What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery? Is This Weight Loss Procedure Right for Me?
Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals At a fraction of the price compared to the US and other countries
Medical tourism at our Tijuana, Mexico practice allows us to offer bariatric procedures like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass at more affordable prices than you would see in the U.S.
Medical tourism doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality care. Our Tijuana surgical center uses state-of-the-art equipment that meets the same standards as surgical equipment in the U.S. When performing gastric sleeve surgery, Dr. Martinez uses surgical tools that use thermal energy for a safe and effective procedure and better long-term results.
Get started on your weight loss journey in Tijuana by contacting us online or calling us for a free consultation.
(619) 484-9903
"I am forever grateful for Dr. Sandy."
I am forever grateful for Dr. Sandy and her incredible team! I had the best care and the most respectful, comforting nurses ever. The experience was beyond amazing. From the minute I arrived, I was treated with dignity and respect in a very vulnerable time. I will always be thankful for Dr. Sandy and her team for giving me a second chance for myself. I am three months post op and I have lost 50 pounds. My heart rate, both rearing and walking has decreased and so has my blood pressure. I am FOREVER grateful and would recommend Dr. Sandy to anyone. Thank you always
View On GoogleI can't really tell you much about the surgery because it was all so quicks since I was knocked out lol. But very little pain, they gave me meds and drinks and their 24/7 nursing staff takes really good care of you. They speak English and are very accommodating. You get a tv, a call button for assistance, private bathroom, etc. Then Dr. Sandy and Consuelo come visit with you a few times in person. They want to make sure you are happy... I was just amazed and very thankful for how much service you get from what little money it cost compared to what it would cost in the United States and the lack of service you would get for that money compared to what Dr. Sandy and her professionals offer.
View On GoogleUnderstanding How the Gastric Sleeve Works Anatomical and physiological changes are made to achieve weight loss
Candidacy for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Family History
For patients with a family history of obesity who have not been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, the gastric sleeve procedure might be the best way to prevent obesity-related conditions like high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, joint pain, and sleep disorders. If a patient already presents one or more of these symptoms a different bariatric procedure might be recommended. However, keep in mind that every patient is completely different.
Eating Habits and Lifestyle
The gastric sleeve procedure will help you lose weight by restricting the amount of food you will be able to eat and by limiting the secretions of ghrelin (the hunger hormone). However, if a patient adopts a better food regimen and exercises for at least 30 minutes a day, the results can be improved significantly. In most cases, patients accomplish their weight loss goal simply because they took advantage of the effects of the gastric sleeve and adopted better habits.
Age
Our approach will always be to reach your weight loss goal with the least invasive procedure. However, as the human body ages, many changes occur that will require malabsorption as an additional tool. In order to determine the best approach a comprehensive evaluation must be performed.
BMI Calculator
A BMI up to 25 is considered normal, from 25-30 the patient is overweight, and over 30 is obese.
There is a bariatric procedure right for you, and regardless of your BMI, we can help!
Do You Qualify for Surgery? Request a Free Consultation
There is no "one size fits all" formula to recommend which bariatric procedure is best for you long-term.
A consultation is your first step to getting approved for gastric sleeve treatment. Dr. Martinez can review your medical history and develop a weight loss surgery plan that fits your needs. Call to request a free consultation virtually or at our Tijuana, Mexico, practice:
(619) 484-9903
You Are Not Alone
"Gastric sleeve surgery is the most popular bariatric surgery in the world." National Library of Medicine
The Gastric Sleeve Process
Eighty percent of patients who come to Dr. Martinez have gastric sleeve surgery, making it our most popular bariatric procedure.
"Quality-of-life measures improve as early as 3 months after bariatric surgery." National Library of Medicine
Understanding Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve Surgery A Popular Option for Our Patients in Tijuana
While many gastric sleeve surgeries are performed through three to five incisions in the abdomen, Dr. Martinez can often perform this weight loss surgery through just one incision in the belly button. Single-incision laparoscopic sleeve (SILS) surgery is minimally invasive and doesn't leave as many scars as more traditional methods while offering the same weight loss results.
Our Tijuana team will determine if this type of gastric sleeve surgery is an option for you during your free consultation.
Mini Gastric Sleeve Surgery Is Also Available
Fewer Incisions
Only one or two incisions are made with a mini gastric sleeve surgery. This reduction in incisions means less scarring for patients post-surgery.
Faster Recovery
Since the mini gastric sleeve procedure is less invasive than a traditional gastric sleeve procedure, the recovery time is drastically reduced for patients.
Fewer Restrictions
While gastric sleeve patients must wait 6-8 weeks before exercising and jumping into their new healthy lifestyle, mini gastric sleeve patients can resume daily activities soon after their procedure in Tijuana.
"Dr. Sandy and her staff were absolutely amazing! I had my Gastric Sleeve 7 months ago and I’m already down 120 pounds! Best decision I have ever made!" Tesla Davenport
Dr. Martinez Can Check for a Hiatal Hernia That Causes Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Most doctors don't check for a hiatal hernia as it requires time, technical knowledge, and experience to identify, locate, and repair, which can significantly impact the outcome of bariatric surgery.
Having a hiatal hernia repaired during your weight loss surgery in Tijuana is not only convenient but also cost-effective, with a price of only $500. This straightforward procedure can enhance your quality of life and potentially prevent esophageal cancer.
Gastro Esophagus Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux disease, is a highly prevalent condition among overweight individuals. This condition is both uncomfortable and potentially hazardous, as it can lead to the development of esophageal cancer due to acid erosion. Unfortunately, it is frequently misdiagnosed and improperly treated.
Hiatal Hernia
The hiatal cavity, which separates the upper chest and middle abdominal cavity, has an opening designed to allow the esophagus to connect with the stomach. Sometimes, this opening becomes larger than it should be, allowing a portion of the stomach to move upward and causing the inappropriate reflux of acid into the esophagus.
A Hiatal Hernia as Seen From the Bottom of the Abdominal Cavity
During a bariatric procedure, our surgeons always advise patients against having a hiatal hernia, as it can exacerbate the condition, particularly during a gastric sleeve procedure. If a hiatal hernia is detected, the surgeons will identify it from below the cavity, as illustrated here.
Hiatal Hernia Repair
To correct a hiatal hernia during bariatric surgery, the surgeon repositions the stomach back into the abdominal cavity and leaves approximately 10 centimeters of esophagus below the hiatus. Subsequently, the surgeon closes the opening using permanent stitches, creating only the necessary space for the esophagus to pass through.
Normal Hiatal Wall
Once the stitches used to repair the hernia have fully healed, the normal function of the hiatus allows for the digestive process to operate without acid reflux. This procedure can be life-saving as it halts the progression of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Having a hiatal hernia repaired during bariatric surgery is advantageous since the patient is already under anesthesia, and the surgeon can diagnose and address the condition immediately.