Tired of suffering the effects of
weight related illnesses?
Dr. Alvarez uses a 32 Fr bougie (loose) for the gastric sleeve procedure. This is the bougie size has shown to give the best outcome regarding weight loss.
This is a Table of the possible complications reported in the literature and Dr. Alvarez’s complications.
As with any surgery, there can be complications. This list can include:
| Complication | Literature | Dr. Alvarez |
| Deep vein thrombosis | 0.5% | 0.25% |
| Pulmonary embolism | 0.5% | 0% |
| Pneumonia | 0.2% | 0.5% |
| Acute respiratory distress syndrome | 0.25% | 0% |
| Splenectomy | 0.5% | 0% |
| Gastric leak and fistula | 1.0% | 0.32% |
| Postoperative bleeding | 0.5% | 0% |
| Small bowel obstruction | 0% | 0% |
| Death | 0.25% | 0% |
Note: These results are based on the first 20,000 sleeves done by Dr. Alvarez
VSG procedure differs from Lap-band surgery because it is free of “maintenance”. Meaning, you will not need any band adjustments or “fills”, nor will you have any erosions or slippage because you have no band. The VSG does not need regular checking (blood work, vitamin screening, etc.) as with the Roux en Y Gastric bypass or Duodenal switch because you have no mal-absorption
Will they sound off the alarm if I cross the metal detector in an Airport? The answer is no.
We use the exclusive Tri-staple TM Technology titanium staples made by Medtronic in the United States. These are 100% titanium staples that will not rust nor cause any issues down the road. Also, titanium is 100% biocompatible which means there are no allergic reactions known to mankind. We use this particular brand because they have 3 rows of staples that adapt to your stomach’s tissue and it’s thickness. Not everyone is alike and this also applies to the stomach’s thickness. These staples have different heights and will hold your stomach together while it goes through the healing process in a better way. That gives the patient an added sense of security. We also oversew the staple line making our leakage rate percentage very low.
Dr. Alvarez uses an absorbable suture called Monocryl®. So no stitches need to be removed. Your small wounds will be covered with Steri-strips™. They will stay on for about 7 days. You will be able to shower with regular soap and water. You will be instructed not to apply any ointments or creams on the wounds for 15 days. You will not be able to submerge in a bathtub, hot tub or a swimming pool for a couple of weeks.
Studies show that you should take between 40 to 70 grams of protein daily, especially in the first 6 to 12 months post-op.
We take our patients by the hand step by step. We will inform you pre-surgery what will be required of you. This includes your post-op diet guide, any special instructions you may need as well as aftercare directions.
Although there are no reported vitamin deficiencies, we recommend a multivitamin (chewable) to our patients once daily.
Hair loss is the result of bad eating habits. You can prevent it by eating enough protein and taking your vitamin supplement suggested by our guidelines.
Some people are very sensitive to anesthesia. These people tend to do be a bit more nauseated than others. The manipulation of the stomach during surgery may also produce some nausea in some patients. In our practice, the post-operative VSG patient that does have nausea is around 5-10%. Nausea does subside in the next few hours post-op. All of our patients receive medications to prevent nausea in the recovery room and thereafter every 8 hours for this purpose.
Probably. Heartburn or acid reflux (GERD) is directly related to being overweight (there are other causes of GERD). Once you start losing those pounds you should notice that the heartburn starts to disappear. We give each patient who undergoes the VSG a treatment to reduce the acid production in the stomach, which also reduces heartburn.
Not easy at all. You literally would have to put your mind to do this.
Concerning your question about the possible use of insurance to cover this? You would first need to contact your insurance company to see if it will cover weight loss surgery, specifically to the gastric sleeve. If it does, then you will need to locate a doctor in your area who does weight loss surgery and do all the items deemed necessary to get insurance to pay for it. Most of our patients are all self-pay and most insurance will not pay for out of the country procedures as we are in Mexico. The cost with us is $8,499 and includes everything but airfare into San Antonio Texas. The hospital is located less than 1 mile over the Texas/Mexico borders.
Studies have shown that the VSG has excellent results long-term. It has similar results to the Roux en Y but without their complications at 5 years.
Yes, but it is not recommended. Alcohol has many calories and will not help with your progress with your weight loss. Alcohol intoxication will also hit you a lot faster with the VSG than other surgeries.
It hinders the healing process and if you are looking to get healthy you should quit.
After a bariatric procedure done through laparoscopy you will be able to do your regular activity once you get home. Drive in 3 to 4 days and return to work in 5 to 7 days. Some people who have desk-jobs return to work immediately. We restrict our patients on “heavy” weight lifting for 30 days.
What kind of staples do you use? Will they sound off the alarm if I cross the metal detector in an Airport?
We use titanium staples made by Autosuture in the United States. We use these because they have 3 rows of staples. That gives the patient an added sense of security. We also oversew the staple line making our leakage rate % very low.
Our leakage rate is 0.32% with over 20,000 patients. But say you did have a leak, symptoms would be fever, abdominal pain, tachycardia (elevated heartbeat), intolerance to liquids, low urinary output, etc. For this reason, we perform 2 leak tests in the operating room after the sleeve is completed, a blue dye, and an air test before you are brought from under anesthesia.
We give all our patients the “paperwork” needed for follow-up. You take home your surgery report, lab test, chest X-ray, etc. So if any other doctor in the states is going to be seeing you he will know exactly what was done inside you and what to expect. VSG patients don’t need to be attended to by doctors as regularly as Lap-Band or Roux en Y patients. We’ll keep in touch with all of our patients via email or telephone to ensure you are doing well and to answer any questions you may have post-operatively.
Yes, with the VSG you absorb all your meds, vitamins, and nutrients from your foods as well.
Contact Dr. Alvarez Today
Dr. Alvarez believes educating his patients about bariatric surgery is the best way to provide a positive patient experience. During a comprehensive consultation, he helps patients learn more about their weight loss surgery options, including the difference between gastric sleeve and Lap Band or other procedures. Contact his practice today at 1-800-381-8115 to schedule a consultation and decide which procedure is for you.
Visit our Frequently Ask Questions in our Video Section.
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