Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy · VSGThe gastric sleeve, perfected over 20,000 procedures.
The world's most-requested bariatric procedure, performed in Tijuana by board-certified surgeons. ~80% of the stomach removed to dramatically reduce hunger and portion size — with the most durable, safest results in modern bariatrics.
All-inclusive · from$4,600
~80%
of the stomach removed — banana-sized sleeve remains
$4,600
All-inclusive
20,000+
Sleeve procedures
60–70%
Excess weight loss
1–2 hrs
Procedure time · laparoscopic
The procedureWhat is the gastric sleeve?
The gastric sleeve — or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) — is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure that permanently reduces your stomach to roughly 20% of its original size. Think of it as sculpting a thin, banana-shaped stomach out of what was there before.
Because the outer portion of the stomach is removed, your body produces dramatically less ghrelin — the hormone that triggers hunger. Smaller portions, smaller appetite, and real, lasting change to the way your body signals food.
Permanent
Unlike the lap-band, the sleeve can't be "undone" — which is why results last.
No intestinal bypass
Your digestive tract isn't re-routed — meaning fewer long-term nutrient concerns.
1–2 hour surgery
Laparoscopic, small incisions. Home in 4–5 days, back to desk work in a week.
Hunger hormone reset
Removing the fundus slashes ghrelin — the biological reason willpower finally feels different.
CandidacyIs the gastric sleeve right for you?
If the bullets below describe you, you're almost certainly a candidate. Your coordinator will confirm the details after you apply — and we only approve patients who are medically safe to proceed.
You're likely a strong candidate if…
BMI of 35+ (roughly 70+ lbs overweight)
You've tried diets, exercise, and medications without lasting results
You're between 18 and 70 years old (exceptions by case)
BMI of 30–34 with type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or hypertension
You're committed to lifelong dietary changes and supplementation
You don't have uncontrolled severe heart, lung, or liver conditions
Not sure where you stand? Our coordinators review every application with Dr. Quiñones' team — if the sleeve isn't right for your body, we'll recommend the bypass or revision instead. Contact us for a free consultation →
Realistic resultsWhat the first 18 months actually look like.
The sleeve works in phases. The first 3 months are dramatic — your body is adjusting, portions are tiny, and weight drops fast. From 6 months onward, you're in the long, steady glide path to your goal weight. These are averages from 20,000+ Pompeii patients.
What affects your results
Following our post-op diet progression (liquid → puree → soft → regular)
Daily protein targets and vitamin adherence
Walking early, building to strength and cardio
Staying engaged with coordinators & the community
Beyond the scaleIs the gastric sleeve right for you?
If the bullets below describe you, you're almost certainly a candidate. Your coordinator will confirm the details after you apply — and we only approve patients who are medically safe to proceed.
80%
Type-2 diabetes remission
Most patients see complete resolution within weeks — often eliminating diabetes medications entirely.
4x
Joint pain relief
Every pound you lose removes ~4 lbs of pressure from your knees. Back, hip, and knee pain often transform within months.
~60%
Heart & blood-pressure improvement
Dramatic reductions in hypertension, LDL cholesterol, and cardiac risk markers — many patients reduce or eliminate meds.
+
Mental wellbeing
Reduced depression and anxiety, restored self-esteem, and the profound confidence that comes with reclaiming your health.
85%
Sleep apnea resolution
The vast majority of patients with obstructive sleep apnea see dramatic improvement or complete resolution of symptoms.
↑
Restored fertility
Weight loss restores hormonal balance in both men and women — many patients conceive after years of struggling with fertility.
Complication insurance included | Full refund if ineligible | Surgery in 2–4 weeks
All-inclusive pricing
One price. Everything included. No surprises.
If the bullets below describe you, you're almost certainly a candidate. Your coordinator will confirm the details after you apply — and we only approve patients who are medically safe to proceed.
Gastric Sleeve · VSG
All-Inclusive Package
$4,600 USD
vs $15,000–$23,000self-pay in the U.S.
What's included
✓ Pre-op testing & consultation
✓ Surgery with Dr. Quiñones' team
✓ 3-4 nights stay at surgery center
✓ Anesthesia & all medications
✓ Ground transport (airport / border)
✓ On-site nutritionist visits
✓ Complication insurance
✓ Lifetime aftercare & community
Your 5 days in TijuanaThe day-by-day, minute-by-minute plan.
From the moment you land in San Diego to the plane ride home — here's exactly what happens. A coordinator guides you every step.
01
Weeks Before · Application & ApprovalApply in 5 minutes, approved in 2–3 days
Complete our online application — we review your medical history and call you within one business day. Pre-op labs scheduled, surgery date locked. Most patients fly in 2–4 weeks after approval.
02
Two Weeks Before · Pre-Op PrepThe pre-op liquid diet & final labs
You'll start a 2-week protein-shake based liquid diet that shrinks your liver and makes surgery safer. We send detailed daily instructions, shake recommendations, and your nutritionist is on-call for questions.
03
Day 1 · ArrivalSan Diego pickup & hospital admission
We pick you up from San Diego (SAN) airport and drive you across the border to Tijuana. You meet your surgical team, complete final labs and EKG, and settle into your private room. Tonight: rest.
