension will eliminate medications
• Significant reduction in risks of heart disease,
• Major reduction in pulmonary disease
• Major reduction in certain cancers
• Life expectancy goes up by as much as 20 percent
• Greater earning potential, studies have shown that morbidly obese people do not earn as much as those that are not.
• Less discrimination in getting hired in workplace
• Tremendous boost to self esteem.
• Reduction or elimination of sleep apnea
• Reduction in arthritis and joint related issues
• The ability to have a physically active lifestyle, participate in sports, etc.
• Large boost to energy levels, not feeling tired all the tim

The Negatives

What are the risks and possible complications associated with weight loss surgery?

Vomiting
This is mainly the result of over eating after your stomach size has been surgically reduced, or have not chewed your food enough

Delaying PregnancyIt is not recommended that you become pregnant after a gastric surgery, particularly before your weight becomes level and any nutritional issues that might arise can be dealt with . Becoming pregnant immediately after a weight loss surgery could pose a risk to the baby.

Dumping syndrome
This in a side effect of malabsorptive surgeries. The food passes to rapidly through the small intestines. Signs for this include weakness, sweating, diarrhea shortly after eating and nausea. Candy and sweet foods can bring about a feeling of extreme tiredness.

Gallstones
Thirty percent of obese patients that undergo gastric procedures will develop gallstones. This can be avoided potentially with the addition of bile salts during the first 6-8 months. Talk to your doctor about this option.

Nutritional Deficiencies
Patients who get a weight loss surgery can develop various deficiencies. These include but are not limited to; osteoporosis, anemia and bone disease. But these symptoms and diseases can be controlled by taking the correct mineral and vitamins.

Surgical ComplicationsA small percentage of gastric surgeries will need to be redone. Possible complications are hernias, infections, separation of any incision made during the gastric procedure.

Staples Leaking
If you have a procedure that uses staples, there can be leaking into the abdomen. This is a very serious situation that can generally be corrected with antibiotics. If the antibiotics are not successful the leak can be cause to require emergency surgery.

Death
Every surgical procedure has a degree of risk. The risk depends a lot on your health, age and other factors. Obese patients pose special risks over a person with a normal BMI. This is something you should check with your doctor in detail to ascertain your individual risk.

Lifestyle modifications are critical, weight loss surgery will go a very long way to getting your body back to a normal size and health. But you will have to adhere to a new way of eating and exercising. Failure to make the necessary lifelong change puts you in danger of sliding backwards. The old adage” if you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten” applies completely. You will have to make new habits and rituals to live a healthier lifestyle.

Some questions to ask yourself to see if you are ready for a weight loss surgery

If you are male, are you over 100 pounds past your ideal weight.
If female the number is closer to around 70 to 80 pounds.

Do feel that you have given an honest attempt at normal weight loss methods? Have you tried, meal plans, counseling etc. and those methods have just not gotten you to your ideal weight.

Are you prepared to commit to the lifestyle changes that will be required after your surgery?

Do you feel you thoroughly understand the procedure you are considering? Have you actually sat down with pen and paper and listed all the pros and cons and how they apply directly to you.

Have you considered that if dieting did not work for you because of self discipline issues, those issues will need to be addressed as self control is required to have the optimal outcome from any surgery. You will still have a diet plan after gastric surgery, and it is critical to follow your doctor’s dietary recommendations. Are you prepared for this?

Have you considered setting a weight loss goal prior to surgery that will help the outcome and empower you to feel that you will do everything required for your follow up lifestyle after surgery?

Getting a weight loss surgery is a major decision. Most are non reversible surgeries that require a lifelong commitment to eating changes, exercise changes and an emotional relearning of the major habits that brought on the obesity in the first place.

“You will find the best price here for Lap band Mexico. Lap Band Mexico choices are not risky, and you do not have to compromise the quality.”

If you are considering getting a gastric band (Lap Band) procedure in Mexico, Surgical Services International has surgical partners located just ten minutes across the border. Traveling to get your bariatric procedure will save you about 65% or more.

Our surgeons are Allergan Lap-Band system certified in exactly the same way as their U.S. and Canadian medical counterparts.

Many of our patients are very surprised to learn that a Lap Band Mexico obesity surgeon is likely to have more experience in the lap band procedure than his U.S. counterpart. The FDA only approved the use of Lap Band surgery in late 2001. Mexico approved the procedure in the 1990s. That means that many gastric surgeons will have had several extra years of experience with the procedure across the border. We consider this important information.

This factor alone can be a deciding factor for some patients who want the most experienced surgeon they can find, regardless of where the surgeon is located.
One of the reason’s patients have been flocking to Mexico to get Lap Band surgery is obviously the cost.

Particularly, true for gastric patients who are out of pocket and will not be covered by their insurance carrier. The typical costs associated with Lap Band surgery in Mexico are a substantial incentive at this time.

