Bariatric Surgery Mexico: Safe & Low Cost
Tired of endless diets and workouts that don’t deliver the results you desire?
Weight loss surgery in Mexico is the solution you’ve been looking for!
Nicole’s transformation is just one of the many success stories at MTC.
Starting at 276lbs, she turned to us for help and underwent bariatric surgery in Mexico on July 7th, 2021.
Nicole successfully reached her goal weight of 140lbs, achieving an incredible transformation!
Get the body you deserve!
Nicole’s transformation is just one of the many success stories at MTC.
Starting at 276lbs, she turned to us for help.
Nicole underwent bariatric surgery in Mexico and now weighs 140lbs, achieving an incredible transformation!
Get the body you deserve!
Tired of endless diets and workouts that don’t deliver the results you desire?
Weight loss surgery in Mexico is the solution you’ve been looking for!
How Much is Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico?
The average cost of weight loss surgery in Mexico is about 70% lower than in the US. The prices are less even after adding the traveling expenses.
The following table shows the “all-inclusive” cost of our packages.
| Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass | D. Switch | Lap Band |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Stay Duration: Hospital + Hotel | |||
| 2+2 nights | 3+2 nights | 3+2 nights | 1+1 night |
| You Can Resume Work After | |||
| 1-2 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 1 week |
| Weight Loss (After 12 months) | |||
| 60-70% | 70% | 80% | 60% |
| Cost (USD) | |||
| $4,295 – $4,795 | $5,495 – $6,745 | $9,500 – $9,900 | $4,000 – $5,600 |
*Contact for latest specials; get discount on above prices.
All-inclusive self-pay bariatric surgery costs in Mexico range between 4,000 to 10,000 US Dollars.
Compared to the USA and Canada, weight loss surgery in Mexico is 60 to 70% cheaper. Our packages cost much lower than in New Zealand and Australia as well.
The cost of our self-pay weight loss surgery Mexico package includes:
- Bariatric surgeon and anesthesiologist’s fee
- Destination support by a bilingual patient coordinator
- Hospital charges and stay
- Patient meals during the hospital stay
- Pick-up and drop-off (airport, border (if applicable), hospital)
- Pre-op lab tests
- Post-surgery X-rays and leak tests
- Pre- and post-op nutrition consultations
- Lifestyle, diet, and emotional support through online support groups
- 2-night hotel stay
- Follow-ups with bariatric surgeons (impersonal consultation)
- Take-home medication supplies
The following can be availed for an additional fee:
- Local sightseeing tour
- Medical complications cover ($5,000 to $50,000)
- Additional hotel nights
Bariatric Surgery Cost in Mexico Vs. Other Countries
Gastric sleeve and bypass cost the lowest in Mexico than the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A major reason for the cost difference is the lack of malpractice insurance in Mexico. Lower medical staff salaries, office rent, and other expenses also contribute to the low price tag.
| Country | Gastric Sleeve Cost | Gastric Bypass Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $21,000 | $23,000 |
| Canada | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| UK | $14,400 | $19,700 |
| Australia | $14,500 | $16,000 |
| Belgium | $6,600 | $9,500 |
| Mexico | $4,545 | $6,120 |
*Prices may vary according to the complexity of the procedure. The table only highlights the average prices.
From the above, it is quite clear that the average weight loss surgery Mexico cost is among the lowest in the world.
Weight Loss Surgery Results
The following bar graph is based on a research study published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences [1]Iswanto Sucandy, Gintaras Antanavicius
Impact of minimally invasive/bariatric surgery fellowship on perioperative complications and outcomes in the first year of practice.
” The excess weight loss outcome after different types of bariatric operations in our early series is shown in [Table 2] …”
View in Article
which shows the outcomes of various kinds of bariatric surgeries:
It is apparent that over a period of one year, while a gastric bypass can result in an excess weight loss of 69.8%, a gastric sleeve can help shed 49.4% of the excess weight.
To calculate expected weight loss after weight loss surgery, check out this article.
Weight Loss Surgery Options in Mexico
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric reduction, and vertical gastroplasty
- It does not involve cutting or reconnecting the small intestine
- Requires removal of a large part of the stomach (about 80% of it)
- A much simpler procedure than gastric bypass
- No fills or adjustments needed (as in the case of gastric banding)
Gastric Bypass
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves reducing the stomach to an egg-sized pouch (restricts the amount of food that can be taken during meals).
