Day: May 19, 2025

Here at Tijuana Bariatrics, we always want to provide patients with complete information about their surgical options. This means letting people know the benefits of surgery and also providing some information on the risks involved. By understanding the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery, patients are better prepared for the entire process.

While gallstones and gallbladder issues are relatively common after bariatric surgery, there are other potential problems to keep in mind. One such issue is appendicitis, which we’d like to go over in more detail right now.

How Common is Appendicitis After Weight Loss Surgery?

Appendicitis is not necessarily common after weight loss surgery, but it can and has occurred in a number of instances. Given the nature of some bariatric surgery procedures, it should come as no surprise that appendicitis might be a risk.

Why Does Appendicitis Occur?

The appendix is a small tube located near the junction of the small intestine and the large intestine. Appendicitis refers to the inflammation of this small tube. This may be the result of abnormal stimulation of the abdominal area.

As of now, the exact mechanism for bariatric surgery causing appendicitis has yet to be determined, but given that some bariatric procedures involve changes or revision to the small intestine, this could be one of the potential reasons.

Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis

The most common signs and symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Pain (often on right side of the abdomen)
• Serious discomfort when walking, coughing, or making sudden movements
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

In some cases, the appendix may be so inflamed that it bursts. Should you notice any of the above issues while recovering from bariatric surgery or after you’ve healed from a weight loss procedure, be sure to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

Treatments for Appendicitis

The most common treatment for appendicitis is the removal of the appendix, a surgery that is known as an appendectomy. This is a generally routine procedure that can be done laparoscopically, much like a bariatric procedure. This means that a camera and small tools are used, inserted into the body through small incision around the abdomen.

If the appendix has burst, it will first be necessary to drain the abscess in that area.

Will Appendicitis Affect the Results of Bariatric Surgery?

No.

While there may be some concern about the effects on the bariatric surgery, the more pressing concern is to remove the infected or ruptured appendix. Thankfully this is done without incident and major worry.

Knowing the Risks Ahead of Time is Useful

Given the potential for complications and side effects after surgery, it’s important that patients be aware of all the potential risks of a procedure ahead of time. This often allows patients to have more realistic expectations about the recovery process, and can lead to patients taking pre-op and post-op instructions more seriously.

During the consultation process, we will be sure to go over these matters with you in greater detail.

Learn More About Advanced Weight Loss Surgery

For more information about weight loss surgery and how it can help you lead a healthier and more rewarding lifestyle, be sure to contact our team of bariatric surgery and weight loss specialists today. The team at Tijuana Bariatrics will work with you and help you lose weight and look great.

The team here at Tijuana Bariatrics offers support for patients before surgery, during the surgical process, and in the post-op recovery phase. We feel that being there for patients is the best way to ensure the best results with regard to long-term weight loss and general wellness.

Before a patient undergoes a gastric bypass, for instance, we offer deatailed information on gastric bypass surgery recovery. We want to focus on one facet of the recovery phase today: the side effects of gastric bypass surgery.

Side Effects vs. Complications: There is a Difference

Before discussing the side effects of gastric bypass surgery, let’s first point out that side effects are different from complications.

Side effects are a body’s normal response to surgery and the changes that result from surgery. These are to be expected and, in many cases, are not severe and are only temporary issues.

Complications, on the other hand, refer to serious problems that are not common after surgery is performed. If something troublesome happens during recovery, it’s important that it be addressed as soon as possible to avoid injury and other issues.

Pain and Discomfort

Pain and discomfort are to be expected following any sort of surgery. Gastric bypass and other bariatric procedures are no exception. Be sure to rest well after your surgery and to take any recommended pain relievers as directed. The pain should be less of an issue after the first week or so.

Bruising and Swelling

After undergoing surgery, it’s common for patients to notice bruising and swelling around the incision sites. Thankfully both of these issues are temporary and relatively minor. Bruising typically lasts about two weeks, with discoloration fading gradually day by day after the first week. Swelling is common for the first weeks after surgery, with major swelling reduced by the end of the first month.

Using ice packs and cold compresses as directed can help ease swelling. Patients should also walk a little as they recover to improve blood circulation, which can help address various side effects and prevent serious blood clots and other complications.

Short-Term Hair Loss

After surgery, your body will often react to the procedure by triggering the loss of hair. This is the result of hormonal changes, dietary changes, and the overall shock to the system from the procedure. The hair thinning and hair loss is just temporary, and it should resolve itself after a few months.

