Can I Get Pregnant After Gastric Sleeve and Other Weight Loss Surgeries?
One reason that so many patients come to Tijuana Bariatrics is our commitment to total wellness and patient education. As you’ve noticed on this blog, we’ve extensively looked at the effectiveness and benefits of gastric sleeve surgery, which can help patients lose weight quickly and safely. Many of our patients wonder about pregnancy and childbirth after a gastric sleeve has been performed. Let’s go into this issue right now.
Why Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery Can Be a Major Concern
Many patients who undergo weight loss surgery wonder if the changes in diet will have a major impact on the health of their child as it’s developing. Indeed, the reduced caloric intake and caloric absorption is the most common concern for women who would like to have a child as this can potentially have an affect on fetal development.
There are also concerns about the effects of the surgery on other systems of the body, i.e., if surgery on the stomach will somehow affect reproductive health or other parts of the lower body and abdominal region.
Can women who’ve undergone bariatric surgery become pregnant?
Yes.
Even though the above concerns are important to consider, it is possible for women to become pregnant after bariatric surgery and to give birth to healthy babies as well.
How Long to Wait After Weight Loss Surgery Before Becoming Pregnant
In general, women should wait at least 18 months after weight loss surgery before attempting to get pregnant. This will give the body time to adjust to the new diet and lifestyle needs and to level out in terms of weight loss. Waiting two years may be most ideal since weight loss will have mostly leveled out by this point and the patient will have made a full adjustment to the lifestyle changes that go along with surgery.
With that said, there are a few things that patients should keep in mind when they become pregnant.
Careful Monitoring of Nutrition Is Crucial for Your Baby’s Health
Nutritional deficiencies can occur in weight loss surgery patients as they adjust to their new diet, and so it’s important for pregnant women to carefully keep track of their caloric intake as well as their intake of essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, etc.). Proper hydration is also crucial during pregnancy.
It’s helpful for patients to meet with a nutritionist to have these issues addressed and to design a healthy diet plan that will meet the needs of the mother and the baby as well. Letting your OB/GYN know about your situation is also a good idea as certain considerations may be adjusted given the nature of the weight loss surgery.
A C-Section Is More Likely After Weight Loss Surgery
Research has found that women who have undergone bariatric surgery are more likely to have a c-section if they become pregnant. The actual medical reason for this have yet to be determined through scientific research, but it’s important to consider as a possibility as your child develops or if you are considering having children.
What if I get pregnant only a few months after weight loss surgery?
Should this occur, do not worry. It is still possible to have a healthy child if you get pregnant within 18 months of surgery.
Of course, the pregnancy may be more challenging since additional attentiveness will be required with regard to nutrition and general wellness as you adjust to your new post-surgical lifestyle, but this attentiveness will just ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Notable: Weight Loss Surgery May Improve Your Fertility and Your Baby’s Health
Undergoing weight loss surgery has actually been shown to boost female fertility and improve chances of natural conception. As a woman loses weight, this tends to address various obesity-related health problems that may result in infertility. In addition, these obesity-related health problems are less likely to affect the health of a child as it develops.
Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery
For more information about gastric sleeve surgery and how it can have a positive impact on your overall health and wellness, be sure to contact our bariatric surgery center today.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Alcoholic Beverages: What Patients Should Know
Patients who visit Tijuana Bariatrics will receive ample information on what life is like after they undergo weight loss surgery. Even safe, low-maintenance weight loss procedures like gastric sleeve surgery will involve changes to your life after, though many of them are easy adjustments that benefit your overall health. On this blog, we’ve previously looked at how your diet changes after gastric sleeve surgery as well as how your exercise routine may differ after gastric sleeve surgery.
We receive many questions about drinking wine, beer, and spirits after undergoing bariatric surgery. Let’s look into this issue right now.
Can people who have undergone gastric sleeve drink alcoholic beverages?
Yes, but it’s important that they wait before having alcoholic beverages and that they avoid certain beverages as well.
