Gastric sleeve before and after photos are a beautiful and inspiring part of the weight loss journey. These pictures include past patients, both men and women, who have transformed their lives through gastric sleeve surgery.
We hope these success stories give you the motivation you need to take the first step to a new you. Without further ado, here are amazing Gastric Sleeve Before and After Photos!
Thinking of gastric sleeve surgery? Check if you’re a good fit:
Bailey – Gastric Sleeve
“I was sleeved in April 2022 with Dr. Miguel Montalvo. If you are on the fence, DO IT! I went from a size 3x/4x to M/L.”
- Highest Weight (HW): 400 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 186 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 170-175 lbs.
Barbara & Thomas – Gastric Sleeve
“4 years ago, we were the heaviest we have ever been. He was pushing 400+ lbs, and I was well over 300+ lbs myself. Flash forward 3 years, and after only losing about 25-30lbs each year, we took the big plunge of getting VSG to help us over the finish line. We completely turned our lives around. Today, he weighs in at 225lbs and me at 139lbs. I went from a size 3XL to a Small (4-6). This is truly the life we’ve always wanted, and we’re here living our dreams.”
- Highest Weight (HW): 300+ lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 223 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 139 lbs.
Joyce – Gastric Sleeve
“Can you say…. ‘Best decision I’ve ever made!’? I sure can!!!! Thank you, Mexico Bariatric Center ❤️❤️❤️ My life has been forever changed!!! My gastric sleeve surgeon and all the staff at Mexico Bariatric Center have done an amazing job!!!! They treated me like I was the only patient there and made me feel very special! I would recommend MBC to anyone!!! I have actually enjoyed being a patient!! Thank you for my second chance!!! I never dreamed I’d have a hospital stay where I would be sad when it was time to be released!!!”
Melissa – Gastric Sleeve
“I will never go back to being that person in the first picture ever again! Feeling good today!💖💪 Almost 4 years post-op. I finally feel like the real me!”
- Highest Weight (HW): 338 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 308 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 160 lbs.
Jennifer – Gastric Sleeve
“It’s been YEARS since I felt great in my own skin. I would normally hide from photos or videos. I would hate every photo I took of myself. I just couldn’t identify with the person I saw in my reflection. Not anymore! 😊 I’m pursuing acting, and the confidence this has brought me has been everything. Time to take things to the next level!”
- Highest Weight (HW): 248 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 236 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 176 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 150 lbs.
Rachee & Brandi – Gastric Sleeve
“160lbs gone between us 🥰
Brandi (right) had surgery Dec 2019 & I had surgery Jan 2021.
We are so thankful for MBC! It’s an even better experience when your big sister takes one for the team and has surgery first so I had someone to answer all my questions and guide me through the whole process!”
Tasha – Gastric Sleeve
“Yesterday was my 1-year surgiversary! I’m down 126 lbs.✨ and have never been happier in my entire life!! I’m so thankful for Mexico Bariatric Center and all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way!! I almost didn’t go through with it because I had to go alone, but it was so worth it!! Plus, I made amazing friends while I was there and didn’t feel alone at all! I would do it over again 100 times!”
Shanita – Gastric Sleeve
“I must say this has been one hell of a ride! Today is my 1-year SleeveAversary! Thank you, Mexico Bariatric Center and Dr. Gutierrez, for giving me my life back. I hate that I took so long to make this life-changing decision. This ride hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it every step of the way. I won’t give up!
Maintaining this healthy lifestyle has taken a lot of hard work, determination, and dedication. The one thing that I dislike the most was the hair loss, but I even made that work for me. This is my journey to a healthier and extremely happier me. 97 pounds gone forever!”
- Starting Weight (SW): 285 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 188 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 180 lbs.