- The pouch is reattached to the small intestine directly to bypass its upper portion and the rest of the stomach.
- This limits the absorption of fat and calories from the food you eat.
- The upper part of the small intestine is re-attached in a Y-shaped design.
Gastric bypass can be performed in two ways:
- The traditional approach, in which the surgeon makes a large surgical incision (around 9 inches) in the abdomen, alters the stomach and the small intestine directly.
- Using a laparoscope, in which the surgeon makes 4-6 incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope (a lighted tube with a tiny camera that allows the surgeon to look inside the belly) and special instruments are inserted through these incisions. Advantages are:
- Quicker recovery
- Smaller scars
- Less pain
- Reduced length of hospital stay
- Better outcomes
Get complete information on gastric bypass in Mexico here.
Revision Bariatric Surgery
For people with failed weight loss surgery (not lost enough weight or regained the lost weight). Common ones are:
- Gastric Bypass Revision to Gastric Banding
- Gastric Bypass Revision to Gastric Pouch Plication
- Gastric Sleeve Revision to Gastric Banding
- Gastric Sleeve Revision to Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Banding Converted to Gastric Sleeve
- Gastric Banding Converted to Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Re-sleeve (gastric sleeve pouch reduced the second time)
Find more information on Revision Bariatric Surgeries here.
Revision surgeries usually involve more OT time and are more complicated than first-time operations.
In the following video, our bariatric surgeon in Cancun explains gastric sleeve to bypass revision surgery:
Duodenal Switch
- Alternative names: biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, BPD-DS, gastric reduction duodenal switch, and GRDS
- The surgery involves altering the normal digestion process by:
- Removing part of the stomach to make it smaller (leaving the pylorus intact)
- Changing the small intestine so that bile and pancreatic juices mingle with digested food towards the middle or end of it
Gastric Banding
- Also known as laparoscopic banding, lap band, gastric band, and LAGB
- It involves placing a band to separate the upper part of the stomach from the lower portion and create a small stomach pouch
- It makes you feel full with much less food
- Speedy recovery; people who visit Mexico for lap band usually travel back a day or two after the procedure
Gastric Balloon
- Alternatively known as the intragastric balloon, it is an inflatable apparatus placed in the stomach endoscopically to aid in weight loss.
- The weight loss balloon procedure reduces the gastric space and makes the person feel full even after eating limited food quantities.
- It is a straightforward endoscopic bariatric surgery.
- A study by Seung Han Kim et al. [2]Seung Han Kim, Hoon Jai Chun, Hyuk Soon Choi
Current status of intragastric balloon for obesity treatment
“Results from previous studies indicated that the …”
View in Article showed ballon results from multiple studies. It analyzed that “weight loss associated with intragastric balloon therapy ranged between 10.5 and 13.7 kg after three months and for Orbera intragastric balloon, it was between 12 and 26.3 kg after a 6-months placement.” - It is usually removed six months after placing it. The balloon is removed through endoscopy too.
Top Mexico Weight Loss Surgeons
- Surgeons with an excellent track record
- Board-certified and super specialty in bariatrics
- Prior experience with US and Canadian patients
- More than 80% of the practice in WLS
- Open to post-surgery follow-ups and support
Here is an overview of our panel of some of the best bariatric surgeons in Mexico.
Dr. Hector Perez (Cancun)
- Medical internship from Jackson Memorial Hospital (University of Miami)
- General surgery with honors from Mexican National University
- Board-certified by Mexican Council of General Surgery
See Dr. Hector’s resume here.
Dr. Marco Sarinana (Mexicali)
- Specialization in general surgery at General de Zacatecas
- Member of the Mexican Association of Endoscopic surgery
- Fellowship in lap band and gastric balloon
- Specialty and training in cosmetic surgery
- Current member of Colegio de Profesionistas en Cirugia Estetica (College of Professionals in Aesthetic Surgery)
See Dr. Marico’s resume here.
Dr. Luis Cazares (Tijuana)
- Diploma in metabolic bariatric surgery with a laparoscopic approach and multidisciplinary management of obesity at the Autonomous University of Baja California
- IFSO Certificate of attendance 2017
- Certificate by Mexican Council of General Surgery in 2009
See Dr. Luis Cazares here.