Lap Band United States Prices

The United States costs for Lap Band surgery range between ten thousand dollars on the low end and as high as thirty thousand dollars. These cost variations are mostly based on your location. Some states are much more expensive than others.

Lap Band Mexico Prices

Lap Band Mexico surgery, on the other hand, costs less than half that figure. Surgical Services currently has a package that includes, basically everything, minus airfare for $4,500 US Dollars.

Please click here to get additional information, and a more detailed quote.

Will Medicaid or Medicare cover a Gastric Band?

In order for either of these organizations to cover your lap band, you must be categorized as morbidly obese. You must demonstrate you have a BMI of over forty. You will have to have documented proof that you have tried several other traditional weight loss methods prior to be even considered for coverage for weight loss surgery. This requirement for the surgery in the States is other reason patients are having the weight loss procedure in Mexico.

What are the differences between getting my weight loss surgery at home vs. getting a Lap Band in Mexico?

The differences will be minimal, but there are important considerations that you need to be aware of.

You have to be comfortable with the surgeon without having an in person meeting. Our Surgical Partners have performed thousands of these procedures and have been fully investigated by SSI, but you still have to be comfortable with the fact you will not meet your surgeon prior to booking a lap-band surgery in Mexico. This is where choosing to work with Surgical Services International has distinct advantages over just for a gastric surgeon in Mexico.

You will require a current passport to cross the border into Mexico. Whether you are traveling by car or plane you will need a passport to travel to Mexico and to return to the United States or Canada. This should be planned in advance as waiting to the last moment will add an additional expense to have the process expatiated.

You will need to find a United States or Canadian Doctor to handle the maintenance on your Lap Band that was inserted in Mexico. This is not a big issue as there are many Gastric Surgeons in both countries.

These are the main concerns that our patients report on getting their Lap Band in Mexico.

Why choose SSI as your medical tourism agent?

We have been in the business of providing medical tourism through our Surgical Partners for over seven years. We are Americans, who understand what you expect in a doctor and an overall surgical experience.

Another important consideration is that Surgical Services International has a lot more influence than any individual patient could have. This is simply a result of patient volume. It makes sense that if we send 20 patients per month to a surgical partner, then it is in their best interest to provide our patients with their top level service. If you have a concern or issue with a process that is going on in your lap band surgery in Mexico, You will be able to call us directly, and we will work to get it resolved on your behalf. Our partners understand that when they are providing services to our clientele, the standards required are the highest they can produce. Nothing less than the best is acceptable for our patients, period. This may sound a bit heavy handed, but this is surgery, and it’s serious, to us and you.

Why is getting the Lap Band Surgery in Mexico so inexpensive? This makes me a little uneasy

This is probably the number one question we get in every division of medical tourism. The answer is twofold.

One: It is that the cost of living is less expensive in other countries, so the wages required for a Gastric Surgeon or a registered nurse is much lower. This has a very large effect on the budgets given.

Two: The difference in the value of currencies. The value of every country’s currency rises and falls regularly. Sometimes the shifts can last for several years. During times when the US or Canadian currency is strong against another country’s currency, then travel and surgery in that country become significantly more affordable.
Sometimes it is a combination of those two factors that combine to make a great opportunity to achieve substantial savings.

Currently getting your Lap Band in Mexico is just such an example. You expect to have a surgeon who is trained in exactly the same fashion, has comperable credentials as your home town Surgeon and is certified on FDA approved devices.

Additional Points to consider:

• Weight Loss with Lap Band
• Gastric risks with Lap Band
• Cost of Lap Band In Mexico

The price of lap band is typically affected by clinic prices, surgeon’s costs, and location. The operation in the U.S. normally costs $5,000 and up overseas it generally runs a lot less. Some bariatric surgeons will offer patients a reduced price if they are great candidates, and if they don’t require a lot of post-surgery band adjustments. The first of many steps that patients looking to have lap band performed should take is to get a consultation with several surgeons and look at different clinics this is a major expense. The second step to take is look abroad because it could reduce the cost of any bariatric procedure up to fifty percent. Bariatric surgeons will tell you if you are a candidate for gastric banding also known as lap band. Patients need to be within 70% of their ideal body weight. Too much weight does not allow bariatric surgeons the ability to create the stoma / pouch in the patient’s stomach. Almost all surgeons charge patients for the consultation and post surgery checkups.

