What is VSG Surgery?

VSG stands for “Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy,” which is simply a weight loss procedure for the population seeking surgical intervention for obesity and its related illnesses. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is purely restrictive, acting by a significant reduction in stomach volume. The size of your stomach is reduced by roughly 80 percent, which restricts your daily food intake. Additionally, it cuts down the production of appetite-stimulating hormones (ghrelin). You will get less hungry and feel more full with less food.

VSG surgery is now the number one ranked bariatric procedure due to its efficacy in achieving successful and permanent weight loss in all countries.

The bariatric and metabolic board-certified surgeon determines whether you are a candidate for the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and explains to you in detail what VSG is and how it can benefit you. To know more about laparoscopic VSG surgery and see if you qualify, ask for a no-obligation in-depth opinion of the most qualified medical authorities working with Mexico Bariatric Center® today!

APPLY ONLINE: VSG Application Form

VSG meaning?

VSG means Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, an FDA-approved weight-loss procedure top bariatric doctors perform worldwide. The VSG procedure, or so-called Longitudinal Sleeve Gastrectomy, comes from how the operation is performed. The bariatric certified surgeon vertically resects the outer portion of your stomach and leaves a sleeve or banana-shaped stomach (gastric sleeve) with a 3-4 ounces capacity.

Removing a big part of the stomach creates restriction and changes your hormones, which resets your metabolic system. The newly formed small pouch physically limits the amount of food you can eat in one sitting. VSG is a superior gastrointestinal surgery that helps you in 3 ways to shed pounds spontaneously;

You eat smaller portions – smaller stomach
You get less hungry – fewer hunger hormones (ghrelin)
You feel full faster – sensitivity to satiety hormones (Leptin)

Additionally, the stomach’s gastric emptying may also accelerate, giving patients similar results to RNY Bypass.

When consulting your medical expert about gastric sleeve surgery, you should ask about the pros and cons of VSG compared to other established surgical options. Sleeve procedure done laparoscopically is a safe and efficient operation producing the same amount of weight loss and comorbidities resolution as gastric bypass. The vertical sleeve gastrectomy is less invasive and has less chance of complications since it does not involve reconnecting the intestine. There are no anatomical changes as the stomach function, including the pyloric valve stays intact.

Sleeve Gastrectomy is normally a minimally invasive operation unless your health condition, such as BMI and previous surgeries, dictates the need for open surgery. Ask your medical professional during the examination for your specific case.

COMPARE PROCEDURES: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy VS. RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery

VSG history

VSG, also known as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG), was originally introduced in 1988 as the first stage of a more complex bariatric procedure known as the biliopancreatic diversion duodenal switch (BPD-DS). The duodenal switch surgery is designed for super-obese, high-risk patients who need to take drastic measures to achieve weight loss.

Doctors noticed that many patients reported significant weight loss and comorbidity resolution with an acceptable complication rate and fewer side effects. In the early 2000s, top health officials began performing the stand-alone vertical sleeve gastrectomy. They reserved the second stage for selected patients with inadequate fat loss results.

VSG is “Smart”

The stomach size in people depends on their build and height – taller people have taller stomachs. The same is true after the stomach is resized with the Bougie – the remnant stomach is more in taller individuals than the shorter ones.

Since the new stomach is proportional to the patient’s physical size, the patient’s weight loss is also suitable for their height, build, and needs. That is why VSG is called a “Smart” operation.

VSG surgery operative steps

To understand what a VSG sleeve consists of, you should search on Google and talk to your bariatric surgery expert. The board-certified weight loss surgery specialist performs this procedure in an operating room designed for bariatrics with the following main steps:

General Anesthesia: An experienced anesthesiologist starts your general anesthesia once you are in the OR.
Incision Placement: This step involves making small cuts of less than one inch (usually 3 to 5) in your abdominal wall to position the surgical instruments. In a single incision VSG (SILS), only one opening is made through the belly button.
Abdominal Cavity Inflation: The abdominal cavity is inflated with CO2 to create room to perform the procedure comfortably.
Tube Insertion: The surgeon introduces a calibration tube (called a Bougie) through your mouth to properly size your newly sleeve-shaped stomach.
Stomach Stapling: The bariatric surgeon uses a 3-point clamp technique to cut and staple the greater curvature of your stomach longitudinally. The staple line is overseen for safety issues (staple-line leak) and to make a durable procedure.
Incision Closure: The larger portion of your stomach (4/5) is then taken out through the bigger incision. The surgeon finishes the procedure by closing the holes with sutures or tape.

