FAQ

FAQ

How do I know if I am a candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

If you are obese or your BMI (body mass index) is over 30 then there is a good possibility that you are a candidate? (there is a BMI calculator on our website for your convenience.)
Back to top

How do I know which surgery is best for me?

The surgery that you chose is an individual preference depending on the weight loss you want to accomplish and whether or not you are comfortable with a foreign object left in your body)
Back to top

What is the Sleeve Plication?

Sleeve Plication is the newest weight loss surgery available, it is very similar to the Gastric Sleeve however they do not remove any excess stomach from your body and there are no staples. They are receiving the same results with the Plication as they are with the Gastric Sleeve and there are less risks.
Back to top

What is the VSG (Gastric Sleeve)?

The Gastric Sleeve (VSG, Sleeve Gastrectomy) is surgery where up to 80% of your stomach is removed leaving you with a stomach that looks like a small sleeve hence the name.
Back to top

What is the Lap-Band?

The Lap-Band is a band put around the lower part of the stomach and the upper part of the stomach creating a small pouch. The band is left on the stomach inside of you and there is a port just under the surface of the skin where they put saline to fill the lower portion of the stomach so that your can only eat small amounts.
Back to top

How does each surgery compare in weight loss?

With the Lap-Band you can expect to loss approximately 50 to 60% of your excess weight, with the Sleeve Plication you can expect to lose 60 to 80% of your excess weight and with the Gastric Sleeve you can expect to lose 60 to 80% of your excess weight.
Back to top

How long does the surgery take?

The surgery normally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the procedure you chose.
Back to top

Do I have to have a medical here before I go?

No, there will be a full pre-op medical done prior to surgery. If things are not all in place the surgery will not proceed.
Back to top

What medical tests are performed before the surgery?

There will be a complete series of blood work, EKG, x-ray, questions from the anaesthesiologist as well as a cardiologist. When all is clear the surgery will proceed.
Back to top

What are the risks and complications of each surgery

Lap-Band – Short Term – Death 0.5%, Minor bleeding 1.1%, Liver/Spleen laceration 1.8%, Port site infection 0.9%, Tight band 0.9%, camera port infection 0.9%, chest wall/shoulder pain 34%, pulmonary embolus 0%

Long Term – Band slippage 3%, Band erosion 2.8%, Band Leak 2.8%, Port Leak 0.9%, Port disconnection tubing break 2.7%, failure to lose weight or reach desired weight 10-30%, Need for additional surgery 14%. Anemia 6%

Gastric Sleeve – Short Term – Death 0.5%, Minor bleeding 1.5%, Liver/Spleen laceration 1.4%, Deep vein thrombophlebitis 0.4%, Gastrointestinal leak 3.1%, Cameral Port Infection 0.9%

Long Term – Stricture of the stomach outlet 2.0%, Stomach pouch ulcers 1.4%, Port site hernia 0.8%, Gastro-gastric fistula 1.2%, Gallstones 2.8%, Anemia 10%

Sleeve Plicaton – No major complications have been reported regarding the Sleeve Plication.
Back to top

Is there a standard medical form I need to complete?

Yes there is a standard form and when you come for your consult and once you have made your decision for the surgery we will complete the form together.
Back to top

Will I have to diet before surgery?

Yes there is a pre-op diet you will have to follow which will be provided to you when you make your decision for surgery.
Back to top

If I am on medication will it interfere with my surgery?

Part of the pre-op form will ask you about your medications and the doctor will get in touch with Weight No More if they require you to follow any precise procedures for you alone.
Back to top

Do I bring my medications with me?

Yes bring all your medications with you in their appropriate containers.
Back to top

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Depending on what procedure you chose will determine the percentage of your weight loss.
Back to top

How do I get from the airport to the Hotel/Hospital?

You will be picked up at the baggage claim department by the driver from the Hospital and transported either to the Hospital or the Hotel. If you are transported to the hotel the drive will ensure you get to the hospital when required.
Back to top

What kind of care can I expect after surgery?

The surgeons, their staff along with Weight No More Consulting will be there for you every step of the way. You will be given all medications you will need to cope with any pain you may have or any minor complications.
Back to top

How long is my stay in Mexico?

Your stay in Mexico will be determined by what procedure you decide to have.
Back to top

When can I return to work?

Every individual is different and heals differently but most are back to work within a week as long as they aren’t doing heavy lifting. If you are lifting then they suggest 2 weeks.
Back to top

What are the risks of surgery?

As with any surgery, there can be complications. Deep vein thrombophlebitis 0.5% Non-fatal pulmonary embolus 0.5% Pneumonia 0.2% Acute respiratory distress syndrome 0.25% Spleenectomy 0.5% Gastric leak and fistula 1.0% Postoperative bleeding 0.5% Small bowel obstruction 0.0% Death 0.1%
Back to top

Will I be able to return to a normal diet?

After a few weeks you will be able to return to a normal diet just smaller quantities. They strongly suggest no carbonated beverages though as it can tend to build up gas and create major pain.
Back to top

Do I need to exercise after surgery?

Exercise is very important even without surgery. They strongly suggest walking at least 10,000 steps 3 times a week. Strength training to keep your muscles toned as weight loss is quick and you can lose muscle mass.
Back to top

Will I have stitches that need to be removed?

No the stitches are totally dissolving so there will be no need to have stitches removed.
Back to top

Do I need to go back to Mexico for follow up?

Your family physician can do your follow-up care, if you have a Lap-Band you may chose to go back to Mexico for your fills but you can also have them done here.
Back to top

Do I need a passport?

Yes you need a passport to cross the border into the US as well as Mexico.
Back to top

Can I take a support person with me?

You can take a support person with you and they will be put up in the hotel with you. If you have no support and would like a facilitator to attend with you then we will provide one but you would be responsible for their airfare.
Back to top

How do I keep in touch with my family?

They have a toll free line at the hospital that you will be able to contact your family.
Back to top

Do I need money?

Yes you should have some money as at the hotel you will be responsible to pay for your meals. You may be feeling well enough to go shopping, what fun.
Back to top

Do I need out of country insurance?

You will require out of country insurance the same as if you were going on a vacation out of country.
Back to top

Do you have financing available?

Weight No More Consulting is an accredited health care provider through Medicard Finance Canada. You can apply online at www.medicard.com or by phone at 1-888-689-9876. Applying is easy, you will have an answer within 24 hours in most cases. It is based on your credit, but they have a high success rate of approving applications even when your bank won’t approve you.
Back to top

Can I claim this on my income tax?

Yes this is a legitimate Tax expense, both the Canadian Government and the American Government have recognized it as a medical expense. See the link on our home page regarding claiming under Revenue Canada.
Back to top

Comments are closed.