Weight loss surgery causes major changes to your body and your response to certain foods and beverages. Because of this, it’s important that alcoholic beverages be slowly reintroduced into a person’s diet, and that the bariatric surgery patient be conservative and mindful of any amount of alcohol consumed.
Does alcohol affect bariatric surgery patients faster than non-patients?
Yes.
Patients who have undergone a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass will feel the effects of alcohol faster than those who have not undergone surgery. Sometimes a single glass of wine may be as potent to gastric sleeve patient as three glasses of wine to a non-weight loss surgery patient. A little bit of alcohol may also lead to a drop in blood sugar, so be mindful of that.
How long should I wait after bariatric surgery before I have an alcoholic beverage?
As a general rule, avoid having any alcoholic beverages for at least six months after weight loss surgery. This will give your body ample time to heal and also give you ample time to adjust to your new dietary needs and lifestyle changes.
When having your first drink, only have a sip or two. You may find your sense of taste differs. Go slowly, and do not rush in reintroducing alcoholic beverages to your diet. This will help you understand your new alcohol tolerance and preferences.
Are there any kinds of alcoholic beverages I should avoid?
Yes.
Given the changes to your metabolism and digestive tract, it’s a good idea to avoid carbonated beverages (e.g., beer, champagne) and any beverages that contain sugary mixers. Both of these can lead to discomfort in the stomach and are generally things to avoid following weight loss surgery regardless of alcohol content.
Other Tips for Having Alcoholic Beverages After Bariatric Surgery
Apart from going slow, avoiding carbonation, and staying away from sugary mixers, we recommend that patients only drink alcohol while eating a meal. This will help with the absorption of alcohol into the system, and will help prevent serious intoxication from occurring too quickly.
Obviously because of the increased potency of alcoholic beverages, bariatric surgery patients should never drink and drive, even if they are only having a little bit with a meal. If you need to drive, don’t drink; if you do drink, have a designated driver with you or call a cab to get you home.
Discuss Bariatric Surgery with Our Team
To learn more about your life after undergoing weight loss surgery and how we can help you achieve excellent health and wellness, be sure to contact our bariatric surgery center today.
The Effects of Smoking on Gastric Sleeve Surgery
So many patients come from the United States and abroad to see the surgeons at Tijuana Bariatrics. The reasons for this are many: not only does our team provide accommodations and a private driver for all transportation needs, the bariatric procedures are all performed in a full-service, state-of-the-art hospital. This level of care means consistently performing successful gastric bypass, gastric banding, and gastric sleeve surgery that helps patients battle obesity and live healtheir lives.
Success really starts with the patient, however, and making smart choices that can impact the recovery process in a positive way. One of the smartest choices you can make going into weight loss surgery is to quit smoking and using other kinds of tobacco products.
Smoking Is Bad for You, and Worse If You’re Undergoing Surgery
We all know that smoking is bad for your health, leading to increased risk of respiratory disease, heart disease, hypertension, and even dental problems. On top of all of these issues, smoking also leads to issues with your overall healing experience. That’s right, smoking can cause you to heal slower and can also make you more likely to experience serious complications as you recover.
Studies Show an Increase In Risk for Smokers
While complication rates for gastric sleeve surgery are usually 5% or lower, research has shown that the chances of complications increase with smokers. Some studies put the rate of complications around 18% for smokers, which is a dramatic increase and a reason why patients really should not be smoking when they are considering bariatric surgery of any kind.
Quit Smoking Before You Undergo Bariatric Surgery
One of the key pre-operative instructions given to patients is to refrain from tobacco products for a few weeks before surgery. This will help your body be in a more ideal condition to heal, and just one of many things that patients can do to prepare for the surgical recovery ahead.
A Gastric Sleeve Is a Great Excuse to Quit Smoking After Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery represents a major lifestyle change for patients. Not only will patients be losing weight over the course of the year, but they will also have to adjust their diet, increase their activity level, and make other improvements to their lifestyle in order to ensure good overall health.
In essence, bariatric surgery is a new beginning, and it presents a great means for patients to focus on quitting smoking. It may not be easy, this is true, but there are so many health improvements to come from weight loss surgery that losing bad habits such as smoking is a good idea as well.