Gallstones

Gallstones are common when a person loses a lot of weight in a short amount of time. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly half of bariatric surgery patients will develop gallstones after their surgery. The gallstones are typically harmless, and they can be dealt with easily should they occur. It’s estimated that between 15% to 25% of people who undergo bariatric surgery will eventually require gallbladder removal.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

A change in your eating habits and your diet will result in some vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These matters are thankfully temporary. As you adjust to your new diet, it’s important to consider your body’s needs. A dietician and your general practitioner can recommend daily vitamins as well as foods that can help you reach your daily nutritional needs.

Learn More About Gastric Bypass Surgery

For more information about gastric bypass surgery and other bariatric surgery options that can improve your overall wellness, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgery specialists today. The team at Tijuana Bariatrics is here to help you lose weight and get a grip on your future health.

Here at Tijuana Bariatrics, we always take time to discuss the health and wellness goals of patients. This means focusing on short-term issues like gastric bypass surgery recovery as well as long-term goals such as lasting weight loss.

Part of this discussion inevitably veers toward post-op complications and the warning signs of serious problems. Let’s cover some common risks associated with gastric bypass surgery, and discuss some options to prevent and address complications if they arise.

Post-Surgical Infection

Infections are a potential risk following any sort of surgery. Thankfully modern technology and surgical techniques greatly reduce the risk of infection. Patients are given ample pre-op and post-op instructions in order to manage side effects and prevent complications such as infection from occurring.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT refers to dangerous blood clots that form in the legs as a result of inertness. These blood clots can severely affect overall circulation, and can potentially wind up in the lungs causing serious medical issues. After surgery, patients are encouraged to walk around their home lightly to promote circulation and prevent DVT.

Leaks of the Gastrointestinal System

Given the revisions made to the digestive tract, there is a chance that gastric fluid from the stomach may leak into the body. This can be extremely dangerous, affecting organs adjacent to the stomach and intestines. This can lead to major internal harm and possibly death if not addressed right away.

Bowel Obstructions

After gastric bypass surgery, some patients may experience severe issues with bowel obstructions. These often occur in the first four years after surgery. This may be the result of surgical scar tissue, adhesions between different organs, or tangles in the intestinal tract.

Gallstones

A number of people who lose weight rapidly develop gallstones and other issues with their gallbladder. It’s quite common among bariatric surgery patients. Thankfully these matters can be dealt with through a routine gallbladder removal surgery.

Appendicitis or a Burst Appendix

Given the revision to the intestinal tract, it is possible for a person to experience appendicitis after gastric bypass surgery. Removal of the inflamed appendix is crucial for avoiding serious medical issues.

Lack of Weight Loss

Some patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery do not lose an ideal amount of weight after their procedure is performed. When this occurs, a revision surgery is typically recommended. This secondary procedure helps promote the loss of more weight.

Gaining the Weight Back

Gaining back some of the weight you’ve lost is common a few years after surgery. If a person regains a significant amount of weight after bariatric surgery, a secondary procedure is recommended to help the patient lose some of most of the weight that they have regained.

Excessive Weight Loss

In very rare instances, a person may lose too much weight. This could become a major threat to general wellness and overall well-being. A revision surgery can help increase caloric consumption and absorption, preventing dire medical issues in the process.

Malnutrition/Nutritional Deficiencies

Dietary changes after gastric bypass surgery can take some time to get used to. As a result, some weight loss surgery patients experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Taking multivitamins and adjusting your diet to meet your daily nutritional needs is the best option to consider for these complications.

Contact Tijuana Bariatrics

To learn more about gastric bypass surgery and how it can help you look your best and feel your best, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery specialists today. The team at Tijuana Bariatrics will work wit you to improve overall health and wellness and to prevent complications and adverse side effects as you recover.

Here at Tijuana Bariatrics, we offer various surgical procedures that can help patients lose weight and look their very best. This includes LAP-BAND® surgery (gastric banding), which can help people lose weight safely and rapidly.

Rather than consider how LAP-BAND® works in this post, we want to go over pre-op instructions for the procedure. As you’re about to find out, pre-op instructions are an important part of the overall surgical procedure.

The Importance of Pre-op Instructions

Pre-op instructions are an important part of preparing for surgery and ensuring that you heal properly. In essence healing begins before the first incision is even made, and following pre-op instructions closely is an important part of promoting good healing that is free from complications.

Longer pre-op instructions will be provided during the consultation process, but these basics should give you a good idea of what to expect.