At the consultation, ask your weight loss surgeon about the advantages and downsides of VSG compared to other procedures and their operative techniques. A confident and well-informed patient makes a great candidate for the VSG weight loss procedure.

VSG qualification and requirements

Overweight individuals suffering from obesity and metabolic disorder are wondering about the requirements to qualify for VSG surgery. According to the American Board of VSG Services, the minimum requirement to receive sleeve gastrectomy is as follows:

You have not been able to achieve a sustainable healthy weight with diet and exercise.
Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40*, or over 100 pounds overweight.
Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35* with at least one or more obesity-related co-morbidities such as type II diabetes (T2DM), hypertension (HTN), sleep apnea (OSA), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or heart disease.
Children over 15 years old and adolescents up to 65 years old.
Your medical condition should not disqualify you from general anesthesia.
Have attainable expectations regarding VSG weight loss results

* In June of 202, the CDC’s minimum BMI requirement was lowered to 35 without comorbidities after the COVID-19 pandemic. The minimum BMI that qualifies you to acquire VSG in Mexico is 30.

If you are a smoker, you should avoid smoking a month before and after your operation as directed by your doctor. Your physician advises you to avoid medications before and after the VSG operation. You should be committed to following a healthy pre-op and post-op VSG diet and adopting an active lifestyle.

If you wonder if VSG is the right for you and how to qualify, contact our knowledgeable professionals at Mexico Bariatric Center® today! We will help you find out what is the best option for you.

Pros and cons of VSG

So far, we have covered what VSG surgery is and the steps entailed in the operation. We will now present the positives and negatives of vertical sleeve gastrectomy compared to the most frequently performed surgical options. VSG is an excellent choice for many patients; however, it has limitations that you need to be aware of. An experienced and well-trained bariatric surgeon can clearly describe the advantages and disadvantages of VSG sleeve surgery.

What is VSG – Pros

Simpler procedure than other popular bariatric surgeries, like Gastric Bypass. Fewer complications and faster recovery.
Strictly restrictive with no malabsorptive component. Less risk of vitamin deficiencies, developing anemia, and dumping syndrome.
No foreign object is placed in your body, like gastric banding.
Results in high weight loss in a relatively short time – most people can expect to lose more than 70% of their extra weight.
Resolution of comorbidities, such as diabetes type 2 Mellitus, sleep apnea, hypertension, etc.
Can revise into other procedures, including re-sleeve (retightening), RNY gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or mini bypass.

What is VSG – Cons

VSG is a surgical procedure requiring patients to undergo general anesthesia and, like any other surgery, has its intrinsic risks and possible complications**.
The staple-line gastric leak is a serious complication and hard to manage.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is irreversible, and you cannot restore the original size of the stomach.
It is unsuitable for patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Your body does not receive as many vitamins and minerals as before, which could cause health issues.

** To avoid unnecessary complications and achieve the highest outcome, you must research to ensure you end up in experienced hands.

GET INFORMED: Pros and Cons of Gastric Sleeve (VSG)

How much does VSG surgery cost?

The price of VSG surgery is another determining factor, especially if your surgery is not covered by insurance and you have limited money saved up. The cost of sleeve gastrectomy in the United States and Canada is out-of-reach for many people. The average cost of VSG ranges from $16,000 to $28,000 in those developed countries.

Medical tourism in Mexico has given patients an affordable alternative with top-notch bariatric surgeons and fully-equipped hospital facilities to renew their lives. The average cost of VSG in Mexico ranges from $4,500 to $6,500 for all-inclusive packages with the most experienced doctors and accredited bariatric centers.

