As part of the Laparoscopic Solutions group, ObesityFree is focused on the treatment of patients who have struggled for years with their excess weight. At present, obesity is considered an epidemic and for the first time in many decades, life expectancy is expected to decline in years to come - by as much as 10 years because of this previously underestimated condition.
So don't waste valuable time anymore. Having weight loss surgery is a life changing decision that anyone with obesity issues should make.
Take advantage of modern technology and advances in this surgical field to enjoy the many benefits of being obesity free.
Let us put your mind at ease and explain. Here at ObesityFree, we are dedicated to offering you a full service experience with two all-inclusive, fixed price packages to make your obesity surgery trip an exciting and safe adventure.
You can be completely confident about your result because our hospital lives up to the highest quality of international health care standards. Christus Muguerza Hospital's affiliation with an innovative American hospital system like the Christus Health Group means that it operates similarly to an American hospital network but it is located in Mexico and therefore can offer obesity surgery at a fraction of the American price.
Our hospital was the first in Latin America to receive certification by the Joint Commission International which is recognized as a world leader in health care quality and patient safety.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE STANDARDS AT MEXICAN PRICES
Our Bariatric Weight Loss Facilities
Considering that a bariatric patient may have special and unique needs, Dr. Rosales' premise is to operate only in Highly Specialized Hospitals, NOT small clinics or hospitals, NOT outpatient surgical facilities or anything similar.
A hospital adequate for treating a bariatric surgical patient must be equipped with top-notch technology.
Dr. Rosales and his team are committed to provide world-class quality healthcare supported by the best "state of the art" technology in the medical industry. Therefore, our bariatric procedures are performed in one of the Christus Health Group Hospitals located in Monterrey, Mexico.
WHY CHOOSE US?
The main advantages you get when you choose Obesity Free to help you definitively with your weight problems are:
Reliable Care
Top-notch technology, materials, facilities and of course, bedside manners. The technology and medical supplies used to perform the procedures are of first quality (ALL FDA APPROVED). The fact that surgery will be much more affordable to you (even less than half the price you would pay in the U.S.) has no relation to quality or skills.
No Hidden Fees
We strictly honor our "All Inclusive Packages" and fixed price policy. There are no hidden fees and no unpleasant surprises when you check out at the end of your stay.
Experienced Surgeon
With over 7 years of experience, Dr. Rosales has performed thousands of laparoscopic general and bariatric surgery procedures. In recent years he has focused on performing exclusively the Gastric Sleeve and the Gastric Band procedures for weight loss.
With his team, Dr. Rosales has developed a very slick and clean technique with excellent results. The combined experience of assisting and performing more than 1500 of these procedures has lead to this impressive result.
No Delays
We'll do our best to book your surgery as soon as possible if you are a good candidate for the desired procedure.
Location
We are located in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. This is a convenient destination for medical tourism for American and Canadian citizens. In fact, Mexico has long been the destination of choice for medical tourism, because of the high standards and low cost of the treatments available in Mexico.
Monterrey is considered one of the top 3 cities in Latin America according to the America Economy Magazine. It is a modern and innovative city, which has great airline connections receiving around 360 flights per day. There are direct flights from 9 cities in the U.S.
Nuevo Leon actually borders with the U.S. and the city of Monterrey is less than 3 hours away from the Texas border by highway. Being close to home after your surgery will help with peace of mind. Most important of all, we have world-class medical facilities with leading edge health services (to read detailed information about the facilities where your surgery will be performed click here.
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Treatments & Prices
OBESITY AND ITS CLASSIFICATION
Obesity represents a state of excess storage of body fat; it is a complex condition with serious social and psychological dimensions, affecting virtually all ages and socioeconomic groups. Approximately one-third of US adults are obese. The health consequences of severe obesity have been well described. And current evidence suggests surgical therapies offer the best hope for substantial and sustainable weight loss in obese patients, with resultant mortality reduction.
The United States of America currently ranks 9th in the world in obesity prevalence. This trend is ominous, because morbid obesity predisposes patients to co-morbid diseases, which affect nearly every organ / system.
Here are some of the diseases developed (or worsened) in an obese person:
- Type 2 diabetes (400% greater risk)
- Cardiovascular disease (300% greater risk)
- Stroke (170% greater risk)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Sleep apnea
- Hypoventilation syndrome
- Asthma
- Osteoarthritis
- Cancers (50% greater chance of developing breast cancer and several types of cancers such as endometrial, colon, etc.)
- High blood cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome
- Gallbladder disease (gallstones)
- Liver diseases (fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Urinary incontinence
- Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)
- Depression, etc.
So it is evident that obesity shortens life expectancy and affects quality of life tremendously. It is projected to become the leading cause of death in the near future!
