Lap band at Hospital CMQ
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Lap-Band Surgery in Puerto Vallarta, a safe and affordable weight loss surgey alternative

If you are looking for a bariatric surgery procedure that is safe, affordable and straightforward, Lap-Band surgery in Puerto Vallarta is your best option. Accordingly, Hospital CMQ has the best team of bariatric surgeons in the country, who have comprehensive experience and expertise in weight loss surgery and will take care of you every step of the way. In addition, our renowned city and tourist destination, our state-of-the-art facilities and our caring medical staff will provide you with the best care and a safe and beautiful environment for your surgical treatment.

Hospital CMQ Riviera Nayarit cuenta con amplios quirofanos totalmente equipados

Why choose a Gastric Lap-Band as your best bariatric surgery option?

A Lap-Band operation is a popular bariatric and laparoscopic procedure. In fact, a Gastric Lap-Band is a sought-after surgical option because it reduces the stomach’s capacity, which helps to eat less and to feel full more rapidly, helping to achieve a significant weight reduction.

Therefore, the Lap-Band system is designed to restrict the amount of food that you can eat, which will ultimately help you to lose a remarkable amount of weight. During this minimally invasive surgery, your bariatric surgeon will make five small incisions in your abdomen. Subsequently, he will place an adjustable silicone band or adjustable belt in the upper portion of your stomach.

Afterwards, this silicone band will be filled with saline in order to create a small stomach pouch above the site where it was placed. In turn, this small stomach pouch will delay the passage of food to the larger part of your stomach. This will make you quickly feel full while eating less food, which will ultimately help you to lose weight in an efficient manner.

Once the Lap-Band has been introduced and placed in the appropriate site, your bariatric surgeon will regulate the width and diameter of the silicone band by adding saline to it. The band has a port that will be placed under the skin of your abdomen; this port is used to add or remove saline from your Lap-Band.

Through the proper adjustment of your Lap-Band, your bariatric surgeon will be able to restrict the size of your stomach and the amount of food that it can hold. In turn, this will help you to lose weight and achieve your weight loss goals.

The Lap-Band system enables your gut to send signals to your brain that will produce a sensation of fullness and satiety. Thus, you will eat less and eat more slowly. In addition, a gastric band does not produce a bad absorption of nutrients, as it only limits the amount of nutrients that reach your stomach.

Lap-Band requirements and characteristics

  • It’s a laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.
  • It’s a safe and straightforward surgical procedure.
  •  It is not a permanent procedure; it’s a reversible procedure. If need be, the Lap-Band can be removed without complications.
  • Four to five small incisions in the abdomen are required.
  • It requires a short hospital stay; usually a one night stay.
  • The bands width/diameter can be adjusted, which will in turn change the size of the stomach pouch.

How can I find a Bariatric Center for Weight Loss Surgery near me?

If you are living in or visiting Puerto Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas, our Bariatric Surgery team is always available for you. Most importantly, the experience and in-depth knowledge of our bariatric surgery team will not only guarantee your successful Lap-Band procedure; they will be with you every step of the way, before, during, and after your surgery. This will ensure that you are thoroughly satisfied with your bariatric procedure and that you reach your weight loss goals.

Hospital CMQ´s physician office building in Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit.
Our Lap-Band surgery specialists, located at Hospital CMQ´s physician office building in Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit.

Gastric Band Surgery Specialists in Puerto Vallarta

Dr. Sergio del Hoyo

Dr. Del Hoyo is a top-rated surgeon with more than 15 years of experience specializing in General Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgery with additional training in Laparoscopic Surgery and Obesity Surgery. He is a Board-Certified surgeon by several associations including The Mexican Association of General Surgery, Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, and The Mexican College of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases.

Location Telephone numbers Office hours
Office Location 1:
Hospital CMQ’s Physician Office Building in Bucerias,
Av. Heroe de Nacozari #280,
Col. Zona Dorada, Bucerias, Nay.
Office # 311, on the second floor.

