Final answer:
The skin and subcutaneous tissue are separated first when performing a paramedian incision for a gastrectomy, followed by the external oblique muscle, internal oblique muscle, and finally the transversus abdominis muscle.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a paramedian incision for a gastrectomy, the first structures that are separated are the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This is followed by the external oblique muscle, internal oblique muscle, and finally the transversus abdominis muscle. The paramedian incision is made along the midline of the abdomen, slightly off-center, and allows for better visualization and access to the stomach during surgery.