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OCC’s epidemiologist is closely monitoring the COVID-19 status and is actively issuing updates as they are available. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are the most trusted sources online. While the CDC has announced new mask protocols for vaccinated individuals, there will be no changes for our office protocols for patients, guests, and staff members as the announcement does not apply to hospitals or medical facilities. Masks are still a requirement for all patients, guests and staff at our facility.

As we reinitiate weight loss surgery, we are constantly adapting and installing new and updated safety measures.

Weight loss surgery is medically necessary.

Bariatric Surgery and the clash of two pandemics.

Major metabolic and bariatric surgery Societies and colleges globally are now calling for the safe resumption of bariatric and metabolic surgery before the COVID-19 pandemic is declared over.

The sooner bariatric surgery can be safely performed, the quicker obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases can be reduced or resolved as they are not only chronic they are also progressive. Obesity is also linked to more than 40 diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and at least 13 different types of cancer.

A recent statement from the ASMBS says “Before COVID-19 began, it was clear that patients with obesity were ‘safer through surgery.’ In the era of COVID-19, ‘safer through surgery’ for patients with obesity may prove to be even more important than before.” Obesity and Metabolic syndrome have been identified as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes including death among COVID-19 patients.

See here for full COVID-19 update.

BMI Calculator

Use the sliders to determine your Body Mass Index (BMI), and whether or not you should contact OCC to schedule a weight loss surgery consultation.

BMI Categories

Underweight < 18.5
Normal weight 18.5 - 24.9
Overweight 25 - 29.9
Obesity BMI of 30 or greater

Your Weight: 184 pounds

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Your Height: 5' 4"

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HOMEPAGE / PROCEDURES / Lap Band To Sleeve

Dr. Ortiz explains the Lap-Band to Improved Gastric Sleeve surgery technique

Lap Band To Sleeve

The Improved Gastric Sleeve can help anyone who hasn’t experienced the weight loss results they want from a Lap-Band.

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WHY REVISE A LAP-BAND TO SLEEVE?

Patients say there is nothing worse than failing after weight loss surgery. Either because they failed to reach their weight loss goal or they lost the expected amount only to regain it. Even worse, having a procedure that not only is failing but is now causing unwanted symptoms, even complications.

Failed surgeries can create health risks for those who expected dramatic weight loss as a result of their procedures. Regardless of where patients had their surgeries performed, OCC Revision Surgery is more than a technique – it’s a program that starts from the first interview, an in-depth look at the original procedure, and a plan of action. At Obesity Control Center, we understand that revising a failing surgery is unique and must be approached accordingly. After thousands of patients that have undergone weight loss revision surgery, we can consider ourselves leading experts in the field.

The Improved Gastric Sleeve IGS, a new weight loss surgery technique

Whether you stalled on weight loss, regained weight, or have chronic complications related to the Lap-Band, such as slippage (when the band slips down on the stomach) or erosion (band migrates to the inside of the stomach), then the Improved Gastric Sleeve (IGS) will give you real metabolic changes in one very simple procedure. This will allow you to lose the remaining weight while improving your quality of life by making very small changes to your lifestyle. Gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of a normal stomach to sleeve configuration by stapling lengthwise. This will result in decreased stomach capacity, needing less food to feel full. Also, the modification of the gastrointestinal tract will change the body’s neurohormonal environment to help you achieve weight loss and the remission of metabolic disease.

Schedule your Gastric Sleeve Procedure Today

Call 1 866-893-8005 or email us to start your weight loss journey. A US-based coordinator can lead you through the process of getting back to losing weight and gaining your life.

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Jordan Salazar

I knew many people that had surgery with Dr. Ortiz. They loved him and loved their results. I was a bit hesitant at first. Let me tell you – it was the best thing I have ever done!

I could never lose weight, trust me I tried.

Kelly Tennyson

After spending 25+ years of fad dieting and losing and gaining the same weight, I came to the realization that I was spending the majority of my time sitting on the sidelines and letting life just pass me by.

I’m finally living life to the fullest for the first time ever and I couldn’t be happier!

Lily Pruitt West

After surgery, I worked very hard and was able to get to my current weight by the time I got married. It felt amazing to be in a dress I bought off the rack, and feeling beautiful on my wedding day was 100% worth having surgery.

I hadn’t realized how much energy I didn’t have until I had the surgery

Todd Cederstrom

I chose OCC because of its Surgeon & Hospital Accreditations. The standards to which they follow are high and high for a reason. There wasn’t really even a choice of other places to choose from. OCC is rated the best and has the best real personal reviews.

A New Me

Kylie

I had a close friend that told me about OCC and seeing her success was very inspiring! So I started reading about OCC and made the decision that it was the right thing for me too!

Over 100lbs gone!

Nicole Lacoste

I had many friends who chose the OCC and they all had such amazing results. I did lots of research and quickly learned that Dr. Ariel Ortiz was one of the best for surgery. I had absolutely no hesitation when booking. I knew I was making the right choice.

The Sleeve Changed My Life!

Joe

Seeing others progress.

I was pushing 400 LBS, but enough was enough.

David Acosta

My friend told me all about what OCC has to offer. I did it, and it was amazing.

Back to life

Cristy Warnock

I was ready to take control of my life so I started researching bariatric surgeries online. I confirmed that my health insurance did not cover bariatric surgeries, so I started to research affordable options, and saw that there were all kinds of options in Tijuana. I looked carefully at several different clinics that offered Gastric Sleeve surgery, read tons and tons of testimonials, and reviews of the doctors and clinics. I decided to go with the OCC because all of the stories I read were positive. I am so happy I went with the OCC!

