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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.

Travel to Mexico: NO RESTRICTIONS

CDC does not recommend travelers wear facemasks to protect themselves from COVID-19. You may choose to wear a mask, but it is more important that you take these steps.

CDC recommends everyday prevention practices:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning product.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.

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HOMEPAGE / PROCEDURES / Improved Gastric Sleeve

The Improved Gastric Sleeve

Improved Gastric Sleeve

The OCC Improved Gastric Sleeve is the result of years of experience and research in weight loss surgery. This is the safest and most advanced bariatric procedure on the market today!

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WHAT IS THE IMPROVED GASTRIC SLEEVE?

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

Over 20 years of experience and more than 22,000 patients gives us 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). 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.

 How Does the Improved Gastric Sleeve Work?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure in which a vertical sleeve is created within the stomach through surgical stapling. The sleeve itself is thin and approximately eight inches long. As the sleeve is created, the rest of the stomach is stapled off the body. Food passes through your digestive system as it normally would and is fully absorbed into the body. However, the capacity for food within the stomach is now smaller. Over time, this will lead to healthy and sustainable weight loss that will solve the host of problems associated with metabolic disease.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey Today

Call 1 866-893-8005 or email us HERE. One of our US-based coordinators will answer all of your questions and guide you in making the best and healthiest decision so you can live a happy and fulfilled life.

The Improved Gastric Sleeve

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 and 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

What Is The “The Double-Buttress Sewing Technique”?

Think of the Double-Buttress Technique like the zip-lock® philosophy. Two seals are better than one. Not only does our over-sewing the staple line avoid leaks, it actually reinforces the area which is prone to dilation that leads to failure and weight regain. This over-sewing creates a more even, uniform and symmetrical sleeve that avoids the kinks and narrowing of the stomach that frequently leads to undesirable symptoms like nausea, vomiting, varying degree of food intolerance, heartburn and reflux disease, and later on obstruction.

This is reported by up to a third of the patients undergoing a gastric sleeve. It addresses all the major potential side effects and complications and effectively mitigates them before they happen.

The OCC Improved Gastric Sleeve is the result of years of experience and research in weight loss surgery. The IGS is the most advanced and safest bariatric procedure on the market today!

The OCC Difference

Here are some unique features only found at OCC:

 

  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.
  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.
  4. Pioneers in the field, including several registered techniques, patented devices, and many “firsts” in the field like teenage obesity treatments, the 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!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PRE-SURGERY

What is an ideal candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

Someone who is mentally, physically, and nutritionally prepared for this life-changing procedure is an ideal candidate. If you’re overweight and above a 30 BMI or 30% body fat, you definitely are a candidate.

How do I prepare for the gastric sleeve surgery?

Like in life, preparation is essential for a successful outcome, mental, physical, and nutritional. Additional requirements may be suggested depending on your specific case.

Pre-operative weight loss will detox your liver, make it lighter, and result in a quicker, safer weight loss procedure with less impact on your overall status. Even 5% of total body weight loss will result in a dramatic improvement in your ability to respond to surgical stress.

Nourishment at a cellular level will require you to compensate for the deficiencies you have accumulated over the years and the deficiencies expected after weight loss surgery. Research has proven that the only way to replenish these deficiencies is through Bariatric Supplementation. This means that a Bariatric Multivitamin and a Bariatric Protein source prior to the Gastric Sleeve will enormously increase your safety profile and a successful outcome. Mental preparation includes looking at the way we relate to food and being proactive at a healthier diet and lifestyle.

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 is around 50% of the cost in the US, so 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
Which is better, the gastric sleeve or bypass?

These are different procedures and work differently. They both have their pros and cons and this question is the one you would definitely want to discuss with the surgeon doing the procedure. We prefer the least invasive procedure that can get you the best results. This is why we always recommend a sleeve before the bypass. You can always move up to a bypass from a sleeve, but not the other way around.

Why is the Gastric Sleeve called ‘Metabolic surgery’?

In the fight against obesity and excess weight, the only proven method that outlasts common methods is bariatric surgery. Recent advances in the field have proven that weight loss surgery not only dramatically influences the excess weight a patient carries, it also balances out the metabolism of an individual, especially the insulin and blood sugar levels. This is why weight loss surgery is now called ‘Metabolic surgery’. How exactly surgery regulates insulin, blood sugar, diabetes, cholesterol, lipids, and sleep disorder (sleep apnea) is not completely understood but, it is a fact that it directly impacts, controls, and often, cures these life-threatening diseases. 

Safety

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico, really?

At OCC, we have over 22,000 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. 

Is gastric sleeve surgery painful?