Refrain from Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Beverages

Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages tend to increase a person’s chances of infection. These substances can also lead to slower healing times, which makes a whole host of complications more likely. If you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages, it’s best to quit in the weeks before your surgery, and to refrain from both substances after the surgery is performed.

Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine has been linked to a number of negative side effects after bariatric surgery has been performed. Patients should avoid caffeinated beverages before their surgery and consider avoiding caffeine as much as possible after their LAP-BAND® has been performed.

Hydrate Regularly

Hydration is key for wellness. Break habits that involve drinking soda and fruit juice in the lead up to your surgery. Instead, hydrate with water. It’s something you’ll wind up doing after your surgery, so start good habits early.

Avoid Medications as Advised by Your Surgeon

Certain types of medications (e.g., blood thinners) can have a negative impact on your body’s ability to heal. Be sure to avoid certain medications as instructed by your bariatric surgeon. This can make a major difference with regard to healing time and the potential for complications. You can resume taking certain medications in the weeks after the surgery if you surgeon deems it all right.

Begin a Food Diary

Bariatric surgery makes you learn a lot about your eating habits and what they involve. Before surgery, keep a food diary listing all of the meals and foods you have through the day and how you feel after having these meals. Continue to keep it as you recover from surgery. This log will help you understand your body’s dietary needs and how your health has been impacted by LAP-BAND® surgery.

Your LAP-BAND® Pre-op Diet

Before any bariatric surgery, you will be asked to alter your diet in order to prepare for the surgery. This is done to reduce body fat, improve surgical results and healing, increase your intake of protein, and reduce the size of your liver.

We can discuss the exact nature of this LAP-BAND® pre-op diet and when it should be started during the consultation process.

Discuss Your Feelings and Concerns

While general health and wellness is crucial, don’t neglect your feelings when it comes to surgery. Any kind of surgical weight loss procedure can be the source of lots of stress, so be sure to talk about your feelings and your anxieties with your loved ones. This can be quite a help and relief.

Contact Tijuana Bariatrics

For more information about bariatic surgery and how it can help you achieve total wellness, be sure to contact our advanced weight loss surgery center today. The team here at Tijuana Bariatrics will work with you to improve your overall health.

Gastric sleeve plication is a true breakthrough in bariatric surgery. For the right candidates, it offers tremendous advantages over gastric bypass surgery as it does not require the removal of any healthy stomach tissue. Instead, sutures are used to create an internal pleat within the stomach, reducing its capacity and limiting the amount of food that it can contain. Like the LAP-BAND® procedure, but quite unlike traditional forms of bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve plication is completely reversible. The size of the portion of the stomach in which food is stored can be adjusted at any point during treatment, and the stomach can be returned to its original size and shape if the patient prefers.

Why then, you may ask, would any bariatric surgery patient not want to undergo gastric sleeve plication? Unfortunately, the procedure is not suitable for all patients. Our bariatric surgeons openly and honestly advise gastric sleeve plication candidates during consultations at our Tijuana, BC practice. At Tijuana Bariatrics, our skilled weight loss surgery specialists carefully evaluate patients to ensure that they are good candidates for gastric sleeve plication before approving them for the procedure. For some patients, traditional gastric bypass surgery or another form of bariatric surgery still represents the best option.

For appropriate candidates, however, gastric sleeve plication can be a true life-changer – and life-saver. To find out whether you are a good candidate for this extraordinary procedure, please contact Tijuana Bariatrics today.

Candidacy for Gastric Sleeve Plication

The ideal candidate for gastric sleeve plication will be clinically obese, but will have a body mass index (BMI) of between 30 and 40. Patients with a BMI over 40 will have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The higher the BMI, the more likely the patient is to benefit from a more traditional form of bariatric surgery.

Otherwise, candidates for gastric sleeve plication should:

• Be willing and able to commit to a healthy post-surgical lifestyle. Gastric sleeve plication is the beginning of the journey toward a healthy weight; however, the journey itself requires hard work, including a healthy diet and exercise.
• Have made multiple serious attempts to lose weight through traditional means such as diet and exercise, without success. Candidates should consider gastric sleeve plication as a last resort after years of struggling with obesity.
• Understand all of the risks associated with the procedure, including the possible need for revisional surgery due to the separation of sutures.
• Be psychologically ready for the changes that gastric sleeve plication will bring about in their lives. These include not only lifestyle changes, but serious changes in the types and amounts of food the newly resized stomach can handle.
• Be aware of the support groups available to them, and have strong networks of support established and ready to help them prior to undergoing surgery.

