Happy Dr. Abril's gastric sleeve patient

Happy Dr. Abril's gastric sleeve patient 

In recent months we have received many patients looking for a drastic change in their lives through weight loss surgery in Mexicali, Mexico at Hispano Americano Hospital. Board certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Rafael Abril, considered the best weight loss surgeon in Mexicali, Mexico is one of the regions most experienced gastric sleeve surgeons. Recently we received the visit of Cheryl, the latest happy gastric sleeve surgery in Mexicali, Mexico patient. 

In about a year, Cheryl will see her excess weight reduced between 80% and 90%. Some of the comorbidities like hypertension, sleep apnea and more will disappear perhaps completely! Cheryl already took a decisive step towards a healthy lifestyle. You could be next. 

For more information on gastric sleeve surgery in Mexicali, Mexico, please visit our website or call us toll free at 888-698-2244. 

Should I have a Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico?

Should I have a gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico?

Gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico carries some risks inherent to any surgery. However having weight loss surgery in Mexico may be scary for you, especially if you were misinformed by friends (who usually know nothing about health services in Mexico).

Surely you heard some of the following:

- Mexican doctors are bad and inexperienced

- Mexico is an unsafe and dangerous country, there is war everywhere

- Mexican hospitals are dirty and poorly equipped

- You will pay less but you put your life at risk

Certainly there are considerations that one must take. For example, if the price of a gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico is too low, surely the quality of care is low and of course we do not want that. Right? However, we must make clear some things:

• In Mexico, as in the United States, there are all kinds of services, from shady clinics all the way to certified surgeons recognized establishments worldwide. In Hispano Americano Hospital bariatric surgery program is led by Dr. Rafael Abril and Dr. Horacio Hampujol both certified bariatric surgeons with extensive experience in thousands of American and Canadian patients.
• Mexico is a huge country. Some areas do indeed have serious problems of insecurity, however entire regions of the country, such as Mexicali on the northern border, are as peaceful and friendly as any average American city.
• Gastric sleeve surgery with certified bariatric surgeon in Mexico costs about one-third ($6,000 to $8,000) than the price in the United States (between $15,000 and $25,000). It has nothing to quality. Thing is the cost of health care in the United States is too high. But you have to use common sense, if something is too good to be true, it probably is.
• Health care institutions like Hispano Americano Hospital have first class facilities and the latest technology, they also have a friendly and professional staff. Besides it is conveniently located in Mexicali a few feet from the border, making transportation to and from the United States quite easy.

For more information about gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico, check hispanohospital.com and call us toll free at 888-698-2244.

10 FAQ's About Bariatric Surgery

10 FAQ's About Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is one of the leading causes of death globally due to diseases associated with it, including diabetes and heart disease, among others. Many rate it as today’s epidemic.

While bariatric surgery has evolved markedly in recent years, this intervention raises some concerns for patients. The bariatric surgeons Dr. Rafael Abril and Dr. Horacio Hampujol from Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, respond to some of the most common questions:

1. Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?

The group of candidates for bariatric surgery are those patients with obesity with a BMI over 34, as well patients with severe diseases associated with obesity even if they have a lower BMI.

Some years ago bariatric surgery was considered only for morbidly obese patients, that is those who had a BMI greater than 40, but these criteria have changed because of advances in research; now we know more about the implications of obesity in quality of life and expectancy. We also have improved the technical aspects of surgery.

2. Besides BMI, is there another requirement for surgery?

In addition to BMI, the age of the patient is considered. The patient should generally be between 18 and 65. When not within these parameters, it is necessary to analyze the case.

3.-In what cases is surgery not recommended?

Surgery should not be performed in patients with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia; when the patient has an addiction (alcohol, drugs) and may not be 100% rehabilitated, and for those with psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, and others who have not been successfully treated. In some cases, gastric diseases such as cancer or prior surgery may be an impediment for weight loss surgery.

4 What are the methods that work best?

The two most currently performed surgeries in the world are the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve).

Gastric Bypass surgery is the most common weight loss surgery in the world and in Mexico. It is a hybrid procedure for weight loss by restricting food intake and its decreased absorption.

It has a high effectiveness, with loss of 80-90% of excess weight in a year, and a significant improvement of the associated diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In Hispano Americano Hospital we perform it laparoscopically.

Gastric Sleeve surgery involves the resection of a segment of the stomach, leaving a thin sleeve or tube. This way food intake is significantly reduced.

It has a similar effectiveness and improvement of obesity related diseases than that of the bypass; we also perform it laparoscopically.