Gaining Control of My Life
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VIEW PATIENT STORIES

These are not just medical terms being thrown around. These are the key components of an Improved Gastric Sleeve® with the numbers and data to back it up.

With over 20 years of experience and more than 25,000 patients, we have a unique advantage when it comes to innovation and safety. The OCC Improved Gastric Sleeve is the result of years of experience and research in weight loss surgery. We have addressed the safety issue (staple line leaks) with The Double Buttress Over-Sewing Technique*. The durability of the procedure is further enhanced by reinforcing the staple line with this proprietary technique. The most common undesirable effect is heartburn symptoms (reflux disease and hiatal hernia). We have effectively diminished the problem with special attention placed on the GEF Triad (Gastro-Esophageal-Fundus Triad). The IGS can help anyone who hasn’t experienced the weight loss results they want from a Lap-Band.

THE OCC DIFFERENCE

  1. A quarter-century specialized in the weight loss surgery field. We were some of the first to perform bariatric surgical procedures.
  2. Three Master Bariatric Surgeons caring for every patient. You’re always in the hands of a world-renowned and highly-trained surgeon. We are the only international team of bariatric surgeons, offering globalized bariatric healthcare and the best of the best to our patients.
  3. Fully accredited as an SRC Center of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. We have also obtained the Golden Seal awarded by the Joint Commission International that signifies that we met the highest standards in patient safety and quality available globally.
  4. Pioneers in the field, including several registered techniques, patented devices, and many “firsts” in the field like teenage obesity treatments, the IGS Improved Gastric Sleeve®, the Stomach Sparing Gastric Sleeve, the Double-Buttress Sewing Technique and more.
  5. Faster recovery and better outcomes. Shorter times under anesthesia and a less-invasive abdominal wall preservation techniques.
  6. Unique patient pre-surgery education and preparation and 5 years follow-up program, an industry first!

Lap Band To Sleeve FAQS

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico, really?

At OCC, we have over 25,000 patients that have traveled to our center with no major security incidents to report. We are at the heart of the commercial district, less than half a mile away from the international border to the U.S.A. Tijuana is now the second busiest medical destination for the traveling patient. At OCC, we are glad to be an essential part of this great reputation.

How safe is the gastric sleeve surgery?

OCC’s complication rate is one of the lowest in the published literature. Add that to the benefits of the New Improved Gastric Sleeve and, suddenly, the results are more promising than ever.

What’s the price for a gastric sleeve?

Depending on the type of gastric sleeve surgery requested, prices can vary from around $6,500 to $9,000 dollars. We suggest you look into testimonials online, talk to other patients, and don’t be misled by price. The savings by coming to OCC are around 50% of the cost in the U.S. Don’t risk it by looking for the lowest price. Your health and wellbeing are very valuable.

Included in the cost of your gastric sleeve surgery:

  • 1 night stay at our world-renowned hospital
  • 1 night stay at a local 5-star hotel
  • Luxury transportation to and from the San Diego International Airport
  • Team of three board-certified surgeons, including two anesthesiologists
  • All operating room costs and surgical materials
  • All pre-op evaluations and follow-up care

What about gastric sleeve complications?

Our patented Double Buttress technique is one of the safest procedures in the published literature with a 0.0% leak rate. However, like any surgical procedure, complications can happen, like staple line leaks, bleeding, hernias, and chronic heartburn. At OCC, we have your back, with over 25,000 procedures, we have streamlined not just the technique but the whole process of weight loss surgery. So preparation is key to a successful outcome and we will be holding your hand all the way. Our complication rate is one of the lowest published in the literature. In fact, our leak rate is 0% and, with the implementation of the new techniques designed at OCC, our patients are experiencing substantial and permanent weight loss without the undesirable symptom of heartburn.

Heartburn and reflux seem to be the predominant complaint after sleeve gastrectomy. At OCC, we have adjusted the technique to let the body heal properly and avoid this uncomfortable and sometimes frequent symptom months after the surgery is performed.

There are symptoms after having any type of surgery that are related to anesthesia (sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, etc.) and others directly associated with the gastric sleeve itself (cramping, abdominal tenderness, vomiting). Fortunately, these are kept to a minimum and are medically treated early so most patients can be up on their feet in a couple of hours and discharged the morning after. Many actually are out shopping the day after surgery!

Will cutting off the part that produces the hormone make me less hungry?

Unfortunately, the latest research has non-conclusive evidence. A gastric sleeve will reduce the size of the organ as well as the part that predominantly produces the Ghrelin hormone, which is also referred to as “the hunger hormone”. When the procedure is performed, this hormone tends to decrease weeks after the procedure. Medical studies have also seen this pattern in patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery, as well as a stomach sparing variety of the gastric sleeve commonly known as gastric plication. In these cases, no stomach tissue is removed, but the same hormonal effect is observed.

Schedule your Gastric Sleeve Procedure Today

Call 1 866-893-8005 or email us to get back on the right track. Call one of our US-based coordinators and learn how you can get the life you’ve always wanted with the help of the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana, MX.

References

  1. ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BAND REVISED (converted) TO SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY S Brethauer, S Kothari, R Sudan, et al. Systematic review on reoperative bariatric surgery American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Revision Task Force. Surg Obes Relat Dis 10 (2014) 952–972

Click here to see how OCC compares to other facilities in terms of surgical rates, infection rates, mortality rates, and more.