The Improved Gastric Sleeve is often the ideal surgery for people who have not achieved the weight loss results they expected after Lap-Band surgery.
Some of Our Patient Before & After Images
What this surgery can do for you.
Treats erosion, slippage, or expansion of a Lap-Band, to resolve obesity, metabolic disease, sleep apnea, and can treat diabetes.
What is the procedure?
The Lap-Band is removed, and then a vertical sleeve is created within the stomach through surgical stapling.
Is there pain?
This surgery causes minimal pain, but you may experience some bloating post-surgery.
What are the side effects?
Bloating, heartburn, leakage (rare).16, 17, 18
How do I prepare?
Pre-surgery, diet, and supplements.
What is the recovery time?
You will spend one night in the hospital followed by a three-month program of phasing back to eating normal, solid foods.16, 17, 18
Will I get support after surgery?
Five years of counseling and follow-up. You’re a member of the #OCCFamily for life.
Why revise Lap-Band to a gastric sleeve?
Patients tell us there is nothing worse than failing after going through 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.
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When a Lap-Band fails – the health risks
Failed surgeries can create health risks for those who expected dramatic weight loss from Lap-Band surgery. 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 groundbreaking advance in weight loss surgery
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.59, 60
Schedule your gastric sleeve procedure today
Call 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.
Patient Success Stories
Cameron
-185 lbs
I can never express enough how grateful I am for what OCC has done for me.
I was considered overweight and obese my entire life. At 35, after years of failed diets, therapy, and research, I realized that the only way for me to permanently loose weight was to have bariatric surgery. My doctors in the US wrote letters to my insurance, emphasizing the medical necessity of this surgery. But after a year of back and forth, my insurance turned me down. I thought all hope was lost until I heard about OCC from a friend. I’d never even heard of traveling to Mexico for surgery, but, after researching and talking to the OCC, I was all in. And I’m so glad I made this choice. The amount of guidance and care I received from OCC from the moment I called for information has been better than anything I’ve experienced in the US. The procedure was smooth—I felt safe and in good hands the entire time.
View all Before & After Patient Stories
Tricia
-100 lbs
It’s highly reputable reputation and accreditation’s.
I was sick of being sick. I suffered from type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. I have two small children and was sick of being tired all the time and sitting on the sidelines. I decided I didn’t want to live this life anymore. That’s when I reached out to OCC and it was the best decision I ever made. I am now actually living and making each day count.
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Celeste
-203 lbs
I needed a drastic change.
I had tried losing weight and failed on my own so many times before that I just knew I could no longer do it on my own. My health insurance benefits excluded weight loss surgery and I felt so defeated! I didn’t want the insurance companies to decide what I knew I needed. It wasn’t until I started searching for cash-pay costs that I ran across the OCC website (and several others). I looked at their testimonials and tried to find some of those people – I reached out to them on social media to get their thoughts. I started doing research on Dr. Ortiz. I researched the accreditations and certifications that the OCC held and was liking what I was learning. I looked into other facilities and Dr.’s, but none of them seemed to have as high of standards as OCC. After doing research and talking with others about their experiences both at OCC and at other facilities, I decided that it was time to get more information directly from OCC.
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Charlie
-155 lbs
OCC, you gave me not only my life back, you gave me my smile back…
I have struggled with my weight my entire life. In the long run it became not only emotionally, but also medically necessary to make a drastic change in my life. I was recommended by a family friend who is also a Nurse Practitioner and she recommended me to OCC, specifically Dr. Ortiz. Of course I was apprehensive of the thought of having surgery in Mexico but she reassured me that she took care of several of OCC’s patients right here in my hometown and that if anyone knew exactly what they were doing it was OCC. I researched OCC as well as others, both domestic and foreign, and came to the conclusion that OCC was without a doubt one of the best, if not the best. From the first call to the coordinator to the moment I left Tijuana headed back home, I was treated with support, kindness, compassion, and empathy.
