Single-Incision Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Surgery
An Advanced Procedure Performed by Qualified Surgeons
The single-incision gastric sleeve has become an increasingly popular laparoscopic weight loss surgery in the US as well as Mexico. Today, very few doctors are capable and trained to perform this bariatric surgery but our staff of highly trained surgeons are among a handful of qualified, experienced, and certified doctors with many years of experience who are able to perform the single-incision gastric sleeve. Our surgeons have taken their skills to a high level and have taken the time to learn every minor detail necessary for mastering this most innovative and popular laparoscopic procedure.
Bariatric surgical procedures can have a great impact on long-term weight loss and the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle for those with morbid obesity. We use Ethicon, Covidien, and Johnson and Johnson products when performing single-incision laparoscopic surgery at our Tijuana bariatric surgery office. These are all FDA-approved.
SILS vs. the Traditional Method
The single-incision laparoscopic sleeve (SILS) procedure has been performed safely by our team of board-certified bariatric surgeons in Tijuana, Mexico since 2004. Undergoing SILS with us costs $5,500. This is all-inclusive except for airfare to and from San Diego, CA, and does not include take-home meds.
During the traditional laparoscopic procedure, four to six laparoscopic instruments are inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. A special tool called a trocar is inserted to reduce the stomach by about 80 percent. Finally, it is stapled closed. After the unwanted stomach tissue is removed, the surgeon performs a leak test to make sure the stomach is properly sealed. The surgeon will then close the four to six abdominal incisions.
When it comes to SILS, the biggest difference is that only a single incision is used to insert all instruments and remove the stomach tissue. There is only one bariatric surgery scar near the patient's belly button resulting from this small incision, which becomes virtually unnoticeable after six to 12 months. During a consultation, our surgeons can determine if the single-incision approach is right for you.
How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works
This video illustrates the changes this procedure creates in order to help patients lose weight. The specific approach shown here is the traditional technique. When you choose to undergo the SILS version of the procedure, all laparoscopic tools are inserted through just one incision.
Is SILS Right for Me?
Not all patients qualify for SILS. Patients need to be lower than 40 BMI (body-mass index) and not have more than two prior abdominal surgeries.
Schedule a Free Consultation
With our full-functioning surgery center and trained staff, we help you be informed, as well as confident entering this amazing time of your life! Single-incision gastric sleeve (SILS) surgery is the less invasive bariatric process that our skilled and experienced bariatric surgeons can perform using only a single incision at the belly button. Once home and healed, the minimal scarring will soon fade and we know you will be really pleased with the results of this advanced approach to gastric sleeve surgery.
Contact our offfice in Tijuana today to set up a free virtual consultation and find out if you're eligible for this life-changing laparoscopic surgery. You can use our simple online form or just give us a call. We'll be with you every step of the way.
(619) 629-0222
The VBariatric Unique Experience
We invite you to check out this video explaining the booking process for weight loss surgery with us in Tijuana, Mexico.
Our staff of highly trained surgeons are among a handful of qualified, experienced, and certified doctors with many years of experience who are able to perform the single-incision gastric sleeve.
Why Gastric Sleeve Surgery Is So Popular
Doctors have been performing this laparoscopic surgery (sometimes called vertical sleeve gastrectomy) in Mexico for about 15 years, and it is the number one choice among patients looking to achieve a healthier weight. Whether it is performed in the traditional way or by using the SILS technique, the procedure results in two important changes: stomach capacity is reduced, so you feel full sooner and your brain will signal to stop eating; and production of ghrelin (sometimes called "the hunger hormone") decreases, causing your appetite to also decrease.
Together, these effects result in fewer calories consumed and sustained weight loss. This treatment isn't just effective; it also involves a less challenging diet than many other procedures.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery?
Weight loss after bariatric surgery is usually measured in excess weight loss (EWL).
EWL is the amount of excess body weight (EBW) lost. It is calculated by dividing the number of pounds lost by the number of pounds considered EBW. For example, if your EBW is 200 pounds and you lose 100 pounds, your EWL is 50 percent.
Once you and your doctor have determined your target body weight, you can calculate the amount of weight you can expect to lose according to these averages, which are based on our patients' results:
- 3 Months: 33% EWL
- 6 Months: 50% EWL
- 12 Months: 70% EWL
- 18 Months: 100% EWL
Why Travel from the United States to Tijuana, Mexico For Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery?
VBariatric works exclusively with board-certified bariatric surgeons in a safe, private, and state-of-the-art surgical practice conveniently located in beautiful Tijuana, Mexico, about 20 minutes from San Diego International Airport. Hotel and hospital room fees, chauffeured round-trip transportation to and from the airport, and many other amenities including tests and nutritional counseling are included in the affordable cost of your gastric sleeve procedure.
