Mini Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana, Mexico
The mini sleeve, also known as mini-VSG, is a less invasive, streamlined version of the traditional gastric sleeve procedure. While the term “mini sleeve” can refer to both the technique and the procedure, its defining feature is its less aggressive approach.
Ideal for patients with lower body fat percentages, the mini sleeve offers a quicker recovery time, less pain, and reduced risk compared to its traditional counterpart. Unlike the standard gastric sleeve, which removes 80-85% of the stomach, the mini sleeve reduces the stomach size by around 40-50%, still providing a significant impact on appetite and portion control.
The procedure can be done using the 3-5 port laparoscopic technique or a single incision for a minimally invasive approach, making it a flexible and effective option for those looking to achieve sustainable weight loss with fewer post-operative demands.
How Mini Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works?
The mini sleeve works primarily by creating hormonal changes in addition to restricting food intake. By significantly reducing the size of the stomach, patients can better manage their portion sizes and maintain a healthier lifestyle long-term.
The part of the stomach that is removed during the mini sleeve procedure produces Ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger and cravings. By removing a large portion of this hormone-producing area, the procedure effectively reduces hunger sensations, leading to fewer cravings and better appetite control.
Like the conventional gastric sleeve, the Laparoscopic Mini Sleeve (LMS) triggers important metabolic and hormonal changes. It impacts both the foregut hormones (like ghrelin and CCK) and hindgut hormones (such as GLP-1 and PYY). The result is a notable increase in the hormones that regulate satiety and blood sugar, such as GLP-1 and PYY, making patients feel full faster and for longer, with a reduced urge to eat.
By altering these hormonal pathways and reducing stomach size, the mini sleeve helps patients achieve significant weight loss and control, promoting a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
What Does the Mini Gastric Sleeve Package Include?
The price of RNY gastric bypass in the U.S. and Canada without insurance can easily set you back $18,000 to $25,000. Fortunately, we offer U.S. quality weight loss surgery in Mexico at a fraction of the cost. We eliminate all of the planning and preparation by taking care of everything from the moment you arrive in San Diego to the moment you depart. Ground transportation, hotel stay, and everything in between are covered in our all-inclusive package.
- Private Ground Transportation
- Accredited Hospital with ICU
- Board Certified Surgeons
- 24/7 Hospital Staff
- 4.5 Star Hotel
- Discounted Complication Coverage
- Hospital Stay & Fees (3 nights)
- Nutrition Program
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Online Support Group
- U.S. Surgeon Liaison
- No Hidden Fees
Mini Gastric Sleeve Package
Starting at
Travel Itinerary For RNY Gastric Bypass Package
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive one day prior to surgery before 12:00 pm PST. Transportation Included. Pre-Op Tests and Stay at Hotel.
Day 2 – Surgery
Transportation to MBC Hospital. Stay for 2 nights in our Hospital w/ ICU under 24/7 care.
Day 3 – Recover
Recover in the hotel (hospital is optional). 2-3 Leak Tests.
Day 4 – Departure
The driver takes you across the border to San Diego airport. Plan departure flight after 2:00 pm.
Details
1. Health Questionnaire
2. Schedule Your Appointment
3. Book Your Surgery!
Mini Sleeve vs. Gastric Sleeve – Gastric sleeve surgery is similar but more effective than the mini version because twice as much of the stomach is removed. Studies show the regular gastric sleeve procedure results in more significant and long-lasting weight loss. This effect is observed even after 3 to 5 years, with more pounds lost overall.
Compared to the mini gastric sleeve, the original sleeve gastrectomy is more effective in obesity-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Mini sleeve vs. Endo Sleeve – The mini sleeve is sometimes confused with the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure performed through the esophagus endoscopically. The endoscopic sleeve is a newer procedure that does not require any incision. Unlike the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, the mini VSG is performed laparoscopically. However, both surgeries have been shown to be less effective than the standard laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, especially for patients with higher BMIs.
When choosing a bariatric procedure, the mini-VSG is a less invasive, less effective weight loss procedure. However, it gives patients the opportunity to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle and develop wholesome habits in the long term.
Mini Sleeve vs. Mini Bypass – The Mini Gastric Sleeve can be easily confused with Mini Gastric Bypass by individuals looking to lose weight rapidly and permanently. Both procedures are performed laparoscopically; however, they are fundamentally different:
- Mini gastric sleeve is restrictive
- Mini gastric bypass is restrictive as well as malabsorptive
Complete the Consent Form: The link will be sent in your booking confirmation email.
Upload a Copy of your Passport/Identification: To ensure crossing the border is smooth, we verify your identification which you can attach to the consent form.
Send Us Your Flight Itinerary: Make sure to have your arrival time before 12:00 PM (noon) and departure time after 2:00 PM.
Proof of Final Payment or pay online (21 days prior)
Patients Packing List – Our patients collectively came together to make this list to prepare for Weight Loss Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. Don’t forget your required travel documents including your passport.
Whether is gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, mini bypass, or gastric balloon – here is the packing list to bring to Mexico for bariatric surgery! Don’t pack too much, remember you are not traveling for a fashion show. You are traveling for weight loss surgery.
- Just a small suitcase and a carry-on!
- Don’t waste luggage space with your own pillow, you probably will never use it. Although bringing a pillowcase is helpful.
- Bring a neck pillow.
- Bring some spending cash, preferably smaller bills. Although tipping is up to you, having extra money for your travels may be worthwhile.
- Bring slippers that easily slip on when you get out of the hospital bed.
- Bring extra washcloths.
- Loose, stretchy clothes. You don’t just magically become skinny immediately after surgery. Easily accessible clothing is a must.
- Pack headphones with your own music for extra comfort.
- Bring extra underwear.
- Bring a Gas-X strip with you. If not MBC has a limited number of Gas-X strips for sale – ask the staff!
- Bring a warm jacket or a sweater for the plane ride, just in case you’re cold in the hospital.
- Sleep masks and earplugs.
- Heating pad.