Bariatric Surgery Destinations in Mexico
Tijuana
- The closest location to the USA for affordable WLS south of the border.
- Right across San Ysidro, USA.
- Only about 19 miles from San Diego, CA.
- Nearest American airport: San Diego airport, which is only 20 minutes away
- Tijuana airport code: TIJ (in most cases flying into San Diego is cheaper)
- Driving from U.S. Cities to Tijuana
| City | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego (CA) | 19 miles | 30 min |
| Los Angeles (CA) | 138 miles | 2h 15min |
- Flights From Midwest & South
Direct Flights from the Midwest to San Diego
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| Chicago (ORD) | 4h 15m |
| Minneapolis (MSP) | 3h 50m |
| Detroit (DTW) | 5h 10m |
Direct Flights from the South to San Diego
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| Atlanta (ATL) | 4h 50m |
| Dallas (DFW) | 3h 5m |
| Charlotte (CLT) | 5h 5m |
| Orlando (MCO) | 5h 20m |
| Miami (MIA) | 5h 35m |
| Houston (IAH) | 3h 30m |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | 5h 35m |
| Baltimore (BWI) | 5h 55m |
| Washington (IAD) | 5h 20m |
| Tampa (TPA) | 4h 55m |
- Flights From NE, West & Canada
Direct Flights from NE U.S. Cities to San Diego
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 6h 15m |
| Boston (BOS) | 6h 30m |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 5h 50m |
Direct Flights from West US to San Diego
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| Denver (DEN) | 2h 25m |
| San Francisco (SFO) | 1h 30m |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | 1h 5m |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) | 1h 55m |
| Honolulu (HNL) | 5h 30m |
| Portland (PDX) | 2h 25m |
Direct Flights from Canada to San Diego (US)
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| Calgary (YYC) | 3h 15m |
| Toronto (YYZ) | 5h 35m |
| Vancouver (YVR) | 3h |
Guadalajara
- The largest city in the Mexican state of Jalisco
- Served by an international airport (IATA: GDL)
- Many major airlines operate non-stop flights from the US to Guadalajara
- Direct Flights from US cities to Guadalajara (GDL)
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 6h 5m |
| Chicago (ORD) | 4h 40m |
| Atlanta (ATL) | 4h 5m |
| Dallas (DFW) | 2h 50m |
| Charlotte (CLT) | 4h 45m |
| Orlando (MCO) | 4h 5m |
| Miami (MIA) | 4h 15m |
| Houston (IAH) | 2h 35m |
| Denver (DEN) | 3h 35m |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | 3h 20m |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) | 3h 45m |
| Portland (PDX) | 4h 40m |
Cancun
- A picturesque resort city in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo
- A suitable option for residents of Florida
- Serviced by an international airport (IATA: CUN)
Get more information on bariatric surgery in Cancun here.
- Flights from Midwest & NE US
Direct Flights from NE US Cities to Cancun
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 4h 10m |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 4h |
Direct Flights from Midwest US to Cancun
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| Chicago (ORD) | 3h 45m |
| Minneapolis (ORD) | 3h 55m |
| Detroit (DTW) | 4h |
- From South & West
Direct Flights from the South US to Cancun
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| Atlanta (ATL) | 2h 30m |
| Charlotte (CLT) | 3h 10m |
| Orlando (MCO) | 2h |
| Miami (MIA) | 1h 45m |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | 1h 55m |
| Baltimore (BWI) | 3h 55m |
| Washington (IAD) | 3h 50m |
Direct Flights from the West US to Cancun
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 4h 40m |
| Denver (DEN) | 4h |
| San Francisco (SFO) | 5h 10m |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | 4h 30m |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) | 4h 30m |
Flying Time from Canada to Cancun
| City | Time |
|---|---|
| Toronto (YYZ) | 4h 25m |
| Montreal (YUL) | 5h 10m |
| Quebec (YQB) | 4h 55m |
| Calgary (YYC) | 5h 30m |
Mexicali
- Mexicali is a Mexican border city right across Calexico in the United States.
- It is the capital of the state of Baja California in Mexico.
- Tijuana, another major Mexican border, is about 93 miles from Mexicali.
