GASTRIC SLEEVE

IS IT SAFE TO HAVE GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY IN MEXICO?

Is very important for patient to do proper research before committing to have weight loss surgery outside the United States. One of the key factors to take in consideration is a safe environment and an experienced bariatric surgeon with  credentials in order. Below you will find very important factors you should check before making your decision.

• Surgery at a hospital (Hospital have much higher quality and hygiene standards than clinics)
• Experienced surgeon with credentials in order
• Very active social media with the right amount of testimonials and reviews.
• Make sure you are calling the office directly and not a medical tourism broker.
• Communication in a timely manner with profesional tools to handle your case.
• Trustworthy comuinicgtiona when it comes down  to lock your surgery date by putting deposit down.
• Don’t pay full surgery in advance

This are some very basic and key features to choose the right bariatric surgeon for you.

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HOW GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY IS DONE: SIMPLE STEPS

Anesthesia:

• The patient is put under general anesthesia, so they are asleep and feel no pain during the procedure.

Small Incisions:

• The surgeon makes a few small cuts in the abdomen to insert surgical tools and a tiny camera (laparoscope).

Stomach Reduction:

• Using the surgical tools, the surgeon removes about 75-80% of the stomach. This leaves a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach (about the size of a banana).

Sealing the Stomach:

• The surgeon staples the remaining stomach to seal it securely. This new smaller stomach reduces the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full faster.

Checking for Leaks:

• The surgeon carefully checks the staples to make sure there are no leaks before finishing the procedure.

Closing the Incisions:

• The small cuts in the abdomen are closed with stitches or surgical glue.

Recovery:

• The patient is moved to a recovery room to wake up from anesthesia and start the healing process.

Gastric sleeve surgery typically takes about 1-2 hours, and patients stay in the hospital for 2-3 days to ensure they are recovering well. It’s a minimally invasive procedure designed to help patients lose weight and improve their health.

GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY: AN OVERVIEW

Gastric Sleeve / Sleeve Gastrectomy – Tijuana, Mexico

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy, commonly known as the gastric sleeve, involves removing approximately 80% to 85% of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach resembling the shape of a banana. This minimally invasive procedure is a highly effective tool for weight loss and overall health improvement.

How the Gastric Sleeve Works

The newly created stomach can hold approximately 4 ounces of food and liquid, significantly reducing food and calorie intake. Additionally, removing the part of the stomach responsible for producing the majority of the hunger hormone, ghrelin, helps:

• Reduce hunger levels.
• Increase the sensation of fullness.
• Address and improve metabolic issues.
• Promote long-term weight loss and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Key Advantages of the Gastric Sleeve (VSG):

• Low Risk: A safer procedure with a shorter surgery time compared to other bariatric options.
• Accessibility for High-Risk Patients: Suitable for patients with severe obesity or high-risk metabolic conditions.
• Effective Weight Loss: Provides strong results, with patients typically losing 60% of their excess weight.
• Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions: Can help manage or resolve issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

Considerations and Potential Disadvantages:

• Non-Reversible: Once performed, the gastric sleeve cannot be undone.
• Acid Reflux: May cause or worsen acid reflux or heartburn in some patients.
• Metabolic Impact: While effective, it may not be as strong as gastric bypass procedures for resolving severe metabolic conditions.

Success Depends on Lifestyle Changes

While the gastric sleeve is a powerful tool for weight loss, long-term success requires commitment to:

• Healthy Eating Habits: Following dietary guidelines provided by your healthcare team.
• Regular Exercise: Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
• Behavioral Adjustments: Developing and maintaining positive eating and lifestyle habits.

The gastric sleeve is a safe, effective, and transformative option for patients looking to achieve significant weight loss and improve their quality of life. When paired with a commitment to lifestyle changes, it can yield outstanding results.

PREPARING FOR GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY

Medical Evaluation
Before surgery, you will undergo a complete medical assessment including lab work, imaging, and sometimes an EKG or endoscopy. This helps the surgeon confirm you are medically fit for the procedure and ensures any underlying health conditions are managed beforehand.

Nutritional Counseling
A registered dietitian will review your current eating patterns and introduce lifestyle changes that will be essential after surgery. This often includes practicing portion control, limiting high-sugar foods, and starting healthier meal habits.

Pre-Operative Diet
To shrink the liver and make the operation safer, most patients follow a special diet 1–2 weeks prior to surgery. The typical plan includes:

• High-protein shakes or meal replacements
• Lean proteins such as fish, poultry, or tofu
• Non-starchy vegetables
• Very limited carbohydrates and fats
• Ample water and clear fluids

Alcohol, soda, fried foods, and sweets are usually eliminated during this period.

Supplements
Although the gastric sleeve does not affect absorption as much as gastric bypass, supplementation is still recommended both before and after surgery. Common supplements include:

• A daily multivitamin
• Calcium citrate with vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Iron and folic acid if deficiencies are detected

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Quit smoking at least 4–6 weeks before surgery to reduce complications.
• Eliminate alcohol in the weeks leading up to the procedure.
• Start light to moderate exercise, if approved by your physician.
• Practice eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and stopping once full.

Medication Management
Your care team may adjust or pause certain medications before surgery, such as blood thinners or diabetes drugs. Always follow the specific guidance from your surgeon.

Day Before Surgery
Most patients are placed on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours before surgery and are asked to fast after midnight. Detailed, personalized instructions will be provided by the surgical team.