Seek Help with Quitting If You Find It Difficult
As we noted, quitting smoking isn’t easy. If you are having difficulty with kicking the habit, be sure to speak with your general practitioner. He or she will be able to provide you with ample guidance with regard to quitting smoking, which may involve programs, patches, support groups, medications, or other means of making a healthier life a reality.
Contact Our Weight Loss Surgery Center
If you would like more information about gastric sleeve surgery and how it can help you achieve a healthier body mass, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today. Our team looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve better health through safe and effective bariatric surgery treatment.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery and the Risk of Blood Clots
One of the major reasons that patients trust the doctors of Tijuana Bariatrics is their commitment to patient education. We are always careful to go over all of the benefits and risks of each procedure he performs so that patients understand how gastric sleeve surgery can effectively promote safe andd rapid weight loss.
All surgeries entail some degree of risk, of course, and one such risk of surgery is blood clotting. We’d like to address this particular matter in this blog post.
Are blood clots a possibility after bariatric surgery?
There is a risk of blood clots occurring after any sort of bariatric surgery. After undergoing a surgery of any kind, for that matter, the body is prone to promote coagulation and possibly form clots as a response to the trauma to the body that is perceived as an injury.
The chance of blood clots may be higher if the patient is a smoker, ran a risk of blood clots prior to surgery, and was in poor health. Other factors come into play in this regard as well.
Why Blood Clots Need to Be Taken Seriously
When a blood clot occurs, this can lead to major problems with blood flow. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), as well as other serious health problems. Even partial blockage of blood flow needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent serious health conditions from occurring later in life.
What Weight Loss Surgery Patients Can Do to Prevent Blood Clots
After gastric sleeve surgery or any sort of bariatric procedure, patients are encouraged to walk when they are able to. This promotes good circulation through the body and reduces the risks of blood clots forming. Since blood clots after surgery are likely to form in the legs, patients may be given surgical stockings to wear that help prevent the formation of clots.
In addition to walking to promote circulation and surgical stockings, patients may be given blood thinners to take after surgery. The use of blood thinning medication can be discussed in more detail during the consultation process.
How We Help Prevent Blood Clots After Weight Loss Surgery
When patients visit Tijuana Bariatrics, they are provided with accommodations at a fine hotel near the practice. By staying within the area for the next few days, our team is able to monitor the healing progress in that crucial early period following the gastric sleeve surgery. This means that we are able to respond to major complications and issues as soon as they arise. This proximity and careful attention means that patients are safe during the pre-op and early post-op phases of their surgery.
Staying Healthy Going Forward
While the risk of blood clots tends to be highest in the early days after bariatric surgery, the possibility of a blood clot forming may last for several days or even a few weeks. Note that the possibility is continually reduced the further out a patient is from the initial surgery date. Regardless, be sure to continue engaging in approved exercises and physical activity so that you can experience good circulation and promote better health in general.
Find Out More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
For more information about gastric sleeve surgery and whether or not it’s the ideal weight loss solution for you, we encourage you to contact our weight loss surgery center today.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery and the Risk of Gastritis
Every patient who comes to our Tijuana practice deserves detailed information about the benefits and risks of surgery. This helps patients have realistic expectations about the treatment process. While we have discussed the many benefits of gastric sleeve surgery as a surgical weight loss option, we also feel that patients need to be made fully aware of potential complications. That’s why we’re looking at gastritis in this blog post, which some patients may experience after their weight loss surgery is performed.
What is gastritis?
Gastritis refers to the irritation and/or inflammation of the stomach lining. This can occur gradually (chronic gastritis) or it may happen abruptly (acute gastritis). If the gastritis goes untreated, it can lead to serious ulcers, blood loss, erosion of the stomach lining, and increased risk of stomach cancer.
Is gastritis common after gastric sleeve surgery?
Thankfully gastritis is not too common after gastric sleeve surgery. Furthermore, we always carefully monitor the health and wellness of patients in the days after surgery to monitor for potential complications, addressing any warning signs promptly so that patients have a better healing and recovery experience.
