Are you thinking of undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico? Though this is a newer type of bariatric surgery, it has been gaining popularity in recent years, with many patients successfully overcoming morbid or severe obesity because of this procedure.  

How does a gastric sleeve help one reduce weight?   

The goal of the procedure is to reduce the stomach’s size by permanently removing around 60% to 85% of its actual size. The outer curved part is cut away, and the edges are stapled or sutured together. What is left is a banana-shaped tube called a sleeve. Gastric sleeve surgery can be performed laparoscopically or through small incisions. Thus, it is minimally invasive.  

How effective is gastric sleeve? 

With the stomach now about 20% or 25% of its original size, patients feel full sooner than before. That means that they will eat less and lose weight. This surgery is effective because it removes the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, which is a hormone that stimulates appetite. Therefore, patients no longer feel hunger as frequently as before.

The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery says that most patients lose 50% of excess weight within the 18 to 24 months after the gastric sleeve surgery. Some even lose 60 to 70%. Of course, the results differ from patient to patient, and it is mostly dependent on how committed one is in following a doctor-recommended diet plan and exercise.  

What are the advantages of the gastric sleeve over other weight loss surgery?  

It is less invasive than gastric bypass surgery because there will be no rerouting of intestines required. Therefore, there are fewer risks of developing complications like dumping syndrome. This also means that the operation time and recovery are faster.