In fact, a recent research at Oxford University found that moderate obesity reduces life expectancy by about 3 years, and that severe obesity can shorten a person's life by 10 years.
Summary: Obese and overweight persons are statistically likely to have with large decreases in life expectancy and increases in early mortality, unless an efficient solution for weight loss is implemented to solve this serious condition.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR OBESITY
Medical Treatment
In 1991, the National Institutes of Health Conference concluded that non-surgical methods of weight loss for patients with severe obesity are not effective over long periods of time. It was shown that weight gain is rapid once medications or dieting are withdrawn.
Surgical Treatment
A large number of weight loss operations have been devised over the last 50 years. The operations recognized by most surgeons include: vertical banded gastroplasty, gastric banding (adjustable or non-adjustable), Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) and malabsorbtion procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch.
We have focussed our practice on just two of them: Gastric Sleeve and Adjustable Gastric Band. The reason for this decision is simple. We've seen that the best results come from these two procedures. When the patient is a good candidate, weight loss comes easily, giving them a smooth and nice journey to their goal weight! Patients who choose either of these avoid the disadvantages and complications that other weight loss procedures have, such as nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, anemia, marginal ulcers, dumping syndrome, etc.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
What is a gastric sleeve and how is laparoscopic gastric sleeve weight loss surgery performed?
The laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve (also known as sleeve gastrectomy or VSG) involves the surgical removal of the left side of the stomach (around 70% of the stomach is removed). This results in a new stomach which is similar in shape and size to a banana. It's also similar in shape to the sleeve of a coat, and the name comes from this resemblance.
The left portion of the stomach is separated from its natural attachments, then the stomach is cut and sealed with a special stapling device (special medical grade FDA approved stapling and cutting device Endo GIA made by Covidien Autosuture™ in the U.S.A.) and finally the whole staple line is reinforced with suture. This device is the only one used by Dr. Rosales in his practice. Be careful when you see very low surgery costs because the quality of materials might not be the same!
Prodecure Sequence
This procedure does not involves the need of any intestinal or stomach "re-routing" or "re-connecting" and therefore is a simpler procedure in comparison to the gastric bypass (RNY) or duodenal switch so the short and long term complication rate is much lower with the gastric sleeve but with very similar or even the same weight loss results!
One of the main reasons for the gastric sleeve success is the fact that the portion of stomach that is removed produces a hormone, "grhelin", which is considered the hunger hormone, so the patient does not feel hunger strikes anymore! Besides this, the diameter of stomach that is left restricts the amount of food intake needed to feel satiety without limiting the type of food the person desires to have.
Another great advantage of the gastric sleeve over any other weight loss procedure is that is practically maintenance free! There is no need for monthly or periodic lab tests to measure vitamins, minerals, hemoglobin, etc. levels. Remember, since it does not cause any malabsorbtion of nutrients, it causes no deficiencies.
To summarize, the advantages of the Gastric Sleeve are:
- It is a much less invasive bariatric procedure and therefore has a lower morbidity rate.
- It does not involve the placement of a foreign device as in the gastric band.
- It does not involve any risky stomach or intestinal re-routing.
- Since there is no re-routing, there is no dumping syndrome.
- It is the only procedure that involves the removal of the portion of stomach that produces the hunger hormone "ghrelin" so it will effectively reduce hunger strikes.
- Fullness and satisfaction is achieved with just small portions of food.
- It does not limit or restrict the type of food you are able to eat. You will be able to eat anything! But in small, healthy portions.
- The reduced intake of food because of the restriction and lack of hunger strikes results in dramatic weight loss!
- Weight loss won't be drastic in a very short period of time, letting your body and skin to more easily adapt to a constant and healthier weight loss pattern.
- It adjusts to every person's needs. Even if "adjustments" are neither possible nor necessary, the sleeve is considered a "smart" procedure which leads patients to their goal weight and just after this, the weight loss stalls.
- Requires no periodic and costly testing and measuring levels of vitamins, minerals, etc. It is practically maintenance free!
- No need for uncomfortable preoperative intestinal or colon cleansing
Since it is performed laparoscopically:
- The operation requires 5 very small incisions.
- Minimal postoperative pain.
- Very fast recovery (two night hospital stay) and the possibility to enjoy a quicker return to normal activities.
- Decreased risk of wound infection and hernia formation.
- Minimal scarring.
Who should consider this procedure?
- Anyone who is looking for considerable and sustained weight loss without all the risks and side effects of a malabsorption procedure.
- Anyone who does not wish to have the expense of performing permanent monthly or periodic testing to evaluate nutritional status.
- Anyone who has concerns about developing the not too uncommon side effects of the any malabsorption procedure such as the gastric bypass: intestinal obstruction, marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- Those who are considering a gastric band but are concerned about a foreign body inside the body AND do not want to get periodic fills until they reach their goal weight.
