“Dreams Do Come True.” | Two VIDA Bariatric Patients Share Their Inspiring Stories
How would you feel if after years of dealing with obesity, health problems, aching joints, and failed diets you now saw a transformation after only three months? What if the weight loss continued for months and even years? At VIDA Bariatrics in Tijuana, our bariatric patients describe their weight-loss journey as a dream come true.
Bariatric surgery is an incredibly effective weight reduction treatment for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher or patients with a BMI of 30 or higher and an obesity-related health condition like hypertension or diabetes.
Thanks to the work of our talented bariatric surgeons, we have witnessed truly inspiring transformations after gastric sleeves, gastric bypass, or lap bands. If you are considering weight loss surgery in Tijuana, Mexico but haven’t taken the final step, think you cannot afford it, or are unsure if it’s worth it, this article is for you.
Bariatric Surgery Across The Border: “VIDA Is An Amazing Place”
Crystie McDonald came to Tijuana for Gastric Sleeve surgery in 2015. She traveled all the way from Canada to see one of our board-certified bariatric surgeons here at VIDA Bariatrics and kickstarted her amazing transformation: losing weight, being able to run with her kids, and be a healthy, better person for herself and her family.
The procedure Crystie had, Gastric Sleeve surgery, is a popular weight-loss surgery that involves removing a part of the stomach, which results in a small “sleeve” shaped stomach pouch that ingests less food. Overall, Crystie lost 100 lbs and felt so happy with her results that she even came back to VIDA for post-bariatric plastic surgery, a body lift.
“VIDA is an amazing place,” shared Crystie, two years after her bariatric surgery in Mexico, “I can’t speak highly enough of all the staff here and the doctors. And the facility is beautiful, clean, and immaculate. I knew the first time I was here that I was definitely coming back.”
DO Come to Tijuana for Bariatric Surgery…if the Clinic is VIDA Bariatrics
Christopher Peña, who also had Gastric Sleeve surgery here at VIDA Bariatrics, shared with us his experience, from doubts about traveling to Tijuana to experiencing the best medical care of his life.
Have you ever asked yourself, ”Should I travel to Tijuana for bariatric surgery?” We asked Christopher and his responses were such a motivation!
“I would come back again,” shared Christopher, all smiles, immediately after asking him about his experience at a bariatric surgery clinic in Mexico. “Everything about this place (VIDA) is great. It was intimidating at first, but I’ve never been treated so well.”
When a patient comes to get bariatric surgery, we know it’s going to be the start of something great: most patients adopt a healthy lifestyle, begin exercising, lose up to 80% of their weight, reverse diabetes diagnoses, and overall feel more confident. As certified bariatric surgeons, we also honor the fact that weight-loss surgery is the beginning of a process and as such, we become an integral part of our patients’ support system. For us, weight-loss surgery is the beginning of a long-term relationship with our patients, and that is what Christopher feels really sets VIDA Bariatrics apart from other bariatric surgery providers in Tijuana. “You follow up and I know that if I need help, I can call any time and you will answer.”
And when asked about his long-term results? “I’ve had great results…I even show people my scar! It looks so good.”
Board-certified bariatric surgeons in Tijuana
The most important aspect of coming to Tijuana for bariatric surgery is choosing the right doctor. In order to perform a gastric sleeve or any other type of weight-loss procedure, you must be sure that you are seeing a board-certified bariatric surgeon. Check the doctor’s credentials and ask where they completed medical school, where they did their residency, in which surgical techniques they specialize, how long they have been performing bariatric surgeries and more.
After that, you must also verify the support system the surgeon and the clinic have in place. How will they support you as you adjust to your post-bariatric surgery dietary requirements? Is there nursing staff 24/7? Where will you be recovering immediately after the surgery? Will they answer your calls and emails months or even years after the surgery?
It’s important to feel 100% comfortable and cared for by your bariatric surgeon and their staff.
Affordable Bariatric Surgery in Mexico: Safety First
How much you pay for bariatric surgery can vary greatly, depending on many factors such as the place where you get the surgery and ultimately, which weight loss procedure is recommended for you.
The cost of bariatric surgery in the United States, sometimes even performed by a general surgeon and not a bariatric specialist, can range from $15,000 to $35,000.
At VIDA Bariatrics, because of the lower cost of living and cheaper overhead costs, we are able to pass on savings to our patients. A Gastric Sleeve is around $5000, Lap Band surgery is approximately $5,500, Gastric Bypass averages $6,600, and Duodenal Switch surgery is around $7,100. Even though bariatric surgery is cheaper in Mexico, the quality and safety of the procedure and the entire patient experience are world-class at VIDA.
Crossing the Border: Affordable Bariatric surgery at VIDA with a U.S.-trained certified surgeon
Bariatric patient testimonials are only a small taste of what you could achieve after having weight-loss surgery in Tijuana. As a well-established hospital with international accreditations, decades of experience, and medical staff that is second to none, we are convinced that if you are considering bariatric surgery, we can help you achieve your weight loss goals and ultimately, your dreams. Call VIDA Bariatrics at (619) 49402215 for a free virtual consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons.
DR. GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ RUIZ MD Ph.D. FACS
Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez specializes in General and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery. She brings to VIDA Wellness and Beauty a wealth of experience in bariatrics. Dr. Rodriguez is a founding associate of the Mexican College of General Surgeons. A world-class bariatric surgeon with double certification in the US and Mexico.