Frequently Asked Questions
Most common questions asked about Be Slim Bariatrics and Medical Tourism
Be Slim Bariatrics’ frequently asked questions (FAQ) covers most questions staff receives from patients through our multiple communication channels: phone, email, chat, social media, support group. Covered in Be Slim Batritrics’ FAQ is our process, surgical information, and more!
Patient Process Questions
Review the Patient Process detailed on our website. Keep in mind, some patient needs are unique. If you are scheduled already please refer to your Schedule Confirmation email.
- The first step is to fill out our Health Questionnaire.
- Once submitted, this will be forwarded and reviewed by your preferred surgeon. If you don’t have a surgeon preference, we will deliver it to the surgeon best suited to your health condition and medical needs.
- Once reviewed and approved, you will receive an approval email containing the surgeon’s recommendation on what surgery is best for you and any instructions your surgeon has provided. You may schedule at this time via the link provided in your approval email. A patient coordinator will also call, text, and email you during Be Slim Bariatric’s business hours to set up your weight loss surgery plan.
As soon as you receive your surgery approval, all you have to do is pay a security deposit of $300 to secure your surgery date and lock in your price. You may schedule your surgery through our secure scheduling form.
Deposits are non-refundable due to services and arrangements taken while scheduling your surgery, and the balance is due in full two weeks before your surgery date.
You may email any FMLA (Family and Medical Leave) forms to our support team at support@beslimbariatrics.com. Please include the FMLA form, job title, job duties, and dates requested. The expected turnaround time is two weeks. You may also bring the forms with you to your surgery appointment, and our coordinator in Tijuana will ensure to have them filled out before your departure.
Financial Questions
There is a $300 non-refundable due at the time of scheduling your appointment.
The remaining balance is due and must be posted at least Fifteen (15) days prior to surgery.
Be Slim Bariatrics’ all-inclusive package includes basically everything a general bariatric patient needs besides the flight.
- Hospital, Surgeon & Surgeon Team fee
- Pre-operative tests
- Post-Op Testing/Leak Tests
- Internist Assessment
- Anesthesiologist Fee
- Nutrition Support
- Meal Planning*
- General Medication*
- General Discharge Medications*
- Pain Medications
- AntibioticsÂ
- Analgesic treatmentÂ
- Anti-reflux treatmentÂ
- Antiseptic wound spray
- Steri-Stripes
- Incentive spirometerÂ
- 2 nights hospital
- 1 night hotel
- Transportation
- Medical Lane Border Crossing
- Wifi & Calls to the US
- Patient Jello & Broth
- One Companion at No Charge
- Private Hospital Room
- Lifelong Aftercare SupportÂ
- Gift Bag with Goodies
Be Slim Bariatrics Bariatrics offers All-Inclusive Packages. Anything listed in these packages is included. However, there are instances that some fees arise due to medical conditions not disclosed in the Health Questionnaire or medical needs discovered the day of surgery. In this case, it is best to bring extra cash or a debit/credit card with an available balance.
If you are traveling with a debit or credit card, alert your bank to know you will be traveling and making possible purchases.
- Be transparent and thorough when filling out your health questionnaire.Â
- Ensure we have a current health form (90 days) before your surgery date.
- If you gained or lost weight since you last filled out a health form, please provide that detail to your patient coordinator at least 15 days before your surgery.Â
- Complete the suggested labs in your Schedule Confirmation email.Â
- Provide recent endoscopy results to our team if you suspect that you may have a hiatal hernia or if you have GERD/heartburn symptoms
- Medications prescribed to you that are not included in your surgery package, you may purchase at a reduced cost at a pharmacy in Mexico. You may also contact your primary care doctor while in Mexico to see if they will write you a prescription as soon as you get back home. Please also contact your insurance at this time to see which saves you the most money, purchasing the medication in Mexico or using your home pharmacy with your insurance coverage.Â
We accept payments online with a 4% processing fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. We accept check, cashier check, wire transfer, Zelle, and bank deposit as payment methods as well. On top of all of these great payment methods, Be Slim Bariatrics’ works with third party financing companies as well.Â
Just like securing a loan for an automobile or a home, weight loss surgery financing is even simpler. The financing company will decide the amount to loan you, and the interest rate. After the weight loss surgery, you will start paying back the loan.
Promotional pricing does not apply to financing customers. Interested patients should request a financing quote from their coordinator and then apply with one of our third party bariatric financing companies.
Pre-Op Diet Questions
Dieting before surgery helps with shrinking your liver allowing a safer surgery. The pre-op diet also decreases the fat around your liver reducing the risk of bleeding during the surgery.
Be Slim Bariatrics’ nutritionist will guide you. A general timeline is below. This is only a general guideline.
