How do I know if I am a candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

If you are obese or your BMI (body mass index) is over 30 then there is a good possibility that you are a candidate? (there is a BMI calculator on our website for your convenience.)

How do I know which surgery is best for me?

The surgery that you chose is an individual preference depending on the weight loss you want to accomplish and whether or not you are comfortable with a foreign object left in your body)

What is the Lap Band?

Lap band is the newest weight loss surgery available, it is very similar to the Gastric Sleeve however they do not remove any excess stomach from your body and there are no staples. They are receiving the same results with the Plication as they are with the Gastric Sleeve and there are less risks.

What is the VSG (Gastric Sleeve)?

The Gastric Sleeve (VSG, Sleeve Gastrectomy) is surgery where up to 80% of your stomach is removed leaving you with a stomach that looks like a small sleeve hence the name.

What is the Lap-Band?

The Lap-Band is a band put around the lower part of the stomach and the upper part of the stomach creating a small pouch. The band is left on the stomach inside of you and there is a port just under the surface of the skin where they put saline to fill the lower portion of the stomach so that your can only eat small amounts.

How much weight can I expect to lose with my Gastric Sleeve?

With the Lap-Band you can expect to loss approximately 60 to 80 percent of your excess weight, with the lap band, you can expect to lose 60 to 80% of your excess weight and with the Gastric Sleeve you can expect to lose 60 to 80% of your excess weight.

How long does the surgery take?

The surgery normally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the procedure you chose.

Do I have to have a medical here before I go?

No, there will be a full pre-op medical done prior to surgery. If things are not all in place the surgery will not proceed.

What medical tests are performed before the surgery?

There will be a complete series of blood work, EKG, x-ray, questions from the anaesthesiologist as well as a cardiologist. When all is clear the surgery will proceed.

What are the risks and complications of each surgery

Gastric Sleeve – Short Term – Death 0.5%, Minor bleeding 1.5%, Liver/Spleen laceration 1.4%, Deep vein thrombophlebitis 0.4%, Gastrointestinal leak 3.1%, Cameral Port Infection 0.9%

Long Term – Stricture of the stomach outlet 2.0%, Stomach pouch ulcers 1.4%, Port site hernia 0.8%, Gastro-gastric fistula 1.2%, Gallstones 2.8%, Anemia 10%

Is there a standard medical form I need to complete?

Yes there is a standard form which needs to be completed prior to booking surgery.

Will I have to diet before surgery?

Yes there is a pre-op diet you will have to follow which will be provided to you when you make your decision for surgery.

If I am on medication will it interfere with my surgery?

Part of the pre-op form will ask you about your medications and the doctor will get in touch with Weight No More if they require you to follow any precise procedures for you alone.

Do I bring my medications with me?

Yes bring all your medications with you in their appropriate containers.

How do I get from the airport to the Hotel/Hospital?

You will be picked up at the baggage claim area by our driver and taken straight to the INT Hospital.

What kind of care can I expect after surgery?

The surgeons, their staff along with Weight No More Consulting will be there for you every step of the way. You will be given all medications you will need to cope with any pain you may have or any minor complications.

How long is my stay in Mexico?

Your stay in Mexico will be determined by what procedure you decide to have.

When can I return to work?

If you have a desk job and no heavy lifting you can return to work within one week if you have lifting or a strenuous job then you need to be off 4 to 6 weeks.

What are the risks of surgery?

As with any surgery, there can be complications. Deep vein thrombophlebitis 0.5% Non-fatal pulmonary embolus 0.5% Pneumonia 0.2% Acute respiratory distress syndrome 0.25% Spleenectomy 0.5% Gastric leak and fistula 1.0% Postoperative bleeding 0.5% Small bowel obstruction 0.0% Death 0.1%

Will I be able to return to a normal diet?

After a few weeks you will be able to return to a normal diet just smaller quantities. They strongly suggest no carbonated beverages though as it can tend to build up gas and create major pain.

Do I need to exercise after surgery?

Exercise is very important even without surgery. They strongly suggest walking at least 10,000 steps 3 times a week. Strength training to keep your muscles toned as weight loss is quick and you can lose muscle mass.

Will I have stitches that need to be removed?

No the stitches are totally dissolving so there will be no need to have stitches removed.

Do I need to go back to Mexico for follow up?

No, your family physician at home can do your post operative care as it is very minimal. They need to only be checking your blood every 3 months for the first year. If you were to have a major complication we would be taking you back to Mexico for the surgeon to care for you.

Do I need a passport?

Yes you need a passport to cross the border into the US as well as Mexico.

Can I take a support person with me?

You can take a Support Person with you however they will be responsible for their airfare, hotel and meals. There will also be a facilitator from Weight No More travelling with you.

How do I keep in touch with my family?

There is WiFi at the hospital as well as at the hotel. You can FaceTime, Skype or email. You may also text from your cell phone just be sure to turn your data off or you will have a very high bill.

Do I need money?

Yes you should take some money with you as you will need to purchase drinks after surgery to sip on. I have made arrangements with the hotel restaurant the day you are released to be able to have a bowl of chicken broth and a popsicle however you need to make sure they are aware you are a client of Weight No More. They will ask you to sign the bill and that is ok. Any drinks water, juice etc. you are responsible for.

The day you are released from hospital you may feel well enough to go shopping. If you let the facilitator know they can make arrangements for you to have a tour of Tijuana. Our driver does not charge for this however we expect that you will tip him reasonably for the tour. We suggest around $20.00 a person.

Do I need out of country insurance?

You will require out of country insurance the same as if you were going on a vacation out of country.

Do you have financing available?

Weight No More Consulting is an accredited health care provider through Medicard Finance Canada. You can apply online at www.medicard.com or by phone at 1-888-689-9876. Applying is easy, you will have an answer within 24 hours in most cases. It is based on your credit, but they have a high success rate of approving applications even when your bank won’t approve you.

Can I claim this on my income tax?

Yes this is a legitimate Tax expense, both the Canadian Government and the American Government have recognized it as a medical expense. See the link on our home page regarding claiming under Revenue Canada.