What factors increase the likelihood of gastric sleeve surgery?
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of gastritis. These include the use of anti-inflammatory pain relievers, stress, injury to the stomach, and excessive alcohol consumption. Infections can also cause gastritis to occur. Smoking can also increase the risk of gastritis after bariatric surgery. This is just another compelling reason why you should not smoke before or after weight loss surgery.
Symptoms and Signs of Gastritis
The most common symptoms and signs of gastritis are as follows:
- Discomfort in the upper stomach area
- Fullness in the upper stomach area after eating
- Frequent indigestion
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Sometimes the above signs may not be present, so it’s important that you be as attentive as possible with regard to your stomach and your eating habits.
Treating Gastritis After Gastric Sleeve
The right treatment for gastritis will depend on the nature of the patient’s case. If the gastritis is the result of bacterial infection, the use of antibiotics will generally be the best treatment option to consider. Gastritis that’s caused by the use of anti-inflammatory drugs can usually be treated by having patients stop taking those medications.
In addition to the above, the symptoms of gastritis can be brought under control by having patients take antacids and various medications that help reduce acid production.
How can I prevent gastritis after bariatric surgery?
To prevent gastritis after bariatric surgery, it’s important that you follow all of your pre-op and post-op instructions to the letter. These provide ideal conditions for healing and wellness. In addition, we recommend the following:
- Avoid smoking and the use of any tobacco products
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages
- Eat smaller meals and avoid foods that trigger indigestion
- Avoid spicy, acidic, and/or fatty foods
- Consider stress management strategies
Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery Options
To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and how it can help you achieve a more ideal weight, it’s important that you contact our weight loss surgery center today. Our team will help you make the best possible decisions when it comes to your overall health and wellness, providing you with all the information you need to make a smart choice about bariatric surgery.
Gastric Bypass After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Tijuana Bariatrics continues to attract patients to Mexico for surgery because of our strong commitment to safe surgical care and addressing diverse patient needs. Many times he achieves this through gastric sleeve surgery, a weight loss option that’s generally low maintenance and quite effective.
Sometimes a gastric sleeve may not be right for a patient however, and it may need to be transformed into a gastric bypass as part of a revision procedure. We’d like to consider the revision process right now.
Isn’t a gastric sleeve as effective as a gastric bypass?
We definitely feel that gastric sleeve offers comparable and in some cases better results than gastric bypass surgery. Many of our patients have benefited from undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy and report excellent weight loss surgery results. That said, people are different and weight loss surgery does need to be tailored to the needs of patients, which is why some patients may need to have their gastric sleeve converted to a bypass.
Why convert a gastric sleeve into a gastric bypass?
There are two primary reasons why a gastric sleeve may be revised into a gastric bypass:
- Lack of Weight Loss from Gastric Sleeve – Sometimes patients who need to lose a lot of weight do not lose as much weight as they’d hope to with gastric sleeve surgery. In these cases, revision to a gastric bypass can help promote additional weight loss.
- Major Weight Gain After Gastric Sleeve – Weight gain will occur after any weight loss surgery after a few years, but in some cases the weight gain is substantial and undoes the benefits of the initial bariatric procedure. In such cases, changing the gastric sleeve into a gastric bypass will help the patient lose that weight again.
What to Expect from the Revision Process
The revision process will be carried out in a similar fashion to the primary surgery. When possible, the same incision sites will be used in order to avoid any new scarring around the abdominal area. Patients will remain in the hospital to have their condition monitored before being discharged.
Other Options for Gastric Sleeve Revision
There are other revision options to consider apart from gastric sleeve surgery. In some cases, the stomach can simply be resleeved, which refers to a further reduction in the reduced stomach size. Another option is the duodenal switch, in which part of the small intestine is bypassed, though the duodendum and pyloric valve remain in place (unlike in gastric bypass surgery).
All revision options can be discussed in greater detail during your visit to the practice.