Find Out Whether You Are a Good Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Plication

To learn whether you are a suitable candidate for gastric sleeve plication, please contact Tijuana Bariatrics today.

Here at Tijuana Bariatrics, we are pleased to offer gastric bypass surgery and other methods of surgical weight loss. Gastric bypass surgery is a combined restrictive and malabsorptive form of weight loss surgery. By that we mean the procedure reduces the amount of calories consumed in a single sitting as well as the calories absorbed during digestion. This is achieved by sectioning the stomach and re-routing part of the small intestine.

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most well-known and popular options for surgical weight loss, which is why many patients seek out the gastric bypass specifically. Yet there are a number of considerations for candidacy. Let’s take a moment to consider who is a candidate for this bariatric procedure.

General Candidacy for Gastric Bypass Surgery

In general, ideal candidates for gastric bypass surgery are people who are obese or morbidly obese who need to lose weight safely and rapidly in order to avoid major health problems related to obesity. They should be in good overall health and not suffer from any medical conditions that would make the procedure unnecessarily risky.

Considering Body Mass Index (BMI)

A person’s BMI is important to consider when it comes to any sort of weight loss surgery. In general, gastric bypass surgery is a good idea when a person has a body mass of 40 or greater. When patients have a BMI of 35 to 39.9, gastric bypass surgery may be recommended if there are additional health matters that put their lives at risk (more on that in a bit).

Difficulty Losing Weight by Natural Means

In addition to having a high BMI, patients are good candidates for gastric bypass surgery when they have struggled with losing weight by natural means for a year. This means that they are unable to lose a considerable amount of weight and keep it off through diet and exercise alone.

Obesity-Related Health Problems

The presence of obesity-related health conditions can also make a person a good candidate for gastric bypass surgery. By this we mean problems with diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, as well as increased risk of developing heart disease, cancer, joint problems, and so forth. Surgical weight loss can be key to avoiding all of these problems.

Realistic Expectations About Surgery and Lifestyle Changes

Above all, it’s important that prospective gastric bypass patients have realistic expectations about the nature of the surgery, the recovery process, and what it involves. Major lifestyle and dietary changes are necessary after a gastric bypass in order to ensure the weight loss lasts, including increased activity level and restrictions on certain foods and beverages in one’s diet.

These can all be discussed in greater detail during the consultation process. In addition, we can go over alternative weight loss surgery procedures, such as gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy, both of which involve different means of promoting weight loss.

Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery

If you would like more information about bariatric surgery and how it can help you look your absolute best, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery experts today. The team at Tijuana Bariatrics will be here to provide you with ample information about your surgery options.

When it comes to bariatric surgery, it’s important for patients to consider it as a type of change for the better. The procedure is designed to help people lose weight rapidly but safely. Change does not come suddenly. In fact, the change associated with LAP-BAND® surgery means making adjustments to your lifestyle before the procedure and afterward.

The team at Tijuana Bariatrics has discussed lifestyles changes previously on our blog, but we’d like to consider how pre-op and post-op lifestyle changes are part of the overall treatment process. They are just as important to your lasting health as the surgery itself.

Building Healthy Habits Before Surgery

Prior to LAP-BAND® surgery, patients are encouraged to make a number of lifestyle changes. These changes are designed help patients get used to post-op lifestyle changes. These initial changes include avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, altering your diet, and keeping a food diary. These all seem minor or expected, but they are important parts of promoting weight loss and lasting wellness.

Making Exercise Part of Daily Life

Before and after LAP-BAND® surgery, patients need to lead more active lifestyles. While the banding of the procedure will help reduce a person’s weight, regular exercise is what will help improve the rate and nature of the weight loss, maintain the results of the weight loss, and promote overall respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Even regular walks and light cardio can make a difference. We can help you consider numerous exercise options that improve flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health.

Understanding What You Eat and How It Makes You Feel

The food diary we mentioned above is an important part of your changing diet. You will record what you eat in a diary and then keep track of how you feel afterward. This can help you identify what foods lead to discomfort or pain, or that may be harder for you to eat. The food diary is also a good way of counting calories and determining what your nutritional intake is like each day.

The process of keeping this food diary can help deepen your relationship to the foods you eat, and help you develop the right kinds of eating habits for your body.

Necessary Dietary Changes

After you undergo any kind of bariatric procedure, your diet will change in a number of ways. You’ll want to eat only certain kinds of foods, and you will want to consider drinking water between meals rather than during meals. Getting used to these changes can be a challenge, though patience and your food diary can help immensely with these matters.

