Normally we consider people aged between 15 and 65 years old to be suitable for surgery; however, the team assesses each case individually. We have operated on patients over 60 years old whose conditions allowed us to choose the right bariatric surgery option.

There are several types of bariatric procedures, but none of them work without a degree of knowledge, effort and discipline on the part of the patient. This process is accompanied by the help and guidance of an experienced bariatric group, such as the one led by Dr. Gabriel Galván and his medical team.

Support before and after surgery is key to losing weight and maintaining the results obtained in a healthy way. The most important element that patients should remember is that this type of intervention helps to instill healthy living habits. Bariatric surgery can decrease the perception of hunger, a key point that differentiates it from diet and exercise programs, which is the main reason why these programs usually fail. Losing weight is important, but what is more important are the results that happen after surgery (reduction of associated diseases). The goal is not only to live longer, but to live a better quality of life. 

All surgeries, of any kind, present risks to the patient; however, the risks versus benefits of surgery must be weighed against the complications of living with obesity problems. 

In addition, an expert multidisciplinary group made up of Dr. Gabriel Galván and his team is in charge of preparing patients for surgery with the least possible risk. As additional information for the patient; currently, the risk of bariatric surgery is similar to that of surgery to remove the gallbladder. 

It is important the patient knows that they do not choose the type of surgery they will undergo; it is the surgeon who determines the best option for the obese person. There are many cases of patients who want to choose one or other surgery based on comments they heard or because one is cheaper than another. However, this decision depends strictly on the surgeon, since they are the expert in charge of choosing the best option for each patient. Once you are at the assessment appointment, Dr. Gabriel Galván explains the best option for you, based on your physical condition, age, weight and associated diseases, among other factors.   

Make an assessment appointment to evaluate your case. Send a WhatsApp message to us via (+52) 33 1736 4033.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive operation. Almost all patients are candidates for laparoscopic surgery; however, a personalized assessment must be carried out beforehand. The main contraindications for this type of technique occur when major abdominal surgery has been performed previously. Usually, the vast majority of interventions (cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hysterectomy or caesarean section) are not an impediment. 

Dr. Gabriel Galván’s group of bariatric surgeons take approximately 90 minutes to perform bariatric surgery.  

The average stay in hospital is 1 day. However, in all cases, the discharge and exit times will depend on how quickly the patient recovers.

Recovery is very fast; that is the advantage of laparoscopic surgery. After the operation, patients spend a night in hospital followed by a week without doing any strenuous activities. This period is not bed rest but avoiding activities such as carrying heavy objects or going upstairs too quickly.

General parameters would be that the first 2-3 days should be rest. By the 7th day, the patient is already fine to drive, while by the end of the month, the patient usually has the green light for moderate physical activity. After 2 months have passed, patients are free to carry out all kinds of physical activity, as long as their obesity condition allows it.  

Patients who undergo a bariatric surgery procedure should be back at work 8 to 12 days after surgery. Each person reacts differently, which can make recovery faster or slower; however, it is worth noting that patients will be able to walk by themselves the same day of the surgery.

Patients should take daily walks from the first day after they are discharged from hospital. During the first month following the operation, the most prudent thing is to limit yourself to walks of one hour, trying to increase your distance each time. Usually, after about 4-6 weeks, when authorized by your specialist surgeon, you can return to any type of physical exercise. With the guidance of our specialists, accelerated wear or joint injuries and/or cardiovascular risks can be avoided.  

Slow progression when it comes to exercise, avoiding competitive and all impact sports, should be the general rule. Swimming is one of the safest sports. Patients should exercise 5 days a week throughout the weight loss process, and 3 days a week for maintenance, for life. 

During the first few months after rapid weight loss associated with obesity surgery, some fully reversible hair loss is almost always inevitable. Depending on the characteristics of the hair, that may vary; however, it is always reversible as it is due to a kind of energy saving by the body for a few months. In addition, it can largely be prevented with a good multivitamin that contains selenium and zinc, in addition to good iron and protein intake. 

Depending on the characteristics of the patient's skin and the degree of previous deformation (the greater the degree of obesity, the greater deformity, and greater subsequent deformities), mild or moderate deformities are relatively common after obesity surgery. However, only 15-20% of patients who have undergone surgery for obesity end up needing plastic surgery after losing weight. The most frequent operations are abdominoplasty and reduction mastopexy with prosthesis, followed by cruroplasty and brachioplasty.  

In general, plastic surgery provides reasonable results, avoiding chafing and discomfort, in addition to improving the body contour. The most appropriate time for the operation is when the patient has already lost as much weight as possible, has recovered well with physical exercise and has an optimum nutritional status, controlled by blood tests.

During weight loss, it is necessary to take vitamin complexes preventively for all surgical techniques.  

Once all the weight has been lost and with a normal nutritional analytical control, the patient does not need to take vitamins in restrictive operations such as the Gastric Sleeve. Women of childbearing age may need to take iron, due to menstrual disorders.  

Patients who are treated using techniques where the stomach as well as the intestine are modified (mixed techniques such as Gastric Bypass), it is necessary to take vitamins for life, in minimal quantities.  

For any of the different surgical techniques, it is necessary to keep a record and analyze the patient’s nutritional status. How regular this needs to be is adapted according to each patient and their response to the operation and their post-operative care. 

Success rates are very high. On the one hand, there is weight loss and on the other, the reversal of diseases associated with obesity. 

Regarding weight loss, we can point out that statistically, the average patient loses between 65% and 90% of excess weight, and this is achieved by between 70% and 80% of operated patients. In other words, up to 80% of patients manage to lose at least 60% of their excess weight.  

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

Another disease that can be addressed is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, which is a respiratory disorder that also has a very high rate of improvement or cure.  

A third disease is high blood pressure. In more than 50% of operated cases, this condition improves or disappears. 

Insulin resistance and blood fat levels are also resolved, and the psychological state of patients is improved. 

The goal of bariatric surgery is for the patient to change their eating habits, eating frequency and the quality of their food intake. They must eat liquid food for a short period of time during the postoperative period; however, all foods are gradually incorporated. Finally, after 3 to 4 months, patients can eat almost any food.  

We recommend that patients avoid pregnancy for the first two years after surgery. After bariatric surgery, the chances of getting pregnant increase because, among other things, obesity is associated with infertility and what is called high-risk pregnancy, a condition that improves after surgery.  

The price depends on the procedure the patient requires, taking into account various factors about each individual and the cost of the bariatric procedure. The idea is to tailor the right approach according to the needs of each patient.  

Contact us for more information. Send a WhatsApp message to us via (+52) 33 1736 4033. 33 1736 4033.

We handle all bank cards, as well as offer financing plans. We invite you to contact us to resolve your doubts quickly.  

Guadalajara
Innovare Especialidades Quirúrgicas
Av. Verona 7412, Villa Verona 45136 Zapopan Jalisco México

Tepic
Paseo de la loma 143 Col Fray Junípero Serra 63169

Colima
CM Puerta de Hierro, Av. Ignacio Sandoval #1699 planta baja.

Teléfono de contacto, 33 1736 4033

The physical offices of Innovare Bariatria are located in Guadalajara and Tepic; however, consultations can be carried out remotely through videoconference either by FaceTime, Facebook or in the most convenient way for you. If you so decide, we can determine the procedure that best suits you and prepare you for surgery.  

If you still have a question or doubt that has not been resolved, do not hesitate to contact us so we can provide you with timely attention. Send a Whatsapp message to us via (+52) 33 1736 4033.