Gastric Sleeve Surgery Tijuana Mexico

The gastric sleeve procedure is a restrictive bariatric surgery that significantly reduces the size of your stomach and your appetite to encourage weight loss. It is an uncomplicated procedure with a shorter recovery time than others. This procedure physically restricts the amount of food you can eat by reducing the size of your stomach. It is a restrictive surgery that also limits the production of ghrelin, which contributes to a reduction in appetite. This allows patients to feel satisfied with less food, and thus encourages portion control.

According to the latest global registry of the International Federation for the Surgery or Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), the gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is by far the most requested and practiced bariatric surgery worldwide. Out of all the bariatric surgeries that are practiced around the world, roughly 59% account for this type of surgery, and almost all of them are done with laparoscopic techniques. This is the bariatric procedure for which experts have the most data and the most register of outcomes and results in long-term follow-ups, it is also the most standardized procedure in the bariatric community. It has been largely documented that complications due to sleeve gastrectomy are very low, and that it provides good control and great benefits over comorbidities associated to obesity.

How Gastric Sleeve is done?

This bariatric procedure is called gastric sleeve surgery because, during the intervention, the stomach is given the shape of a small tube or sleeve. To achieve this, the surgeon inserts a laparoscopic camera through the belly to monitor the operation. Then the surgeon inserts a lean and long stapler through other incisions in the abdomen to staple the stomach vertically. This process divides the stomach into two parts: the bigger part, roughly 80%, which will be completely removed from the body, and the smaller part which will remain, in a much smaller shape, resembling a sleeve. This type of intervention is considered a restrictive procedure because what it achieves is that it restricts the size of the stomach, preventing it from obtaining big portions of food. This procedure does not interfere with the absorption of nutrients, though, because it does not involve any alteration to the digestive process, as it leaves the intestines intact.

The recovery from this surgery is faster than other bariatric procedures. Patients may expect a post-operative stay of 1 to 2 days in the hospital’s recovery room, and mandatory rest for four to six weeks. During the first weeks of recovery, the patient should follow a strict only-liquids diet, which will progressively move to purees and solids.

The amount of weight loss to expect after a gastric sleeve procedure depends on many factors, such as the patient’s body mass index (BMI) before surgery, his commitment to maintain healthy habits, and the time that has passed after the surgery. But one can expect to notice major changes in weight loss as soon as 6 months and as long as 3 years. The patient can then maintain his or her weight with diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Bariatric medicine studies report very different weight loss results; however, evidence shows that the range oscillates between 50 and 70% of excess weight loss, which represents the difference between your ideal weight and your initial weight before surgery. The latest IFCO report states that the average body weight loss, one year after sleeve gastrectomy, is of 31%.

Patients that suffer comorbidities associated to obesity can also expect to experience a significant improvement in their symptoms. In some cases, patients can achieve the resolution of their illnesses. According to a systemic review and meta-analysis of gastric sleeve outcomes, 100% of patients reach a resolution for their hyperlipidemia, 50% do for hypertension, and 66% for type 2 diabetes at 5 years after their surgery.

In the light of all these facts, the sleeve gastrectomy is definitely considered one of the safest and most effective obesity treatments available.

Candidates for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

A sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure meant for patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 40. Patients with a BMI between 35 and 40 can also be candidates for this procedure if they suffer serious weight-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol, hearth disease, or fatty liver disease. Patients who have been repeatedly unsuccessful in losing weight, in the last three years, through more conservative methods such as diet or exercise are also eligible for this surgery. This procedure may also be recommended to patients with a BMI over 60 as the first part of a two-part procedure, which would be followed by a duodenal switch.

Bariatric surgery is usually reserved for patients who have had previous unsuccessful weight loss attempts through medically supervised diets and exercise. Candidates for this surgery should be non-smokers that are willing to commit to major lifestyle changes before and after surgery to achieve successful results. In addition to facilitating weight loss, sleeve gastrectomy can also reverse or eliminate medical conditions related to excess weight, improving health in general.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana Mexico

As part of LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity’s wider scope of services, Dr. Liza María Pompa González offers gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.

Dr. Liza María Pompa González and her team in Tijuana, Mexico, have performed almost countless gastric sleeve surgeries, which, in the context of their integrative bariatric program, can offer long-term results to patients with obesity who want to achieve a healthy weight, a healthier lifestyle, and a greater wellbeing.

LIMARP offers different treatment plans that fully adapt to the patients’ needs. If you´re travelling from Canada or the United States, you might be interested in getting to know our all-inclusive packages that offer transportation from airport to hotel and back, and a 2-night stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel Tijuana, located in the Plaza Agua Caliente of Las Torres, right next to our clinic. All this on top of everything you need for your bariatric treatment, including a 2-night hospital stay at LIMARP, and the care of a highly qualified and certified team.

