The Ultimate Guide to Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana

Last fact-checked: 15 October 2020

If you’re looking at more affordable weight loss surgery abroad, bariatric surgery in Tijuana could be a viable option, particularly for US citizens based near the Southern Border with Mexico.

Find out more and discover verified surgeons with help from Medical Departures. 

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery as it is also known, is a drastic and expensive option, but it may be something you have to do for your health. There are various procedures and techniques that limit the amount of food you can eat, and in some cases also restricts what your body absorbs, resulting in massive weight loss.

The most common bariatric surgeries are:

• Gastric bypass
• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Gastric band

In order to be suitable for bariatric surgery, you must be morbidly obese, and usually with a BMI of over 30 – although this may vary depending on the type of bariatric procedure being undertaken. There is always a risk with surgery, and especially if you are very overweight, so you will need to be in reasonable health.

Why Should I Choose Tijuana for Bariatric Surgery?

For North Americans, it is reasonably convenient to get to Tijuana (depending on where you are based). For those who are able to drive (or be driven), this is an even bigger plus point as it will mean that you will be able to return home from Mexico sooner than if you were flying. 

There are a number of excellent bariatric surgeons and clinics in Tijuana who have been providing successful treatments to local and international patients for some years. Just like at home, you can expect that your surgeon is highly skilled and qualified – many have US qualifications too, and may be members of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and/or international professional organizations, such as the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity.

You will also find hospitals and clinic facilities for international patients are on par with those at home. Medical tourism is a growing industry and providers are in tune with the needs and expectations of their clientele, often offering services, facilities and customer care that is better.

We always recommend you do your own due diligence. Make sure you’ve done your homework and are happy with the decision you’ve made when choosing to have treatment abroad. Medical Departures can help as all of our clinics and doctors have been background-checked by us. Qualifications, professional memberships and patient reviews are all verified, we visit clinics personally and we check for any legal and/or criminal proceedings. You can find most of this information on our websites, along with high definition clinic photos and much more.

How Long Does Bariatric Surgery Take?

Most are performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) which means your body doesn’t have to recover from large incisions and so you will be on your feet much quicker. The surgery may still take several hours.

What is the recovery time from bariatric surgery?

This varies depending on your procedure; for some, you may be in hospital for up to four or five days while for others you will typically only need an overnight stay.

• For the first few days following the procedure, you will not be allowed to eat anything so as to give your digestive system a little time to recover.
• After that, different foods will be introduced slowly, starting with liquids, progressing to liquidized food, then soft food (like mashed vegetables) before introducing normal food.
• You will be monitored closely with blood tests to ensure you are getting the required nutrients into your body.
• You may feel depressed, tired and cold for the first few months as your body adjusts to the new regime
• Once this has passed, you should start to feel much better, especially as the weight will be dropping off.

Read more about what to expect after weight loss surgery here.

What Is the Cost of Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana Compared to the United States and Canada?

In Tijuana, patients can expect to pay around $5,000 (CAD $6,500; GBP £3,300; €4,400; AUD $6,700) for bariatric surgery – a massive saving on the $20,000 (CAD $26,000; GBP £13,000; €17,500; AUD $27,000) it will cost in the United States.

Please note: these are approximate figures calculated at the time of writing. Check our clinic listing pages to compare updated prices for bariatric surgery in Tijuana:

• Advanced Health Medical Center
• Dr. Ismael Jonathan Vázquez Bailón - Tijuana
• Dr. Ismael Jonathan Vázquez Bailón - Clinica San Juan

How Do I Book?

Compare prices and find a trusted bariatric specialist in Tijuana at a price that's right for you.

Booking through our site is quick and easy. You can cancel your appointment for free at any time while also taking advantage of our Best Prices Guarantee. Alternatively, reach out to our Customer Care Team if you've any questions about bariatric surgery in Tijuana.

Sources:

Bariatric Surgery Procedures. International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO). Website accessed: 15 October 2020. https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-procedures

International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO). Website accessed: 15 October 2020. https://www.ifso.com/about-ifso/

What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery. WebMD. Website accessed: 23 September 2020. https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/what-to-expect-after-weight-loss-surgery#1

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Website accessed: 15 October 2020. https://asmbs.org/