Bariatric surgery is a set of procedures designed to help people with obesity lose weight significantly and durably.
Generally, candidates have a BMI of 40+, or 35+ with obesity-related health conditions.
Most procedures take 1 to 2 hours.
Most patients return to normal activities in 2 to 4 weeks.
Yes. We offer all-inclusive packages with bilingual coordinator, transfers, and lodging.
Costs vary depending on the procedure. Schedule a consultation to receive a personalized quote that includes everything you need.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Dr. Monroy will discuss all specific risks and benefits with you during your evaluation consultation.
Gastric sleeve reduces stomach size by approximately 80%, while gastric bypass also creates a detour in the small intestine, reducing calorie absorption. Bypass typically produces greater weight loss and is more effective for type 2 diabetes control, but sleeve has a slightly shorter recovery and lower risk of nutritional deficiencies. Dr. Monroy will help determine the best option for your clinical profile. Compare both surgeries here.
Look for a board-certified surgeon with specific bariatric surgery training and proven experience. Verify they operate at a certified hospital, have a multidisciplinary team (nutritionist, psychologist, anesthesiologist), and offer long-term postoperative follow-up. Dr. Monroy meets all these criteria and operates at Hospital Humaniti, a high-specialty center in Mérida.
The post-bariatric diet progresses in phases: clear liquids for the first 48 hours, full liquids for the first week, purees for 2-3 weeks, soft foods for another 2-3 weeks, and regular food starting in the second month. Protein should be prioritized, and sugars and sodas avoided. Our nutrition team guides you through each stage. See our postoperative guide for details.
Key questions include: how many bariatric surgeries have you performed?, which procedure do you recommend for my case and why?, what are the specific risks?, what does the total cost include?, what is the postoperative follow-up plan and for how long?, which hospital do you operate at and what certifications does it have? During your consultation with Dr. Monroy you will have time to address all your concerns.
Preoperative evaluation typically includes: complete blood work, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, gastric endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and assessments with nutrition, psychology, and anesthesiology. Additional tests may be requested depending on your medical history. Everything is coordinated from your first consultation.
Bariatric surgery, especially gastric bypass and metabolic surgery, has been shown to significantly improve type 2 diabetes control in many patients, and even achieve remission in some cases. Results depend on factors such as duration of diabetes, current medications, and pancreatic reserve. Dr. Monroy will evaluate your case individually. Learn more about metabolic surgery.
Yes, especially after gastric bypass, since modifying intestinal absorption can reduce uptake of certain vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. That's why taking prescribed supplements and attending follow-up appointments with periodic blood tests is essential. With proper monitoring, deficiencies are prevented and corrected early.
Yes. Patients with a BMI over 50 (severe or super obesity) are also candidates for bariatric surgery. In some cases, Dr. Monroy may recommend a preoperative plan to reduce surgical risk, such as a supervised diet. Individual assessment will determine the best strategy for your case.