Getting the Process Right the First Time Around
Our doctors believe in getting the entire weight loss surgery process right the first time around. When you visit the practice to go over your options for surgical weight loss, we will be sure to tailor the surgery to your needs and the amount of weight you should ideally lose. This helps prevent the need for a revision procedure.
Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery
To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and your many other options available for safe surgical weight loss, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today.
Gastric Sleeve and Acid Reflux (GERD): Facts Patients Should Know
Our weight loss surgery practice in Tijuana has attracted patients from the United States because of its reputation for excellent care. Over the last few months, we have written a great deal about gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy), an effective option for surgical weight loss. It has many benefits over other weight loss surgeries, though in some cases it may not be ideal for certain patients.
With that in mind, we want to consider the relationship between gastric sleeve surgery and acid reflux (GERD).
About Acid Reflux (GERD)
To understand acid reflux, it’s important to go over the basics of how the digestive tract works.
A ring of muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is located at the opening of the stomach. The LES closes when food and beverages pass through it. If the LES does not close, acid from your stomach can travel up into the esophagus resulting in pain and discomfort. That burning sensation and chest pain is the reason that people have also called acid reflux “heartburn”.
Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux
The most common signs and symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Excessive burping
- Bloating
- Pain in the chest
- Pain in the upper abdomen
Can gastric sleeve surgery help relieve acid reflux (GERD)?
While certain bariatric surgeries have shown a certain amount of effectiveness when it comes to the treatment of acid reflux, studies have found that gastric sleeve is not necessarily effective at addressing acid reflux. In fact, in some cases gastric sleeve may result in patients developing issues with acid reflux.
What a Recent Study Has Found
Published in a February issue of the journal JAMA Surgery, a study of almost 39,000 bariatric surgery patients noted various findings with regard to acid reflux. Gastric bypass proved the most effective means of reducing the severity of acid reflux or eliminating cases of acid reflux in patients with a history of GERD.
Gastric sleeve showed little effectiveness, however. In addition, roughly 1 in 11 gastric sleeve patients without a history of GERD reported cases of acid reflux after the surgery was performed.
Why Gastric Sleeve Can Potentially Make Acid Reflux (GERD) Worse
One of the common causes of acid reflux is eating large and/or heavy meals. Since gastric sleeve surgery involves shrinking of the stomach size, the possibility of acid reflux becomes more likely.
In such cases, acid reflux can be prevented by gastric sleeve patients if they eat slowly, savor their food, and avoid overeating. By understanding the new nature of your appetite and at what point you become full, issues such as acid reflux can be avoided.
Preventing Acid Reflux (GERD) Through Careful Patient Evaluation
These new studies actually mean a way that we can make the weight loss surgery process even better for patients. During the consultation process, we will be sure to assess a patient’s medical history. If a patient has a history of acid reflux, a bariatric option other than gastric sleeve surgery will be recommended instead.
With the above in mind, we still do believe that the gastric sleeve is an excellent procedure given its many benefits, low maintenance, and limited risks. For most patients, the gastric sleeve offers a better option for achieving an ideal weight than gastric sleeve and gastric banding.
Schedule a Visit with Our Doctors
To learn more about bariatric procedures from a tried and true specialist in advanced procedures and their implementation, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today. When you meet with our bariatric specialists for a consultation, we will answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns in full detail so that you can make a confident decision about your needs.
After Gastric Sleeve: Is Taking NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) Okay?
When patients come to visit our surgeons in Tijuana, they receive detailed information on what to expect before, during, and after bariatric surgery. By knowing about the treatment process in detail, patients are able to have better experiences after undergoing highly effective bariatric procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery.
One issue that comes up a lot during consultations is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after surgery. Let’s cover this right now and see why some patients should consider gastric sleeve surgery rather than other weight loss surgery procedures.
About NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
NSAIDs are medications that are used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and fight inflammation in patients. They are some of the most common pain relievers available in the world. NSAIDs are often used to address the following kinds of conditions:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Migraines and severe headaches
- Lower back pain
- Tennis elbow
- Menstrual cramps
- Pain after surgery
Examples of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Some examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs include:
- Aspirin (Bayer, Excedrin)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
There are also many different NSAIDs that are available by prescription, including:
- Lodine
- Vimovo
- Relafen
- Daypro
- Voltaren
- Indocin
Can I take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) after bariatric surgery?
