Step-by-Step Be Slim Bariatric Patient Process
Be Slim Bariatrics is committed to making your weight loss worries go away. Here is all you need to know about our step-by-step bariatric patient process for a smoother weight loss journey in Tijuana.
To get approved for weight loss surgery, all you need to do is fill out a health questionnaire, this is when the bariatric process begins. An experienced board-certified surgeon will review it and determine if you qualify, and recommend the best surgery type for you. You’ll then be assigned to a knowledgeable and friendly Patient Coordinator who will be in touch with you, guide you, and help you through the process.
After you’ve been approved for bariatric surgery in Tijuana with Be Slim Bariatrics, you and your coordinator will agree on the most convenient date for your surgery. If you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery, you can schedule your surgery as early as two weeks.
At this point, you should already know the surgery that is best for your needs, who your surgeon is, and know the best date for yourself and the medical team. At this point, you are required to pay a deposit and you can do so safely through the schedule form on Be Slim Bariatrics website.
Preparing for Your Bariatric Surgery
Once your surgery date is scheduled, your patient coordinator will email you your bariatric appointment confirmation with your itinerary.Included is a detailed instruction for bariatric surgery preparation which covers your itinerary, the surgeon’s tailored recommendation on your medications, and what required documents we will be needing from you. Later communications will include preoperative diets and a nutritional plan, arrival instructions, and more!
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.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
We advise our patients to arrive between 10 am – 5 pm PST a day before the surgery.
A reminder email will be sent to you days before your surgery with details of your accommodation and transportation from arrival. Once you arrive at San Diego International Airport (SAN), our courteous and trusted drivers will be waiting for you to safely transport you to the hospital (just over the border in Tijuana, Mexico) for preoperative labs and EKG testing. After running these tests, you will then be brought to the hotel to rest (The name of the hotel is indicated in your confirmation email, and this is included in your package). Now that you are at the hotel, it’s time for you to rest and relax.
After you are back at the hotel, you’ll be contacted by your Tijuana Coordinator. You will be advised next steps and when to be ready in the lobby come morning for surgery day. It is advisable to avoid liquids after midnight unless told otherwise.
Keep in mind your pre-operative diet is included at the hotel and the hospital.
DAY 2: PREOPERATIVE PROCESS & SURGERY DAY
You’ll be picked by the driver at the designated time from the hotel lobby and bring you to the hospital. It is advisable to take all your belongings with you. At the hospital, you will be welcomed by Be Slim Bariatrics medical staff and begin the preoperative process. The surgeon, anesthesiologist, internist, and other medical staff would be present during the pre-surgery consult. You may raise any questions or concerns you have, such as medication, diet, vitamins, exercise and movement, time off work, and wound care before your surgery.
DAY 3: Recovery at the Hospital
You’ll be under the care of the medical staff during your bariatric surgery recovery. And it is imperative to follow all instructions given to you. Your third day is generally where the post-op patient process begins. Our experienced bariatric surgeons, nurses, and your coordinator will periodically check on you. At this point, you should walk more and be more active.
DAY 4: Discharge
We advise patients to schedule flights after 1 pm PST on the day of discharge in order to have enough time in doing the post-operative tests and for travel back over the border. Ensure you talk to the medical staff about filling out any time-off paperwork, or chat with them about restarting any medications, wound care, diet, and best exercise before leaving. The medical team will also be available to give you final instructions and address any questions or concerns you may have.
If you are travelling far, you may decide to stay a day longer for recovery if you choose, just let your patient coordinator know, and we will make proper arrangements for you. Regardless, on your way home, whether you are driving or flying, stretch and move your feet regularly.
POST Op CARE
Be Slim Bariatrics’ commitment to ensuring you receive the best care possible in every step of your weight loss journey doesn’t end even after surgery. We provide comprehensive post-operative bariatric care to ensure your recovery is smooth and successful. Once home, try to take light exercises like a brief walk and stretching often. Stay hydrated and do no heavy lifting.
Adhere strictly to the nutrition plan and dietary guidelines instructed to you. The Be Slim Bariatrics’ patient support group is available to you for support and patient care team will periodically check in with you to ensure your weight loss surgery is progressing satisfactorily. And we will always be available to answer any question you may have. Do not hesitate to shoot us a message. We are more than happy to help!