SEE THIS ALSO: How much does a gastric sleeve cost?

Does health insurance cover VSG surgery?

To see if your insurance covers VSG surgery, you should talk to your insurer to find out their coverage policy for bariatrics. American insurance companies have stringent requirements to qualify insured individuals for sleeve gastrectomy. Bariatrics in Canada is covered; however, the wait is too long to receive it in provinces like Alberta.

In case you cannot secure insurance coverage for surgical weight reduction in the location where you reside, you may want to look into the obesity treatment option in Mexico seriously. The VSG in Mexico is quite affordable as they come in all-inclusive packages; all you have to pay for is the travel cost. That is why so many Americans and Canadians cross the border to Mexico for weight loss surgery services with top medical care for a fraction of the cost.

VSG Cost Without Insurance Coverage

VSG surgical procedures with no coverage could cost as high as $28,000 in the US or Canada. The issue numerous patients face is that their insurance may decline to pay for this medical procedure, regardless of their status. There are two possible scenarios; the patient may not have adequate coverage, or the bariatric procedures are excluded from their policy.

Other Constraints with American insurers include asking individuals to count calories and work out to lose weight, asking for psychological evaluation, and the high out-of-pocket expenses. The runaround, as well as an astronomical copay for tests and deductibles, are deterring patients from receiving this life-saving operation. For these reasons, it is essential to look into the Mexico Medical Tourism alternative and check out the cost of self-pay VSG. You get quality healthcare with VIP treatment from doctors with clinical eyes and minds.

VSG surgery costs in Mexico and travel expenses are still less than the cost of VSG without insurance. Most of the all-inclusive packages for VSG are offered by world-class surgeons and accredited hospitals. Make sure you do your research to find the top facilitators with a proven track record.

VSG weight loss chart

The VSG weight loss timeline makes it easy to gauge the estimated number of pounds you should lose post-operation.

To be fully prepared for the laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy, it’s essential to understand the percentage of Excess Weight Loss (%EWL), which is calculated based on your current and pre-operative weight. You should also use our ideal weight loss chart to track your progress following your surgery.

Here is the major VSG weight loss timeline throughout post-surgery milestones.

– 1 Month Post-Surgery Weight Loss

At the one-month milestone, the weight loss chart can vary. Occasionally, some patients do not lose much weight during the first few weeks after vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Still, the average %EWL remains at about 15%, which is estimated to be one pound per day. Your body will constantly adjust during the 4-phase post-op diet over the initial 30 days, which helps you adapt to normal, solid foods again.

– 3 Month Post-Surgery Weight Loss

In three months, your weight loss progress continues to full effect. Your body has finished adapting to the new sleeved stomach; you are fully recovered and at the pinnacle of rapid weight reduction. You will lose an average of 1 to 2 pounds per day, which entirely depends on your ability to follow a strict post-op diet and begin healthy lifestyle habits. Nearly one-third of excess weight has dropped, which estimates your weight loss at 33% EWL.

– One Year Post-Surgery Weight Loss

VSG weight loss chart at 12 months should be on track to dropping your remaining weight. At one year, the expected weight loss is estimated to be 65%, meaning you are about two-thirds of the way to reaching your ideal weight. Post-op eating and exercise habits are vital to continue losing weight at this time.

– 18 to 24 Months Post-Surgery Weight Loss

When you are 1.5 years post-vsg, your weight loss begins to slow, and your body requires much more effort to drop or maintain the existing weight reduction. A strict balanced regime and physical activity are a must to ensure sustaining the weight you already have lost. At the 2-year mark, many patients reach their ideal weight, although the weight loss chart indicates, on average, about 72-78% excess weight reduction. This suggests if you do everything right, you can reach your goal weight and lose 100% of excess weight at 24 months.