After undergoing gastric bypass surgery or gastric banding surgery, taking NSAIDs is prohibited. These bypass and banding patients must avoid taking NSAIDs to prevent major health issues from occurring.
However, gastric sleeve patients are generally still allowed take NSAIDs so long as their surgeons and their physician feel that it does not pose a health risk of any kind.
Why are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) prohibited for surgeries other than gastric sleeve?
When people take NSAIDs, it inhibits the stomach’s ability to create protective mucous that protects the stomach lining from gastric acid. The increased exposure of the stomach tissue to acid means a greater likelihood of discomfort, ulcers, stomach bleeding, and potential perforation of the stomach lining.
Gastric bypass patients are especially at risk of these issues if they take NSAIDs after surgery. The same holds true for many gastric banding patients. Because of this added risk, bariatric surgeons recommend that their gastric bypass and banding patients avoid NSAIDs after surgery is performed and instead look into alternative medications and pain relievers (i.e., acetaminophen/Tylenol).
Some Issues to Note with NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and Gastric Sleeve
While many patients who undergo gastric sleeve are still able to take NSAIDs, it’s important that they get the okay from their surgeon and physician. Sometimes a reduced dosage of NSAIDs only when necessary may be recommended just to avoid potential issues with ulcers and stomach perforation.
Yet Another Advantage to Gastric Sleeve Surgery
We’ve written at length about the many benefits of gastric sleeve surgery, as well as how gastric sleeve compares to gastric bypass and how gastric sleeve compares to gastric banding. This is just another advantage to consider for sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
Prospective weight loss surgery patients who expect to take NSAIDs in the future to address arthritis and other kinds of pain would benefit most from undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. The gastric sleeve offers additional flexibility for patients in so many ways, which is why we feel it’s a great option for surgical weight loss.
Learn More About Advanced Weight Loss Surgery
If you are interested in undergoing gastric sleeve surgery or any other surgical option for safe and rapid weight loss, we encourage you to contact our bariatric surgery center today. When you meet with our doctors, you will be able to learn more about all of your options for advanced weight loss procedures.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Hiatal Hernia: Issues to Consider and Options for Correction
One of the reasons that patients from abroad come to Tijuana Bariatrics is because of our knowledge and experience when addressing various health matters. This includes performing highly effective gastric sleeve surgery to promote rapid and safe weight loss.
Sometimes certain health issues need to be addressed in order to ensure successful bariatric surgery. One such issue is the hiatal hernia. Let’s use this post to go over the basics of this health issue.
About Hiatal Hernias
A hiatal hernia shouldn’t be confused with the kinds of hernias that we associate with heavy lifting. The term “hernia” simply refers to any instances in which an organ pushes into another part of the body where it should not ideally be.
With that in mind, let’s define a few parts of the anatomy. The hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm (the muscular wall that separates the abdominal area from the chest cavity). Sometimes part of the stomach will push past the hiatus, bulging up into the lower portion of the chest. When this happens, it is known as a hiatal hernia.
Causes of Hiatal Hernias
Hiatal hernias can be congenital in nature if a person is born with a large hiatus. Injuries to the abdominal region and significant stress and muscle pressure on the abdominal region can also cause it to occur. Hiatal hernias become more likely if a person is older than 50 or if a person is obese or morbidly obese.
Types of Hiatal Hernias
There are two types of hiatal hernias that may occur:
- Sliding Hiatal Hernia – This refers to cases in which the upper portion of the stomach linked to the lower portion of the esophagus bulges up past the hiatus.
- Paraesophageal Hiatial Hernia – The rarer form of this condition, this refers to cases in which part of the stomach not near the upper portion/hiatus area squeezes past the hiatus and rests beside the esophagus. This is a much more serious condition than the sliding hernia.