Dana – Gastric Sleeve
“Exactly 1 year ago, I made the hardest decision of my life to change my health! For those who don’t know, this time last year, I did the gastric sleeve because of all the health issues I was having. Now 1 year later, I’m down 106 pounds, and most of my health issues have gone away! This surgery practically saved my life!! #1YearSurgeryAnniversary #BariatricSurgery #GastricSleeve #106PoundsDown #GoneForever #VSG”
Takiya – Gastric Sleeve
“100lbs. difference. I love my tool!”
- Highest Weight (HW): 213 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 203 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 127 lbs.
Kelly – Gastric Sleeve
“2.5 years post-op. Down 142 lbs. and maintaining. Life is so good!! If you are on the fence, just do it!!!!”
Amber – Gastric Sleeve
“It’s been a while since I’ve posted but I just want to remind everyone to keep working at it! I had the sleeve almost 5 years ago and plastics 9 months ago. It does work if you stick with it!!!”
Caron – Gastric Sleeve
“I reached my goal weight today! Thank you, Mexico Bariatric Center all the way from Aotearoa, New Zealand. It feels like yesterday that I was asking a million questions about overseas sleeve surgery. August 23rd, 2017, was when I had my sleeve gastrectomy surgery at Mexico Bariatric Center. I am the slowest loser ever!! 2 years, 4 months. 54 kilos are gone. (119 lbs. weight loss)”
Michelle – Gastric Sleeve
“My surgery was on 8/18. I’m down 106 pounds and went past my goal! No regrets!
Weight loss from gastric sleeve: 106 lbs.”
Taylor – Gastric Sleeve
“Sometimes, I just wanna hug that girl on the left. I want to tell her that things are going to change and that big things are coming. I loved her then, and I love her now.
Life has changed so much! Thank you, Mexico Bariatric Center! Sleeved by Mexico Bariatric Center Tijuana Surgical Team on 10/23/17”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 297 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 281 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 206.5 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 145 lbs.
Madison – Gastric Sleeve
“It was the best decision of my life to have the gastric sleeve. I chose Mexico Bariatric Center because of all the rave reviews I had heard from my friends and clients.
The staff was so friendly, and my husband and I had an awesome experience there! I stand as a hairdresser all day, so losing the weight meant feeling better at work and then having the energy to come home and play with my 2 children!”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 195 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 187 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 117 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 127 lbs.
Vicki – Gastric Sleeve
“I decided 3 1/2 years ago to have the sleeve gastrectomy, and it has been the best decision I have ever made concerning my health. I am a healthy 64 years old who loves life again. My highest weight was 230 pounds; today, I am 140 pounds! My goal weight is 135, and I still have to refocus from time to time. I am very grateful for Mexico Bariatric Center. ”
Laurie – Gastric Sleeve
“Today is my surgeryversary and I couldn’t be more thankful to Mexico Bariatric Center for changing my life and making me smile again. If you are having doubts and second thoughts think of a year from now. Still have a ways to go but so far so good.”
Kassandra – Gastric Sleeve
“Losing weight has given me WAY more confidence in many areas of my life.
If you are struggling…know you’re not alone. If you are waiting for surgery day with doubts, DON’T! This journey has been hard but so incredibly worth it.
Keep pushing everyone!”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 245 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 236 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 167 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): Healthy…and Happy
Melanie – Gastric Sleeve
“I had my surgery on March 28, 2017. I am down 45 lbs., and I feel amazing! Thanks so much to Mexico Bariatric Center and its amazing staff!
I am beyond happy with the results!!
Thank you, Mexico Bariatric Center, for changing my life!!”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 230 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 217 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 166 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 160 lbs.
Amy – Gastric Sleeve
“I’m posting three days early of my one-year surgiversary. 362 days, 80 pounds, 35 inches gone, and to celebrate all of this, I’m headed to Mexico for a little R&R. Seemed fitting! Thank you to MBC for this tool and to my sleeve sisters, who truly helped me get through this first year. Bring on year # 2!”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 236 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 221 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 150 lbs.
Darcy – Gastric Sleeve
“I’m 6 months out today and down a total of 80.5 lbs.. so happy!