Office Location 2:
Neomédica Los Tules
Av. Los Tules #160, Col. Diaz Ordaz. Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Tel. Office Location 1:
(329) 298-0717 ext. 4

Tel. Office Location 2:
(322) 223 5521

Cell phone (emergencies only):
322 150 6291
322 139 8246
Office Hours at Hospital’s CMQ physician office building, Bucerias:

Mondays and Wednesdays
12:00 pm – 14:30 pm

Office hour’s information is tentative and subject to availability and changes. Please call to confirm office hours and availability.

Consultation cost (approximate) Most frequent services
Approximate cost:
$800 Mexican pesos
$40 USD


Accepted payment methods:

Cash
Credit Card

Consultation costs are approximate and only for informative purposes. Please call to confirm cost information.

How much is Lap-Band Surgery in Mexico? Mexico is the ideal place to get your Gastric Lap-Band at an affordable cost!

Bariatric surgery in Mexico is at least 65% cheaper than in the United States or Canada. Accordingly, Lap-Band surgery cost in Mexico ranges from $80,000.00 Mexican pesos ($4,000.00 US Dollars) to $130,000.00 Mexican pesos ($6,500.00 US Dollars). In turn, the cost of a weight loss surgery procedure will vary depending on the required surgical technique and medical equipment, and the surgeon and facility fees.

Location – Medical Tourism Destination Cost of Lap-Band in Mexico
Approximate cost in USD
Puerto Vallarta Between $4,200 y $5,000 USD
Average price: $4,500 USD
Tijuana Between $3,800 y $4,900 USD
Average price: $3,800 USD
Monterrey Between $3,900 y $5,000 USD
Average price: $3,900 USD
Guadalajara Between $3,800 y $4,900 USD
Average price: $3,800 USD

Cost of Lap-Band in the United States – Approximate cost in USD
The Lap-Band Surgery in the US generally costs anywhere between $9,000 USD and $18,000 USD. However, the pricing varies based on factors such as demand, insurance coverage, and location.

LAP-BAND Issues, Risks and Complications

Compared to other bariatric surgery options, a Gastric Band has a low risk of surgical complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, a Gastric Lap-Band can have issues, risk and complications. Thus, as with other bariatric surgery techniques, these can include wound infections, an allergic reaction to anesthesia, bleeding and blood clots. In addition, some people may develop nutrition deficiencies such as anemia, and others might develop more severe issues such as:

Band slipping

Sometimes the Lap-Band can slip out of place. Therefore, if you feel intense abdominal pain and/or stomach acidity after your surgery, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Stomach obstruction

Sometimes, certain foods can block the passage between your upper and lower stomach. If this happens, there can be pain, nausea and vomiting.

Issues with your Lap-Bands port

Without the proper care and higiene, there could be an infection in your Lap-Band’s port.

Esophageal dilation

If the recommended diet is not followed, or if you eat too much after your surgery, food may get stuck in the esophagus. In turn, this can cause esophageal dilation and may produce severe pain.

Malnutrition

Eating less may also mean that you are not getting enough nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition. However, following the recommended diet and vitamins can help you to avoid this nutrition issue.

Recovery time after surgery, and general recovery after a gastric Lap-Band

Will I have a lot of pain after my Lap-Band surgery? How long will it take for me to recover after my weight loss surgery? In general, due to the fact that it is a laparoscopic procedure, there is less pain after a gastric Lap-Band as compared to open surgery. Nevertheless, some people will need pain medications for one or two weeks after the surgery, to reduce pain and discomfort. Thus, to have a swift recovery it is recommended that you get plenty of rest for at least one week after your surgery. 