VSG weight loss expectations

VSG weight loss differs in patients and depends strongly on following the post-op diet and living a healthy lifestyle after surgery. Your certified dietitian and surgeon will help you establish a realistic goal weight and develop a post-op weight loss plan with measured steps to reaching your ideal weight.

By consulting with your bariatric team in advance, you will learn about what the procedure can and can’t do for your health and how much VSG weight loss you should target. The better you prepare mentally and lay a foundation based on your surgeon’s knowledge and expertise to maintain long-term, healthy results.

Some patients are extremely responsive; weight loss comes to them effortlessly, and they can reach their ideal body weight. For other patients, weight loss is harder, and patients do not lose as much. Under perfect conditions, the expected weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy can amount to losing 100 percent of excess weight in one year to two years.

Additional variables that may impact losing weight after vertical sleeve gastrectomy are factors including age, physical activity, race, diabetes, medication (e.g., bipolar disorder), smoking, and especially genetics. Doing your part in following the guidelines set by your bariatric surgeon and nutritionist will make it that much easier to improve VSG results.

VSG post-op diet: what to eat after surgery

The VSG post-op diet plan must be followed to ensure your body heals properly and adjusts to the VSG weight loss procedure. Your bariatric dietitian will discuss a specialized regime plan that is specifically tailored to your dietary needs and restrictions.

Beginning the post-op diet is broken down into four phases over the first 30 days after VSG surgery. This is a pivotal moment in building habits that can result in healthy weight loss and eventually maintaining your goal weight. If the meal plan is avoided or not considered, the risk of VSG failure drastically increases.

4 phases of the VSG surgery diet

There are four distinct post-op diet phases following VSG surgery. Your specific guidance will be completely based on your dietitian, which we include in your VSG surgery package. Every bariatric team will have unique dietary guidelines and restrictions you must follow before and after surgery.

Once you make it through the sleeve gastrectomy nutrition phases, you’ll start to settle into your long-term vsg eating plan. The four phases are as follows:

Phase I: First 5 to 7 days after surgery (week one)
Phase II: 7 to 14 days after surgery (week two)
Phase III: 14 to 21 days after surgery (week three)
Phase IV: 21 to 30 days after surgery (week four)

PHASE I: Clear Liquid Diet 5 -7 days

You must follow a clear liquid diet 5-7 days after your VSG surgery. The sole purpose of this phase is to allow for healing time and to stay hydrated. The liquid replenishment goal should be 64 oz or more, with a minimum of 48 oz to prevent dehydration.

For drinks, only take ½-1 ounces of liquid at a time and wait 60 seconds between ounces. A medicine cup helps measure this out, or you can use the screw cap to a water bottle. Drink very slowly and refrain from gulping.

Recommended Clear Liquids:

Clear Broth/Bouillon: Chicken, beef, vegetable
Powerade Zero, Vitamin Zero water, crystal light
Light or diluted (50/50) juices (apple, grape, cranberry)
Clear Liquid protein (ex., Premier Protein Clear)
Unsweetened caffeine-free herbal tea.
Sugar-free Jell-o or sugar-free popsicle
NO carbonated beverages.

IMPORTANT: You do not weigh your fluids; you measure by volume. You can have as many fluids as your body wants. The minimum goal is 48 oz. to prevent dehydration. The ideal goal of VSG’s daily water intake is 64 oz daily.

PHASE II: Thick Liquids (7 – 14 days)

The second phase of the post-op diet occurs in week two and instructs patients to add thick liquids to their diet. In this stage, the patients try to consume around 60 to 90 grams of protein daily. The best VSG protein supplements should contain no more than 150 calories and provide 15 grams of protein per serving. Here is a list of full liquids that are approved:

Recommended Thick Liquids:

Everything from the previous clear liquids phase
Protein shakes/powders
Greek yogurt
Apple sauce
Protein-rich soups
Sugar-free pudding

PHASE III: Soft Solids Food (15 – 21 days)

Goal: start weighing food – 4 to 6 ounces total per meal, getting 20 grams of protein per meal (3 oz. will always be protein) – Protein first!