The Emotional Components of Health and Wellness

In addition to the physical wellness, mental health is an important component of total health. Losing weight and making all of these changes can be challenging, so it’s important that you get used to sharing your concerns with people close to you. If you’re worried or frustrated, let people know it. Talking about these issues can help you and your loved ones make sense of what is happening.

You may want to seek out support from other bariatric surgery patients after the procedure. Sharing stories, swapping tips, and offering each other encouragement can mean a world of difference as your body changes following the LAP-BAND® surgery.

Improving Health, Opening Up the World

Think of LAP-BAND® surgery this way: you’ve opened a door to a new world. With a new world open to you, change is the name of the game. There are so many new possibilities to consider, and you will adapt to them.

Learn More About LAP-BAND® Surgery

To learn more about LAP-BAND® surgery and how it can help you achieve a more ideal weight and lead a healthier life, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgery specialists today. The team here at Tijuana Bariatrics will work with you to ensure ideal outcomes with low risk and exceptional results.

The team at Tijuana Bariatrics is pleased to offer patients Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS) surgery. This weight loss surgery procedure allows patients to experience the benefits of bariatric surgery without any visible scarring whatsoever.

SILS is sure to grow in popularity in the coming years, though not everyone out there suffering from obesity is a candidate. Let’s take a moment to go over basic candidacy for SILS.

What Is Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS)?

SILS is a variation on the gastric sleeve procedure (aka sleeve gastrectomy). The procedure involves reducing the size of the stomach in order to reduce the amount of calories a person can consumer in a single sitting. This helps facilitate weight loss.

Unlike the traditional gastric sleeve, there is just one incision made and it is located in the belly button. Working through this single incision, a bariatric surgeon can eliminate the need for multiple incisions and visible scarring. In rare instances, a second incision may need to be made away from the belly button, though it is small and difficult to notice.

General Candidacy for Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS)

Good candidates for SILS are people who are obese and suffer from health problems that are related to obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. They should have attempted to lose weight through natural means in the last year or so but have experienced limited success. Patients need to be in good enough health to undergo a weight loss procedure without suffering an adverse health condition.

BMI Helps Determine Eligibility for SILS

A major factor in determining candidacy for SILS is the patient’s BMI. Generally, patients should have a BMI that is lower than 40 to qualify for SILS. When patients have a higher BMI than 40, the added mass and other health concerns will mean a single incision is not sufficient to perform all the necessary surgical revisions to the stomach. Thankfully modern weight loss surgery involves small incisions rather than large incisions and open surgery.

Multiple Prior Abdominal Surgeries May Be a Concern

In addition to BMI, a patient who has undergone multiple abdominal surgeries in the past may not be a good candidate for SILS. If you have had two or more abdominal procedures performed in the past, another bariatric surgery may be a better option. This is a precautionary measure to avoid potential complication during your surgery and the recovery process.

Realistic Expectations About Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS)

It’s important that patients who undergo SILS have realistic expectations about the surgery and what it entails. Bariatric procedures will involve major changes to your lifestyle, and patients need to be aware that they’ll have to eat right, exercise regularly, and work to help promote lasting weight loss.

Is Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS) Right for Me?

The best way to find out SILS is the right surgery for you is to come in for a consultation. We can assess your situation and offer an honest opinion about your ideal options for weight loss surgery.

Contact the Team at Tijuana Bariatrics

For more information about the various bariatric surgery procedures available and how they can help you, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgery specialists today. The team at Tijuana Bariatrics looks forward to your visit and helping you improve your overall health and wellness.

After undergoing Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS) surgery, it’s not uncommon to experience pain and discomfort, as well as fatigue and grogginess following the surgery. This is common for all patients, and thankfully you will be here on-site at Tijuana Bariatrics for the early days of recovery. You will be monitored for potential complications and any other medical concerns. Should anything arise, you will be tended to as soon as possible.

We’d like to offer a brief rundown of the SILS recovery process right now. It should give you a good idea of what to expect following surgery and why our approach to post-op care is so helpful, reassuring, and convenient.

Rest and Recovery After SILS

Getting proper rest is important as you recover from SILS. Be sure to refrain from strenuous physical activity until your surgeon advises you otherwise. It’s important that your energy be saved in the first days after surgery, so take time to relax and heal.

Walk Around to Promote Circulation

Even though strenuous physical activity will need to be avoided for a few weeks after your SILS procedure, it’s important that patients walk around a little as soon as they are able to do so. Walking after surgery will help promote proper blood circulation. This will prevent blood clots from forming in the legs, which can lead to serious complications.

