Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is one of the most innovative types of bariatric surgeries and the most popular option worldwide as well as in Tijuana, Mexico. In the gastric sleeve procedure, the size of the stomach is significantly reduced – resulting in reduced hunger and feeling full faster.
The distinct advantage of the gastric sleeve procedure is the preservation of patient’s anatomy while improving the obesity-related diseases, health and longevity. Gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico has a proven track record to produce effective, significant, and sustained weight-loss while being one of the safest, less-costly, and less-invasive weight loss surgery options today.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Work?
The gastric sleeve changes the body’s metabolic thermostat for rapid, effective, and long-term weight loss. It restricts the amount of food intake and reduces the hunger hormones by removing a large portion of the stomach.
- The restriction formed in the stomach takes less food to fill up and as a results less calorie intake.
- A large portion of the hunger hormones are gone and you do not feel hungry as much.
It also has the following by-products:
- You will eat less food as it takes less time for your brain to signal satisfaction and fullness.
- Speeds up your digestion process and metabolic thermostat.
What to Expect
This procedure is performed laparoscopically under general anesthesia, using 3-5 small incisions in the abdomen. The gastric sleeve has a variety of health benefits – including improving or curing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and many others.
Patients can expect to lose an average of 70% of their excess weight in the first year. Mexico Bariatric Center (MBC) patients with this procedure have had impressive results and have helped them to resolve many diseases and illnesses associated with obesity.
Why Choose Gastric Sleeve?
Gastric sleeve patients report successful weight loss with minimal digestion problems compared to other types of weight loss surgeries. Other advantages of gastric sleeve:
- There are no foreign objects placed within the body, like gastric band
- Since it is a purely restrictive procedure, it avoids an occurrence of malabsorption problems present in other types of surgeries like gastric bypass
- Since the remaining part of the stomach is composed of less elastic tissue, the likelihood of stretching and failing in the ensuing years is minimal.
- Gastric sleeve surgery can be easily be revised to another surgery, such as the gastric sleeve (re-sleeve), gastric bypass, and duodenal switch.
Gastric Sleeve Procedure: Experience in Mexico
This procedure usually takes about 1.5 hours (start to end) with 30 min to 60 min for the actual surgery, depending on the skills and experience of the surgeon. The patient is required to stay in the hospital for one to two nights (depending on his or her condition and overall health). Healing is relatively fast, in fact, patients who have had sleeve gastrectomy usually return to work after only two to three weeks following their surgery.
Expected Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve weight loss depends strongly on following the post-op diet and living a healthy lifestyle after surgery. Other variables that impact losing weight after vertical sleeve gastrectomy are factors like age, physical activity, race, diabetes, medication (e.g. bipolar disorder), smoking, and genetics.
Some patients are extremely respondent; weight loss comes to them effortlessly and they are able to reach ideal body weight. For other patients, the weight loss is harder and patients do not lose as much. In general, the weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery can be divided into 3 periods:
First Year – Gastric sleeve patients lose an average of 65% of their EWL (Excess Weight Loss). This period is called a “honeymoon” since patients lose weight regardless of how compliant they are with their diet.
Three Years – Gastric sleeve patients lose an average of 55% of their EWL. Genes become as important as the patient’s environment and compliance with your sleeve post-op diet and physical activity.
Ten Years – Gastric sleeve patients lose an average of 50% of their EWL. The environment and healthy habits play a much larger role than genes. Just stick to the gastric sleeve post-op diet.
MBC Gastric Sleeve Results**:
Mexico Bariatric Center has done a study of their patients in 2015. MBC research survey comprised of over 100 former patients undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico. Our findings have been charted below:
Data on Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Survey
| AVERAGE (lbs.) | MEDIAN (lbs.) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 MONTH | 62.8 | 23.5 |
| 3 MONTHS | 70.2 | 43 |
| 6 MONTHS | 85 | 70 |
| 1 YEAR | 110.1 | 94 |
| 1.5 YEARS | 108 | 98.5 |
This survey was collected from March 2015 to July 2015, covering all of our bariatric surgeons. Please visit our page on how much weight you can expect to lose after gastric sleeve surgery. Weight loss results will vary; please review our disclaimer.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Details
The normal human stomach can expand to hold around 1.5 liters of food. Once the food arrives in the stomach, it is blended with gastric secretion (digestive enzymes) to help break down the food to a more simple form so it can be more efficiently processed and consumed when it is in the small bowel.
During this Gastric Sleeve, otherwise known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), gastric sleeve resection or simply sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes up to 85% of the greater curvature of your stomach laparoscopically, making it look like a tube or sleeve, thus the name “sleeve” gastrectomy.
After gastric sleeve, the digestive process does not change and the food still gets blended with bile and pancreatic juices. Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery improves the healing process and has other advantages, such as less bleeding.
