I am thinking about having a Super Sleeve done in at Star Medica Hospital, 15 mins across the border from El Paso, Texas in Juarez, Mexico by Dr. Jose Rodriguez. The cost is $6200 for everything.

Has anyone gotten the super sleeve done or know of anyone that has. OR Has anyone worked with this company or Doctor or even hospital?

Can I trust them with my money and more importantly my life?

Here is the Info they gave me on the super sleeve:

What is super sleeve?

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is not as simple as any other gastrectomy. Gastric tube size influences both the degree of weight loss and weight stability. A large sleeve predisposes to gastric dilatation (stretching) and weight regain. Inexperienced surgeons tend to create large tubes (:thumbup: or to leave back large remnants of the gastric fundus. A standardized technique with a gastric capacity less than 100 ml (A) is mandatory in order to get the patient to achieve a durable weight loss.

The sleeve should be super which means a small gastric sleeve diameter and a higher degree of restriction. With the gastric capacity being restricted to 60-80gr and Ghrelin (the appetite hormone) totally suppressed, the resultant weight loss is predictable and comparable to those achieved with gastric by-pass (60-70% EWL), without any serious complication or side effects (e.g. Vitamin mal-absorption). We believe the Super Sleeve to be a very effective and safe bariatric solution even for super-obese patients.

If I'm correct, stcyt (call name), got hers from Dr. Rodriquez...might wanna ask her.:thumbup:

Sorry i am new. How do i "call" someone?

I have seen this advertisement for "super" sleeve, and I honestly don't think it's any different than a sleeve made with a 32fr -40fr size bougie. It's been published that anything smaller than a 32fr bougie can see more complications such as strictures and stomach twisting.

They've been using 40fr and smaller bougies for at least 5 years now for stand alone sleeve procedures. So, before falling into a marketing ploy of "super sleeve" just find out what size bougie the surgeon uses to measure your stomach and where he staples off. If it's 40fr to 32fr, you're getting the average sized sleeve that 98% of sleeve patients receive. The word "super" sounds like a marketing or advertising tactic to make their sleeve sound better than the next surgeons.

Here is Stacey's Profile link. I do believe she had her surgery with Dr. Rodriguez in his Tiajuana facility. You can contact her via her profile, and get her take on the procedure and experience.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum - View Profile: stcyt

The gastric imbrication or plication and super sleeve are 2 different procedures from what I have read.

With the imbrication or plication there is no gastrectomy involved at all. The stomach tissue remains and it is just sutured over itself like pleating, or an accordion anatomy remains in the abdomen. So, it's not a sleeve gastrectomy at all. Gastrectomy means removal of part of all of the stomach. The imbrication doesn't remove any of the stomach tissue.

Here is a thread of a couple of members that have had the procedure done.

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/band-sleeve-revisions/3963-band-gastric-imbrecation-need-help.html

Here is another thread that explains the difference between the "super sleeve" and plication/imbrication.

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/pre-operation-vertical-sleeve-surgery-vsg-questions-answers/6032-super-sleeve-gastric-plication.html

no that's a member name... go up to the top of this page and click on members then go to "S" then find stcyt

Tiffykins, I love reading your postings...alwas helpful, always intelligent. Thanks!

I had my post op appointment today and my doctor reminded me that I had a 34 size bougie. He also knows from other doctors in the field that anything smaller then a 32 causes increased issues like heartburn, acid reflux, stomach twisting, and more probably for leaks. I would be cautious of anything with "SUPER" in the title.

Wow you girls are so helpful! I have been looking online for hours and not found close to what you just gave me.. They also do the normal sleeve but I guess I was scared to have a part of my stomack cut off :S

You won't miss that big stretchy piece of stomach that allows you eat a bunch of food. . . I promise :thumbup1:

Super Sleeve aka Gastric Imbrication

Edited June 2, 201016 yr by mellifrits
wrong page

You won't miss that big stretchy piece of stomach that allows you eat a bunch of food. . . I promise

LOL!!!!!!

While I was at the INT hospital another patient had the "Super Sleeve". She was absolutely thrilled with her choice. She was up the next day looking very chipper and wanted to go shopping.

Super Sleeve aka Gastric Imbrication

Super sleeve and gastric imbrication are 2 different surgeries.

Gastrectomies and imbrication are no where near the same procedure.

Please make sure you are getting the surgery of your choice.

Gastrectomy (super sleeve) with the description you posted is not imbrication. Gastrectomy means removal of part of all of the stomach.

Hi guys.... my ears were burning

I left an accounting of my experience with Dr rod on the Aceves vs Rodriguez thread. I didin't get the "super sleeve" though. I did have a "special request" for a little larger bougie due to low bmi and he was happy to oblige. He usually does a 32 but he did a 38 for me. Probably no real difference but it made me feel better. The sleeve is great.... I know its scary to think about cutting out part of your stomach. I had vivid nightmares about my stomach being ripped out of me after I made my decision. Its the best thing I have ever done for myself.

I would trust my life to dr rod.... oh wait.... I did.

P.S. I hear the Juarez Hospital is nicer than TJ... hard for me to imagine, but thats the word on the street.

I'll try to answer any questions as you approach your date.

Take care

Stacey

Super sleeve and gastric imbrication are 2 different surgeries.

Gastrectomies and imbrication are no where near the same procedure.

Please make sure you are getting the surgery of your choice.

Gastrectomy (super sleeve) with the description you posted is not imbrication. Gastrectomy means removal of part of all of the stomach.

So do you know if the Gastric Imbrication is as effective as the VSG? Seems to me that the Imbrication method is less invasive (I believe they do it through the mouth rather than through lathroscopic incisions.)

I'd love to hear more if anyone knows.