Gastric Sleeve in Mexico
Gastric sleeve in Mexico can be a great alternative to the expensive WLS in the US & Canada.You can not only achieve significant weight loss but also save 75% plus!
See how Tammy became physically fit in a few months.
Tammy Smith from Nebraska, US, had a gastric sleeve in Mexico in August 2022. She reduced her weight to 185 lbs from 262 lbs in October.
This is all she wanted - to be a healthy & confident woman!
Cost of Gastric Sleeve in Mexico
Now, if you're wondering how much a gastric sleeve costs in Mexico? Then, continue reading!
An average gastric sleeve in Mexico can cost you around $4,395. While the same costs over $19,000 in the US or $17,500 in Canada.
Hence, you can end up saving ~ 75% or more in Mexico! Below is a table comparing the gastric sleeve prices in different countries:
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| US | $19,000 |
| Canada | $17,500 |
| Australia | $20,000 |
| Mexico | $4,395 |
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mini Laparoscopic Sleeve | $6,299 |
| Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty | $7,695 |
| Lapband to Gastric Sleeve^ | $5495 |
| ^Including endoscopy |
*Price may vary as per case needs.
The gastric sleeve price in Mexico is all-inclusive for some providers, meaning it covers your:
- Doctor’s fees
- Hospital & Hotel stay
- Ground transportation to & from the hospital
Keep reading to know why Mexico is a popular location for medical tourists!
Reasons to Visit Mexico for Gastric Sleeve
Did you know?
Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve has been the most common operation in the US for many years but it is expensive.[1]
Here's why tourists consider it the most coveted location for medical tourism.
- English speaking staff
- Proximity to US & Canada
- Low-cost medical facilities
- Flexible & easy appointments
Why Is WLS Affordable in Mexico?
Why Choose Mexico for Gastric Sleeve?
We’ve compiled a list of the top bariatric surgeons currently practicing in Mexico. Take a look!
Best Bariatric Surgeons for Gastric Sleeve in Mexico
Our partner providers are reputed and known for their professionalism & excellent patient outcomes.
Dr. Guillermo Lopez
38+ Years of Experience
MD Bariatrics
Expertise
Laparoscopic stomach surgeries
Education
Medical School from Mexico’s Autonomous University
- 5000+ surgeries performed
Dr. Luis Cazares
15+ Years of Experience
MD Bariatrics
Expertise
Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, MGB, Revision WLS
Education
University of Nuevo Leon
- 3000+ surgeries performed
- Affiliated with International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity
Dr. Galileo Villarreal
13+ years
MD
Expertise
Advanced Laparoscopy & Obesity Surgery
Education
Medical School Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
- 2000+ surgeries performed
- Residency program in General Surgery & Basic Laparoscopy, and Mexican College of SOARD, Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery
Dr. Oscar Trevino
14+ years
MD Bariatrics
Expertise
Laparoscopic surgeries
Education
Monterrey University (UDEM)
- Affiliated with Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases
Dr. Cristobal Garza
10+ years
General Medicine
Expertise
Minimally invasive bariatric surgery
Education
Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico
- 10,000+ surgeries performed
- Member of the CMCOEM
Dr. Sergio del Hoyo
15+ years
Surgeon and Obstetrician Degree
Expertise
Gastric Sleeve. Gastric Bypass RNY, SILS
Education
University of Guadalajara
- Thousands of surgeries performed
- Affiliated with International Federation of Obesity and Metabolic Disease Surgery
Dr. Hector Perez
15+ Years of Experience
MD Bariatrics
Expertise
Gastric sleeve, bypass, plication, and lap band
Education
Mexican Faculty of Medicine, La Salle University, Mexico City
- 5000+ surgeries performed
- International member – ASMBS, ACLS by the America Heart Association
Best Hospitals for Gastric Sleeve in Mexico
We at MTC hand-pick the best hospitals for you! The bariatric centers listed below are the finest in the country.
Here are the best places to get a gastric sleeve in Mexico:
Oasis of Hope
- On-site hotel
- Free pick-up from San Diego International Airport
- English speaking staff
- Board-certified surgeons
- 6,000+ surgeries performed
- More than 100,000 patients worldwide
Here are some of the other best hospitals you should know about:
Hospital Azura
Located in the heart of Cancun, Hospital Azura is one of Mexico’s best-known medical centers.