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Jamie
-73 lbs
I did quite a bit of reading and felt OCC was the best choice and it was!
I have struggled with my weight for all of my adult years, my highest weight was 245 at one time. I maintained my weight loss around 165 lbs until about 2 years ago when my band started not holding any fluid and realized it had a leak. I started regaining weight and put on about 50 lbs. My experience with OCC and Dr. Ortiz was wonderful! I decided to revise to the gastric sleeve and everything was great, we stayed at a very nice hotel , and the staff there was just as good. I had excellent medical care from the start. I would absolutely recommend OCC to anyone who is struggling with their weight. I am now down about 80 lbs and have never felt better. I work out with a personal trainer and run 5ks!
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Elyse
-65 lbs
Safety, professionalism, knowledge, accreditation.
I was tired of being fat, and for most 215 isn’t that bad. But for me I felt disgusting. I’m use to bring the pretty sexy one. Not the chubby funny girl. I didn’t know that out of country surgery was even a possibility. I had a friend have it done in Mexico and I was like I want that. I booked with another company and after research I found that they had a death and complications. They also used drain tubes which did not sound like fun! Then I found OCC and saw all the great reviews, no deaths and no drain tubes. I was so nervous yet excited. My experience was nothing but positive. I even came home early I was doing so well. I have tried every diet, I exercised regularly and I just kept gaining. This tool has helped me so much. I still continue to eat healthy and exercise regularly but now I actually see results or my hard work. This isn’t the easy way out you still have to put the work in.
View all Before & After Patient StoriesThe components of an Improved Gastric Sleeve® are supported by research and data to support the outstanding record of success of this revision.
With over a quarter of a century of experience and more than 26,000 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.
Changing Lives Together
What sets OCC apart
- A quarter-century specialized in the weight loss surgery field. We were some of the first to perform bariatric surgical procedures.
- 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.
- We have been fully accredited by Joint Commission International for two 3-year periods. JCI partners with hospitals, clinics, academic medical centers, health systems and agencies, government ministries, academia, and international advocates in over 100 countries to promote the strictest and highest standards of care.
- Fully accredited as an SRC Center of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.
- 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.
- Faster recovery and better outcomes. Shorter times under anesthesia and a less-invasive abdominal wall preservation techniques.
- Unique patient pre-surgery education and preparation and 5 years follow-up program, an industry first!
Lap Band to gastric sleeve FAQS
Should I have this revision at OCC in Mexico?
How safe is gastric sleeve surgery?
What’s the price for a gastric sleeve?
What is included in the cost of the revision from Lap-Band to gastric sleeve
What are the complications?
Does OCC have a good record of success?
A superior surgical technique with fewer complications.
What are the side effects of anesthesia?
The “hunger hormone”
Should I have this revision at OCC in Mexico?
At OCC, we have over 26,000 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 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 you can expect a successful journey to the weight loss you want.
What’s the price for a gastric sleeve?
Depending on the type of gastric sleeve surgery requested, prices can vary from around $5,400 to $9,000 dollars. We suggest you read our testimonials, talk to other patients, and read about our outstanding safety record. The savings by coming to OCC are around 50% of the cost in the U.S. We focus on performing surgery with the most advanced health and safety protocols and hold US certifications.
What is included in the cost of the revision from Lap-Band to gastric sleeve
- 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 are the 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 26,000 procedures, we have streamlined not just the technique but the entire process of weight loss surgery.
Does OCC have a good record of success?
Preparation is key to a successful outcome, and we provide an extraordinary level of support. Our complication rate is one of the lowest published in the literature. 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 suffering heartburn – the most common side effect.
A superior surgical technique with fewer complications.
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.
What are the side effects of anesthesia?
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!
The “hunger hormone”
Unfortunately, the latest research has non-conclusive evidence. A gastric sleeve reduces 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 has been observed.
Call us 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
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
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