The Surgical Steps
The patient is lying with the face up with the arms spread apart.
General anesthesia is administered by the anesthesiologist and a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) inserted into the windpipe.
The surgeon makes a small incision (normally 5) in the abdomen to access abdominal cavity.
Trocars are then placed through the incisions as a passageway for surgical instruments.
The abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to separate the stomach wall from the small intestine.
The surgeon would insert a probe equipped with a built-in specialized camera (laparoscope) along with other small pencil-like surgical instruments.
The liver is lifted off with a retractor.
The greater curvature is released starting from the antrum to approximately two inches of the pylorus.
Surgeon then finds and closes most Hiatal hernias if present to prevent Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The endoscopic cutter/stapler then cuts and staples the stomach along the bougie inserted through the mouth as a guide.
Gastric Sleeve in Mexico (VSG) Overview
Mexico Bariatric Center is one of the most-respected companies providing gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. We represent some of the most qualified, board-certified bariatric surgeons in Mexico. We have an incredible track record of patient outcomes and success. MBC offers one of the highest quality and most affordable gastric sleeve packages in the world.
The current price for Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
Starts at $4,695 $4,195*
Gastric Sleeve Success Stories
Best Gastric Sleeve Surgeons in Mexico
Mexico Bariatric Center has the most experienced and qualified gastric sleeve surgeons performing bariatric surgery in Tijuana Mexico. They are board certified by both Mexican College of General Surgeons as well as Mexican College of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeons (CMCOEM & CMCG). Collectively, they have over 20 years of experience and over 10,000 surgeries with least amount of complications and best outcome. Meet MBC’s Renowned & Board-Certified Surgical Teams:
What Should I Expect With Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico?
When preparing for gastric sleeve surgery, patients need to take into account four stages.
The pre-op diet after booking your sleeve gastrectomy surgery in Tijuana with MBC depends on your BMI (an indication of body fat based on height and weight). The higher your BMI the longer your pre-operative diet for sleeve gastrectomy surgery. For the pre-op diet, patients should take high protein, low-calorie nutrition, veggies, plenty of fluids and no tobacco. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients should have clear liquid and no sugar close (2 days prior) to surgery. Patients will stay in MBC Tijuana 4-star hotel on the night prior to LSG surgery.
No food, no drink and no medications (follow the surgeons order) 12 hour prior to surgery. Mexico Bariatric Center patient advocates will pick you up from the hotel to take you to the hospital where the patients with vertical sleeve gastrectomy stay for 2 nights. We recommend that patients who get gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico to bring their CPAP machine if they use it. Just relax and have positive thoughts for a successful surgery and outcome. At Mexico Bariatric Center, you are in good hands. MBC staff will put your mind at ease.
In order to prepare for gastric sleeve surgery, you need to understand what post-op is like. MBC keeps patients in the hospital for 2 nights to ensure there are no complications after sleeve surgery. Post-op tests will be administered before discharge. Like our patients say, “Sip, Sip, Sip – Walk, Walk, Walk – Breathe, Breathe, Breathe.” It is important to stay hydrated after gastric sleeve surgery. Staying active is key following surgery, although no heavy lifting or exercise should before for 6 weeks unless advised by your primary doctor. Abstain alcohol at least 3 months and ideally 6 months after sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Also, stay away from sugary drinks to avoid dumping syndrome and gain weight.
Make sure you take gastric sleeve vitamins after surgery (as early as one week after surgery). It is important for fast recovery, and to make sure your stomach heals properly. Patients may be sore, so take it easy but stay hydrated. After gastric sleeve surgery, joining a support group is helpful to stay involved and stay on track on weight loss goals. Stay connected to your bariatric aftercare support group. Don’t miss any post-op tests given by your primary physician. Due to rapid emptying of the stomach after sleeve gastrectomy surgery, you get drunk faster and stay drunk longer. So, especially in women, there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Be active and follow the gastric sleeve post-op diet provided to you by MBC nutritionist.
How We Perform Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
All of our surgeons performing gastric sleeve surgery adhere to specific techniques for the highest patient outcomes. The following 4 steps are exercised by MBC surgeons to ensure the highest level of safety for patients.
The Mexico gastric sleeve procedure is performed laparoscopically, with low complication rates. Our safe, certified, and trusted surgeons perform the sleeve gastrectomy surgery. We ensure our patient’s safety by doing both pre-op and post-op tests before the gastric sleeve procedure.
These are the 4 steps of our procedure:
First, three lines of brand name, like Johnson & Johnson or Covidien, Titanium staples (Tri-Staple) to close the new smaller stomach pouch.
Second, a suture line after the staples is performed along the staple line (Inverted Gastric Sleeve or Double-Butress Gastric Sleeve), to make sure no stomach leakage takes place.