- Anyone who wishes to have a weight loss surgery BUT his/her medical condition is complex and contraindicates extensive operating room time.
- Patients that have had a bad experience with gastric band situations such as band slippage, erosion, port site infection, etc.
What preparation is required?
The following includes typical events that may occur prior to gastric sleeve surgery. however, since each patient is unique, what will actually occur may be slightly different:
- Depending on your BMI Dr. Rosales will let you know if a preoperative diet will be required in order to reduce the size of your liver and therefore reduce the risks of complications during surgery leading to a faster and smoother recovery.
- Blood work, chest x-ray and EKG will also be performed before surgery.
- Preoperative consultation from specialists, such as cardiologist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, etc may be needed depending on your own specific medical condition, we will let you know if you will need this evaluation before your surgery.
What should I expect after Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve surgery?
- After surgery you might feel some pain in the shoulder and/or in the left upper area of your abdomen, perfectly manageable with medications. It is also common to wake up with a "pressure" sensation in your lower chest or upper abdomen.
- Activity is dependent on how you feel. Usually, that very same day, a few hours after your surgery, you will be able to stand up on your own to walk around, actually walking is encouraged because this helps you to recover even faster!
- Liquids will be given to you the morning after your surgery, after performing a final leak test.
- Forty eight hours after your procedure you will be able to return back home, once Dr. Rosales makes sure you are in optimal condition to leave the hospital.
- You will probably be able to return to normal activities within a week's time. Return to work usually can also be seven days after your surgery, depending on the nature of your job.
- You will notice the restriction right away, so you only need to get ready to start losing weight and enjoy your new life!
GASTRIC SLEEVE (VSG) : 8200 USD
Band Weight Loss Surgery
What is a gastric band and how is gastric band weight loss surgery performed?
The laparoscopic gastric band surgery involves placing a half inch medical grade "plastic-like" belt or collar around the top portion of the stomach. This creates a small pouch and a fixed outlet into the lower stomach; then the "tubing" of the band is connected to an "access port" which is about the size of a quarter and it is fixed into your abdominal wall, under the fat and skin for further access for fills or adjustments.
The adjustable band, which was approved by the FDA in June 2001, can be filled with sterile saline. When saline is added, the outlet into the stomach is made smaller which further restricts food from leaving the pouch.
- There are two main companies that manufacture FDA approved bands in the U.S., the Lap-Band System made by Inamed (Allergan™) and the Realize Band made by Johnson & Johnson™.
Dr. Rosales is certified by both companies and these are the only bands he uses in his practice. Watch out when they offer you very low prices because you might be getting an unapproved band!
Benefits of gastric band weight loss surgery
- It is the least invasive bariatric procedure and therefore the one with the lowest morbidity rate.
- It is a totally reversible procedure.
- It adjusts to every patient's needs.
- It is a 25 to 40 minute procedure.
- The stomach is not stapled or cut.
- The sensation of fullness and satisfaction from eating are achieved with just small portions of food.
- The reduced intake of food results in dramatic weight loss!
- No need for uncomfortable preoperative intestinal or colon cleansing
Since it is performed laparoscopically:
- The operation requires 4 very small incisions.
- Minimal postoperative pain.
- Very fast recovery (one night hospital stay) which makes it possible to enjoy a quicker return to your normal activities.
- Decreased risk of wound infection and hernia formation.
- Minimal scarring
What preparation is required?
The following includes typical events that may occur prior to laparoscopic gastric banding. However, since each patient is unique, what will actually occur may be slightly different:
- Depending on your BMI, Dr. Rosales will let you know if a preoperative diet will be required in order to reduce the size of your liver and therefore reduce the risks of complications during surgery leading to a faster and smoother recovery.
- Blood work, chest x-ray and EKG will also be performed before surgery.
- Preoperative consultation from specialists such as cardiologist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, etc may be needed, depending on your own specific medical condition. We will let you know if you will need this evaluation before your surgery.
What should I expect after laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding?
- After surgery you might feel some pain in the shoulder and/or in the upper left area of your abdomen, which is perfectly manageable with medication.
- Activity is dependent on how you feel. A few hours after your surgery, you will be able to stand up on your own to walk around. Actually walking is encouraged because it will this help you recover faster!
- Liquids will be given to you in the evening of the day of your surgery.
- The morning after your procedure, you will be able to return back home - after Dr. Rosales makes sure you are in optimal condition to leave the hospital.
- You will probably be able to return to normal activities within a week. Return to work is usually possible seven days after your surgery, depending on the nature of your job.
- A few weeks later, you are ready to get your first fill and to change your life forever!
GASTRIC BAND : 6500 USD
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