“Lap Band Surgery”  The Operation

Surgeons make a tiny incision near the top of the abdomen they can then go in claustrophobically and place an adjustable gastric band (device) around the top of the stomach. Creating a pouch commonly referred to as (stoma) this new pouch/stomach reduces your body’s food intake. After the procedure / operation surgeons will make adjustments to the lap band by injecting cc of saline into the device around the stomach. After the operation surgeons will adjust the gastric band by two to three cc of saline each checkup. When more saline is injected the band becomes tighter constricting the stoma / pouch which reduces your food intake even more. Surgeons will reduce the amount of saline in the band for the patient to get another surgery or having a baby. Getting the gastric band removed is an even shorter operation, when surgically removed it can cause the stomach to be extremely irritated normally leading to several days in the hospital / clinic. Also once the stoma is created the pouch tends takes a couple days to go back to it’s normally position is the patient’s stomach.

Advantages of Lap band

Lap band surgery has several distinct advantages over other surgical procedures, particularly bariatric operations. The actual lap band operation normally takes two days to recover from, and one day in the hospital post surgery. It has the lowest complication rates of any bariatric surgery and there is not stapling or serious surgical incision, which really reduces discomfort after the operation. The gastric band is generally left in the patient’s stomach, and surgeons can adjust the saline to help patient gain or loss weight. Unlike other surgical procedures lap band helps keep the weight off post surgery. Since the surgery is being performed by bariatric surgeons, there are no packages available. Female patients generally have liposuction with breast augmentation but bariatric surgeons are not plastic and cannot perform any plastic surgery procedures. However, thousands of patients have other procedures a year after getting lap band because their stomach has excess skin. Since the operation is performed laparoscopically there is a tiny scar left on the stomach and is very hard to see.
A common procedure that many patients get after lap band is a tummy tuck with breast augmentation (women), and men get TT with liposuction. The pouch / band can be removed by a bariatric surgeon, but it does take a full operation to remove it. Several clinics and surgeons will offer patients discounts if they plan to have it removed in 10 to 15 years, but again it is another surgical procedure, and most of the time just costs more. Female patients, in particular need to get the gastric band adjusted to intake more calories before getting another surgery like breast augmentation or anything. Most surgeons will schedule an appointment every three months to make adjustments to the lap band. This has the lowest amount of surgical complications and has the shortest recovery time of any bariatric surgery. Since the gastric band regulates your stomach’s food intake for your entire life it is a long term successful weight loss strategy. Furthermore, if you are gaining too much weight the gastric band will be manually adjusted by any bariatric specialist or surgeon to help you eat less. Most lap band surgery patients have another operation like a tummy tuck or breast augmentation afterward to counter any excess skin making their bodies look great.

The Steps involved in the Lap band Surgery Processes

1. Find Surgeons
2. Get Consolations
3. Pick your Clinic / hospital
4. Pre surgery Work-up
5. The Surgical Operation
6. Recovery, Diet
7. Check Ups

‘LAP-BAND Cost in the U.S. is becoming more expensive. The fees are rising annually, currently the high end prices are almost $20,000.”

Undergoing Weight loss surgery is a life changing, medical decision, which has financial aspects to consider. The price will depend on many factors. Depending on your health and unique situation there is not a “correct cost” for LAP-BAND® surgery.Factors that will influence your total price include, where you chose to get the surgery (this is the biggest single cost factor). Your choice of a gastric surgeon and what fees are covered in the hospital’s quoted price. When you know up front all the monetary aspects of a procedure, it becomes a much more affordable prospect as you can budget accordingly.

LAP-BAND® Price Comparison

As you compare quotes for LAP BAND Surgery, “cheap, cheap” is often expensive!”. Why? There are several hidden fees that are frequently not factored in your original quote. The list is extensive; make sure your bid covers the following items.

• Surgeons Fees
• Anesthesia Fees
• Pre surgery Lab Fees
• Surgery complication expenses
• Surgery overrun costs

Other expenses include lifestyle changes, and what they will cost you in the long term, some of these can include.

• Exercise expenses(Gym)
• Nutrition and diet counseling
• Wardrobe changes due to surgery can add up.
• Any ongoing follow up doctor apt could be a considerable annual expense.

As this budget checklist shows you it’s not just the cost of the surgery it’s ‘what is included in price that really dictates what you will actually be paying.

LAP-BAND® Prices in the U. S.

United States prices for LAP-BAND® surgery is between $13,000 and $19,000. Lap Band packages include hospital fees, Pre-op testing and surgeons consultations in this fee structure. Most proposals do not cover follow up- appointments and fluid adjustments for the Band beyond a certain point. Ask about everything that is included in your package and use the expense checklist above to verify everything that can cause to you go over-budget.

LAP-BAND® Costs in Mexico

U.S. Patients have for years are choosing to travel outside the States to find low-cost LAP-BAND® Options. The top destination outside of the US borders is Mexico. The cost for a Band Surgery is $ 5,000 to $9,500 in Mexico. If you are considering this option, make sure you allow for travel related expenses, and the follow ups needed for this surgery.

