Affordable lap band surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, is a boon for WLS patients. Wondering how? The procedure is safe & least invasive[1] and Tijuana offers it for 25% of the US cost! Want to keep the weight off long-term without traveling too far? Scroll down.
You have many options when you need to lose weight. If you’re at the point of needing surgical treatment, the lap band is an effective tool for losing weight.[2]
Lap band surgery is the simplest surgical treatment for obesity
It is minimally invasive, quick & reversible
The lap band is adjustable – tightened or loosened, or removed
The surgery doesn’t alter your digestive tract
It has the lowest risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies
FDA has approved the use of lap bands for weight loss treatment
Gastric banding is the safest surgery for weight loss.
Source: Medical News Today[3], HealthJade[4]
Alternative Names: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB), Gastric banding, LAP-Band system
How Much is Lap Band Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico?
On average, lap band surgery cost in Tijuana is about $3,900. The same procedure can cost up to $18,000 in the US and $16,500 in Canada. If traveling from the US/Canada, you can choose the affordable Lap Band Surgery package in Tijuana.
It includes the procedure, surgeon's and hospital's fees, medicines, post-op support, a 2-night hotel stay, and transportation from the airport/border.
Average Cost of Lap Band in Tijuana, Mexico vs US vs Canada
Location
Cost (USD)
Tijuana
$3,900
US
$18,000
Canada
$16,500
* The prices are subject to change.
Payment options: Cash, cheque, PayPal, debit/credit card, and wire transfer
Thus, you can save over $12,000 by choosing Tijuana as your preferred medical tourism destination for LAGB Furthermore, a self-pay lap band is a realistic option if you want to skip the long waiting times in your country.
Now you know the price of lap band in Tijuana, let’s see why Tijuana is a top choice for gastric banding in Mexico.
For over 60 years, the Hospital in Tijuana has been a global leader in healthcare.
The BBB-accredited hospital offers various services, including general and orthopedic surgery, bariatric procedures, and alternative cancer treatments.
With over 100,000 patients from more than 60 countries, it’s a trusted name in cancer care.
Read the sections below to know what to expect from lap band surgery in Tijuana.
Understanding Laparoscopic Gastric Banding in Tijuana
Gastric banding is a type of bariatric surgery. The lap band is an adjustable silicone ring placed around the top of the stomach. With this adjustable band, your doctor can change your stomach’s size. The smaller size of your stomach makes you feel fuller with much less food.
Less food intake means fewer calories and less fat, which leads to weight loss. Moreover, it doesn’t reduce the absorption of nutrients.[5]
If you need assistance getting a lap band, discuss your options with the Tijuana WLS surgeon. Find out if you are a good candidate. Also, take time to decide whether you are willing to make lifestyle changes after the surgery.
Candidates for Lap Band in Tijuana
Individuals who qualify for gastric banding must:[6]
Be at least 18 years old
BMI of 40 kg/m2 or more, or BMI of 30-39.9 kg/m2 with obesity-related complications like diabetes, hypertension, severe osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, and hyperlipidemia.
Be non-alcoholic and not currently pregnant.
If Tijuana lap band surgery is in the cards for you, keep reading to understand the main steps involved.
It’s an outpatient procedure performed through keyhole incisions.
You will be unconscious under general anesthesia. During the surgery:
The surgeon makes 1 - 5 small cuts in your abdomen.
A band is placed around the upper part of your stomach
This creates a small pouch with a narrow opening to the lower part of your stomach
The gastric band is adjustable and made of soft silicone. It has an inflatable balloon inside. This inflatable band is connected to a port placed under your belly skin. It can be tightened or loosened at any time after the surgery.
Your Tijuana bariatric surgeon may adjust the band if you:
Have problems eating
Don’t lose enough weight
Vomit after eating
Source: MedlinePlus[7]
You can go home on the day of the surgery.
You can begin your normal activities within 1- 2 days.
For the first 2 – 3 weeks, the diet is restricted to liquids or mashed-up foods.
After that, you can slowly add soft foods, then regular foods.
After 6 weeks, you will probably be able to eat regular foods.
Diet after lap band surgery
Source: MedlinePlus[8]
Follow-up Care
After surgery, you'll need to follow up with your surgeon to adjust the band's tightness as needed.
A typical follow-up plan after lap-band placement is given below.[9]
Follow-up Schedule After Lap band
Follow-up
No of visits
1st year
2 - 8
2nd year
1 - 4
3rd year & beyond
Twice/year
Remember: Visiting your Tijuana lap band surgeon bi-annually will help you to stay mindful of your eating habits and progress.
Long-term Effects of Gastric Band Surgery
Although you gain several benefits from the surgery, adjusting to life with a lap band takes some time. Moreover, you can prepare to embrace the journey ahead by anticipating its outcomes.
Possible Future Surgeries
If you lose most of your weight after the lap band, you may get saggy skin. In this case, you may opt for skin removal surgery.
Studies show that 4 -13% of patients seek revision surgery due to lap band slippage.[10]
Inadequate weight loss or weight regain may need lap band removal & conversion to another more effective WLS.
Source: Verywell Health[11]
Saggy skin after lap band surgery
Lap band removal in Tijuana costs around $3,500. The out-of-pocket price for the same procedure in the US is $14,500.
However, the best outcomes after LAGB can be achieved with help of:[12]
The correct laparoscopic technique
Experienced surgical team, and
Intensive long-term follow-up.
So during your consultation, ask your Tijuana WLS surgeons about their success rate, reoperation, and lap-band removal.
Weight Loss After Lap Band Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
The amount of weight you lose after lap band surgery varies. It depends on how you stick to the post-surgical eating plan that your Tijuana weight loss surgeon recommends.
By following proper guidelines, you can lose up to 55% of your excess weight within 1 to 2 years.
It also cures obesity-related health issues like diabetes and hypertension.[13]
It will certainly help if you put effort into reducing excess weight. So, how to keep the weight off for good?
Lifestyle Changes After Lap Band in Tijuana, Mexico
Placing the lap band is not the end. But it is the start of the process. You must follow a healthy diet & regular exercise to achieve the treatment goals.[14]
Also, you will have to plan your intake carefully. This ensures that you don't miss out on essential nutrients.
To do this, here are a few steps you can take to keep your extra pounds away.
Eat healthy, nutritious foods
Stop eating when you’re satisfied
Don’t binge eat
Avoid snacking during the day
Include physical activity in your routine
Food after lap band surgery
Conclusion
Lap band surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, is a low-cost & least invasive weight loss surgical option for obesity. Are you ready to shed those extra pounds and revamp your health?
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