Our process at OCC includes a gentle but short procedure that results in a quick recovery. The OCC difference includes specialized pencil-thin instruments, bladeless abdominal wall trocars, and localized abdominal wall blocking agents that diminish the cascade of mediators that cause pain and inflammation. We use half the amount of gas pressure, where others use 20mm/hg, we use 10 to 12mm/hg. This results in less of the dreaded “gas pressure pains” associated with laparoscopic surgery. Our operating time is a fraction of the typical time reported in the literature. We’re in no hurry, we have simply streamlined the process. Less time under anesthesia means quicker recovery times.

What about gastric sleeve complications?

Our patented Double Buttress technique is one of the safest procedures in published literature, with a 0.0% leak rate. However, like any surgical procedures, complications can happen like staple line leaks, bleeding, hernias, and chronic heartburn. At OCC, we have your back, with over 23,000 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 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!

What is the mortality rate for gastric sleeve surgery?

We can say very proudly that our mortality rate is zero percent. We value health and well being and we will never perform a procedure on someone who is either not well prepared medically or has a risk higher than acceptable.

POST-SURGERY

Can you have a normal life after surgery?

Most patients require several months to adapt to the procedure. This is usually predictable so our nutritionist will always prescribe a nutritional regimen that is easy to follow and will allow the patient to gradually move up to the following stage. Starting with a totally liquid diet for a few days, you will then start with liquids including the Bariatric Protein Meals, and slowly move into mushy food and, finally, a normal diet.

Daily activities and exercise should also progress at the same rate, but the surprising fact is that most patients recover much quicker than they thought; in fact, energy levels are usually higher than expected when the nutrition plan includes the Bariatric Multivitamin and Bariatric Protein Shakes recommended by our team of experts.

The only thing you can’t do after surgery is overeating without having severe discomfort, nausea, even vomiting. Ideally, most patients will return to three normal meals a day and three snacks between meals.

How much weight should I expect to lose?

The gastric sleeve can produce a substantial amount of weight loss in a relatively short period of time. A 65% EWL (excess weight loss) at 18 months is reported in general in the literature. For example, a patient that needs to lose 100 pounds (100 lbs. excess weight) will lose at least 65 pounds. Other factors that influence the total weight loss include how well prepared the patient is before surgery. Preparation not only includes mental and physical preparation, but nutritional preparation as well, and it seems to be one of the most important determining factors for success. Pre-operative preparations include supplementation and protein intake. This is why, at OCC, you will see that all patients undergo pre-surgery preparation and are followed for 5 years after the procedure. OCC Wellness is an online program that helps you achieve your goals.

What do you eat after gastric sleeve surgery?

It starts with liquids during the first days then gradually progresses to mushy food, moving on to semi-solid foods, and finally, to full solids. All this happens during the first couple of months. The good news is massive weight loss occurs during this time and all the health indicators dramatically get better during this period.

Can you drink alcohol after gastric sleeve surgery?

Like any surgery, there is a recovery time and our nutrition team recommends not drinking for the first trimester. (Although a glass of wine has benefits!)

How much can your stomach hold after gastric sleeve?

Patients will notice, once they are past the liquid phase and eating full solids, that the restriction level will result in around a third of the original meal volume. Eating a third of your typical meal will definitely induce weight loss and better overall health.

How long does it take for your stomach to heal after gastric sleeve?

Recent studies show that the inner lining of the stomach can start healing in as little as 6 hours! It is important to follow all the guidelines that we teach our patients prior to surgery. If followed exactly, recovery will be uneventful and you will enjoy a good outcome.

How about failures and weight re-gain?

Our advanced OCC surgeons use the double-buttress technique that prevents leaks, pouch enlargement, and failure.

In this procedure, a thin vertical sleeve of the stomach (approximately eight inches long) is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed. Food passes through the digestive tract as usual and is fully absorbed into the body.

It is actually common in any type of weight loss surgery to re-gain weight. The trick is to perform a procedure that limits the amount of weight that can be regained. This is done by design. At OCC, our procedures are performed to be safe and effective, and preferably a permanent weight loss solution. Weight loss has to do with a structured bariatric program, it’s not just another surgery!

Can you have gastric sleeve surgery repaired?

Yes, thankfully! This is what we have named “Sleeve Rescue”. OCC is considered one of the top facilities for revision surgery (re-do surgery) and is frequently asked to treat patients that have regained weight or have heartburn symptoms after sleeve. In fact, many of the popular cheaper centers are a constant flow of patients that have “sloppy sleeves” that fail over time.

Can you stretch your stomach after gastric sleeve?

Yes, sleeves will stretch over time and they will fail. This is why we created the “Double-Buttress” technique to oversew and reinforce the staple line providing a more durable double-sealed gastric sleeve.

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 and also the part that predominantly produces the Ghrelin hormone that has also been 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 gastric plication (the stomach sparing variety of the gastric sleeve). In these cases, no stomach tissue is removed, but the same hormonal effect is observed

Schedule your Mexico Gastric Sleeve Procedure Today

Call 1 866-893-8005 or email here to start your weight loss journey. 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.