Recommended Soft Solids:

Beans
Scrambled eggs (soft, boiled, poached)
Tuna fish moistened well with low-fat mayo
Low-Fat Cottage cheese
Mild low-fat cheese
Sweet potatoes and potatoes (mashed – only)

PHASE IV: Solid Foods (21 days and beyond)

At this phase, you start back on solid foods. Start with one to four ounces of solid food per meal and then slowly increase the amount until you are eating at least four ounces per meal but no more than six ounces.

Recommended Solid Foods:

Fish
Eggs
Chicken
Tofu
Meatless products
Beans
Cottage cheese
Low-sugar Greek yogurt

Post-Operative Tips

Chew all your food well to applesauce consistency. You must comply with these precautions, or you may experience vomiting, upset stomach, and inflammation. You could also experience obstruction of the small gastric pouch.

If solid foods cause nausea and vomiting, go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. IF VOMITING AND NAUSEA PERSIST, CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

VSG Post-op Guidelines

Regardless of how far along you are in your VSG post-op recovery process, there are some dietary restrictions you must always follow.

No carbonated beverages, caffeine, or alcohol for six weeks
No heavy lifting or exercise for six weeks (walking is fine and encouraged)
No swimming, tub baths, hot tubs, or Jacuzzis for six weeks

First and foremost, don’t challenge your new stomach by eating solids too soon or overeating! Remember, the stomach can hold 3-4 ounces after surgery. You will probably feel satisfied after 2-3 tablespoons of food.

Over time, your stomach can stretch. But it takes 6-9 months (possibly longer) for your new stomach size to stabilize, allowing you to determine your new normal meal size.

If you accidentally eat too much, vomiting will follow, and you can stretch the stomach’s size. If you cannot keep anything down and are having extreme difficulty staying hydrated, sip on regular Gatorade every 5 to 10 minutes. It has electrolytes necessary for normal cell function. Once you feel better, return to non-caloric beverages such as water and diet-flavored waters.

6 Rules for Eating After VSG Surgery

When you do eat after VSG surgery, make sure you abide by the following Golden Rules:

Eat small, nutrient-dense meals supplemented by two high-protein snacks a day.
Avoid foods with large amounts of sugar, especially those in liquid forms. They are filled with non-nutritional empty calories and slow down weight loss.
Eat slowly. Take small bites and chew thoroughly — at least 25 times.
Drink at least 6 to 8 cups, or 48 to 64 oz., of fluid daily to prevent dehydration.
Stop drinking liquids 15 minutes before meals and wait 30 minutes after meals.
Track everything in a food diary.

Adjusting to your new eating habits, try introducing only one new food at a time to rule out any intolerance. If food is not tolerated, return to the full liquid diet for several days and try reintroducing that particular food in one week.

If your stomach can’t tolerate dairy, try a substitute lactose-free milk, such as the Lactaid brand. You can also try soy milk fortified with calcium and vitamin D, or lite soy, almond, lite rice, or lite cashew milk.

You may experience heartburn or acid reflux at some stage as well. If this occurs, take an antacid. Omeprazole, Prilosec, and Nexium are good choices, but several other antacid options are available.

Also, you should be taking at least one sublingual B12 vitamin and a bariatric multivitamin daily. Add biotin, calcium, and iron supplements as needed.

You have really completed a fantastic feat, but remember; your journey has just begun. If you are stuck or have questions, please contact us. There also are plenty of support groups out there you can join to help you stay on top of your dieting in the long term.

LEARN MORE: Taylor’s Gastric Sleeve Experience

VSG complications

Sleeve gastrectomy may cause complications that are listed below.† The benefits of VSG outweigh the possible problems as it gives patients a second chance in life as well as a surplus of health improvements. Some of the complications include;

Gastric Leakage – Published stats 0.3% (1 in 350) [source] versus Mexico Bariatric Center 0.1% (1 in 1,111) [source]
Blood Clots – 0.4% (1 in 250) [source]
Incision Infections – <1% (1 in 100) [source]
Strictures 0.3% (1 in 300) [source]

† The complication rate varies between the surgical center and the doctor.

