Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is one of the most innovative types of weight loss surgeries and the most popular option performed today. In the gastric sleeve procedure, the size of the stomach is significantly reduced – resulting in reduced hunger and feeling full faster.
By removing a large portion of the stomach, the gastric sleeve causes:
- Restriction in the stomach – less amount of food to feel full which decreases calorie intake.
- Reduction of the hunger hormones (ghrelin) – the individual is less hungry throughout the day.
Unlike lap band, gastric sleeve surgery is a permanent solution to lose weight as it changes body’s metabolic thermostat. The sleeve is considerably safer compared to other commonly performed bariatric procedures (like gastric bypass or duodenal switch).
Mexico Bariatric Center® can save patients up to 60%* on all-inclusive, out-the-door packages with top gastric sleeve surgeons in Tijuana, Mexico.
Our All-Inclusive Sleeve Package Includes;
Private Ground Transportation
Accredited Hospital with ICU (2-3 nights)
Board Certified Surgeons
State-of-the-Art Medical Equipment
24/7 Surgical Team and Nursing Staff
4.5 Star Hotel (2 nights)
Pre-Op + Post-Op Nutrition Program
Online Support Group
U.S. Surgeon Liaison
No Hidden Fees
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Do I Qualify for Gastric Sleeve in Mexico?
Use our BMI calculator to instantly determine if you're a candidate for gastric sleeve Mexico. Our general requirements for procedures:
BMI of 30+
Ages between 16 and 65+ (case by case basis)
Realistic expectations regarding the weight loss results
How Much Weight Could I Lose?
According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) was a staggering 82% in the first year alone! Gastric sleeve patients varied from 63% up to 100% of their excess weight loss in the first 12 months[1]. The success rate has continued to grow year after year.
- 3 months: 25-35% excess weight**
- 6 months: average of 33% up to 60.2% excess weight loss
- 12 months: 63.2% to 100.2% excess weight loss
What Should I Expect to Pay for the Gastric Sleeve Surgery Package?
In the United States, the price of VSG can be quite expensive due to the high cost of material and the high cost of healthcare. The self-pay sleeve cost averages around $20,000 with hospitals charging insurance companies over $40,000.
Mexico Bariatric Center (MBC) offers one of the lowest prices in the medical tourism industry while maintaining high-quality standards. Our all-inclusive packages starting at $4,595* with no hidden costs are designed for Americans who are uninsured or underinsured and Canadians to avoid long wait times. We have also partnered with several financing firms for those individuals seeking payment plans and to defer payments.
Starts at $4,995 $4,595*
Is Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana, Mexico Safe?
Even though gastric sleeve is a straight-forward procedure, the safety and success comes from our surgeons expertise and health standards followed by nurses and surgery team. There is a risk to any surgery. We reduce the risks of gastric sleeve Mexico by following these safety standards and guidelines:
- We use top quality surgical equipment, and modern medical techniques.
- Limited surgeries (only 3) per day for each surgeon.
- We use a high-volume hospital, Hospital Mi Doctor, to reduce complication rates and increase patient outcomes.
Our hospital is strategically located in prominent areas of Tijuana (Zona Rio) - which is very close to the border of U.S. and Mexico.
Major Benefits of Undergoing Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The benefits of vertical sleeve gastrectomy go beyond fast weight loss, having better looks and regain self-confidence. Gastric sleeve surgery is proven to significantly reduce and even cure health issues in patients with morbid obesity;
- The distinct advantage of gastric sleeve surgery (compared to other weight loss procedures) is the preservation of the patient’s anatomy while reducing obesity-related diseases, improving health, and longevity.
- It can be easily revised into another bariatric procedures, such as the re-sleeve, sleeve to bypass, sleeve to duodenal switch, and even adding gastric band to a gastric sleeve.
- It is a purely restrictive procedure, therefore, there is no occurrence of malabsorption problems, found in gastric bypass.
Details and Duration of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve procedure is performed laparoscopically. The entire surgery duration takes about 1.5 hours from start to finish (with 30 min to 60 min for the actual surgery). Patients are required to stay in the hospital for one night, although to ensure fewer complications and faster recovery we give patients two nights without charging additional fees.
How long does it take to recover and return to work after gastric sleeve?
Healing is relatively fast. As a recovery guideline, we recommend that gastric sleeve patients return to work in 2 to 3 weeks following surgery. (Recovery time is different for everyone. Some patients are able to return to work within a week after surgery and others need more time depending on their job duties.)[2]
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Dangerous?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a rather safe bariatric procedure. Although there are risks and unwanted side effects associated with any surgery, deaths from gastric sleeve surgery are extremely rare and can be reduced if patients follow our required pre-op, post-op, and recovery guidelines. Our patient guidelines combined with highly experienced surgeons make risks and complications minimal.[3]
Gastric Sleeve Side Effects
- Minor Side Effects: Gas Pain, Bruising, Nausea, and Inflammation, short-term hair loss
- Severe Side Effects: GERD/Gastritis, Pneumonia, Blood Clots, and Gallstones
Gastric Sleeve Complications
- Short-Term: Bleeding and Leak (rate of 1.06%[4])
- Near-Term: Stomach Obstruction, Stricture, or Abdominal Abscess
- Long-Term: Delayed Leak
Steps During Gastric Sleeve Procedure
These are the official steps bariatric surgeons follow to ensure the most effective, safe, and successful results for gastric sleeve surgery.
Step 1: Patient is lying face up.
Step 2: General anesthesia is administered by the anesthesiologist and a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) is inserted into the esophagus.
Step 3: Surgeon makes 3 to 5 very small incisions on the abdomen.
Step 4: Trocars (hollow steel tubes) are placed through the tiny incisions as a passageway for surgical instruments to perform the operation.
Step 5: The abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to separate the stomach wall from the small intestine.
Step 6: Surgeon inserts a probe equipped with a built-in specialized camera (laparoscope) along with other small pencil-like surgical instruments.
Step 7: The liver is gently pushed aside with a retractor.
Step 8: The greater curvature is released starting from the antrum to approximately two inches of the pylorus.
Step 9: The surgeon then finds and closes any Hiatal Hernias if present to prevent Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Step 10: An endoscopic cutter/stapler then cuts and staples the stomach shut along the bougie inserted through the mouth as a guide.
Step 11: Three lines of brand name, like Johnson & Johnson or Covidien, Titanium staples (Tri-Staple) to close the new smaller stomach pouch.
Step 12: We reinforce the staple line with sutures to make sure no stomach leakage and stretching takes place (Inverted Gastric Sleeve and Double-Buttress Gastric Sleeve are popular ways to enforce the suture/staple line).
Step 13: The surgeon leaves a drain in the abdominal cavity as a precaution for early detection of a leak. The drain is removed before released from hospital.
* 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 may vary. There is no guarantee made by statements on this website.
Last Updated: October 14, 2019 by Ron Elli, Ph.D.
Reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon, M.D. August 2018