From November 21-23, My New Body Obesity Center co-founders and surgeons, Mónica Valencia MD and Alberto Carlos, MD,  attended the 1st International Congress of Bariatric Surgery at the Grand Hotel Tijuana. It was an action-packed few days of meetings, events and seminars. Dr. Valencia and Dr. Carlos reflected on some highlights from the congress below.

Monica Valencia, MD My New Body Obesity Center Bariatric Surgeon

What were your major takeaways from this congress?

Previously, the Mexican College of Bariatric Surgery was hesitant and took with precaution the role of medical tourism in Bariatric Surgery. Nowadays, thanks to digital tools available and the experience we are gathering this process is easier, more accesible and widely accepted by the medical community. Tijuana is by far one of the the cities in the world were most bariatric surgeries are performed. It is estimated that 150 bariatric surgeries are done daily. This experience provides us with the tools and skills to have quality standards as no other part in the world.

How did the congress make you feel about the future of bariatric surgery in Tijuana?

Excited, and happy with the responsability that means being part of this. Also proud of being a founding member of the Baja California College of Bariatric Surgeons, whose work made this congress possible, it is also important to highlight the hard work made the College who were able to have eminences in the field of Bariatric Medicine such as Dr. Carbajo, or Dr. Almino Ramos whom shared their knowledge and experience with us . About the foreseeable future of Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana, I consider that the quantity and quality of Bariatric Surgeries that we as guild are able to offer is among the best in the world.

Alberto Carlos, MD My New Body Obesity Center Bariatric Surgeon

What were your major takeaways from this congress?

This is the first congress of this magnitude made in Tijuana. Being a founding member of the College behind it and part of the board of directors allows me to understand the hard work behind an event like this. It’s clear that the Baja California College of Bariatric Surgeons  is maturing, with a growing number of bariatric surgeons having successfully established their practice in Tijuana. In that context, congreses like this are an incredible opportunity to learn from the experiences of others in the field of Bariatric Surgery, to see what the blueprint for success looks like and to learn what solutions are providing real value for bariatric patients . I’m already looking forward to next year!

How did the congress make you feel about the future of bariatric surgery in Tijuana?

The congress left me incredibly excited about the future and present of bariatric surgery in Tijuana. The sheer scale of the event (230 attendees) and diversity of attendees (international speakers and surgeons) shows that doctors are really focused on the increasing value that Tijuana as a medical tourism destination offers. It’s only going to get more interesting from here. What we are able to offer to international bariatric patients is as no other part in the world, what we are going to be able to offer in the future is exciting in so many levels.