Bariatric surgery in Mexico has become a win-win solution for resolving obesity, especially for international bariatric patients. The country offers a full range of weight loss operations, with gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) among the most popular procedures. Alongside this, gastric sleeve is mostly performed, followed by gastric bypass and OAGB.
Is it worth choosing Mexico for weight loss surgery?
According to 2019 statistics, between 100 and 500 procedures were performed annually in private clinics. The total number of procedures performed in a year was 8,887, of which 1,033 were done via an endoscope.
What's more, according to national demographic data, Mexico has the highest obesity rate in Latin America. 67.6% of adults aged 20-39 and 83.4% aged 40-59 have some degree of overweight or obesity, so the number of people with obesity would be approximately 94,000,000.
It's worth noting that around 2,706 (30.4%) of the bariatric procedures were performed in the country's northern parts. The main reason is that foreign patients travel there for medical tourism.
Over time, Mexico is improving bariatric surgery services efficiency, effectiveness, and safety. More and more hospitals are establishing high-quality tools and standards, achieving accreditation thanks to highly professional human resources, physical resources, and activity standards.
Mexico authorities succeeded in standardizing surgical procedures by resolving surgeons' diverse preferences regarding suture materials, drains, strains, etc.
Today, a minimally invasive approach in surgery via laparoscope is becoming increasingly popular in Mexico. Patients experience less pain, fewer complications, minimal scarring, and faster recovery.
For instance, in Tijuana, thousands of patients worldwide come here to receive premium medical services.
Mexican doctors are experts in laparoscopic bariatric surgery. There are board-certified and members of the key bariatric and laparoscopic medical societies in the region, such as the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases.
In Mexico, patients will get affordable weight loss surgery price and safety. This means that compared to the United States, a gastric sleeve can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars, while the same procedure, including surgeon fees, anesthesiologist fees, lab work, and a recovery stay, starts at $5,000.
What are the prices for weight loss surgery in Mexico?
Weight loss surgery in Mexico cost is significantly lower compared to the USA and Western countries, still providing patients with all-inclusive weight loss surgery in Mexico. The price list for the main weight reduction operations in Mexico is the following:
|
Operation type |
Price |
|
Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve gastrectomy) |
from $4500
|
|
Gastric bypass |
from $6000 |
|
Gastric band |
from $4500
|
|
Stomach stapling |
from $1500 |
|
Stomach resection |
from $10776 |
|
Duodenal switch |
from $6500 |
|
Mini gastric bypass |
from $5500 |
|
Gastric balloon |
from $2500 |
For example, one of the major bariatric hospitals, the Hospital de la Familia, offers the following weight loss procedures:
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gastric bypass;
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laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy;
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intragastric balloon.
. The package includes everything a patient can need while staying in Mexico for s surgery:
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Pre and post-op hospital stay & fees
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Experienced board certified bariatric surgeons
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Anesthesiologist fees
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Pre-op lab tests, X-Ray
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Complication coverage (optionally)
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Medications, take-home meds
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Nutritionist consultation
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Post-surgery vitamin care package
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Online support
Private transportation can be optional and not included in the packages in all hospitals. This information should be checked on the official website of a particular weight loss clinic in Mexico or on the Bookimed platform.
Why is surgery so much cheaper in Mexico?
The main reasons why bariatric surgery in Mexico is more affordable than, for example, in the USA are lower cost of living, accessibility of medical services (meaning, it's easier to undergo any surgical procedure as there's less red tape to get it), and availability of advanced technologies. Pre-operative tests are already included in the package, there are relatively cheaper medication and lower corporate influence.
Moreover, the cost of weight loss surgery in Mexico is dominantly predefined by the following factors:
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Type of operation. The total price will depend on the type of procedure you decide to undergo. The reason is that procedures vary in complexity and duration.
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Surgeon's expertise. Choosing a highly experienced surgeon will impact the final cost while guaranteeing high standards for the operations, including safety and treatment efficiency.
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Hospital accreditations. As usual, clinics with international accreditations and top-notch facilities have higher fees. Many hospitals in Mexico have accreditations from reputable international organizations, like JCI, the International Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, and adhere to world-approved medical protocols.
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Package inclusions. Additional services included in the weight loss operation package can increase the price. Although, you'd better check this information on the hospital's website, as it may vary among medical institutions.
For example, Hospital de la Familia provides all-inclusive bariatric surgery in Mexico starting at $2,850 for intragastric balloon surgery package.
Such comprehensive packages may cover pre-operative tests, initial consultation, and post-op quality treatment, hospital stay, anesthesia, medical providers' care, accommodation, and even transfer.
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Aftercare services. Nutritional and follow-up consultations may cost more, but this option is essential for long-term success. Adequate assistance will direct patients correctly along their recovery process.
What are the main hubs of weight loss surgery in Mexico?
Tijuana is a leading destination for bariatric surgery in Mexico. It follows the same medical standards as the U.S. and maintains quality and affordability. Located just across the U.S. border, Tijuana became renowned for its highly skilled, board-certified bariatric surgeons.
The medical costs for weight loss surgery in Tijuana Mexico are lower than in other popular tourist destinations. Still, weight loss surgery fees can vary in Tijuana depending on what type of surgery you plan to have. Gastric bypass is a bit more complex than gastric sleeve. That's why Tijuana weight loss surgery cost is higher.
Guadalajara. It’s believed to be another best place in Mexico for weight loss surgery. The average price for weight loss surgery procedures here starts from $8440. The same operation costs between $17,000 to $26,000 in the US. For example, a gastric bypass costs $6,300 in Guadalajara, while the same procedure costs $23,000 in the US.