Dealing with Pain and Discomfort

Patients of SILS will experience post-surgical soreness in varying degrees as they recovery, with most of the pain occurring in the days following the surgery. Thankfully the pain is manageable. Be sure to use any pain medications provided as recommended. Any issues with significant pain can be addressed in our facility in those key early days of healing.

Dietary Changes After SILS

After SILS, patients will have to adjust their diet. This will help with the healing process, and with reacquainting your revised stomach to solid foods. A more detailed version of the post-SILS diet will be provided during the consultation process, but briefly, the post-surgical diet is typically as follows:

• Phase One – Only clear liquids
• Phase Two – Creamy or pureed foods
• Phase Three – Soft foods carefully cooked and prepared
• Phase Four – Solid foods slowly reincorporated

Typically each phase is about a week long, give or take. Patients should go at their own pace, savor their food, and pay attention to what they’re feeling as they eat.

SILS Healing Time vs. Traditional Gastric Sleeve

Since there is just one incision during SILS compared to traditional gastric sleeve surgery, healing times tend to be a little faster. Keep in mind that this can still vary a fair amount from patient to patient.

Post-Surgical Scarring and What to Expect

Thanks to the way SILS is performed, post-surgical scarring is not noticeable on the abdomen itself. People will have to look very closely at your belly button to notice the surgical scar. That said, patients should follow all post-op instructions carefully. This will ensure a speedy recovery as well as reduced risk of complications.

Discuss Issues with Your Surgeon as They Arise

One of the best parts of undergoing surgery at our practice is that you will be under our care in the crucial first days after surgery. Should any issues arise following surgery or if any concerns come up in these early days of healing, patients are encouraged to discuss these matters with our team. We’ll be more than happy to address concerns as they arise to help you on the road to wellness, weight loss, and improved health.

Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery

To learn more about recovering from SILS and other kinds of bariatric surgery procedures, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgery experts today. We will work closely with you to help ensure you have realistic expectations about all of your surgical options.

The team at Tijuana Bariatrics is proud to offer Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILSS), a scarless weight loss surgery. SILS is an excellent alternative to traditional gastric sleeve surgery. Both procedures are performed laparoscopically, but SILS involves just one incision made in the belly button. This means hidden scarring and reduced recovery times. Not everyone is a candidate for SILS, but those who are experience excellent results from the procedure.

As with any surgery, scarless or otherwise, there are some side effects to be expected. Let’s cover some of the most common side effects of SILS, which share a lot in common with other bariatric surgeries.

Pain and Discomfort

Pain and soreness are a given following any sort of surgical procedure. Thankfully patients are monitored at our practice to ensure pain is managed and serious discomfort is prevented. A mixture of rest and pain relievers can typically address soreness following surgery. The most serious pain typically abates by the end of the first week.

Patients will be encouraged to stand and walk a bit when they are able to help promote circulation and help reduce pain.

Bruising and Swelling

Like pain, bruising and swelling are part of the reality of any weight loss surgery. With SILS, there is typically less bruising and swelling. This is because of the single incision method of the procedure. That said, bruising around the belly button and some swelling around the abdominal area is common. Both the bruising and swelling will go down gradually over the first two weeks, continuing to fade at the end of a month. Residual minor swelling may last for several weeks.

Nausea and Vomiting

Since your stomach has been altered and you’re adjusting to a modified diet, it’s not uncommon for people to experience nausea and vomiting as they recover. Many times this is due to eating too fast or too much. In those early weeks of surgery, be sure to savor your foods and liquids. Eat according to your post-op dietary guidelines, and try to really monitor how you body responds to what you’re having.

Temporary Hair Loss

Patients will lose a lot of weight in the first few months of SILS. This sudden weight loss can cause your body to respond in unexpected ways. You may experience some minor to mildd hair loss or hair thinning after SILS, for instance. Thankfully this is a temporary, one that ought to be resolved after a few months as your body gets used to the changes that come with SILS.

Follow Post-Op Instructions Carefully

In order to manage these side effects and avoid serious complications, patients should follow their post-op instructions to the letter. We will be more than happy to provide detailed tips about dietary needs, physical activity, and more to ensure your healing experience is problem-free and as pleasant as possible.

Learn More About Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS)

For more information about SILS and how it can help you lose weight rapidly and safely, be sure to contact the weight loss surgery team at Tijuana Bariatrics today. Our team will help you achieve better health and wellness through advanced surgical care.