Frequently asked questions

Bariatric surgery has helped thousands of patients achieve improved health in addition to a renewed sense of self-confidence. Patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, and other conditions relating to obesity can experience significant benefits by undergoing surgery. However, to ensure optimal safety, patients must meet a number of qualifications.

Candidates must be:

• Between the ages of 18 and 60

• More than 40kg over ideal weight for age and height

• Dealing with a body mass index (BMI) over 40, or a BMI over 25 with a weight-related medical condition

• Unable to lose weight and achieve a healthy weight for any sustained period of time

• Free from dependency on drugs and alcohol

• Committed to making healthy lifestyle changes, which include following proper nutritional guidelines and exercise programs

• Realistic in their goals and expectations for the outcome of the procedure

Candidates that are over the age of 60 and/or have a BMI of over 50 are considered high-risk for surgical complications or death after surgery. It is not recommended for high-risk patients to undergo bariatric surgery abroad due to several factors. The surgery can be technically challenging and may lead to complications. Additionally, the logistics of traveling overseas and the potential for longer hospital stays can further complicate matters.

If your BMI is of 50 and higher and you meet all other requirements, it may mean you need to lose weight before being considered for a bariatric procedure.

During your evaluation prior to traveling to Mexico, the team at Reshape NZ, along with a surgeon, will verify these qualifications along with other specific factors.

There are appropriately qualified and certified surgeons who perform weight loss surgery both here in New Zealand and overseas.

Follow-up is important. Providing surgery without follow-up is not good practice and may affect your long-term results.

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We suggest no matter where you have your surgery, your package should include or you are able to access:

• a choice of weight loss operations, tailoring the operation to your specific needs

• access to your surgeon post-operatively

• access to a bariatric nutritionist

• access to a bariatric life coach

• follow-up plan with your bariatric team and/or family doctor

• monitoring for nutritional and clinical complications​

It is important you check that your surgeon has the appropriate qualifications and expertise. You also need to factor in what is and what isn't being offered in the package deal both here and overseas when making a financial investment towards your health.

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You should consider the following costs:

• pre-surgical consultations

• flights, transportation and accommodation

• surgical fees (i.e., surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fee including BMI surcharge)

• post-surgical follow-up with nutritionist, bariatric life coach and clinicians

• including access to your surgeon; and

• additional extras

Yes, bariatric surgery is not for everyone. It is a serious and irreversible procedure that requires careful evaluation and preparation. To qualify for bariatric surgery, you need to meet certain criteria that determines your eligibility and suitability for the procedure. That's why we offer an upfront consultation with our surgeon to ensure you can make a well-informed decision, you can review Dr. Daniel Rosas's credentials at https://drdanielrosas.com/.

Your surgeon and family doctor will be able to answer this question, they will take into consideration your medical history, body mass index (BMI) and varying other reasons to determine which procedure would be more suitable for your situation.

We offer a Gold and Elite Package with prices starting from $14,000 NZD. The cost really depends on the type of surgery you choose, your medical history and the type of inclusions in your package. We recommend that you contact us for more information. Prices include but are not limited to:

• Direct contact with your surgeon Dr. Daniel Rosas before, during and after your procedure

• Reshape Welcome Pack

• Nutritional support for three months

• Our Elite Package also includes bariatric life coaching with Sonia McIndoe from Mind Empowerment

• Return international flights from Auckland to Los Angeles

• Return ground transport from Los Angeles to Tijuana

• Four night stay at the newly constructed and exclusive "Dreams Hospital, Tijuana"

• Surgical costs, pre-op lab work, cardiological evaluation + EKG, radiological post-op leak test including post-op medication

• Two nights accommodation in San Diego before returning home to NZ, with our Elite Package guaranteeing your own room unless travelling with a companion.

• Guided tour of Tijuana (subject to availability)

• Communication with your family back home

• Free WI-FI during your hospital and hotel stay

• Online support group

There are several options to assist in funding your surgery. Some health insurers may provide assistance towards the cost of your surgery. KiwiSaver may be accessible to some people in certain circumstances, and you may be able to obtain a personal loan. We can provide a quote to support financial assistance if required.

Yes! Safety is a primary factor for both tourists and the country's government. Tijuana receives 2.5 million medical tourists per year and is one of the most visited cities in the world.

Tijuana has a vibrant atmosphere, but it’s crucial to realise that certain areas may represent significant risks to your safety and security such as non-tourist areas, waving down taxis and pickpockets.

You will be transported to and from the United States in a private shuttle and be guided by one of our Reshape Travel Consultants throughout your journey, and Ubers are safe to use should you choose to head out for a bit of shopping during your free time.

Your safety is our top priority, and we are here to help you navigate the city as safely as possible.

It will depend on available flights leaving and returning back to New Zealand, generally you will be away for 8 to 9 days.

Tijuana is the largest city in the state of Baja California located on the northwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico, about 3 hours drive from the Los Angeles International Airport.

You will need to apply for a new passport or renew or replace your existing passport and have physically received this before you can be booked on a medical tour. Ensure you allow enough time to apply and receive your passport to prevent disappointment of your place being moved to a later date should it not arrive in time.

Yes, you will need travel insurance. We can help with recommending a provider for you to take out travel insurance before you leave New Zealand.

This is entirely your decision, we strongly recommend that you take out medical insurance. Investigate your options with Global Protective Solutions for travel, accident and complications insurance and services for medical tourists.

Yes, to enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA ) visa waiver or a visa. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for a period of up to 90 days without the need to obtain a visa.

Everyone is different; however, we suggest taking a minimum of 2 weeks to recover from your surgery. During this time, you will need to focus on your fluid intake, follow a bariatric dietary plan and gently mobilising, by going for small walks.

Mexican locals are well use to tourists that speak little or no Spanish. While most tourist areas will cater to English speakers, a little bit of Spanish politeness goes a long way.

People will lose some hair to varying degrees. There are no specific products available that will reduce hair loss. It is important to ensure you maintain good protein intake and monitor your iron levels. The hair loss will recover overtime.

When you can comfortably get in and out of a car, and are able to make an emergency stop, you can return to driving. Usually this is within 1-2 weeks. However, we leave it up to you to use your good judgement.

Your surgeon will let you know when you can begin normal activities such as going to the gym, running, or swimming. As a general rule, if the activity you are doing hurts, then don't do it - be kind to yourself and try the activity again at a later stage.

Your surgeon will let you know when a good time is to start drinking alcohol after surgery. But remember, drinking alcohol means ingesting excess calories, can lead to dehydration, and can increase hunger. It is also important to note that your blood alcohol levels may be more elevated when compared to before surgery, therefore it is recommended not to drive after drinking, even after 1 standard drink.

This is always difficult to know. As a general rule, you should wait at least 2 years after your surgery and assess the excess skin.

Your cycle can be affected in the first few months after surgery. In time, your cycle will eventually return to normal. However, if you are concerned, please consult with your family doctor.

It is recommend avoiding pregnancy within 18 months of your operation, as there is rapid weight loss and the potential for nutritional deficiencies to both you and your baby. If you do become pregnant during this period, please inform your family doctor as soon as possible to ensure you and your baby are monitored.