Cost of Exams/ Pre-op Tests

Following your surgeon’s approval of you for LAP-BAND® surgery, the next step is a battery of pre-operative lab tests and exams. The outcome of these will be the final step in being cleared medically for weight loss surgery. Typical exams can include, chest X-rays, electrocardiograph (EKG) and an echocardiogram. The overall price should include these costs, but if not they can add additional expenses running to over $1000 if billed outside the package quote.

Cost of Band Adjustments/ Follow Up Care

Band adjustments are a critical part of LAP-BAND® surgery. The adjustments are directly tied to your food intake level and as such are related to weight loss. Some surgeons will include a price structure to include the adjustments; some will not and change a separate fee for this. Typical prices for adjustments range between $100 and $350 (special note. Some surgeons charge non surgical patients more than their patients so ask when making the appointment!).

Budgeting for the total LAP-BAND COSTS procedure are important as the price tag should not be something you are concerned with when you undergo your weight loss surgery.

This bariatric surgery diet overview is designed to educate you and will pertain to most bariatric surgeries. Depending on whether you are getting a gastric sleeve procedure or a full bypass surgery, you must follow your doctor’s fitness and nutritional guidelines and strictly follow their prescribed diet plans.

Many bariatric surgeons work with full time dietitians to supplement their knowledge of proper nutrition and to provide better patient coverage for the dietary portion of the surgery. It is important that you understand how your food choices and fitness habits will need to change both pre and post bariatric surgery. A thorough understanding of the operation as a whole will make the entire process much less stressful both emotionally as well as physically.

Food management is perhaps the key determining factor for long-term success after a bariatric surgery. Your weight loss depends on adapting new lifestyle choices. If you continue to make poor meal choices, eating junk food and other high fat foods your results will be hindered severely. Discussing your diet with a nutritionist prior to your gastric surgery is also a good idea as you can prepare your body for the procedure in a healthy fashion.

Strictly following your doctors dietary plan will also ensure you lose excess body weight faster. You will be losing weight rapidly, and a healthy diet will ensure you are getting the correct nutrition. This will go a long way to help minimize some of the common negative side effects of gastrointestinal surgery, which are: difficulty in maintaining lean body mass and retaining your skin elasticity. Proper diet (particularly lean protein) has also shown to help prevent post surgery hair loss. Let’s take a look at an overview of your bariatric surgery diet over a two year period.

Bariatric diet plan- menu

• Week one: All liquid diet, no exceptions
• Week two: All liquid diet
• Week three: Transition meal plan between liquid only diet and a pureed, or very soft food meals
• Week four: Mostly pureed meal plans
• Week five: Mostly pureed meals with small additions of solid foods.
• Week six: Regular foods in small quantities at one sitting.

Note- Special care must be taken to chew food very well.

Year one to year two dietary overview

Reduced calorie diet plans are continued during the first two years, generally in the 700 to 900 calorie range. It is in these initial years you will be expected to have your greatest weight loss to occur (approximately 70 to 80 percent of the total for most surgical weight loss patients). This time from is based on your BNI (body mass index) or how obese you were prior to the bariatric surgery.

Year two and after dietary overview

After achieving the weight loss goal that was originally set out by your surgeon and yourself during your consultation prior to surgery and depending on how well you have stuck with your bariatric surgery diet you will have your meals plans adjusted to the 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day range.

Vitamins for bariatric surgery

Most surgeons will recommend that you take a multivitamin with iron, calcium, and depending on which gastric surgery you have undergone additional supplements may be needed for vitamins B12, A, D, E, and K. The supplement is dependent on your personal medical history and the type of gastric procedure you had (for example, example a full gastric bypass is a malabsorptive procedure, which hinders your body from getting proper nutrition from your food and requires a lager supplement regime). Pre existing conditions can make other nutritional supplements necessary as well, consult with you surgeon in detail on this subject.

Meal plans for post surgical weight loss surgery

These first two weeks typical diet plan is for a post bariatric surgery patient in more detail. During this initial period, patients report not feeling minimal hunger in general, but they still must adhere to a very strict regime which requires attention every 15 minutes or so. This is, however, only for the first two weeks!

First two weeks meal plan, broken down into one hour segments, as it is repeated every hour.

• 1.00 p.m : Approximately two fluid ounces of a low sugar protein shake, completely mixed.
• 1.15 p.m: Approximately two fluid ounces of water or zero calorie liquid
• 1.45 p.m: Approximately two fluid ounces of broth (Chemical free variety)
• 2.00 p.m: Diluted juice (no sugar added variety)

Then the meal plan starts over again. This is only during your normal waking hours for the first weeks. You don to have to wake up to continue the process in the night. Most patients actually feel full from just the liquid intake. Talk to your surgeon or the dietitian if you have any special concerns about this portion of the bariatric surgery diet.