A great advantage is that it alters the digestive tract and, therefore, the patient does not require vitamin supplements for life, because it does not alter the absorption of nutrients.

5.-What are the main risks of bariatric surgery?

There are the common risks of any surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. However, since it is an elective procedure, the patient reaches the operating room very well prepared, thus minimizing risks.

Also, current techniques are less invasive, with early recovery, with average 48-hour hospitalization, using small incisions and procedures that last about an hour.

6.- What is the success rate of bariatric surgery?

Success rates are very high. On one side there is the weight loss, and secondly the reversion of associated diseases that the patient had before surgery.

Regarding weight loss, statistically patients lose an average between 65 and 90% of their excess weight, and that is for somewhere between 70% and 80% of operated patients. In general up to 80% of patients lost at least 60% ​​of their excess weight.

7.- What obesity associated diseases can be cured?

One of the most important is diabetes, which has an overall remission rate after surgery (that is the patient does not require more medication and has normal glucose level) close to 80%.

Another disease that can be solved is the syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea, a breathing disorder which also has a very high rate of improvement or cure.

A third disease is hypertension. In over 50% of the operated cases, this condition improves or disappears.

Insulin resistance, fat levels in the blood and the psychological state of the patient is also improved or totally solved.

 8.- Is it a myth or reality that the patient after surgery can not eat solid food?

The aim of bariatric surgery is that patients change their eating habits and the quality of the food they eat. That being said, you should ingest liquid for a short period of time after the surgery but the idea is to gradually incorporate all types of food.

9.-How long does it take for the patient to return to his normal life?

The first 2-3 days after surgery the patient should be resting. On the seventh day, the patient is able to drive and at the end of the month he would be able to have moderate physical activity.

10.-Can a woman get pregnant after surgery?

What we recommend to patients is to avoid pregnancy the first two years after surgery.

After bariatric surgery the chances of getting pregnant increase because obesity is associated with infertility and what is termed as high risk pregnancy, a condition that improves after surgery.

For more information on weight loss surgery in Mexico, visit hispanohospital.com or call us toll free at 888-698-2244.

Are You A Candidate For Weight Loss Surgery?

Are You A Candidate For Weight Loss Surgery?

There are some requirements that must be considered before undergoing any bariatric surgery procedure, such as the Gastric Sleeve. One of the first considerations is whether the patient has tried more than one method of weight loss and for how long. According to our experience, the percentage of overweight and BMI as isolated data are not sufficient to decide the course of treatment.

However, one of the main measures is to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI). If a patient has an index of over 35 is generally considered to be a candidate for bariatric surgery. A BMI of this level means that you weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) in addition to those they should have.

The Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a relationship between weight and height of the patient, is calculated by dividing weight by height squared, BMI = weight (lb) / height2. You can calculate your own here.

Other requirements for Bariatric Surgery

You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if BMI 35 or more exists, and if in addition you have at least one of the following associated conditions:

• Hypertension
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Injuries to joints
• hyperlipidemia
• Gallbladder Problems
• Liver disease
• Other conditions (Consult our specialists for more information)

To be a good candidate for bariatric surgery should know the details of the issues mentioned above. Bariatric surgery reduces the risk of those conditions that affect your life, besides improving your appearance and overall health. However, for best results, you need a total commitment during the recovery period and afterwards.

As part of this process, Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, asks its patients to consult with our psychologists and nutritionists in order to prepare for the changes that will present in the future. Furthermore, plastic surgery may be necessary for functional and aesthetic reasons. This may not be necessary in all patients and this is evaluated in the months after the bariatric surgery is performed.

To determine if you are a candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery, contact our specialists in bariatric surgery today. You can visit us at hispanohospital.com or call us toll free 888-698-2244. Our doctors will discuss with you all necessary conditions for Bariatric Surgery, and help in the process towards the healthy lifestyle you've been searching.

Do’s And Don’ts In Your Diet After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Do’s And Don’ts In Your Diet After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

One of the main problems that are presented to many patients after gastric sleeve surgery is the correct way to carry out a proper diet. In all cases the surgeon and nutritionist should inform the patient about this important issue. However this can still be difficult especially when a varied, enjoyable and healthy diet must be implemented.

Bariatric surgery such as the gastric sleeve radically changes the digestive system, so patients who subject themselves to it must be willing to make important changes in their diet after the operation and make smart choices with foods they’ll ingest for life.