Apart from pain, it is possible that you may feel a bit of discomfort during the following days after your procedure. If this is the case, your doctor will help you with the proper advice. He will give you specific instructions regarding what you can and can’t eat, and about things you can do and things you should avoid. For example, during the first 2 weeks, your stomach will only be able to tolerate small amounts of liquid. Thus, you might feel full after drinking little sips of water. Consequently, it will be important that you try to drink small amounts frequently during the day, to avoid dehydration. Once four weeks have passed after your surgery, your bariatric specialist will proceed to make adjustments to your Lap-Band; these will help you to achieve your weight loss goals.

What to expect after my Lap-Band weight loss surgery?

Comparatively speaking, weight loss after a gastric Lap-Band tends to be slower than what could be achieved with other bariatric surgical options such as a gastric bypass or a gastric sleeve. In addition, it is important to note that with this procedure, you will need to follow a strict diet, do exercise, and have a strong will power to make meaningful life changes. Consequently, the amount of weight that you will lose and how fast you can lose it will depend on your will and ability to adapt to this new lifestyle. 

In terms of the estimated weight loss that you may achieve, you will normally lose from 30% to 40% of your total body weight in approximately two years. However, do note that actual results can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as your age, gender, race and health condition. Moreover, your results will also depend on how well you follow your diet and your doctor’s recommendations.

In addition to weight loss, here are some other benefits that you will enjoy:

  • Gain higher self-esteem.
  • An improved health condition.
  • Lose a significant amount of weight (if you follow your doctor’s recommendations) 

Keep in mind that weight loss will not happen by itself. It will be a two to three-year process during which you will need to follow your doctor’s advice, keep a healthy diet, and practice exercise. If you do so, you will experience positive and lasting life changes.

Diet after Lap-Band surgery

After your surgery, the size and texture of your diet portions will be of vital importance for achieving your goals. In general, the purpose of your diet after Lap-Band surgery will be to help you keep a daily routine of eating small but frequent meals throughout the day. Specifically, your diet will transition from liquids to purees, and from purees to solid food. 

Accordingly, right after your surgery you will be on a liquid diet for one week. Next, you will be on a semi-liquid diet for two weeks. Finally, you will be on a diet consisting of soft foods for one more week and will be finished with your initial diet plan one month after your surgery.

Diet Stage Duration Usual doctor’s instructions
First stage – Liquid diet The first three to seven days after your surgery Drink soft liquids whitout sugar, such as water, tea, chicken soup or vegetable soup. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and using straws.
Take small and frequent sips of water/liquids.
Avoid chewing gum.
Second stage – Semi-liquid diet 1 week Drink the liquids mentioned above, adding a protein supplement.
Avoid fruit juices.
You may start eating and drinking dairy products in small amounts.
Third stage – Soft diet 15 to 20 days Start eating purees.
Avoid food that is too hot or cold.
Eat dairy products in larger quantities and begin eating eggs.
Fourth stage Time can vary Begin eating fruits, vegetables, salads and animal products.
Avoid eating in between meals.
Begin eating carbohydrates.
Continue to limit grease intake.

Lap-Band adjustment; an aid in reaching your weight loss goals

Approximately four to six weeks after your surgery, it will be necessary to perform the first Lap-Band adjustment. Subsequently, other adjustments will be needed in order to lose or tighten your silicone band. A Lap-Band adjustment is a simple and painless procedure in which your doctor will add or remove saline through the band’s port, in order to help you to achieve your weight loss goals.

Weight loss goals are personal and unique for each person. Therefore, each patient’s Lap-Band should be adjusted to a person’s specific needs and goals.

Lap-Band surgery vs. Gastric Bypass and/or Gastric Sleeve. Which one should I choose?

