Most performed bariatric procedure worldwide
Laparoscopic resection of 75–80% of the stomach. The most performed bariatric surgery in the world — and the decision that deserves the most rigor about who holds the scalpel.
01 · What it is
Sleeve gastrectomy laparoscopically resects approximately 75–80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow tubular sleeve. The result: less gastric capacity — yes — but the real metabolic shift comes from somewhere else.
The segment that gets resected is the gastric fundus, where most of your ghrelin is produced — the hunger hormone. Patients report not just feeling full sooner, but no longer thinking about food the way they used to. This is what separates the sleeve from a gastric band or balloon.
We don't reroute the intestine. We don't move organs. The sleeve is anatomically simpler than a bypass — but it changes your physiology permanently.
02 · Who it's for
These are general indications. Real candidacy depends on your medical history, prior weight-loss attempts, and your readiness for the lifestyle changes surgery requires.
Class II or III obesity, no comorbidities required. The sleeve is typically first-line when no active metabolic disease is present.
Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, fatty liver, infertility from PCOS. The sleeve helps — but sometimes bypass is the better metabolic option.
Adults in general condition for surgery and anesthesia. Every case goes through pre-op cardiac and anesthesia evaluation with my team.
If you have severe reflux, large hiatal hernia, or active eating disorder, the sleeve may not be the best option. We talk about that before surgery — not after.
03 · The procedure
Cardiology (echocardiogram with Dr. Sharon Valencia), anesthesiology (with Dr. Gonzalo Guajardo), clinical nutrition (Isabel Murra or Mercedes Rullán), and bariatric psychology (Adriana Palacios). Everyone evaluates you before you enter the OR.
Laparoscopic operation: 4–5 incisions under one centimeter. Resection of 75–80% of the stomach with stapling and reinforcement. General anesthesia. Approximately 60 surgical minutes.
1–2 nights in hospital. You'll walk within 24 hours. You start clear-liquid diet. I see you every morning until discharge — not a resident.
If you're from outside Cancún, 3 additional days before flying home. Hotel near the hospital (we recommend which), WhatsApp follow-up, fluid monitoring.
Clear liquids (weeks 1–2) → full liquids (week 3) → puree (weeks 4–5) → soft solids (week 6+). Isabel and Mercedes guide you through every transition. Nothing is improvised.
In-person or virtual visits at month 1, 3, 6, and 12. Adriana on bariatric psychology when you need her. Direct WhatsApp with me whenever you have a question — regardless of the hour.
04 · Outcomes
Averages lie in personalized medicine. These are evidence-backed ranges for patients who follow the post-op protocol. Your real outcome we evaluate in consultation.
Mean %EWL at 1 year post-op across follow-up studies. At 5 years, typically maintains 50–75% depending on protocol adherence.
1-year remission rate (Borgeraas 2020 meta-analysis). Gastric bypass has stronger metabolic effect (~57%) — that's why we evaluate which procedure fits your case.
Symptomatic improvement at 6 months post-op. Complete remission is less frequent — around 50%.
Sources: Eisenberg et al. (2022 ASMBS/IFSO Guidelines for MBS Indications, SOARD); IFSO 8th Global Registry Report (2023); Borgeraas et al. (Obesity Reviews 2020 meta-analysis, RYGB vs SG for T2D remission).
05 · Cost
Each case has a different risk profile, hospital choice, length of stay, and follow-up program. Publishing a single number would be dishonest — it would either undersell complex cases or overprice simple ones.
WhatsApp me your weight, height, and any medical conditions. I respond within 24 hours with a real quote, hospital recommendation, and financing options if you need them.
06 · Sleeve vs Bypass
07 · Frequently asked
Next step
WhatsApp me your weight, height, and any medical conditions. I respond personally with a procedure quote, hospital recommendation, and financing options if you need them.
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