With gastric sleeve surgery, the stomach is reduced in size and as a result, the amount of food that can be eaten is limited. In addition, surgery makes the new stomach become intolerant to various foods such as meat, fish, eggs, some vegetables, legumes and whole grains, so meals should be simple and very low volume, and with important limitations in the consumption of vitamins and minerals.

The post-bariatric surgery diet is a bit tricky since the person should receive the minimum requirements of nutrients in a very small volume of food. For the first two months following surgery, your calorie intake should be between 300 and 600 calories a day, with a focus on thin and thicker liquids. Daily caloric intake afterwards shouldn’t exceed 1,000 calories. Daily intake of protein drinks is highly recommended.

Meats, fatty cheeses, nuts, pates and all food with high fat content often cause severe abdominal pain, bloating and pain steatorrhea (fat in stool). These should also be avoided because they can slow the weight loss curve and facilitate retrieval. You should also avoid alcohol which can easily cause acute poisoning in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

In the post-bariatric surgery diet the patient should choose simple foods and meals, low sweets, control cooking oils and maintain a proper daily hydration, among others. It's all part of the new model of health care. In Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, our team of bariatric surgeons led by Dr. Rafael Abril and Dr. Horacio Hampujol will give you the best advice and a proper follow-up to your recovery.

If ordered and healthy eating guidelines are not followed, the goal of weight loss with bariatric surgery can fail, and thus also the goal of improving the quality and life expectancy. Hence the importance of the right choice of a surgeon and a hospital that provides comprehensive solutions to your health problems. 

If you want to know more about bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico and nutritional information after weight loss surgery, please visit us at hispanohospital.com or call us toll free at 888-698-2244. 

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Gastric Sleeve or Lap Band Surgery?

Deciding to lose weight to live a healthier life is perhaps the most important decision of our lives. There is evidence that those who had surgery to lose weight live longer, healthier, happier and are more likely to avoid problems related to obesity. However, not all procedures are the same, there are pros and cons to all.

Two of the most frequent are the gastric sleeve and lap band surgery. Previously many people went for the lap band. After all, it is a reversible procedure. However this is rapidly changing and the reason is simple: the gastric sleeve is safer and less invasive than other methods such as gastric bypass, and yet it is far more effective than lap band surgery to make the patient lose weight.

A study published by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery found that patients who had gastric sleeve surgery experienced a reduction of about 30 percent on their Body Mass Index (BMI) after a year, while those who had the gastric band operation experienced a reduction of only 20 percent.

Gastric sleeve surgery works by removing part of the stomach and the Ghrelin hormone, which is what makes us hungry. This results in making us feel full with 1 to 3 ounces of food, causing a reduction of between 50 and 80% of excess weight in 2 years.

In Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, we perform gastric sleeve surgery using the innovative technique of laparoscopy, which is far less invasive than open surgery. This ensures less patient discomfort and a faster recovery.

Dr. Rafael Abril, board certified bariatric surgeon and one of the chief surgeons in Hispano Americano Hospital, explained that "many patients have requested to be removed of their lap-band or transform their procedure to another surgery like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass; what we want is to offer them the best option to resume a healthy life. "

If you're not happy with your lap-band procedure, contact us at hispanohospital.com or call us toll free at 888-698-2244 to speak with our experts. We are confident that we will find the best option for you.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico

Obesity is a serious problem that leads to diseases that can cause death, such as heart problems, diabetes and cancer. Fortunately for thousands of American and Canadian patients the option of having surgery for weight loss is becoming more real thanks to the health services provided in Mexico.

One of the most popular restrictive operations is the gastric sleeve surgery. The gastric sleeve surgery essentially makes the stomach smaller, this makes you feel full faster than normal, accelerating your weight loss. The method involves removing about 80% of the stomach, leaving at the end a thin tube like sleeve. Since part of the stomach is removed, the process is irreversible.

In Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Baja California, we perform gastric sleeve surgery using the laparoscopic technique, which means that small incisions are made using instruments and cameras, resulting in a more comfortable and faster recovery process for our patients.

Patients who have conducted a gastric sleeve operation in Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexico show a decrease in their excess weight of up to 87%, however it is important to note that to ensure a greater degree of success it is important to exercise and make healthy nutritional choices following your doctor’s recommendations.

Weight loss surgery in Mexico, such as gastric sleeve surgery, is an excellent option for many patients in the United States and Canada since we have highly qualified doctors and high quality facilities, coupled with a warm and professional service.

For more information visit us at www.hispanohospital.com or call us toll free at 888-698-2244