Weight loss surgery is becoming ever more popular due to the health problems and complications that people who are obese and suffer from overweight have. Consequently, even though several surgical techniques have been developed, there are three options that have become popular due to their good results: The Gastric Lap-Band, the Gastric Bypass and the Gastric Sleeve. The following table will help you compare the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure:

Gastric Lap-Band Gastric Bypass Gastric Sleeve
Laparoscopic procedure Laparoscopic procedure Laparoscopic procedure
Reversible procedure Irreversible procedure Irreversible procedure
Minimally Invasive procedure Invasive procedure Invasive procedure
For people with Body Mass Index (BMI): > 40 kg/m2 For people with Body Mass Index (BMI): 30 – 40 kg/m2 For people with Body Mass Index (BMI): 35 – 40 kg/m2
Duration of surgical procedure: 45 minutes Duration of surgical procedure: 2 hours Duration of surgical procedure: 1 hora con 30minutes
Does not remove any part of the stomach. Does not remove any part of the stomach. 70% of the stomach is removed
Weight loss is achieved steadily over two years
Patients must follow strict dietary and medical guidelines.
Rapid weight loss
Patients lose most of their excess weight in less than one year.
Patients lose weight continuously
Patients lose their excess weight continuously over time.
Produces Dumping syndrome. It may produce Dumping syndrome. It does not produce Dumping syndrome.
Not recommended for patients with diabetes Recommended for patients with diabetes Recommended for patients with diabetes
This surgical technique is becoming less popular over time. Surgical technique in use for a significant time, with mostly positive results. Relatively new surgical technique with good results.

In summary, you should take your final decision regarding your weight-loss surgical procedure considering your doctor’s advice, your personal needs and goals.

Source: ASMBS American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Source: ASMBS American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Compared to other bariatric surgical options such as the Gastric Bypass and the Gastric Sleeve, the Gastric Lap-Band may not produce the desired weight loss results. The desired results may not be achieved because weight loss after a Lap-Band surgery will come gradually only if the patient practices exercise on a regular basis, follows its doctor’s advice and a strict diet. Thus, the Gastric Lap-Band has become less popular than other procedures such as the Gastric Bypass and the Gastric Sleeve, which can achieve weight loss results in a more permanent and efficient manner.

Lap-Band surgery frequently asked questions

A Gastric Lap-Band surgery is a weight loss surgical technique. This technique is performed by placing a silicone band in the upper stomach. Accordingly, with this adjustable band the patient will have a sensation of feeling full, being able to eat smaller amounts while avoiding bad nutrient absorption. Therefore, the Lap-Band system is an adjustable silicone band that is placed in the upper part of the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch. This small stomach pouch limits food intake and delays the passage of food to the lower stomach. Through these changes, the patient will feel full more rapidly, will eat smaller meals and will ultimately lose weight. 

The Lap-Band surgery is a laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedure, that entails a reduced risk and a faster recovery after the surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon makes four to five small incisions in the patient’s abdomen, through which a video camera and other surgical instruments are introduced. In turn, with the help of these instruments a silicone Lap-Band is introduced and placed in the upper stomach. Consequently, this surgical procedure usually takes a short time and is relatively simple.

The ideal age for a Gastric Lap-Band surgical procedure is between 18 and 60 years of age. In addition, the patient must have a body mass index (BMI) that is greater than or equal to 40.

As with other weight loss surgical procedures, the Lap-Band may be right for people who are obese who are suffering from overweight and have been unable to lose weight using conventional methods such as exercise and diets. In addition, a Lap-Band is considered an adequate surgical procedure for people who have a BMI greater than or equal to 40.

In general, you can expect to lose 40% to 50% of your initial weight. However, results can vary widely as they depend on your will power and your adherence to a strict diet and exercise plan.

The dumping syndrome tends to be frequent in people who have had a bariatric surgery. The dumping syndrome is produced when some types of food, specially those with high sugar content, pass very quickly through the stomach. In turn, this syndrome usually appears 15 to 30 minutes after eating a meal. Some of the most frequent dumping syndrome symptoms are:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomit
  • Excessive sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Tachycardia

Most patients will have their first consultation with their bariatric specialist two weeks after their surgery. In addition, the next follow up consultations should be scheduled after three months, six months and one year from the date of their surgical procedure. Nevertheless, additional consultations should be scheduled whenever the patient considers it necessary.