We perform three leak tests per patient. Two leak tests are performed the day of your surgery with blue dye and air. The next day we perform the last leak test, called a Fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is much like an X-ray movie that traces a special colored dye through the new stomach to detect any possible leak.
MBC surgeons leave a drain in the abdominal cavity as a precaution for early detection of a leak.
Recent studies show that people with a weight problem have a higher chance of having the hernia. For a successful surgery, the surgeon needs to look closely to repair a hernia to avoid reflux symptoms. Mexico Bariatric Center Tijuana bariatric surgeons examine the patient during gastric sleeve surgery for the presence of Hiatal Hernia (HH) and repair it if it is needed.
All of this ensures that each and every patient of Mexico Bariatric Center will undergo safe and successful surgery. Currently, our gastric sleeve leak rate is close to zero.
Successful surgery depends on the technique of surgery, just as much as anything else. Mexico Bariatric Center requires its surgeons to use the best practices to ensure the highest outcomes. To learn more about our process of performing gastric sleeve in Mexico, please contact us today! Our caring and qualified patient care coordinators are more than happy to walk with you through this life-changing experience.
Mexico Bariatric Center gastric sleeve in Tijuana leak rate is close to 0%
The leak rate of gastric sleeve varies from 0% to 8% with a national average of 2.8%.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Costs
Gastric sleeve surgery costs will depend on a variety of factors and will persist on a multitude of things. For example, because of the high cost of healthcare in the United States, the typical self-pay cost will average nearly $20,000 – while, Mexico will typically cost between $5,000 to $8,000. Tijuana offers one of the most affordable prices for bariatrics, including gastric sleeve – the price is currently less than $5,000.
Mexico Bariatric Center offers gastric sleeve at one of the lowest prices in the medical tourism industry while maintaining quality. Mexico Bariatric Center has also partnered with several financing firms for those individuals seeking payment plans and to defer payments.
It’s important to understand all of the costs of gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico – Learn more about gastric sleeve costs here.
Am I Eligible for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
The first step to determine if you’re a qualified candidate for the gastric sleeve procedure is to contact us! We’ll rush you a free informational packet, and our surgeons review your health questionnaire in 24 hours and answer any questions you may have. See our patient process:
Your BMI should be at least 30 (exceptions are granted if you have co-morbidities).
You should be between 16 and 65 years old (exceptions are granted on a case-by-case basis).
Need to have tried losing weight with typical tactics without much success.
Need to have realistic expectations regarding the result of the surgery.
Not all of the requirements listed are set in stone. Our surgeons review each patient on their own to see if they could likely benefit from weight loss surgery. Learn more by contacting our staff now.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
We regularly host webinars on dieting and aftercare nutrition
Our aftercare program includes forums and support group access
The Medical Tourism Association certifies us
Full-featured support section, with patients can see videos and exclusive content
Health Benefits
The health benefits of gastric sleeve surgery are diverse and substantial. Obesity-related issues are resolved, along with a number of health problems. The comorbidities that are improved along with the affordable price make gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico a viable option for everyone.
Asthma and Breathing Issues
Type II Diabetes
Arthritis
Headaches and Migraines
High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Infertility and PCOS Syndrome
GERD and Acid Reflux
Sadness and Depression
Cardiovascular Disease
Back Pain and Joint Pain
Non-Health Benefits: Non-Scale Victories
Non-health benefits of gastric sleeve surgery are almost as substantial and incredible as the health benefits are. Non-Scale Victories, known as NSV, are moments of inspiring confidence, happiness, and life changes that patients get to live out after gastric sleeve surgery.
Finally joined a gym
Go on long hikes with my family
Found purpose to change my life
Go out with friends again
Look in the mirror and feel happy
Smile and feel good about myself
Is Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana, Mexico Safe?
Fear of unsafe trip to Mexico, risky hospitals, and unqualified surgeons should NOT keep people from looking into this viable option for weight loss surgery. Safe gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico is something we pride ourselves at Mexico Bariatric Center. We use a closed network of drivers to ensure patient safety at all times. We pride ourselves on providing a qualified, certified company where patients can feel relaxed and safe.
Comparison of Gastric Sleeve to Other Weight Loss Procedures
Gastric Sleeve in Mexico, is just one of several surgical options we offer in Mexico. We also offer these popular bariatric surgeries in Mexico:
| Nights in Hospital | Nights in Hotel | Back to Work | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve Mexico | 2 Nights | 2 (1 Pre-Op, 1 Post-Op) | 1 to 3 Weeks |
| Gastric Bypass Mexico | 3 Nights | 2 (1 Pre-Op, 1 Post-Op) | 2 to 4 Weeks |
| Gastric Band Mexico | 1 Nights | 2 (1 Pre-Op, 1 Post-Op) | 1 to 2 Weeks |
| Duodenal Switch Mexico | 3 Nights | 2 (1 Pre-Op, 1 Post-Op) | 2 to 4 Weeks |
For the difference between expected weight loss, possible risks, and more detailed data, please visit these following guides to learn more:
Why Undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)?