- Drive Time from US cities to Mexicali
| City | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Calexico | 6 miles | 20m |
| El Centro | 17.5 miles | 35m |
| Imperial | 21.4 miles | 40m |
| Imperial Valley | 37.7 miles | 55m |
| Salton City | 66.9 miles | 1h 20m |
| Borrego Springs | 87 miles | 1h 40m |
| Coachella | 98 miles | 1h 50m |
| San Diego | 123 miles | 2h 5m |
| Palm Springs | 124 miles | 2h 15m |
| Riverside | 180 miles | 3h |
| Los Angeles | 228 miles | 3h 40m |
- Direct flights from Other US Cities to Mexicali
| City | Distance | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yuma, AZ | 58.5 mi | 1h 10m |
| Wellton, AZ | 86.5 mi | 1h 30m |
| Phoenix, AZ | 241 mi | 3h 41m |
| Tucson, AZ | 294 mi | 4h 20m |
| Las Vegas, NV | 319 mi | 5h 15m |
Why Choose MTC?
- Garnered patient trust since 2007
- US-based BBB accredited corporation
- More than 70% savings on US prices
- Thousands of happy and satisfied clients
- 24*7 support by a trusted and experienced on-site patient coordinator
- Access to a FREE Weight Loss Surgery Support Group where experts answer all your queries
- On-site diet counseling
- Post-op diet counseling by a US-registered bariatric dietitian
Pre & Post Surgery Support and Education
To help you lose weight through surgery, MTC offers:
- FREE Exclusive Support Webinars
- WLS Support Group moderated by bariatric experts
- Free Diet & Lifestyle Counseling by US RD
- Comprehensive and regularly updated knowledge-base for patient education on our Mexico Weight Loss Surgery Support portal
Free Shuttle Services
We provide free ground transfers (hospital-hotel included) from the following pick-up points:
- San Diego airport or any hotel in San Diego close to the border or the airport (for Tijuana)
- Guadalajara Airport (IATA: GDL)
- Cancun Airport (IATA: CUN)
Free Hotel Stay
We arrange for a free stay at The Grand and Pueblo Amigo in Tijuana.*
The Grand has an exclusive floor called the Grand Care with patient-friendly rooms and bathrooms. It has:
- Medical beds with controls
- Wheelchairs
- Special food menu (catering to prescriptions as well)
- Bathrooms with phone-type showers and shower chairs
- 24*7 exclusive reception for convalescing patients
- A perfect environment for recovery
*Subject to availability.
Advantages of Mexico for Americans and Canadians
- Huge savings by choosing lap banding, bypass, and VSG in Mexico
- No major culture shock
- No extensive traveling required
- Bilingual staff (Spanish and French language support)
- Easy scheduling of surgery
How to Choose a Safe Weight Loss Surgery Option in Mexico?
- Deal with the reputed USA or Canadian medical tourism company.
- Look up the credentials of the hospital and surgeons you will be working with. Some patients even go as far as asking for references – talking to previous patients and asking them about their experiences.
- Choose a hospital in a safe locality.
- Do not choose a location that involves prolonged traveling, as long journeys may put you at risk of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, etc.
- To make it further safe, make sure you arrange for aftercare back home.
Click here for more information on traveling abroad for bariatric surgery.
- Consider bringing someone with you.
- You may also need a wheelchair (for example, at the airport or any other place which may require walking long distances, though it is recommended that you start walking as soon as possible after surgery), particularly if you have had a bypass or duodenal switch surgery.
- Ask for medical reports and records from the surgeon; you can use these to update your local doctor about your situation and get necessary follow-up checks in your home country instead.
- Share your experience with others (via online platforms, such as MTC’s very own WLS Facebook Group) and help those considering the same journey.
Obesity can complicate your life and may give rise to health issues, such as:
- Coronary heart disease
- Sleep apnea
- Bone & joint problems
- Brain stroke risk
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Gallstones
- High blood pressure
- Infertility
- Menstrual disorders
- Hormonal problems
- Fatty liver disease
- Depression
- Asthma
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hernia
You can consider surgery if conventional means (diet control and exercising) have not helped.
Contact us now for pricing and free information packet on bariatric surgery in Mexico.
