Frequently Asked Questions

  

What is the difference between the Sleeve and Banded Gastric Bypass
The Gastric Sleeve consists in extracting as much as 80% of the stomach, leaving a gastric tube [Sleeve] that restricts the amount of food that a patient can ingest.  It is a restrictive technique.  The difference with the Gastric Bypass is that this combines the restrictive technique with a reduced absorption intervention called 'malabsorption', as described further below. Bariatric Support Group uses the banded Gastric Bypass in which a small band is placed around the gastric 'pouch' that prevents quick digestion and provides a sensation of prolonged satiation, which disallows the anastomosis [union of the stomach and intestine] to dilate. This technique achieves a restrictive effect as well as the malabsorbtion effect that reduces the absorption of carbohydrates (sugars) and fats.  With this multi-faceted approach we can achieve weight loss results in the short- medium- and long-term.

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How long does the surgery take?
The surgical duration for Sleeve and Gastric Bypass oscillates between 1 and 1½ hours and is performed through laparoscopic technique.

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How long does surgery & hospital stay last?
Patients generally stay for 2 nights and are discharged on the third day. Our patients stay in our private rooms with sleeper couch and amenities for a quick and successful recovery.  For special or complicated cases, longer hospitalization or Intensive Care is considered.  Our clinic has the best Intensive Care Units on the Caribbean coast and our group includes one the foremost trauma surgeons in Latin America.

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How long should I stay in Cartagena?
We recommend that you arrive three days before surgery for medical review, and preparation and remain with us in Cartagena for ten more days. During pre and post-surgery periods, our human resource team of physical therapist, nutritionist-dietitian and psychologist will be working with you in compliment to our medical team.

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How often should I have check-ups and for how long?
Our patients have daily check-in with all of our team members until the stitches are removed (approx. 8 days). After which time we recommend a monthly check-in for three months. If you reside outside of the country, we can perform the check-in by videoconference, Skype, phone or e-mail, and we can help you find practitioners closest to you. It is also ideal to have a final medical review after one year, if possible.

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Will I have scars?
If bariatric surgery is performed with the laparoscopic technique you will have small scars of 0.5 to 1 cm. Scars are less visible depending on each individual patient.

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When can I return to work?
Our patients can return to work and a normal lifestyle 15 days after surgery.  If your job involves physical labor, you will have a longer waiting period, depending on each specific case.

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How soon after surgery can I begin exercise?
Our physical therapist will help you with exercise within a number of days after surgery and will design a short and long-term regimen specified to your personal dynamics.  Our group will be able to show you how to patiently return to exercise over a period of four weeks.  Immediately after surgery you can and should be standing and walking. Also you can be swimming within 4 weeks of the surgery.

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What does "changes in dietary habits" mean?
Our patients will follow a dietary guide elaborated by a nutritionist-dietitian with years of expertise.  The diet will initially consist of food with low fat, and low calorie and carbohydrates to control sugar levels.  It is also beneficial to learn to eat small portions, eat proteins before carbohydrates during meals and maintain a consistent schedule.  At the end of this process you will be able to eat what you like in smaller portions and controlling the quality of the foods.  For this reason we have a comprehensive strategy with nutritionist, physical therapist & psychologist to assure our patients a dynamic approach to not only weight loss but also life and wellbeing.

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Will I be able to drink alcohol?
You should not drink alcoholic beverages but if it is unavoidable it should be done in moderate quantities. After bariatric surgery a patient's, tolerance diminishes while absorption increases which augment the possibility of intoxication.  Only in these cases, try to eat before liquor consumption to make sure the stomach is not empty and abstain from driving or operating machinery.

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Is it true that I will have to take vitamins for the rest of my life?
All bariatric medical programs recommend protein supplements during the first months after the surgery and some vitamins for life. For best nutritional management, it is indispensable to follow the guidance of the nutritionist or the bariatric surgeon who will be available for consultation whenever you need to speak with someone.

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Is it true that I may experience a period of hair-loss after surgery?
This does not occur regularly in patients, only in a few.  This situation can generate anguish but is an impermanent condition.  If the hair follicles loose some of the oils normally found in the scalp, hair may grow slower or even fall out.  After consultation with our nutritionist and surgeons, vitamin supplementation will return hair with abundance and vibrancy.

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Does Bariatric Support Group offer financing plans?
We are currently developing credit lines for our patients that would consider medical loans. If you would like further information on our medical financial programs please contact us with any questions.

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Can Bariatric Support Group assist visitors and accompaniment for our patients?
Our system is designed around the reception of international patients and their accompaniment. BSG has had hundreds of international patients visit us and we are renowned for our success. Bariatric Support Group has included Medical Tourism Solutions in our team to offer logistical and tourism management services to all of our patients.  Our ability to offer you world-class Bariatric Medicine combined with luxury lodging, transportation, logistical and tourism services – all in the most beautiful city in the Caribbean – makes your visit with us one of the most valuable in the World.

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How much does Bariatric Surgery cost?
Bariatric Support Group has developed a program to include all facets of weight loss medicine into a wonderfully dynamic program for our patients. Everything from initial consult, physical therapy, dietitian, psychological support as well as the surgical procedure itself will be provided under a single package for each respective patient. On average BSG can save United States patients anywhere from 50% to 80% on the costs of surgical prices in the United States, and these United States procedures do not include all of the complementary dynamics offered in our program.

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What is the experience of the BSG medical team?
BSG is the most experienced bariatric surgical group in Latin America. With over 3,600 successful procedures, the glitterati and political elite on Latin America choose our expertise for the surgical management of their obesity. We have become so well recognized that our group is now performing corrective surgery for patients that have previously undergone bariatric procedures elsewhere but require secondary interventions because of complications or improper surgical techniques on the part of their past doctors.

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Why visit Cartagena?
Cartagena is simply one of the most beautiful cities on the Caribbean. It was the original stronghold of the Spanish Colonial crown and was used as its primary port for gold, mineral and resource exportation to Europe. Cartagena was the city besieged several times by corsairs and pirates (Black Beard, Sir Francis Drake) looking for the gold and treasures that the Spaniards guarded in the castle before sending them to Europe. The world famous wall surrounding the city was built to protect Cartagena from the pirates.
Furthermore, the clinic and medical facilities developed by BSG are the best on the Caribbean coast and can assure our patients of the quality of care and medical professionalism they have been looking for.  In compliment to your surgical procedure, Cartagena can provide you with the vacation of a lifetime.

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What are my lodging options?
BSG has teamed up with Medical Tourism Solutions to offer our clients a variety of lodging, transportation, and tourism services. Medical Tourism Solutions has corporate contracts with over ten hotels and apartment options in Cartagena to make sure our patients relax in comfort and luxury, within a price range that suits their budget.

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