Symptoms of Hiatal Hernias
Common symptoms of hiatal hernias include:
- Excessive belching
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Problems swallowing food
- Fatigue
It should be noted that the majority of hiatal hernias that people experience are small and result in few signs or symptoms. Larger hiatal hernias are prone to cause the side effects above to occur.
Issues to Bariatric Surgery Success Posed by Hiatal Hernia
Since bariatric surgery procedures do require digestive tracts to be in generally healthy and normal condition in order to ensure success, it’s important that hiatal hernias be revised as part of the bariatric procedure or before the bariatric procedure. Either before or simultaneous correction of the hiatal hernia is fine, and simultaneous surgery is not unheard of.
During a consultation with our doctors, you will be able to learn more about simultaneous hiatal hernia surgery and weight loss surgery.
Will insurance or a flex spending account (FSA) cover surgery for hiatal hernia correction?
Yes in both cases. Both medical insurance and flex spending accounts (FSAs) will often cover hiatal hernia surgery. In fact, in a number of cases, the combined hiatal hernia correction and weight loss surgery will be covered by your insurance provider or FSA provider. Since coverage can vary based on the individual, be sure to check about the nature of your plan and what paperwork or stipulations must be met.
Schedule a Consultation for Bariatric Surgery
To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and how it can have a positive benefit on your overall health and wellness, be sure to contact our surgical weight loss center today.
Gastric Sleeve: Tips for Long-Term Weight Loss Surgery Success
More and more people are coming to our bariatric surgery center in Tijuana to learn about their options for losing weight and keeping it off. We are particularly big proponents of gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy), which reduces stomach size and appetite.
Many patients who visit our practice have questions about the long-term effects of surgery and whether or not the weight loss lasts. Let’s tackle these concerns right now.
How successful is gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is extremely successful, and many patients experience a good amount of weight loss thanks to the procedure and the reduction in stomach size and appetite. Many patients have reported success thanks to gastric sleeve surgery that would not be achieved through other forms of surgical weight loss treatment.
Are the results of gastric sleeve long-term or short-term?
As studies are still coming in, current research has found that the results of gastric sleeve surgery have proven long-term. Five years after the surgery is performed, patients will have lost and kept off roughly 57.4% of excess body mass thanks to gastric sleeve surgery.
Some Weight Re-Gain Is Common
It should be noted that while gastric sleeve surgery is successful, patients will experience some level of weight re-gain as they get further out from surgery. This is a result of the body getting used to the smaller stomach size and adjusting metabolism slightly. With that in mind, a majority of the excess body mass that was lost can be kept off if patients continue to lead healthy lifestyles.
We previously covered a few tips for achieving and maintaining gastric sleeve/weight loss surgery success, but we’d like to restate them right now since they are an important part of maintaining a healthier body mass.
Eating Right Will Help Improve Results
Just because you’ve undergone a gastric sleeve doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you want. It’s important that you continue to eat right and to eat healthy, doing your best to eat a balanced diet that’s nutritious. Note that you may have to take supplements or reconsider certain eating habits to account for some nutritional deficiencies. Speak with your doctor or a dietician if you need tips on what to eat or what supplements to take.
Exercise and Healthy Living Are Keys to Success
The surgery itself is just one step toward lasting weight loss. Long-term success is contingent on life-long changes to your lifestyle. That means exercising regularly to help burn off those excess calories and to keep that excess weight off for years ahead. A combination of stretching, strength training, and cardio are ideal to incorporate into your life for lasting health after surgery.
Having a Strong Support Network Is Important
You’ve got the diet down and you’ve got a good exercise regimen in place, but sometimes what you really need is emotional and moral support. Having friends and family behind your decision is crucial for long-term success. Counseling may also be helpful in addition to finding a support group of bariatric patients who can share their experiences with you.
By combining diet, exercise, and support, lasting weight loss through gastric sleeve surgery (or any bariatric procedure, really) is more likely.
Schedule a Consultation for Weight Loss Surgery
To learn more about the different ways you can maintain weight loss after you have undergone a gastric sleeve or any other kind of weight loss procedure, be sure to contact our center for bariatric surgery today.