Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, encompasses a range of procedures designed to help individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve overall health. Elias Ortiz & Company (EOC), led by chief bariatric surgeon Dr. Elias Ortiz, is a well-recognized name in the field of bariatric surgery in Mexico, offering comprehensive weight loss surgery solutions. This article explores the various aspects of the EOC weight loss program, including surgical procedures, patient care, pre- and post-operative support, and overall patient experience.
Why Choose Weight Loss Surgery?
For individuals struggling with obesity and related health conditions, weight loss surgery can be a life-changing option. It is typically considered when other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have been unsuccessful. To qualify for weight loss surgery, individuals generally need to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) in the unhealthy range and may have health-related conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
Elias Ortiz & Company: Setting the Standard for Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico
Elias Ortiz & Company facilitates medical tourism, assisting individuals from the USA and Canada in receiving obesity surgery at a fraction of the cost compared to similar procedures in their home countries. The company is committed to patient education, personalized treatment plans, and providing a friendly and safe environment. Dedicated care during patient recovery is an integral part of their services.
The bariatric center has a modern and fully-equipped facility with advanced operation theaters and comfortable patient rooms. Elias Ortiz & Company claims to have performed over 10,006 surgeries to date.
Key Personnel
Elias Ortiz & Company boasts a team of experienced professionals:
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- Dr. Elias Ortiz: The chief bariatric surgeon and head of the bariatric center. He is the only certified robotic bariatric instructor (proctor) in Tijuana.
- Michele Riter and Janese Pitcher: Industry veterans leading the company.
- Dr. Manoel Galvao: Provides expertise in Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure.
- The surgeons are assisted by certified and experienced anesthesiologists, general practitioners, and nurses.
- Elias Ortiz & Company also has highly efficient bariatric/plastic/dental coordinators, a dedicated transportation team, patient advocates, and hotel staff.
- Cindy Rios: A pre-operative and post-operative care nurse with over 11 years of experience, based in Yakima, Washington. She helps patients prepare for bariatric surgery by addressing medication questions and ensuring they are physically, emotionally, and mentally ready.
Success Stories
Several patients have shared their positive experiences with Elias Ortiz & Company:
- Natasha: A 29-year-old from Ontario, Canada, lost 65 pounds after gastric sleeve surgery, improved her health, normalized her blood pressure, and regained regular menstrual cycles.
- Autumn: A 36-year-old from Iowa lost over 60 pounds after gastric sleeve surgery, improving her health and reducing knee and back pain.
- Natacha Bailey: A 42-year-old from New Brunswick, Canada, lost 55 pounds in three months after vertical sleeve surgery, reaching under 200 pounds for the first time since she was 18.
- James: Lost 90 pounds through a gastric sleeve procedure, resolved his sleep apnea, and eliminated the need for high blood pressure medication.
- Dr. Winter Everett: Of "The Family Chantel" chose Dr. Elias Ortiz as her bariatric surgeon.
Surgical Procedures Offered
Elias Ortiz & Company specializes in a variety of weight-loss surgical procedures, including:
Gastric Sleeve (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy)
The gastric sleeve, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a common bariatric surgery where a portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach that is about 25% of its original size. This procedure helps reduce over 70% of excess body fat in less than two years.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY)
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RNY) involves dividing the stomach and connecting it to the small intestine. It is ideal for patients with comorbidity or a higher BMI and is a popular bariatric surgery.
Mini Gastric Bypass
A minimally-invasive and safer weight loss surgery, Mini Gastric Bypass is often recommended as an effective alternative to Gastric Bypass.
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SADI-S
The SADI-S is a surgery for weight loss that combines the components of the gastric sleeve surgery and duodenal switch surgery, and can provide greater weight loss and metabolic improvements.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a newer type of minimally invasive weight-loss procedure. During the procedure, a suturing device is inserted into the throat and down to the stomach. The endoscopist places sutures in the stomach, changing its structure and leaving it shaped like a tube. This method leads to significant weight loss by limiting how much you can eat.
Revision Surgeries
In addition to the primary weight loss surgeries, the bariatric center also performs:
- Gallbladder surgery
- Hernia repair
- Gastric sleeve revision
- Lap band revision to gastric sleeve
- Sleeve to gastric bypass revision
The EOC Experience: From Arrival to Recovery
Elias Ortiz & Company offers all-inclusive surgery packages designed to provide patients with a seamless and stress-free experience.
