Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a popular bariatric surgery being practiced across the world. Known in the medical industry as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), the gastric sleeve is a one-step permanent tool to help people who want a fast and long-term solution for weight-loss.
This weight loss procedure has been proven to benefit many comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. Other than health improvements, the gastric sleeve offers many non-scale victories like being able to see your cheekbones and fit into your old jeans.
Traveling overseas to get the gastric sleeve operation can save medical tourists 75% or more on costs compared to the United States or Canada.
How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works
The surgery is done with minimal intrusion, as it’s done laparoscopically using several small incisions instead of one large incision (open surgery). After the stomach is cut, the new stomach is formed by stapling the rest into a tube or vertical shape.
Gastric sleeve surgery works as a restrictive weight loss surgery, by reducing the size of the stomach patients will consume less and ergo lose weight. The surgery cuts and permanently remove as much as 85% of the stomach, thereby reducing the capacity. A significant amount of the patients’ hunger hormones, known as Ghrelin, are completely removed from the upper portion of the stomach (gastric fundus).
Patients can expect to feel less hungry while also feeling full faster, as a result of the gastric sleeve procedure. Patients can expect an average of 65% Excess Weight Loss (EWL) in 6 months to a year after surgery.
Single Incision Gastric Sleeve
*Single-Incision Sleeve Gastrectomy, otherwise known as SILS (Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery) or single port incision, is the latest breakthrough in bariatric surgery. With single port incision, surgeons can perform the same operation through one port providing patients with a host of advantages including, fewer scars, less scarring, faster recovery time, and a better aesthetically-pleasing abdomen.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
When people think of the gastric sleeve surgery, they think it is the least invasive surgery out of all the weight loss surgeries (gastric bypass and duodenal switch).
Here are some advantages of undergoing gastric sleeve surgery:
- Least invasive weight loss surgery
- Easy to revision for gastric bypass or duodenal switch if the situation is needed
- No adjustments or fills needed
- Gastric sleeve is mainly for morbidly obese patients
- Restricts the amount of food that can be eaten
- Studies and statistics show that the amount of weight loss is about 60 to 70% during the two years
- Reduces hunger and craving feelings
- Dumping syndrome is uncommon
- The digestive system isn’t affected
- A simpler procedure compared to other weight-loss surgeries
- Ulcer developments are reduced compared to other surgeries
- The process doesn’t require inserting a gastric band into the stomach
Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Abroad
The sleeve gastrectomy can cost from $3,500 to $23,000 depending on the surgeon, hospital, and more. When patients seek outside countries to have gastric sleeve surgery the cost can drop significantly. People crossing the border for health care can expect to pay about 1/5 to 1/3 of the cost in Mexico, with other countries with similar cost structures.
| Country | Price |
|---|---|
| Mexico | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| India | $9,500 – $11,000 |
| Costa Rica | $9,500 – $11,000 |
| Thailand | $10,500 – $12,000 |
| Australia | $13,500 – $15,000 |
| Canada | $15,000 – $22,000 |
| United States | $15,000 – $23,000 |
Risks, Complications and Possible Side Effects
Having any major operation entails risks, including bariatric surgery. There is a risk of death with any surgery as well as other issues including bleeding and leaks. Having poor health standing, a higher BMI, or serious comorbidities, puts patients with high chances of having risks and complications.
Common Gastric Sleeve Complications
- Bleeding (1.2%)
- Leaks (2.2%)
- Stenosis/Strictures (0.6%)
There are fewer side effects of Gastric Sleeve Surgery when compared to Gastric Bypass or Lap Band Surgery. Because there is no intestinal rerouting like the RNY bypass, patients have a reduced risk of malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, dumping syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Post-Operative Diet
After gastric sleeve surgery, patients are to follow a liquid diet for about two weeks. This will allow the human body to heal and adapt to the new environment. The diet will slowly transition from liquid to soft to solid food as time progresses. Only about a month or so will patients have the ability to consume solid food.
Top Gastric Sleeve Surgeons
Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez, MD – Bariatric Surgeon in Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez is a general surgeon as well as a board-certified bariatric and metabolic surgeon practicing in Tijuana, Mexico. He has extensive training of Dr….
Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela, MD – Bariatric Surgeon in Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela is one of the best bariatric surgeons practicing in Tijuana, Mexico. She is a high volume and experienced laparoscopic surgeon that has…
Dr. Miguel Montalvo, MD – Bariatric Surgeon in Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Miguel Montalvo is a bariatric surgeon who is experienced in all weight loss surgery procedures in Tijuana, Mexico. He has a solid educational and…