The pic on left was 9-23-17 won drawing at a seminar in SeaTac, WA pic on the right a couple days ago. Down 80.5 lbs since surgery in November 2017.”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 289 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 277 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 208 lbs.
Francie – Gastric Sleeve
“Today is my one-year surgerversary! I still can’t believe that I took this crazy journey to Mexico and had gastric sleeve surgery. I was excited, nervous, and a bit scared. This is work, some days are hard, but always worth it. I am choosing to celebrate what I have accomplished. 110 lbs down since pre-op!!! This changed my life. I am so much happier with the new me.”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 278 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 265 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 168 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 165 lbs.
Karlee – Gastric Sleeve
“The 10th of the month will forever be a significant day for me. My VSG surgery was exactly 4 months ago today. I always see amazing transformations in this group but I honestly never thought I would have even close to as amazing results as others. Sooo glad I had this surgery. What an amazing tool!”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 295 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 254 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 182 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 160 lbs.
Sandra – Gastric Sleeve
“I have been wanting to post a picture for while.
Found this picture from a few years ago…what a difference compared to now! Sleeved on August 2016. Best experience ever!!
It is so hard to believe it is my surgiversary. Last year, August 2016 was my VSG. Best thing I ever did for myself.”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 239 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 224 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 166 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 145 lbs.
Donnie – Gastric Sleeve
“They say I changed a lot. I said a lot changed me. 561 lbs to 251 lbs. Proud of my outcome of a healthier and happier me. #BeatTheOdds ”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 561 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 251 lbs.
Abo – Gastric Sleeve
“Surgery Date: December 9, 2018”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 357 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 203 lbs.
Kevin Ayala – Gastric Sleeve
“As I got older, I realized I was bigger than everyone else, and I couldn’t keep up with everyone else. I had to do something with my life and my health.
If I could go back in time and tell my former self anything, it would be to start striving for my goals sooner. I would tell myself to continue to work hard and stay humble throughout the process. Be willing to take constructive criticism and use other people’s doubts as fuel for continuing on this fitness journey.
My heart is overfilled with joy knowing that I was able to achieve one of my life-long goals.”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 300 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 310 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 162 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 170 lbs.
Kevin Ayala, Gastric Sleeve patient turned bodybuilder! View full story here.
Rusty – Gastric Sleeve
“On October 6. I had my sleeve surgery on October 21. I can’t believe how much weight I have lost already. I’ve been down 91 pounds since October 6. Down 71 since October 21. I didn’t really have a goal weight when I started. I am 40 pounds from my weight at age 18. That is now my goal. I plan to run a half marathon before January 2019. I have started training. That will definitely help get the weight off.
I originally had a goal to get under 245 pounds. I have definitely beat that. More importantly, I started with a BMI of 41.11. My current BMI is 22.3. I don’t remember ever feeling better in my life. Is anybody considering this life-changing surgery… what are you waiting for??? Good luck to everyone on this journey. It will be well worth it in the end.
Everybody needs to remember that surgery is a wonderful tool to help you improve your quality of life. It is not a magic cure. Once you make the decision to improve your health and your life, stay motivated and continue to work, and you will achieve whatever goal you set for yourself.
Thanks again, MBC. You have helped me change my life forever.”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 360 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 340 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 269 lbs.
- Goal Weight (CW): 230 lbs.
Colton – Gastric Sleeve
“I will be forever grateful to MBC for what they have helped me and my parents accomplish with sleeve surgery! Here’s to the next year!”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 480 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 430 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 311 lbs.
Matt – Gastric Sleeve
“Had gastric sleeve surgery on Dec 29, 2016, Working out again! Feeling great!
Mexico Bariatric Center, I can’t thank you enough for the kickstart you gave me. I am smaller and stronger now at 47 than I was at 22 in the Army.
I just gotta keep at it. Another 55 lbs to go. Thanks, Mexico Bariatric Center, I could not have done this without ya’ll.”
- Heaviest Weight (HW): 345 lbs.