04
Day 2 · Surgery DayYour 1–2 hour laparoscopic sleeve
Your bariatric surgeon and surgical team perform your gastric sleeve laparoscopically — just 4–5 small incisions. You're in the OR 1–2 hours. Within a few hours of waking, you're walking the hallway (yes, really — early movement prevents clots and speeds healing).
05
Days 2–3 · Hospital Recovery24/7 nursing, pain management, first sips
Two nights with 24/7 bariatric nurses monitoring you. Gentle walking, sips of clear liquids, and personalized pain management. Your surgeon checks in personally. Your coordinator is with you through every step.
06
Day 4 · Medical care & DischargeComplete stay at our Surgical Center with 24/7 Medical Care.
Once cleared by your surgeon, you transfer to our Surgical Center for one three-to-four night stay under observation — comfort, rest, and a final check-in before you fly home. (An extra hospital night is always an option if you need it.)
07
Day 5 · Fly HomeGround transport back across the border
Our driver picks you up at the surgical facility and takes you back across the San Ysidro border to San Diego airport. You're home that evening. Desk workers return to work in days; physical jobs, 2 weeks.
08
Weeks & Years After · Lifetime AftercareNever on your own again
Weekly coordinator check-ins during your diet progression. Access to on-call nutritionists. The 70,000+ member private Facebook community for real-time support. Monthly group calls. Years after your surgery — we're still here.
Risk, reversedIf anything goes wrong, we own it.
Complication insurance is included at no extra cost with every sleeve. If complications arise while you're in our care — surgical costs, extended hospital stays, additional nursing, even flight and hotel rebooking — we cover it. And if you're not eligible to safely have surgery after testing, we issue a full refund.
All surgical costs & additional procedures covered
Extended hospital stays & nursing covered
Flight & hotel rebooking paid for
Full refund if you're medically ineligible
Real sleeve patients. Real transformations.
Verified Google reviews from gastric-sleeve patients at Pompeii. 4.9-star average across 5,000+ reviews.
"Over 100 lbs in 5 months."
Incredible facility, fantastic staff. The weekly check-ins and supportive Facebook group have been invaluable to my journey.
— Heather Applegate
Verified Google review · Gastric Sleeve⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"From start to finish — 10 out of 10."
The staff, drivers, doctors and nutritionists were all amazing. The recovery beach house was relaxing. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
— Coriss Ambady
Verified Google review · Gastric Sleeve⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"I cried when it was time for me to leave."
The staff are friendly, compassionate, bubbly with joy. The facility is clean and spacious. Honestly, there aren't enough words.
— Rissa Shower
Verified Google review · Gastric Sleeve⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Honest answersEverything else patients ask before they fly.
Real questions. Honest answers. No marketing fluff.
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Yes — when performed at the right facility by experienced, board-certified surgeons. Pompeii's complication rates are comparable to or better than U.S. averages. Our surgical team has performed thousands of bariatric procedures; our Tijuana surgical center meets international standards, with 24/7 nursing, modern laparoscopic equipment, and the same medications used in American hospitals. Every sleeve is also backed by included complication insurance.
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Most patients lose 60–70% of their excess body weight within 12–18 months of surgery. If you're 100 lbs overweight, that's typically 60–70 lbs lost. Weight comes off fastest in the first 3–6 months. Your actual results depend on starting BMI, how well you follow the diet progression, activity level, and consistency with follow-up.
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You'll spend 2 nights in our hospital and 1 night in a luxury hotel before flying home — about 4–5 days total in Tijuana. Desk workers can return to work within a few days of getting home. If your job requires lifting over 20 lbs, plan for 2 weeks off. Most patients feel significantly better within the first week.
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You'll follow a progressive post-op diet: clear liquids for the first few days, then full liquids for 2 weeks, pureed foods for 2 weeks, soft foods for 2 weeks, then regular foods. Long-term, you'll eat 3–4 oz per meal and focus on protein first. Most patients can eventually eat a wide variety of foods — some find dense meats, bread, or rice more challenging.
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Yes — daily vitamins for life, typically a bariatric multivitamin, calcium with vitamin D, and B12. With a smaller stomach, food alone can't provide enough of everything you need. We send you home with a detailed vitamin protocol, and our nutritionists help you build the routine.
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No — the sleeve is permanent. The portion of stomach that's removed cannot be reattached. That's a feature, not a bug: the permanence is part of why the sleeve delivers lasting results where reversible procedures like the lap-band did not. If more weight loss is ever needed, the sleeve can be converted to a gastric bypass.
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Most of our patients don't need skin-removal surgery. How much you'll have depends on age, amount of weight lost, genetics, and skin elasticity. Younger patients and those who lose weight gradually tend to have better skin retraction. Staying hydrated, eating protein, and building muscle through strength training help significantly.
Take the first step
Your new chapter starts with a 5-minute application.
No payment now. No insurance hassles. A real coordinator reaches out within one business day to walk you through everything — pricing, and scheduling your sleeve.
Board-certified | 30,000+ patients | Complication insurance | Full refund if ineligible