Quick Takeaways: The TL;DR Version

• Drain-Less: No uncomfortable tubes, less infection risk, faster healing.

• Double Buttress: My signature technique reinforces the stomach to prevent leaks.

• Reflux Control: Specifically designed to minimize post-op heartburn.

• Painless Protocol: Advanced pain management makes recovery smooth and comfortable.

• Expert Hands: Performed by Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez, a Double Board-Certified Master Surgeon with 6,800+ surgeries.

• Proven Results: Featured in Forbes and Yahoo for excellence in medical tourism.

Let’s be real for a second. You’ve probably tried everything. Keto, intermittent fasting, those expensive shakes influencers promote on TikTok, and maybe even the new injectable medications. And sure, maybe you lost 10 pounds, but they always seem to find their way back. It’s exhausting, it’s expensive, and frankly, it’s not your fault.

I’m Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez, and I want you to know that obesity is a complex metabolic puzzle, not a lack of willpower.

You are looking for a permanent solution, but you have questions. You’ve heard about Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana, but you want safety, you want comfort, and you want results without the horror stories.

That is why I developed the Enhanced Gastric Sleeve.

This isn’t the standard “assembly line” surgery. This is a refined, drain-less, and pain-managed technique designed for the modern patient. I’ve performed over 7,800 successful surgeries, and I’m here to walk you through exactly why this procedure is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

In the medical world, the standard procedure is called a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). It works, but it can come with discomforts like surgical drains, acid reflux, and post-op pain.

My Enhanced Gastric Sleeve improves upon the standard surgery in four critical ways.

1. The Drain-Less Technique

In traditional gastric sleeve surgeries, doctors leave plastic tubes (drains) sticking out of your abdomen to drain fluid. They are uncomfortable, they pull on your skin, and they can be a pathway for infection. My approach is different. Because of the precision of my technique, I have eliminated the need for drains entirely.

• The Benefit: You wake up more comfortable, you have fewer scars, your risk of infection drops, and your healing process is significantly faster. No tubes, no hassle.

2. The Double Buttress Technique (Zero-Leak Protocol)

Safety is your #1 concern, and it’s mine too. In a standard sleeve, the stomach is stapled shut. In my Enhanced Sleeve, I use the Double Buttress Method. Think of it like double-knotting your shoelaces before a run. After stapling, I over-sew and reinforce the staple line.

• The Benefit: This creates a “fortress” against leaks. It provides a secure, reliable outcome so you can sleep soundly knowing your sleeve is airtight.

3. Reduced Incidence of Acid Reflux

A common complaint with standard sleeves is “heartburn” or GERD (acid reflux) after surgery. The Enhanced Technique changes this. By preserving specific anatomical structures and shaping the sleeve with precision, my technique significantly lowers the incidence of acid reflux.

• The Benefit: You get the weight loss without the burning sensation. It makes for a much higher quality of life post-surgery.

4. Advanced Pain Management Protocol

I believe surgery shouldn’t be traumatic. My team utilizes a proprietary Pain Management Protocol that targets pain pathways before they even wake up.

• The Benefit: Many of my patients describe their recovery as a “painless experience.” You aren’t groggy or in agony; you are up, walking, and feeling like yourself almost immediately.

I know the question: “Is it safe to go to Mexico?”

Here is the reality: Tijuana is the bariatric capital of the world. But you don’t just come here for the location; you come for the credentials.

A “Master Surgeon of Excellence”

I am not just a surgeon; I am a Master Surgeon of Excellence, a recognition awarded by the Surgical Review Corporation. This isn’t a paid title; it is earned through rigorous inspection of safety outcomes and surgical volume.

• Double Board-Certified: I hold board certifications in both the US and Mexico.

• As Seen In: My work and dedication to patient safety have been featured in Forbes and Yahoo.

When you choose Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana with me, you are getting a level of expertise that often exceeds what you find in local US hospitals, at a fraction of the price.

Anxiety usually comes from the unknown. So, let’s walk through exactly what happens when you get an Enhanced Gastric Sleeve.

1. Prep: You’ll arrive at the hospital, meet with me, and the anesthesiologist will prep you.
2. Laparoscopy: I make 4 to 5 tiny incisions (less than a half-inch long). We use a high-definition camera to see inside.
3. The Resection: Using FDA-approved staplers, I remove the large, curved part of the stomach.
4. The Enhancement: This is where I apply the double-buttress sutures to lock everything in tight.
5. Completion: The surgery typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. You wake up in recovery, usually within a few minutes.

Because this is a laparoscopic procedure, the cosmetic result is excellent. The incisions heal into tiny, barely visible marks, which is a huge plus for my patients who want to feel confident in a swimsuit again.

The biggest fear most patients have is a “gastric leak.” This happens if digestive fluid escapes through the staple line. While statistically rare (less than 1% globally), I take zero chances.

You’re young, you’re busy, and you don’t have time to be bedridden for a month. The good news? The Enhanced Gastric Sleeve has a rapid recovery time.

The First 24 Hours

Honestly? You will feel some pressure. It feels like you did 1,000 crunches or ate a really big Thanksgiving dinner. This is mostly gas used to inflate the abdomen during surgery. We will have you up and walking within hours—walking is the best way to move that gas out.

Returning to Work (and Social Media)

Most of my patients fly home 1 to 2 days post-op. By day 7, most are back to desk jobs or remote work. By week 4, you can usually start incorporating light gym workouts. You’ll likely start seeing face changes (the “face gains”) within the first month, which is usually when my patients start posting their first updates on Instagram!

One of the most stressful parts of US healthcare is the surprise billing. In Mexico, we operate on transparency.

My all-inclusive bariatric packages are designed so you can leave your wallet in the hotel safe. Typically, a package includes:

• Surgeon and Anesthesiologist fees.

• Hospital stay and nursing care.

• All pre-op tests and post-op medication.

• Ground transportation (Airport to Hotel to Hospital).

• Hotel stay for recovery.

We strip away the complexity so you can focus entirely on your healing.

The Enhanced Sleeve isn’t for everyone. Generally, you are a candidate if:

• Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 30 or higher.

• You have struggled to maintain weight loss through diet and exercise.

• You are committed to a lifestyle change.

Even if your BMI is lower (30-35), if you have “comorbidities” like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or pre-diabetes, you may qualify. This surgery is often a “reset button” for your metabolism, putting conditions like Type 2 Diabetes into remission almost immediately.

Surgery is the tool; you are the driver. The Enhanced Sleeve limits portion sizes, but it also changes your taste buds. You simply won’t crave the same junk food.

Will I Have Loose Skin?

This is the #1 question from my younger patients. The truth is, it depends on your genetics, age, and how much weight you lose. However, because you are younger, your skin has more elasticity (collagen) than older patients. Staying hydrated and taking your bariatric vitamins helps. And honestly? Most patients tell me that trading the weight for a little loose skin was the best trade they ever made.

Weight loss is physical, but it’s also deeply emotional. As the weight drops, you might feel a rush of confidence, but you might also feel vulnerable. This is normal.

We aren’t just treating your stomach; we are treating your relationship with food. I encourage all my patients to view this as a form of self-love. You are prioritizing your future. The “Enhanced” aspect of my care includes support. We are here to validate those feelings and guide you through the transition.