- Starting Weight (SW): 305 lbs.
- Current Weight (CW): 217 lbs.
- Goal Weight (GW): 200 lbs.
Tony – Gastric Sleeve
“Only you can determine the outcome. 2 years ago, that was me. 400 lbs and miserable. ? Be the motivator be the one that encourages the next to be the best they can be. We all need the help to get to where we wanna be. The past is nothing but a memory. Strive towards your goal.
Size 56 pants to size 36.
Size 6XL shirts to XL.
Goals can be met.
The best of us is yet to come.”
We have all hit a stage in life where we wanted to be better, be more – be able to look at yourself and think, “wow I am so happy with who I am.” Regardless if that moment happens on the outside or the inside, everyone deserves to love themselves and be comfortable in their own body. If you are ready to take the next step with affordable gastric sleeve in Mexico, see if you qualify today.
What to Expect After Gastric Sleeve
These before and after pictures, testimonials, and success stories should give you a sneak peek into life after gastric sleeve surgery. If you are still on the fence, here are more key components to expect from the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). Also, if you have a success story or progress that you’d like to share, please comment below!
Weight Loss
Weight loss is significant and begins immediately following gastric sleeve surgery. The best results typically happen in patients who change their lifestyle habits through diet, exercise, and post-op diet. As long as you practice healthy eating habits, you are unlikely to stretch your stomach. Here is an average excess weight loss (EWL) for past patients at various stages of post-op sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
Percentage of Excess Weight Loss (%EWL)*:
- 3 months: 25-35%
- 6 months: 45-55%
- 1 year: 65-70%
- 18 months: 70-75%
- 3 years: 60-72%
- 10 years: 40-60%
Health and Quality of Life Benefits
- Expected weight loss of 65-70% within one year
- Improve, reduce, or cure health problems related to obesity
- Quality of life benefits
- Non-scale victories
- Boost in self-confidence and happiness
- Lifestyle changes
- Increase in sex drive and physical attraction
Skin After Rapid Weight Loss
Prolonged excess weight can reduce skin elasticity in areas like the arms, thighs, legs, and abdomen. Following gastric sleeve surgery, rapid weight loss often results in sagging skin, as showcased in our before-and-after photos. Depending on individual skin elasticity, cosmetic procedures may be needed to address excess skin. The extent of loose skin varies per patient, influenced by factors such as age, initial body size, total weight loss, and how long they’ve been overweight.
*Remember, individual results may vary and these results may not be typical.
Related Resources
How long in advance do I need to let you know when I can do this?
Fabulous
I want to lose weight and hopefully have the same results. How much does the procedure cost?
Our gastric sleeve surgery starts at $4,495! Hope you make the decision to do it yourself!
Where at?? Where do I go??
Hi Foxy, you can apply for gastric sleeve surgery at https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/health-questionnaire/. All of our procedures are performed at Hospital Azar, our exclusive bariatric and cosmetic surgery facility in Tijuana, Mexico.
So the gastric sleeve cost 5000? And it’s ground transportation included or plane ?
It’s around 5K for the sleeve, hospital, medicine, ground transportation from San Diego airport to Tijuana Hotel / Clinic. Airfare, you pay for yourself.
Im going to have a VSG done in dec can i start a liquid diet to help me loss a little weight now?
I had the sleeve done in June and have had quite a bit of success I would love to share photos of my success on here. Any idea of how I would be able to do that?
They all look fabulous
question ill be 3 days in recovery how long should I be out of work after these 3 day
3-4 weeks
i start my weigh ins in 3 days then i see the surgeon on June 25th. I am so beyond excited for this new journey in my life. i hope i lose as much weight as every one else has. i will be having my surgery in Tennessee. Wish me luck!