Gastric sleeve patients report minimal digestion problems compared to other types of weight loss surgeries. First, no foreign objects are placed within the body and secondly, since it is a purely restrictive procedure, it avoids an occurrence of malabsorption problems that can occur with other types of surgery.
Moreover, since the remaining part of the stomach is composed of less elastic tissue, the likelihood of stretching and failing in the ensuing years is minimal. Finally, the gastric sleeve can be easily be revised to another surgery, such as the gastric sleeve (re-sleeve), gastric bypass, and duodenal switch.
Gastric Sleeve: Methods of Action
It is a known fact that to burn excess fat and lose weight, you have to eat less than what your body needs every day. Sleeve gastrectomy is a form of restrictive weight loss surgery; that, significantly reduces stomach size, the individual consumes less as his or her stomach is now easily filled.
Other clinicians also theorize that by reducing stomach size, there is a reduced production of a stomach-produced hormone called Ghrelin (Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor) that induces hunger. Thus, with vertical sleeve gastrectomy, the individual becomes full quickly and is less hungry.
Recent set point theory states that gastric sleeve weight loss surgery decreases hunger and changes the body weight regulatory network. The weight loss is achieved by “physiologic” mechanism and not by “restriction.”
Gastric Sleeve: Benefits vs. Risks
The benefits of sleeve gastrectomy go beyond simply having better looks and fast weight loss. For patients having trouble with weight, sleeve gastrectomy offers an opportunity to feel better as well as live longer and be more productive due to significantly reduced risks of acquiring any obesity-related conditions as a result of surgery. Even so, just like every other surgery, patients may have several complications such as possible leaking of stomach contents, the presence of blood clots, wound infection, and bleeding. Then again, living a healthier and more rewarding life is never going to be without risks. In the end, the choice is always yours to make. Whether you choose to have a sleeve gastrectomy or another weight loss surgery, or whether you want to exercise or just to go on a diet, the most important thing is that you lose weight. So to do that, all you need to do is — make a choice!
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico Right for Me?
Gastric sleeve surgery has a proven track record to produce effective, significant and sustained weight-loss. To see if gastric sleeve surgery is the right choice for you, here are the things to consider:
Your BMI
- Expected weight-loss
- Reasons to do the surgery
- Level of commitment
- Fear of needles
- Fear of unknown
Things not to consider:
- Lowest price gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico
- Loose skin
To find out if gastric sleeve surgery is right for you, contact one of our care specialists today.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery FAQs
History of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Although Gastric Sleeve Surgery was FDA approved in the United States in 2001, Mexico had performed sleeve surgery many years before that. In fact, the experience of Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), started in Mexico after the Duodenal Switch Surgery originated in 1986.
Potential Complications of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
There are possible short-term, near-term and long-term complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery.
Short-Term Complications – 3 days or less
Bleeding Gastric Leak
Blood Clots
Abdominal Abscess
Wound Site Infection
Near-Term Complications – 3 to 8 days
Stricture*
Stomach Obstruction
Long-Term Complications – after 8 days
Nutritional Deficiencies
Gallstones
GERD
Here at Mexico Bariatric Center, we reduce the risks and complications of gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico by always striving to follow these guidelines:
- We use top quality surgical equipment, and modern medical techniques.
- We represent only the best gastric sleeve surgeons in Mexico.
- We use a high-volume hospital, Hospital Mi Doctor, which has been shown to reduce complication rates and increase patient outcomes for bariatric patients.
Mexico Bariatric Center has the patient safety, security and peace of mind as a priority. MBC has teamed up with a medical tourism insurance company to offer affordable Medical Tourism Insurance.
* Stricture is a narrowing section that may develop as a result of scar tissue in the mid-body of the sleeve. It interferes with the normal movement of food and can cause pain after eating and vomiting. See gastric sleeve complications and risks.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Package in Tijuana, Mexico
Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico has quickly become the top choice for travelers crossing the border for medical services. Mexico Bariatric Center offers upscale, affordable and safe gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico to help you achieve weight loss success. MBC facilities are strategically located in prominent areas of Tijuana (Zona Rio) close to the border of U.S. and Mexico. MBC all-inclusive Mexico sleeve gastrectomy packages with transparent pricing are the first choice for patients suffering from obesity.
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* Prices are subject to change. Not valid on blackout dates. Prices depend on the surgeon, surgery, additional fees, and schedule. Prices may rise because of BMI level and previous abdominal surgeries.
** All of the testimonials are covered in our disclaimers. Individuals results will vary; there is no guarantee stated nor implied.
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2018 by Ron Elli, Ph.D.
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