Our bariatric center at Tijuana is distinguished by its state-of-the-art equipment and technology. But our facility is also characterized by its luxurious amenities. Our private recovery rooms have a breathtaking view over the Tijuana’s Country Club golf course. At LIMARP we take pride in the quality and excellence of our service, as well as the great soothing experience we provide our patients. Our facility is located at Tijuana’s main business district, just a few minutes away from Mexico’s International Border with the United States. Tijuana is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, as it is the point of international transit for hundreds of thousands of people every day, and is considered the most competitive, safe, and attractive destination for medical tourism in Mexico. Tijuana receives almost 2 million medical tourist per year. The city provides quality medical care and medication at a fraction of the price in North American countries. Due to its proximity to the international border, most services in Tijuana are offered in both English and Spanish, and most medical services are available for coverage by international insurances and additional financing.

If you are interested in getting to know more of our services and our all-inclusive packages, or if you’re interested in knowing which bariatric surgery is the right choice for you, please call our LIMARP clinic at (619) 270-8823 or contact us online. We will be glad to help.

In the meantime, let us guide you through the process our patients experience when they are eligible for gastric sleeve surgery at the LIMARP clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, with Dr. Liza María Pompa González.

As part of LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity’s wider scope of services, Dr. Liza Maria Pompa González offers gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, MX. This procedure physically restricts the amount of food you can eat by reducing the size of the stomach. This allows patients to feel full with less food, and thus encourages portion control.

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Consultation and Evaluation for Gastric Sleeve patients

Your treatment process will begin with a consultation and evaluation with Dr. Pompa and her multidisciplinary team of specialists. Dr. Pompa will discuss your goals and review your weight and medical history, including any weight-related health conditions. You will also meet with our bariatric psychologist and nutritionist to ensure you are prepared for the changes that will follow your surgery. Through your consultation and evaluations, you and Dr. Pompa can determine if sleeve gastrectomy is the best weight loss procedure for you.

To achieve the best possible benefits, you will be working with a LIMARP nutritionist who will advise you on the type of diet you should follow previous to your surgery, during the different phases of your recovery, and throughout your new healthier life after surgery.

During the evaluation, you will be given pre-surgical instructions. Ten days before your surgery, you will be asked to consume a strict pre-op diet to help prepare your body for the procedure. The night before your procedure, you cannot eat or drink anything after midnight, so you can have an empty stomach that is ready for your procedure.

The Surgical Intervention

When you arrive for your procedure and are done with the admittance paperwork, you will be taken to a private room where you will meet with your nurses, bariatric physicians, anesthesiologist and internal medicine doctor. You will be provided with a hospital gown to wear and once you have been given medications to help you relax, you will be taken to the operating room. Before your surgery, our board-certified anesthesiologist will administer the appropriate anesthesia and pain medication for your procedure. Dr. Pompa will then make small incisions and insert the laparoscopic camera to guide the procedure. 80% of your stomach will be removed and the remaining tissue will be given the shape of a vertical sleeve, or tube, using the most advanced surgical technique, also known as surgical stapling. It is important to note that at LIMARP we only use surgical instruments that are FDA approved and registered with Mexican health authorities. As a medical institution, we hold multiple national and international certifications and only use the safest, highest quality technology on our patients.

Gastric sleeve surgery reduces the capacity of the stomach, helping you reduce your food intake as smaller portions will make you feel full and satisfied sooner. The sensation of fullness provided by this surgery is very specific.

The part of the stomach that is removed during the procedure is mostly responsible for the production of ghrelin, also known as the “hunger hormone”, which sends signals to your brain to stimulate hunger as the body needs it. With the removal of 80% of your stomach, the production of ghrelin is significantly reduced, which will allow you more control on your eating habits as you experience less food cravings or urges.

Once the procedure is completed, Dr. Pompa will close the incisions and apply the necessary bandages. When you wake up, you will find that you are being closely monitored and cared for in our recovery area. When the time is right, you will be moved to one of our comfortable, private recovery rooms. Within the first few hours after surgery, our team will ask you to stand up and walk to promote healthy blood flow and reduce your risk of developing blood clots in your legs. It will also help alleviate discomfort associated with any remaining carbon dioxide trapped in your abdomen.

To achieve the best possible benefits, you will be working with a LIMARP nutritionist.