Is it safe to have done in Mexico
A lot of people have that worry but we’ve been working in Tijuana for over a decade and never had any problems. In the last year, over 1 million Americans have traveled to Tijuana, Mexico for healthcare. With our program, our coordinators help the patient every step of the way and make sure it is as comfortable and safe as possible. Check out our page for more information.
so when I arrive at the clinic for a gastric sleeve procedure do I have surgery the next day? how many days in Mexico to recover before I get back on a plane to go home? I need the info to book a flight.
Every patient arrives the day before surgery and then based on the procedure, will stay in the hospital for 2-3 nights after surgery. Learn more at https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/mexico-bariatric-center-process-patient-orientation/
Do you need a passport
Yes, it is HIGHLY recommended to always have a passport when you leave your country. https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/mexico-bariatric-center-process-patient-orientation/
When do I go home after the surgery ?
For gastric sleeve, you depart 2 days following your surgery date. For example, if you have surgery on March 1st, you would plan your departure flight on March 3rd.
If I’m borderline weight can I still have it done
Yes 2 of our surgeons accept BMI’s under 30. Please fill out a health questionnaire and we will have it reviewed by our surgeons. > https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/health-questionnaire/
How much extra does it cost if you need a hiatal hernia fixed before the gastric sleeve procedure? I’m really hoping to get this surgery, thanks!
The surgical teams repair Hiatal Hernia if present during the sleeve procedure. There are about 400 hundred dollars extra for the additional service. Contact us for more details…
If you have had your stomach stapled/Gastroplasty are you able to do revision surgery?
Yes, that is an option for revision bariatric surgery. You can learn more on our page: https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/services-list/bariatric-surgery-revisions/
Do you need yo have your passport?
Yes, we highly recommend a passport book or a passport card to cross the border from Tijuana to the U.S.
How much does the gastric sleeve cost now?
It depends on which Doctor you do your surgery with. Please contact us to speak to a patient coordinator so you can get a better idea of pricing! :)
I had a tummy tuck years ago due to very thin skin and often bleeding due to how thin my skin was, this isn’t considered a weight loss surgery correct? I didn’t have it done to lose weight. I was thin already. I lost very little weight. I have since gained close to 100 lbs. I am us to being between 100-120lbs. Is this reasonable at my age and weight? I also use to be a drug addict but have been clean and sober for over 3 years now. I just want to be honest with my surgeon about my past.
Hi Bridget, Correct, a tummy tuck is not considered weight loss surgery! Please fill out a Heath questionnaire so the Doctor can understand your health history better. :)
Here is the link to our Heath Questionaire: https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/health-questionnaire/
Do I have to get approval from my Doctor before scheduling for surgery?. I see on the questionnaire that i filled, that there are labs to be done before the surgery. Do I do that on my own and then send the results, or do I have to do the labs with your center?. If so, how?. I live in the States.
Hi Becca, Labs are only necessary when our surgeons ask for them. You can get them on your own and send them to your coordinator. For more information, contact your coordinator.
I’ve been considering this procedure for quite sometime
But what causes me a little drawback is no one has mentioned what happens to all the loose skin afterwards.
Hi Sam, while it is common to have loose skin after weight loss surgery, there are ways to handle it. We talked to real patients and posted the solutions they shared with us on this blog: https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/how-to-lose-excess-skin/ If you have filled out a health questionnaire, you can also talk to past patients on our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/insidemexicobariatriccenter/
Do you all have any photos of results with the mini gastric sleeve surgery?
Please check out https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/bariatric-surgery-before-and-after-photos/ (scroll down to mini-bypass before/after pictures)
What if I can’t get a passport in time?
Patients from the US are able to use a driver’s license and original copy of their birth certificate but make sure to confirm with a coordinator. Here is a list of all of the alternatives that are acceptable: https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-passport-or-documents/
Good evening,
My surgery date was October 11th,2018. I have lost a total of 100 lbs and maintaining it. Just wanted to say thanks for all your staff, including the pre and post operations.
Hi Scott, congratulations! Thank you for the kind words and we’re happy to have helped you on your weight loss journey. Would you mind leaving us a google review at http://bit.ly/MBC-Google-Review ?