BMI 30-34 = 1 week prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 35-39 = 2 week prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 40-44 = 3 weeks prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 45-49 = 4 weeks prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 50-54 = 5 weeks prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 55-60 = 6 weeks prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 60 plus = 7-8 weeks prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
Post-Op Diet Questions
10g or less of sugar a day is allowed on your post-operative diet plan
It is recommended to use stevia and monk fruit for everyday use and splenda for occasional use
Your stomach will be substantially smaller following weight loss surgery. When you drink using a straw, you can get a lot of fluid in a short amount of time. You can overfill your pouch after bariatric surgery, producing discomfort.Â
However, When you use a straw, you also take in air. This can result in frequent burping and gas discomfort.
The basic line is that you should consider your personal swallowing method and be cautious when using a straw.
We advise patients not to consume carbonated beverages because they can induce bloating and damage. Soda has been linked to weight gain. And as your stomach extends from the accumulation of carbon dioxide gas, drinking carbonated soft drinks may induce frequent belching. As you belch, food and stomach acid may pass through your food pipe, causing heartburn and a sour taste in your mouth.
Drinking soda after weight-loss surgery is strongly discouraged because liquid calories are one of the primary causes of obesity. But according to a study, carbonation does not extend your pouch following weight loss surgery.
However, carbonation does produce gas, which can be quite unpleasant.And as your stomach extends from the accumulation of carbon dioxide gas, drinking carbonated soft drinks may induce frequent belching. As you belch, food and stomach acid may pass through your food pipe, causing heartburn and a sour taste in your mouth.
Alcohol is not recommended following bariatric surgery, even if you only drink socially on occasion. Alcohol is high in empty calories with little nutritious value, filling your stomach with the wrong foods while leaving no place for the good ones.
Depending on the procedure, like with the gastric bypass, alcohol will be absorbed faster. This could result in liver problems. Alcohol can cause ulcers, and should only be consumed in modest amounts after six months of having surgery.
Depending on the procedure, like with the gastric bypass, alcohol will be absorbed faster. This could result in liver problems. Alcohol can cause ulcers, and should only be consumed in modest amounts.
After weight-loss surgery, the size of your stomach has decreased a substantial amount. There is only so much room in your stomach after surgery. If you eat food and drink at the same time, you can overfill your new pouch. This can result in vomiting and can be painful.Â
Also, if you eat and drink at the same time, you will get full of fluids and not be able to take in the minimum of 4 ounces of food at one sitting, which may lead to snacking and weight gain.
If you drink after you eat without waiting thirty or more minutes, you will push the food through your stomach faster. This will cause you to be hungry sooner.Â
Medical Questions
Intensive therapy
Echocardiogram
Cardiologist assessment
Anticoagulant treatment
Gallbladder Removal
Hiatal hernia
Abdominal hernia
Vasectomy
Tubal ligation
More
You may email any FMLA (Family and Medical Leave) forms to our support team at support@beslimbariatrics.com. Please include the FMLA form, job title, job duties, and dates requested. The expected turnaround time is two weeks. You may also bring the forms with you to your surgery appointment, and our coordinator in Tijuana will ensure to have them filled out before your departure.Â
Please bring all prescribed medications with you to your surgery appointment. Doing so assists our team in having accurate records of your medication use and allows our medical team to provide you with a safe surgery. If you are on pain medication regimens, we may even enable you to use those pain medications during your stay.Â
Important: Ensure you listed all medications on your health questionnaire; if you did not, email support@beslimbaraitrics.com a list of all medications now.
Keep your incisions clean and covered so they can heal and scab over properly. The stitches will dissolve on their own.Â
Leaks after a bariatric surgery are uncommon, happening in about one out of every 200 patients. Rapid heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, fever, worsening abdomen discomfort, left chest or shoulder pain, are all symptoms of stomach leak.
Here at Be Slim Bariatrics, our staff will perform three leak tests prior to your discharge to ensure patient safety. And though very rare, please know that It’s important to contact us if you experience continued or increasing pain and discomfort
It’s safe to get pregnant after bariatric surgery – after your weight stabilizes. Your body goes through potentially stressful changes after surgery, as well as major dietary instability, which might pose problems for a growing baby.
Doctors recommend women not to get pregnant for at least 18 months after surgery to protect themselves and their newborns from malnutrition. A woman’s weight should be steady, and be able to provide her baby with enough nutrition.
Medical Travel Questions
The required documents are to be turned in 14 days before surgery. See the list below:
- Payment in Full
- Passport or Driver’s license/State ID with Birth Certificate
- Consent Form
- Copy of flight schedule
- Emergency Contact Details
- Travel Partner Identification and Details, if applicable
- COVID Test, which should be taken 5 days before the surgery.
Don’t pack too much, Just a small suitcase or a carry-on will do. (remember the driver may have to pick up multiple patients).