Mexico Weight Loss Surgery Reviews
| Their VSG Tijuana experience. |
– Connie, San Antonio, TX |
| More on her review here. |
– Annie Brooks, Colorado |
Happy Client: Before & After Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico
Click here for more bariatric surgery reviews.
Disclaimer: Results may vary. We do not guarantee any specific outcomes.
Top 10 FAQ on Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico
- 1. Do I need insurance for bariatric surgery in Mexico?
No. We offer self-pay weight loss surgery in Mexico for people lacking insurance cover or very high co-pays.
- 2. Which areas should I avoid in Mexico?
- A Mexico travel advisory by the US Department of State prohibits its citizens from visiting the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas.
- The U.S. government has not imposed any restrictions on traveling to Ensenada, Rosarito, and Tijuana.
- When in Tijuana, stay away from Calle Coahuila (Red Light District).
- When in Cancun, stay close to the touristy areas and do not venture far from there. The Hotel Zone is a safe area in Cancun.
- 3. Do you offer complications cover insurance?
Yes, we offer medical travel insurance plans to cover complications arising after the elected surgery. Contact your case manager for more details on medical complications travel cover.
- 4.Will I need a translator app when in Mexico?
While our bariatric surgeons and most support staff speak reasonably good English, a translator app can come in handy when you are out on the street. You can download and install the Google translator app on your cell phone.
- 5. Can I drink soda after weight loss surgery?
No, as there are several reasons not to drink soda after weight loss surgery:
- Initially, after bariatric surgery, drinking carbonated beverages could interfere with your staple line and the healing process.
- Artificial sweeteners may cause increased cravings for sweets and carbs.
- Cola can increase the risk of kidney stones.
- Caffeine is a diuretic and is present in many regular and diet soda drinks. Having caffeine can cause you to lose valuable fluids.
- Sodium, which is frequently added to sodas, increases your thirst and fluid needs.
- Phosphoric acid can cause decreased absorption of calcium (a much-needed nutrient after surgery).
- The new real estate in your stomach or pouch is prime (meaning there’s limited space in there). You don’t want to fill it with junk.
- 6. Can gastric sleeve be reversed?
No. Sleeve gastrectomy is an irreversible procedure. In the event of gastric sleeve failure, however, revision surgery is possible. Possible options are conversion to bypass, duodenal switch, or re-sleeve.
- 7. What are the risks of bariatric surgery?
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- 8. Which is the least invasive weight loss surgery?
The least invasive bariatric surgery is the intragastric balloon. It is a non-surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis. The gastric balloon is placed through the esophagus. It doesn’t require any incisions or sutures and doesn’t leave any scars.
Single-incision sleeve (SILS) is the next least invasive bariatric procedure. The procedure involves making a tiny incision in the navel through which the bariatric surgeon inserts the special instruments.
Besides fewer scars, other advantages of SILS are quick recovery, less pain, and lower risks.
- 9. What are my options if gastric bypass fails?
If you’ve regained weight or have insufficient weight loss after gastric bypass, your option is to have revision surgery. Gastric bypass can be revised to StomaphyX.
Another option is to convert its pouch to plication. It is interesting to note that while a gastric sleeve can be converted to bypass, the vice versa is not possible.
- 10. Can the pouch stretch after gastric sleeve?
The restriction does lessen as time goes on. However, if you are happy with the amount of food you are eating and feel like you are doing a good job fueling yourself, you can do a few things to prevent the pouch from stretching.
- Eat mindfully. Don’t eat and watch TV or play with your phone or computer.
- Eat slowly. Continue to take no more than two bites per minute.
- When you feel a sense of tightness or restriction, stop eating. You can always save something yummy for later.
- Avoid grazing.
All these tips are just small choices that you can make day in and day out to create positive habits for yourself.
*Reference: LAPSF
Helpful Links:
- Learn more on bariatric surgery financing and loan options.
- Calculate your BMI.
Contact us now for more info on cheap weight loss surgery in Mexico.
Contact Us Now
Medical Tourism Corporation is an international medical travel company based in the US. Our goal is to have satisfied and happy medical tourists.
CONTACT NUMBERS
Global: +1-214-571-4553
MAILING ADDRESS
3824 Cedar Springs Rd, #801-4762,
Dallas, TX 75219, USA
*Please review our full disclaimers, Terms & Conditions and, Health Privacy & Confidentiality Statement. Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA or any medical professional.