VSG side-effects

The VSG side effects are minimal and include,

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Depression
Temporary Hair Loss

VSG recovery

As early as one-week post-operation, take bariatric vitamins to avoid nutrient deficiencies and supplement important vitamins or minerals that your body needs. It is important for faster recovery and helps ensure your stomach heals properly.

Patients may be sore, so take it easy but stay hydrated. After VSG surgery, joining a support group helps stay involved and stay on track with weight loss goals. Stay connected to your bariatric aftercare support group on Facebook. Don’t miss any post-op tests given by your primary physician. Be active and follow the post-op diet provided to you by our nutritionist.

Healing and cleaning incisions

Also, ensure you gently clean your incision wounds daily using Hibiclens or antibacterial soap, water, and antiseptic spray. After you’ve cleaned your wounds, cover them with gauze or band-aids.

Return to work

You can expect to return to work after 1 to 2 weeks into recovery if you have an office job where you sit most of the day. If your job requires you to be on your feet, you can usually return to work 2 weeks after surgery. If you have a fast-paced job, wait 2 to 4 weeks before working again. Remember not to lift for the first 30 days after vertical sleeve gastrectomy. If your job requires you to lift, wait at least 4 to 8 weeks. Always speak to your surgeon or primary care physician before you return to work.

VSG before and after photos

To see your results and progress, taking before and after pictures is a great way to track your weight loss. Check out these vsg before and after photos to motivate you on how your life can transform.

To see more sleeve gastrectomy photos, please visit our complete page.

VSG experience

Pre-Op Diet Phase

The pre-op diet 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. For the pre-op diet, patients should take high protein, low-calorie nutrition, veggies, plenty of fluids, and no tobacco. Patients should have clear liquid and no sugar close (2 days prior) to surgery. Patients will stay in our 4-star hotel on the night before surgery.

Surgery Day Phase

No food, no drink, and no medications (follow the surgeon’s order) 12 hours before surgery. Mexico Bariatric Center patient advocates will pick you up from the hotel to take you to the hospital where they, with vertical sleeve gastrectomy, stay for 2 nights. We recommend that patients bring their CPAP machine if they use it. Just relax and have positive thoughts for a successful surgery and outcome.

Post-Op Diet Phase

To prepare for VSG surgery, you must understand the post-op diet. We keep our patients in the hospital for two nights to ensure there are no complications after surgery. Post-op tests will be administered before discharge. As 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 occur for six weeks unless your primary doctor advises. Abstain alcohol for at least three months and ideally six months after surgery. Also, stay away from sugary drinks to avoid dumping syndrome and gaining weight.

VSG results: what to expect after VSG surgery

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a life-altering procedure that will transform your body and health and prove beneficial for your psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Here is what to expect after VSG surgery from an experienced bariatric surgeon in Mexico:

You may lose up to 70 percent of your excess body weight within the first year.
Depending on your long-term diet and fitness regimen, you may achieve your ideal body weight in 18 to 24 months.
Your obesity-related medical issues, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, PCOS, and cardiovascular disease, will disappear.
You will feel more energized and actively participate in vigorous physical exercises, sports, swimming, and other outdoor activities.
You can wear any type of clothes without feeling self-conscious and proud of your new body image.
Your self-confidence and zest for life will dramatically improve, which may positively reflect on your professional performance as well as personal relationships.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Gastric sleeve results: expected weight loss after VSG surgery

VSG Revision

VSG is a powerful tool for individuals agonizing from obesity to achieve ideal body weight. However, a small percentage of people do not reach their goal weight or develop side effects requiring revisional surgery.

No bariatric procedure is foolproof; behavioral and mental modifications are necessary for long-term success.

If patients do not lose all the weight they should or fail to maintain the initial loss, it is not due to the ineffectiveness of the procedure. It is due to incompliance with the nutritionist’s dietary and behavioral changes indications. Conversion of VSG to mini-bypass is a relatively straightforward operation to restore the desired weight loss.