For instance, Clínica Integral de Cirugía de Obesidad, accredited by the Colegio Mexicano de Cirugia para la Obesidad y Enfermedades Metabolicas, offers a Standard Gastric bypass surgery package with accommodation included. The price for this offer is $7,800.
Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is located in the central part of the country. It attracts international patients by its great diversity of medical services and facilities. The average price of a weight loss operation in Mexico City is $6340, starting from $3061. While in the USA, it costs $25,000.
What is the best surgery in Mexico for weight loss?
Gastric bypass is one of the most requested procedures and one of the best weight loss surgery in Mexico. In this procedure, a small stomach pocket is made, and the small intestine is reset. This operation generally lowers calorie consumption and limits calorie absorption.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is the second-popular weight loss operation, reducing hunger hormones and restricting the stomach capacity.
Gastric balloon, the third-best operation, uses a medical balloon inserted into the stomach via an endoscope. Filled with saline, it occupies space in the stomach, making patients eat less and feel full faster.
Where is the safest place in Mexico to have weight loss surgery?
Asking “Is weight loss surgery in Mexico safe”? Let’s outline this question in short. Regarding safety standards, there are two organizations in Mexico that determine the safety and eligibility level of medical institutions.
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The Joint Commission International (JCI), the most respected and demanding hospital accreditation agency in the U.S., accredits hospitals in Mexico.
To receive its certification, hospitals must pass detailed testing for 300 standards with 1,200 specific data points. In Mexico, there are 4 JCI-approved hospitals, meaning it's safe to undergo weight loss surgery there.
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Another entity is the CSG (El Consejo de Salubridad General), which means “The General Health Council.” It has a specific set of standards to vouch for international patient safety. Eight hospitals are CSG-accredited in Mexico.
Tijuana, a city located south of the U.S. border, has become a popular destination for medical tourism, particularly for bariatric surgery. Due to its proximity to San Diego, California, many Americans travel here to get quality medical services.
Thus, it's the reason why Tijuana can be named as the safest city for Mexico bariatric services. Weight loss surgeons provide high-quality care and adhere to high safety standards as in the United States. Medical facilities feature highly trained doctors with international certifications, latest medical technology, while healthcare providers adhere to strict safety standards.
Is it hard to get approved for weight loss surgery in Mexico?
Getting approval for surgery in Mexico for weight loss is more straightforward than in other countries like the United States. Mexican bariatric clinics offer streamlined processes with fewer bureaucratic issues, eliminating the need for insurance approvals.
Before surgery, each patient should complete specific evaluations to determine if they are healthy enough to undergo the procedure:
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BMI. A BMI more than 30 cannot receive bariatric surgery unless they have a weight-related disorder that affects their health, like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
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Medical history. Sometimes, surgeons are reluctant to do surgery on those who have already received bariatric surgery but failed to lose weight.
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Health risks. Surgical intervention and anesthesia may be too risky in cases if a patient has some cardiac and heart diseases that can cause complications.
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Smoking. Surgeons ask patients to quit smoking at least six weeks before bariatric surgery. If they can't stop, they can't undergo surgery.
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Psychological concerns. Not being ready emotionally or psychologically for transformations after bariatric procedures. That's why some patients should undergo psychological tests to ensure they are ready for this challenge.
Why do Americans go to Mexico for weight loss surgery?
Several recent years show that more Americans and Canadians travel to Mexico for bariatric surgery. Indeed, Mexico is believed to be a leading destination due to quality patient care services, their affordability, and a proximate location to the United States and Canada.
Due to its cost-saving medical services, Americans are turning to Tijuana for weight loss surgery. For instance, you will pay, on average, $4,500 to $6,000 for a gastric sleeve, while in the United States, it reaches between $10,000 and $20,000. Gastric bypass in Mexico typically costs from $5,900 to $7,000, while the price in the United States can reach $15,000 to $30,000.
US patients expect to pay up to 65% less for surgery than they would pay at home.
Mexican surgeons are members of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Mexican Association of General Surgery, the Spanish Surgery Association, etc. This means their high proficiency and expertise in the area, so that's why patients from the US find this country attractive for weight loss operation.
|
Operation |
Mexico |
USA |
Canada |
|
Gastric sleeve surgery |
from $4,500 |
from $14,000 |
from $15,000 |
|
Gastric bypass surgery |
from $6,000 |
from $10,000 |
from $18,000 |
|
Gastric lap band surgery |
from $4,500 |
from $5,200 |
from $5,000 |
Will my insurance cover surgery in Mexico?
Many U.S. health insurance packages include limited or no coverage for medical procedures performed abroad. Some insurance companies do not cover patient care services outside the USA, except in specific emergency situations near U.S. borders.
Some private US insurance providers offer international coverage, but this can vary. Therefore, patients need to check their policy details to understand the extent of their coverage in Mexico.
At the same time, Mexico has both public and private healthcare options. The public one covers Mexican citizens and residents, while the private one is accessible to foreigners and more affordable compared to the U.S.
Reference list:
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Maldonado Pintado Diana Gabriela; Márquez González Stephany Michelle; Wimber Arellano Mayte. Bariatric surgery in Mexico. Practice characteristics in 2019. Source: https://www.medigraphic.com/cgi-bin/new/resumenI.cgi?IDARTICULO=109770
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Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults in Mexico as of 2023, by age. Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1376625/overweight-obesity-prevalence-by-age-mexico/
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Health Insurance and Healthcare in Mexico Explained. Source: https://www.internations.org/mexico-expats/guide/healthcare