Here are some recommendations from past patients:
Clothes
- Comfortable bra and loose underwear
- Slip on shoes to wear there and on the way home
- Warm socks and/or house slippers to walk the hospital hallsÂ
- Loose fitting clothes to wear there and on the way home
- Compression Knee-High Stockings for the trip home (at least 12mmgh)
Personal Items
- Make sure you have your passport or Identification and birth certificate
- Face Mask for yourself and travel partner (required)
- Reading material
- Cell Phone Chargers
- Eye mask / Earplugs
- Pen / Small Pad of Paper
- Download a translator app on your mobile device
- Cash for tipping or odds and ends that you want to purchase
Pharmaceuticals
- Prescription Medications/Pill Crusher (if necessary)Â
- Wash rags (hotel does not always have extras on hand)
- Lotion / Deodorant/Razor
- Toothbrush / Paste/Breath Strips
- Shampoo / Conditioner/Soap – travel size body soap or wash
- Â Brush
- Throat lozenges
- Tissues / Wet wipes
- Lip Balm
- Heating Pad for Pain Relief
- Gas XÂ
- Broth
Before catching your flight, have some broth to carry you over. Please plan on what you will be having on your day of travel. You can get juice, hot and cold water and tea on most flights. Plan on what you can mix with water. It is essential to keep hydrated; it will prevent problems during your recovery.
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Arrival Time: Arrive One day before surgery. We recommend arriving between 10 am and 2 pm PST for ample time for labs and EKG testing. Arriving between these times also allows you to get enough rest for the day before the surgery.
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Departure Time: Day of departure is listed on your Surgery Confirmation email. We advise patients to schedule flights after 1 pm PST on the day of discharge to have enough time to do the post-operative tests and travel back over the border. Please do not book your flight too late in the day, we want you comfortable, and we do not want you to have long waits at the airport.
You will stay at the hotel for one night. On your arrival day, you will be taken to the hospital first for your labs and EKG. After completing this, our driver will transport you to your hotel.Â
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If you are traveling far and want to stay another day at the hotel after your discharge from the hospital, talk to your patient coordinator, and they will make arrangements for you.Â
Hospital Ciba is a modern hospital in Tijuana located just south of the San Diego border. Hospital CIBA is committed to providing excellent care to our patients, equipped with modern technology, world-class facilities, and experienced medical staff, which guarantee a safe, convenient, and comfortable place for your bariatric treatment.
Since Hospital Ciba only works with bariatric patients, patients with Be Slim Bariatrics can expect the same kind of service they would receive at a United States hospital. Hospital Ciba includes a full ICU, Laboratory, and even a Helicopter Landing Zone.
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- On-Board NutritionistÂ
- Private Rooms
- WiFi
- Cable TV
- Laboratory
- Pathology
- Blood Bank Access
- Radiology
- Pharmacy Access
- Helicopter Landing Zone
You will stay in the hospital for two days. The day of your surgery and the next day is your recovery day. The medical team will be periodically checking you on this day,too.Â
While other patients prefer to bring companions, most patients do come alone. Be Slim Bariatrics medical team will be your strong support while you are in Tijuana. We will provide the utmost care a patient needs and ensure that your needs are well taken care of.
Yes. You can bring a travel partner at no extra charge. They will stay at the hotel with you when you are at the hotel, and they will also be at the hospital while you are at the hospital.
Bringing one companion is part of our All-Inclusive surgery packages but is allowed only upon space availability. Talk to your patient coordinator so we can make the necessary arrangements for you.Â
Important: You can only bring one travel partner as the hospital only allows one visitor for each patient. The Be Slim Bariatrics’ team requires if you bring a travel companion that they come to be supportive to your recovery needs. If choosing to travel with a companion, make sure they are apt to support your surgery process.Â
Travel companions are expected to:
- Be supportive to the patient
- Be able to take care of self
- Be able to make decisions for patient*
- Be able to entertain themselves (books, tablet)
Your travel companion should be there to assist in your recovery. However, if your travel companion wants to get out a bit, there are many food places within walking distance. They could visit a nearby casino, park, and can even go shopping. Keep in mind your companion will be in charge of their own transportation. Most people opt to use UBER or rent a taxi.
Important: You can only bring one travel partner as the hospital only allows one visitor for each patient. The Be Slim Bariatrics’ team requires if you bring a travel companion that they come to be supportive to your recovery needs. If choosing to travel with a companion, make sure they are apt to support your surgery process.Â
Travel companions are expected to:
- Be supportive to the patient
- Be able to take care of self
- Be able to make decisions for patient*
- Be able to entertain themselves (books, tablet)
Recovery
Each patient has different needs and healing times and this is dependent upon the procedure and recovery process. Most bariatric patients can resume light duty and go back to work at least 2 weeks after the procedure. Most bariatric patients can resume work duties without restrictions at 6 weeks after the procedure.Â
After the surgery it is important to walk as much as you can. Walking contributes to a speedy recovery and decreases your pain overall.
It varies depending on the patients’ typical activities and daily routine. It normally takes only a few days. However, patients must wait at least four to six weeks before engaging in heavy lifting and workout and strenuous exercises. Â
