Candidates for SILS

Undergoing Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS) in Tijuana, Mexico

The team at Tijuana Bariatric Center is proud to offer several state-of-the-art weight loss surgery procedures. One particularly advanced solution is the single incision laparoscopic sleeve (SILS). It is, in essence, a scar-free weight loss surgery procedure because it uses only a single small incision through the belly button.

What Is SILS?

SILS is a type of sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) procedure that permanently reduces the size of the stomach in order to limit the amount of calories a patient can consume in a single sitting. This bariatric procedure is performed completely laparoscopically, meaning that only a tiny camera, small surgical instruments, and minute incisions are used to perform the surgery.

This procedure differs from traditional gastric sleeve surgery in that it is performed using one incision that is hidden in the belly button. Traditional gastric sleeve surgery, in contrast, requires four to five small incisions on the abdomen itself. By hiding the incision in the navel, a patient is able to experience the benefits of a bariatric procedure without any visible scarring.

Benefits of Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

With fewer wounds, patients will experience less pain after the procedure and heal faster. This aspect is important for many people as sometimes patients experience negative emotions after surgery. Discomfort and pain can heighten such feelings and make it harder to find the motivation to get back to normal. By reducing post-operative pain and enabling faster healing, patients can feel confident and ready to start their weight loss journey.

Other key benefits of SILS include:

Less reliance on pain medication in the days immediately following surgery
Reduced risk of infection because of fewer wounds
Less blood loss
Less swelling, inflammation, and other typical post-operative side effects
No visible scars

I've been overweight all my life, and thanks to Dr. Fernando Garcia I've lost 90 pounds having undergone my gastric sleeve surgery. When I arrived at the hospital in Tijuana, I was amazed at how clean and professional the staff was. My personal experience in Tijuana exceeded my greatest expectations. From the time I arrived in San Diego I was treated with respect and dignity. Everything was taken care of for me. There was very little for me to worry about, which left me able to focus on my surgery. I have to lose 70 more pounds to reach my goal, and now for the first time I believe I can. Thank You.

General Candidates for the Single Incision Laparoscopic Procedure

Good candidates for SILS are people who are obese and need to lose weight. They may have an obesity-related illness, such as type II diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, or be at risk for developing an obesity-related condition. You should be in good health to tolerate a bariatric procedure without experiencing adverse effects. Patients should have a BMI of 30-39 to qualify.

BMI Restrictions for Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve

To qualify for SILS, you must have a body mass index (BMI) that is lower than 40. Patients with a BMI greater than 40 will need to undergo a traditional gastric sleeve procedure or another type of weight loss surgery. The reason for this is that your surgeon will have to work around additional body mass, fat, and tissue.

In addition to high BMI, patients who have had two or more previous abdominal surgeries may not be ideal candidates for SILS. This measure is precautionary in case the previous abdominal surgeries have weakened the abdominal wall or affected other parts of the digestive tract or abdominal region.

Realistic Expectations About Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve

Bariatric surgery means a change in your eating habits and your overall lifestyle. Because of this commitment, patients should have realistic expectations about the surgery and how their lives will change once the procedure is completed. Patients should be ready to commit to healthier living and the challenges that are part of the healing and recovery process.

Alternatives to the Single Incision Laparoscopic Procedure (SILS)

If a patient is not an ideal candidate for SILS, our staff performs several other viable and effective options for surgical weight loss. The best way to determine which bariatric procedure is right for you and your weight loss needs is through a consultation where we will assess your candidacy for the procedure and other weight loss surgeries.

Why Choose Tijuana Bariatric Center?

At Tijuana Bariatric Center, each and every member of our team is devoted to providing a compassionate, inclusive atmosphere where patients feel respected and prioritized. Our immaculate, world-class facilities are equipped with the latest in cutting-edge technology, and we adhere to the most stringent international safety protocols to ensure your health and well-being at every juncture.

While our treatments revolve around surgeries, we offer a holistic approach that includes in-depth patient education, personalized meal plans and dietary counseling, access to our supportive online community, and extensive email and phone follow-up. We understand that no weight loss program is complete without the social and emotional components to support your physical transformation. Our goal is for our patients to be successful and happy long after they return home.

Learn More About Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve

For more information about SILS and how it can help you achieve a healthier weight and lifestyle, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgery specialists today by calling 800-970-0577. The team at Tijuana Bariatric Center is dedicated to helping you look your best and improve your health. Request a virtual consultation for SILS gastric sleeve surgery to start you on your way to permanent weight loss.