What to Expect during Gastric Sleeve Recovery

You will stay in our hospital for one to two days so we can monitor your response to surgery. If necessary, you may stay an additional day or two at the Tijuana’s Grand Hotel, within the same complex where LIMARP is located, for further recovery prior to traveling.

For the first day or two after surgery, you will experience soreness and swelling in your abdomen, but you can alleviate any discomfort by following your postsurgical instructions carefully and taking your medications as directed. It is imperative that you rest and limit your overall activity to avoid disrupting the recovery process. Heavy lifting and exercise could cause serious complications, such as a hernia in one of your wounds, so you are encouraged to wait the recommended time to engage in certain activities. Most patients can expect to return to work and normal activities in about four to six weeks. You will follow a strict postoperative diet that will consist of six progressive phases to allow your stomach to heal properly. Because gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of your stomach, you will feel fuller faster and only be able to tolerate small amounts of food at a time. Maintaining a soft foods diet and drinking water throughout the day will help you avoid complications. As your stomach and intestines acclimate, you may experience nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Over time, as your body continues to heal, these symptoms will subside and you will begin to notice results.

To achieve the best possible benefits from your surgery, it is important that you work with the bariatric nutrition experts at LIMARP. If you overeat or consume a high-calorie diet, your stomach can stretch and your chances of successful weight loss could decrease.

Our treatment includes a long-term follow with which we monitor your progress and provide guidance for maintaining your optimal weight and health. We are compromised with making you achieve your major goals with our treatment.

Risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery poses many of the same risks as any other surgery, including bleeding, leaking or wound infection. A few procedure-specific risks include digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation.

It is important to acknowledge that this procedure is permanent and non-reversible, as patients lose the greater part of their stomach. However, if the patient doesn’t follow dietary recommendations or doesn’t commit to a healthy lifestyle, there is the possibility to regain weight, which could cause the stomach to stretch gradually. If this happens, patients might be eligible for a second corrective surgery. Patients who underwent Gastric Sleeve Surgery may pose a greater risk of malnutrition, as their ghrelin production is reduced and they experience less appetite. This may be easily prevented with a strict regimen of constant small-portion meals that are high on protein but low on fat and calories. Patients should also complement their diet with supplements and vitamins that their doctor prescribes. Most patients will be needing vitamins long after their procedure, if not for the rest of their lives, so this is an expense that should be considered seriously.

Mortality rates for this surgery is very minimal, lower than 0.5% and serious complications are very unlikely.

Some patients may experience intolerance to certain foods and higher absorption or sensibility to alcohol. Patients should refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages or reduce their intake to avoid complications. Keeping a journal of food reactions is advised, as it may lead to identify meals that produce an upset stomach.

You have to consider that having any kind of weight loss surgery is a life changing event that has further impact on all aspects of your way of life. It doesn’t just change your appearance, the way you eat and your daily routine, but it also may change the dynamics of the social relations around you. This is not in itself a risk, because those changes could either be for better or for worse, and it greatly depends of the social and cultural environment of each patient, but it is definitely an impact worth paying attention to. An important part of weight loss success is to have very clear expectations of what the surgical procedure can accomplish for our body and for our overall health.

The surest way to minimize the risks of gastric sleeve surgery is to trust your care to an experienced medical team. Rest assured that in the hands of experts like Dr. Liza María Pompa at LIMARP, major complications for this type of surgical interventions are very rare.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is a shorter and simpler procedure to perform, and requires a shorter recovery period than other surgeries, such as a gastric bypass. A gastric sleeve surgery does not disconnect or reroute the intestine, and does not require any prosthetics such as a band. In addition to almost certain weight loss, this surgical procedure can also improve and even eliminate some or all of your weight-related health conditions, improving your overall health.

This surgical procedure helps patients improve their health by setting the right conditions to improve their quality of life. It has been proven that the sleeve gastrectomy leads to the resolution or improvement of many health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, sleep apnea, joint pain, migraine, infertility, fatty liver disease, urinary incontinence, and many others. The surgery doesn’t accomplish this by itself, though. A complete change of lifestyle must follow. The adoption and follow-through of healthy life habits is fundamental.

Because this procedure removes the portion of your stomach that creates the hormones that signal hunger, you will have a significantly lower appetite following treatment. Patients who undergo this procedure are able to experience rapid and significant weight loss. In general, gastric sleeve surgery is a safe and effective procedure that delivers high rates of success among our patients.

Schedule your appointment

If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery as a weight loss solution, contact us online today or call our clinic at Tijuana to the phone number (619) 270-8823 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pompa. Our experienced team at LIMARP® can help you achieve your weight loss goals and experience an improved quality of life.