Gastric Sleeve (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) in Mexico
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), also known as the gastric sleeve, is the most prominent bariatric surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery is quickly becoming the most performed procedure in Mexico and is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.
The significant reduction is the modus operandi of the gastric sleeve. Sleeve procedure also leads to changes in the gut hormones, such as GLP-1, GIP, PYY, and more.
Gastric sleeve surgery works by removing the stomach by 80% to 85%, then stapling the stomach in the “sleeve” shape. A smaller stomach size forces the patient to eat less while feeling satisfied and content. Typically, patients can consume only about 400 calories per sitting and about 800 to 1000 calories per day.
Dr. Zapata is the best option for this life-changing surgery due to his experience and expertise. Dr. Zapata performs most of the gastric sleeve surgeries with a single incision (port).
How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works
This surgery involves the resizing of the stomach exclusively. The stomach is the part of our digestive system where all of the food we consume begins to mix for digestion. In this surgery, up to 85% of the stomach is removed laparoscopically. Once you have a much smaller new stomach, it will help you feel full by eating the amount of food your body needs, which will help you lose weight. When combined with a physical activity plan, appropriate psychological therapy, and adherence to the diet, patients can achieve long-term weight-loss success.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- No Malabsorption
- No Digestive Track Changes
- No Foreign Body
- High Expected Weight Loss
- Easily Revisable with multiple revision options
Losing Weight With VSG
Gastric sleeve surgery is known as a “mix” procedure because of the reduction in Ghrelin production and gut hormone levels. Ghrelin is a hormone that induces hunger in patients and is produced in the stomach. Research has shown that when a large portion of the stomach is removed, the Ghrelin production is also reduced, which leads to patients experiencing the feelings of hunger. See more patient photos here!

Bougie Size and Equipment
Dr. Zapata uses a bougie size of 32-36F, which corresponds to a diameter of approximately 0.45 inches. The bougie is a long, narrow tube inserted through the patient’s mouth to guide the “new stomach sleeve” during cutting and stapling.
- Dr. Zapata uses brand-name staplers and staples to perform gastric sleeve surgery.
- Sews over the staple lines with Prolene sutures.
Learn more about undergoing gastric sleeve in Mexico

Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana, Mexico
Starting at $4,295
Why Thousands Choose Tijuana for Gastric Sleeve Surgery – Undergoing bariatric surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, allows patients to bypass the high costs and long provincial waitlists found in the U.S. and Canada. Here is why Tijuana remains the premier destination for medical tourism:
- Significant Affordability: Access gold-standard bariatric care at a fraction of the cost charged by U.S. hospitals.
- Elite Surgical Expertise: Home to “Surgeons of Excellence” with thousands of successful procedures and international credentials.
- Modern Infrastructure: Procedures are performed in private, state-of-the-art hospitals equipped with the latest medical technology.
- Rapid Scheduling: Skip the months-long queues; most patients can be scheduled for surgery within weeks.
- Ease of Access: Located just across the San Diego border, Tijuana offers a convenient, low-stress travel experience for North Americans.
- Seamless Communication: Professional, multilingual medical teams ensure clear communication and personalized care throughout your stay.
- Premium Recovery: Stay in specialized boutique accommodations, such as Hospital Azar, designed for post-operative comfort and safety.
Transform Your Life with Dr. Miguel Zapata
If traditional diet and exercise have fallen short, Gastric Sleeve surgery (VSG) with Dr. Miguel Zapata offers a proven path to sustainable weight loss. As a designated Surgeon of Excellence (SOE), Dr. Zapata uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to reduce the stomach size by approximately 80%. This “smart” procedure not only restricts food intake but also resets your metabolism by lowering hunger hormones. With over 9,000 successful transformations since 1995, Dr. Zapata provides the surgical mastery and compassionate care you need to reclaim your health.
