Different forms of bariatric surgeries have aided thousands of patients diagnosed as clinically overweight and obese to shed off the extra weight and live a healthy life. Moreover, it has been noted from time, and again that bariatric procedure potentially leads to significant weight loss and a further improvement in weight-related medical conditions like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Additionally, patients who have undergone these procedures also report a considerable enhancement to their quality of life and had their self-confidence boosted.
Unfortunately, bariatric surgery procedures are costly in the US, and most patients simply cannot afford them. However, south of the border, in Tijuana, Mexico, things are different. At Tijuana, most bariatric centers offer low-cost bariatric surgery, performed by experienced surgeons.
Travelling to and Accommodation in Tijuana
The city of Tijuana is located squarely on the US-Mexico border. Traveling time to Tijuana takes about one hour including the border checkpoints waiting time. Moreover, you can decide to use an alternative route, fly directly to San Diego, which is the closest city to Tijuana, for a more comfortable and enhanced flight and luggage handling experience then drive onwards.
In Tijuana, Gastric Sleeve Surgery is the most popular form of bariatric surgery, more so among weight loss surgery patients. Gastric Sleeve surgery is a restrictive surgery; this implies it limits the amount of food you can eat, hence the popularity of the operation.
Fortunately, some Tijuana gastric sleeve surgery providers also make accommodations plans for the patient inclusive of airport travel to and from, hotel, and hospital accommodations. Furthermore, Uber and other taxi services are available in both cities.
About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Patients who undergo this form of bariatric surgery get full faster, feel full longer, and rapidly lose weight. During gastric sleeve surgery, about 85% of your stomach is removed, which is okay since the stomach is a huge organ with limited function. The portion of your stomach left takes the shape of a sleeve, and this reduces the amount of food you can consume. The stomach is also connected to your small intestine. Therefore nutrients will typically be absorbed as your food digests. Gastric Sleeve surgery has the highest success rate equivalent with long-lasting results. However, it is also hugely dependent on your commitment to losing excess weight and keeping it off, eating healthy and right, and leading a non-sedentary, active lifestyle.
Furthermore, your treatment doesn’t simply end once your surgery is done. There are essential post-op strategies included that will ensure the realization of the surgery’s success, namely nutrition. Quite often, after bariatric procedures, a nutritionist is recommended who will tailor a healthy eating plan for you to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Additionally, it is also advisable to follow up with your local physician around three months after the surgery, where you need to have a comprehensive blood analysis performed and submitted for review.
What to Expect
The surgery begins with you under general anesthesia. Then laparoscopic incisions that are small are then made in the abdomen, and stomach reshaping begins. The unwanted portion of the stomach is removed and what is left is shaped into an oblong tube that resembles a sleeve which becomes your new stomach. Your new stomach is sealed with staples and the incision closed. This complicated bariatric procedure allows you to maintain a healthy weight by eating less food.
After the Surgery
Once the procedure is done, the surgeon will issue recommendations on what follows next, and will also approve on matters transportation if you’ll be flying. Tijuana’s medical tourism is steadily booming with most of the area top surgeons connecting you to a medical travel agency or even coordinate your travel themselves, to ensure your safety concerns are assured.
Security Risks
Tijuana has an infamous reputation for being rowdy, and unpredictable. However, this doesn’t mean the whole city is dangerous. As mentioned earlier, all cities have their ugly scars beneath. A significant portion of the city is relatively safe, and you can rest assured.
To minimize security risks, keep these tips in mind:
- Always stick to the tourist designated areas when possible where it’s safer, and more so, can quickly get assistance if you get lost or are confused on where to go. Furthermore, these areas have many English-speakers available.
- If you have a vehicle or rented a car, ensure you have some comprehensive coverage on it. Take note of erratic drivers in Tijuana who are sometimes known to be aggressive and less mindful of traffic lights and stop signs.
- Always keep your money safe. When in public, save a few dollars with you while you can safely tuck the rest away in inconspicuous locations or the sole of your shoes.
- It is safer traveling in pairs, so you can elicit a companion to travel with you on your quest. Going with a partner is an ideal tip for all international travels, not only to Mexico. Moreover, you’ll need someone around you once you’ve done the surgery.