About 10% of VSG patients experience “de novo” acid reflux that persists even with anti-acids. If an individual develops heartburn problems after the VSG procedure, the initial surgery must be revised to RNY gastric bypass.

Is VSG Surgery in Mexico safe?

Safety should be considered when looking into VSG surgery in Mexico. Mexican cities like Tijuana and Guadalajara have become the top destinations for tourists seeking weight loss surgery. The high-quality medical services at affordable pricing have attracted patients from around the globe.

The standards of medicine in Mexico are as good or better than those of the U.S. and the Western world. You can find the same safety measures in hospitals accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International) and by the Federal government in Mexico. State-of-the-art facilities go hand in hand with young, highly skilled, and experienced surgeons in procedures like VSG.

Mexico Bariatric Center® offers individuals who are suffering from obesity a second chance in life. MBC facilitates all types of bariatric surgeries using 6 world-renowned certified surgeons in a dedicated bariatric surgery center with a best-in-class in-house testing lab. The surgical teams of Mexico Bariatric Center have performed over 20,000 (and counting) safe and successful procedures since 2012. Our all-inclusive packages are among the most reliable and competitively priced with the safety of patients in mind.

Related: Is gastric sleeve safe?

Tijuana VSG surgery

The border city of Tijuana is emerging as the top destination for the VSG sleeve for many reasons. The proximity to the U.S. town of San Diego has helped tremendously grow medical tourism in Tijuana. The low cost of living and eager and young surgeons have created a breeding ground for affordable VSG surgery.

Patients Can relatively easily fly or drive to San Diego International Airport to get picked up by the facilitating company. The trip to most medical facilities like MBC in Tijuana is rather short (25 minutes). The accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and personalized care make Tijuana, Baja, California, a hot spot for VSG in Mexico.

Start your journey now!

Guadalajara VSG surgery

Patients travel to GDL International Airport for the clinical expertise offered in Guadalajara, Mexico. Many patients have families in Guadalajara, Mexico’s cultural center and Mariachi music’s home. The cost of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Guadalajara with well-versed surgeons and advanced surgery centers is almost as low as in Tijuana.

Guadalajara School of Medicine ranks highly among global universities for specialties like bariatrics. VSG surgeons in Mexico have an exceptional track record and provide customized care for your unique case. They are keeping abreast of the latest techniques and methodologies to handle medical tourists’ needs fully.

VSG surgery approval process

Once you clear how to proceed with the surgery, the rest is a simple 1-2-3. There are three easy steps to go through to get on the calendar for VSG surgery in Mexico. The VSG qualifications in Mexico, such as minimum BMI, are much more relaxed than those in the U.S. and Canada.

Step 1: Visit the informative Mexico Bariatric Center® website to learn about weight loss surgery options, patients’ success before and after pictures, video testimonials, surgeons’ profiles, and hospital and hotel accommodations. Fill out the online health questionnaire for a no-obligation consultation with expert VSG surgeons in Mexico. Ensure you accurately complete the health history form to inform the surgeon of your overall physical state.
Step 2: Once you get your approval from the surgeon of your choice, usually within 24 to 48 hours, make your final review of the VSG total cost in your homeland vs. the cost in Mexico. Deposit $350 online, and our caring and knowledgeable team member will contact you to secure your priority spot on the calendar. You can ask your case manager about your travel arrangements and any other questions you may have. You can also ask for a virtual consultation with your surgeon to ease your mind regarding your decision to undergo the operation.
Step 3: Arrange for your travel, book your flight, and finish the required paperwork. Talk to our bariatric nutritionist to prepare for the pre-op diet and prepare for your life-altering expedition to Mexico.

At Mexico Bariatric Center®, we are here to answer all your questions to help you make a conscious choice. Our expert representatives in the U.S. and Mexico facilitate the transitions before and after surgery for a pleasant experience.

Set yourself up for a better future! Contact us today!

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