Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs with Dr. Ismael Cabrera

Commonly Asked Questions and Answers:

How long have you been a bariatric surgeon?

  • I have been practicing bariatric and metabolic surgery for over 11 years.

How many surgeries have you performed?

I’ve read studies showing that smaller bougie sizes (28F-32F) are associated with high leak rates, strictures, and GERD. Sizes above 34F-36F seem to be tolerated better with the same amount of weight loss. Therefore, I’m wondering what size bougie you use?

What is your goal for the final stomach capacity in ounces?

  • The final goal Is between 3 and 4 ounces

Do you oversew the staple line?

  • Yes, we do with a prolene string.

How many sleeves have you performed? Have you had any complications? Leaks? Deaths?

  • Around 2700 and we had 4 wound infections that require curations, we had no leaks, we transfuse blood to 2 patients but no require reoperation. No deaths at this time.

I hear it is common for the sleeve to swell after surgery which may lead to nausea and vomiting. Can anything be done prophylactically to prevent this?

  • Yes, we use 2 medicines to avoid nausea and sometimes we use steroids very useful in those patients.

Do you place patients on blood thinners to prevent pulmonary embolisms?

  • Just in BMI up to 50.

 I tend to scar very easily and so I am wondering how you close the incisions. Do you use subcuticular suturing that eventually dissolves with Dermabond/glue over the incisions?

  • Yes, we use subcuticular absorbable sutures.

 I’ve never had surgery before but I am worried about post-surgery nausea and vomiting. I have a very low threshold for nausea and easily get nauseated. If possible, can an anti-emetic be given before surgery or even during surgery via IV to prevent nausea after the surgery?

  • Of course, we will give you 2 medicines to avoid nausea.

How many leak tests are done?

  • Two leak tests. One operative room and the second one the next day after surgery.
Scroll to top