VBariatric's highly trained, fully bilingual medical staff provide superior pre-operative and post-operative care to Americans seeking world-class sleeve gastrectomy weight loss surgery for a fraction of what it costs in the United States or Canada. While this procedure can cost more than $20,000 in the U.S., we offer SILS for just $5,500. Don't delay the opportunity to look and feel better any longer. Schedule your free virtual consultation and learn more about medical tourism by using our online form or by calling us today:
(619) 629-0222
Health Benefits of Gastric Sleeve
There are a number of important health benefits you can experience by undergoing either SILS or traditional sleeve gastrectomy:
- Diabetes: 55% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Asthma: 90% of Patients Cured or Improved
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): 68% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Migraines: 40% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Infertility: 58% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Depression: Most Patients are Cured or Improved
- Venous Stasis Disease: 95% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Stress Urinary Incontinence: 90% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Metabolic Syndrome: 62% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Degenerative Joint Disease: 42% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Hyperlipidemia (High Levels of Fat in the Blood, High Cholesterol): 35% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Cardiovascular Disease: 100% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Hirsutism & Menstrual Irregularity: 100% of Patients Cured or Improved
- Dyslipidemia Hypercholesterolemia: 65% of Patients Cured or Improved
- GERD: 50% of Patients are Cured or Improved
- Quality of Life Improvement: 93% Improved
"It's Life-Changing."
A registered nurse from Wisconsin coordinates her surgery through VBariatric with Dr Sergio Verboonen and loses 100% her excess weight in one year. This is a real patient testimony.
Understanding Risks
Compared to other bariatric procedures, the sleeve gastrectomy has minimal risks. Most importantly, the death rate is 0.3 percent and is falling with improvements in surgical techniques and surgeons' experience each year. Outside of mortality, patients are most commonly concerned with gastric leaks, bleeding, and stenosis/stricture.
VBariatric practices evidence-based medicine, which is why we opt for the ideal bougie size to reduce the risk of leaks after your sleeve gastrectomy procedure. A bougie is a tube-shaped sizing tool inserted into the stomach to guide your surgeon when reducing stomach tissue.
Undergoing SILS with us costs $5,500. This is all-inclusive except for airfare to and from San Diego, CA.
Recovery Time
Gastric sleeve recovery typically happens in six weeks, but most patients should plan to be off work for at least two weeks, depending on your level of activity. Some may feel recovered in as little as one week, but it’s important not to do too much, as that can lead to serious problems.
Testosterone and estrogen levels will likely change and fluctuate after massive weight loss. Our after-care team can give you some advice in this area if you need.
After your laparoscopic surgery, you may notice a lot of positive changes in your life. Obese people who return to a slim figure or become thin for the first time may experience:
- Self-confidence
- Strangers treating you in a more respectful way
- Boost energy
- More intimacy with partners
- Romantic interest from others
Health, Diet, and Exercise After Surgery
Immediately after your sleeve gastrectomy, you’ll be put on the postoperative diet which will help you lose significant weight. It’s important to follow this diet perpetually, but especially the first few months after you get home to avoid gaining the weight back. Your body is breaking down fat and flushing it out of your system, so drink plenty of clear liquids and avoid alcohol. A common request from doctors is for patients to try to drink 40 oz. per day.
Exercise is important to ensure proper mental and physical benefits. Every patient is different, but weight loss can be amplified by exercising after weight loss surgery. You may not want to do much exercise for your first six months post-surgery, but start increasing your activity, when ready, to comfortable levels. At that point, our doctors suggest that you should aim for at least 2.5 hours of exercise per week. Also, consider varying different exercises to keep your routine from becoming boring.
Will My Stomach Stretch Following Treatment?
Gastric folds (also called gastric rugae) expand when food fills the stomach. They contract after the meal to push food along the digestive tract. As this happens, some stretching is inevitable over time. In order to delay stretching:
- Plan your meals thoroughly, ensuring you don’t overeat.
- Don’t drink fluids while eating.
- Do not drink carbonated beverages, as they expand your stomach.
- Eat small meals between your main meals.
Bariatric Procedure Costs
Below is an outline of what we charge for every bariatric procedure, including SILS surgery. In the United States, single-incision bariatric surgery and other procedures can cost tens of thousands of dollars, plus added fees. As you can see, prices at our Tijuana bariatric surgery office are more affordable, and they include many amenities. Post-op medications are not included.
| SURGERY TYPE | TIJUANA | |
|---|---|---|
| GASTRIC SLEEVE | $4,500 | |
| GASTRIC BYPASS | $6,900 | |
| MINI GASTRIC BYPASS | $6,500 | |
| SINGLE-INCISION SLEEVE | $5,500 | |
| DUODENAL SWITCH | $8,500 | |
| LAP BAND | $4,500 | |
| LAP BAND REMOVAL | $2,500 | |
| LAP BAND ADJUSTMENT | $150 | |
| UPPER GI SCAN | $100 | |
| ENDOSCOPY | $350 |
CASH PRICE ONLY. PRICES ARE NOT FINAL. RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. US DOLLAR BASED PRICES.
FEATURES INCLUDED
| The surgery cost includes: |
|---|
| Ground transportation to and from the San Diego Airport |
| Hotel fees |
| Hospital fees |
| Medical fees |
| Pre and post-operative tests |
| Nutritional Consultation pre and post-surgery |
| DOES NOT INCLUDE: Post-surgery medication |
FEES
| ADDITIONAL FEES | |
|---|---|
| Hernia | $500 |
| Previous Bariatric Surgery (no cost when performed by VBariatric in Tijuana) | $800 |
These are potential fees in addition to the surgery base price. CASH PRICE ONLY.
VBariatric works exclusively with board-certified bariatric surgeons in a safe, private, and state-of-the-art surgical practices.
