Candidates for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Determining Your Candidacy for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of weight loss procedure that is restrictive in nature, meaning it restricts the number of calories that can be consumed in a single sitting. The size of the stomach is smaller, and thus, hunger sensations are reduced.

This contrasts with malabsorptive weight loss surgeries (i.e., procedures that reduce calorie absorption during digestion, such as biliopancreatic diversion and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch) and procedures that mix restrictive and malabsorptive approaches, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

To achieve restrictive weight loss, the size of the stomach is reduced surgically to a small pouch so that only small amounts of food may be eaten at a single sitting. We at Tijuana Bariatric Center believe in the immense potential of this procedure, which is why we'll outline who makes a good candidate for the procedure as well as its numerous benefits.

Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Right for Me?

Good candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are people who are obese or morbidly obese and would like to lose weight quickly and safely. They should be in good overall health and not suffer from conditions that would make a surgical weight loss procedure a risky proposition.

Generally, this procedure is a good option for patients who have:

A history of repeated unsuccessful efforts to lose weight through diet and exercise
A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
A BMI of 35 or higher, along with a serious weight-related problem such as type II diabetes, hypertension, severe sleep apnea, or severe joint and back problems.

My husband Mike had gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Garcia. Everything went great. Good, simple hospital, nice nurses, excellent care and doctors. Spent some time afterwards in San Diego, can only recommend that. Everything is perfect. Mike has lost 60 lbs since then, no complications at all.

What Are the Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Ease and Safety – One of the great qualities of the gastric sleeve is that the procedure is safe and relatively easy. A bariatric surgeon simply reduces the size of the stomach. There is no need to alter more of the digestive tract, and no need to band part of the stomach as with the lap band and make periodic necessary adjustments. It also avoids some of the long-term risks that come with gastric bypass while being almost as effective.
Less Invasive Than Other Approaches – Malabsorptive and mixed restrictive/malabsorptive weight loss surgeries can be quite invasive, especially when a procedure is done as an open surgery instead of laparoscopically. Malabsorptive procedures involve rerouting the small intestine and creating separate pouches of the stomach to serve different purposes with regard to digestion. These kinds of procedures can be quite invasive, leading to a greater risk of complications such as infections and nutritional deficiencies. Thankfully, the gastric sleeve avoids these issues. It's one procedure and addresses just the stomach.
Future Medical Issues Less Likely – While gastric banding may seem to be a good alternative to the gastric sleeve procedure, the latter has some downsides. During a gastric band procedure, part of the stomach is cinched off with a silicone band to reduce its size. Potential downsides include the need to adjust the band if it slips out of place, which requires an additional procedure to correct the band’s position. Additional surgeries also mean additional costs for the patient. Revision surgeries are rare with a gastric sleeve.
Improved Long-Term Health and Wellness – The most important benefit of the gastric sleeve option is that it can help you lose weight and feel great about yourself. This can prevent major health problems down the road and prolong your life in the process. In addition, most gastric sleeve patients don’t have the same level of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies that those who undergo malabsorptive bariatric surgeries can encounter.

Spotlight on Dr. Fernando Garcia – A Trusted Bariatric Expert

Philosophy and Approach

Dr. Garcia is a lauded pioneer in his field with over a decade in practice. His unflinching precision, unwavering compassion, and intuitive understanding of how to help his weight loss patients thrive make him a sought-after specialist in the bariatric field. Dr. Garcia has traversed his own weight loss journey, and is keenly aware of how daunting and challenging the process can be. He goes above and beyond to ensure his patients receive top-tier, holistic care that includes in-depth education, personalized meal plans and dietary counseling, access to online support groups, and extensive follow-up.

Background and Training

Dr. Garcia has superior expertise in bariatric surgery, having completed a wealth of prestigious Fellowships in gastric sleeve surgery, minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery, and LAP-Band procedures. His Licensed Physician Degree was obtained from Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, and he completed his residency in General Surgery at Hospital General (General Hospital), endorsed by Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC). He currently serves as a professor of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at Universidad Autonoma de Baja California and has been employed for over a decade at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and if you are a good candidate, contact our weight loss surgery center today by calling 800-970-0577. We look forward to your visit and helping you lose weight quickly and safely.