Pre-Surgical Process
Initial Contact: Take the first step by providing information about yourself to Elias Ortiz & Company. A coordinator will contact you to discuss your weight loss surgery options.
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Pre-Surgical Assessments: Before undergoing weight loss surgery, you will undergo thorough medical evaluations and pre-surgical assessments to determine your overall health and assess any risks.
Pre-Op Diet: Preparing for the pre-op diet is crucial. The pre-op diet is designed to help you prepare for your surgery in several ways:
- Physically, it helps to clean out the stored glycogen from the liver, which helps to shrink and make the liver less inflamed. It also helps to reduce intra-abdominal belly fat.
- Mentally, it will help you adjust to eating smaller portions and eating a lean, green, and clean diet of unprocessed foods.
The length of the pre-op diet depends on your BMI:
- BMI 30 TO 32 - 1 WEEK PRE-OP
- BMI 33 TO 50 - 2 WEEK PRE-OP
- BMI 51 TO 60 - 3 WEEK PRE-OP
- BMI 61 TO 70 - 5 WEEK PRE-OP
- BMI 70 AND HIGHER - 6 WEEK PRE-OP
Pre-Op Diet Guidelines:
- Protein shakes: Have two to three protein shakes a day, each with no more than 250 calories, at least 15 grams of protein, and carbohydrates no more than half the number of grams of protein.
- Approved drinks: Water, black tea, coffee (caffeine is OK), organic coconut water without bits, and infused waters.
- Fresh Juices: This can be made in a juicer or in a blender and strain avoid vegetables and fruits that contain pulp remember the fruit juices are for the clear liquid days any infused waters and the vegetable juices are for the whole pre op diet including the clear liquid days. No fruit juice or pieces of fruit during the regular preop diet are allowed.
- Popsicles: Freeze your infused water or juices to make tasty popsicles.
- Gelatin: Mix the infusions with unflavored gelatin.
- Cooking oils and seasonings: Use no-calorie cooking spray; dry or fresh seasonings are allowed.
- Lean protein: Consume 6 oz of lean protein daily for women and 8 oz for men (measured raw). Examples include chicken, turkey, white fish, salmon, tofu, shrimp, scallops, crab, eggs, and lean red meat. Baked, boiled, roasted, or grilled preparation is preferred.
- Vegetables: Unlimited non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, onions, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, celery, spinach, and lettuce.
- Vinaigrette dressing: Limit to 2 oz per day of homemade vinaigrette dressing.
- Soup: Unlimited amounts of allowed soups like Sacred Heart Soup, Eggroll Soup Recipe, Tomato Basil Soup, and broth (low sodium, low fat).
Clear Liquid Diet: Three days before surgery (including the surgery day), follow a clear liquid diet and take a laxative. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty patients have a slightly different prep with only 24 hours of the clear liquid phase and 8 hours of fasting before surgery.
Pre-Op Timeline: Two weeks before surgery, stop smoking. For aches and pains, use Tylenol. Continue monitoring blood glucose levels and taking prescribed medications.
Surgery and Accommodation
- Seamless Surgery Schedules: Surgeries are scheduled seamlessly, allowing patients to plan according to their work calendar.
- 5-Star Accommodation: Post-operation stay is arranged at the 5-star Grand Hotel Tijuana.
- Transportation: Elias Ortiz & Company provides licensed and employed drivers for transportation; they do not use taxis or rideshare drivers. The clinic also offers a drop-in facility at the airport after the surgery.
Post-Surgical Care
- Post-Op Paperwork: Patients receive post-op paperwork to help with their recovery.
- Access to a Certified Nurse: EOC offers access to a certified CBN/BSN/RN, Cindy Rios, for after-surgery care.
Affordability and Financing
One of the main reasons people consider weight loss surgery in Mexico is the significant cost savings compared to countries like the United States and Canada. The cost of weight loss surgery in Mexico can be up to 60% less than the prices in these countries. Elias Ortiz & Company offers affordable weight loss surgery packages starting from $4,399. The prices are all-inclusive and quite competitive. Financing options are also available to help patients manage the cost.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery carries potential risks. It's possible to not lose enough weight or to regain weight after any type of weight-loss procedure, even if the procedure itself works correctly. This weight gain can happen if you don't follow the recommended lifestyle changes.