Address: Av Sunyaxchen 59-6, 77509 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Business hours: Open 24 hours
Highlights:
- Board-certified surgeons
- Founded in 1979 as Victoria Medical Center
- On-site pharmacy
- English speaking staff
Hospital de Especialidades
It is where the first laparoscopic surgery was done in Tamaulipas.
Address: Av Álvaro Obregón 3256, Jardín, 88260 Nuevo Laredo, Tamps., Mexico
Business hours: Open 24 hours
Highlights:
- Founded in 1990
- Great international prestige
- First clinic to have an intensive care room
Blue Medical Tower
Our partner is situated close to the border at a distance of about 2.9 miles (12 min).
Address: Vía Ote. 9750, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22010 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Business hours: Mon – Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
Highlights:
- Bilingual staff
- More than 25 years of experience
- Word class operation & 50 recovery rooms
- More than 100 safety protocols
- Highly qualified surgeons
- Performed over 5,000 bariatric surgeries
It is a specialist clinic for bariatric surgery, plastic surgery, internal medicine & more.
Address: Av. Emilio Carranza 1017, Burócrata, 26020 Piedras Negras, Coah., Mexico
Business hours: Open 24 hours
Los Lagos is 56.6 miles beyond the border.
Address: Saltillo 155, Rodríguez, 88630 Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico
Business Hours: Open 24 hours
Regional del Rio Hospital
Address: Luis Echeverría SN, Col del Prado, 88560 Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico
Open 24 hours
- 23 years of experience
- 7 operating rooms with the highest technology + a laparoscopy room
Gastric Sleeve in Mexico Reviews
Catch a glimpse at these patients sharing their happiness of achieving a healthy & charismatic body.
Watch the intriguing video testimonials here!
Incredible Loss in a Few Months - Blayne
MTC's Service is Above Expectations - Kendell
Want to see some stunning transformations? See the gallery images here:
Here are some of the many positive gastric sleeve reviews in Mexico from our happy patients:
My visit to Oasis was a good one. Everyone was polite and nice. The accommodations were great. All of the staff there made sure to check in with me regarding post-op issues. Much recommended!
– Akima
The experience I had with Dr. Villarreal and his staff was incredible! They exceeded my expectations by far. The hospital medical rooms were so beautiful, clean, and peaceful. I highly recommend them!
–Roberta
From the phone call to the visit to the surgery, everything was superb! They are very professional and really care about you. The facility is super clean and better than any US hospital I have ever gone to.
–Vernay
The experience was smooth and worry-free. Dr. Galileo & his staff were friendly & fluent in English. I spent a lot of time looking for affordable solutions, & I’m so happy I chose Mexico.
–Matthew
All You Need to Know About Gastric Sleeve in Mexico
What Studies Have Shown?
Clinical trials have proven that gastric sleeve can resolve many obesity-related health problems like:
Type 2 diabetes, HTN, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, migraine, joint pain, low testosterone & more.[2]
Before getting this bariatric surgery in Mexico, you will need to gather a lot of information. But you can sit back and continue reading, as we have already done that for you!
Let's first begin by checking if you are a candidate for gastric sleeve in Mexico or not.
Who Should Have a Gastric Sleeve?
In general, the surgery is recommended for individuals whose BMI is over 40.
Your doctor may also recommend the procedure if your BMI is 35-40 and you have weight-related health issues like:[3]
- Sleep apnea
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
Our doctors also perform the surgery in patients with a minimum BMI of 30 who suffer from obesity-related comorbidites.
Procedure for Gastric Sleeve in Mexico
You will arrive at the clinic 1-2 days prior to your scheduled surgery.
Gastric sleeve surgery is considered minimally invasive. It is because the surgeon accesses your stomach through small incisions.
Here's what you can anticipate during the procedure:
Consultation:
- This may be done in person or remotely by your doctor.
- Your surgeon will ask about your medical history & let you know basic procedure details. To make it easy, you can fill a medical questionnaire.
- A nutrionist & a psycologist is appointed for you to discuss your lifestyle changes.
Anesthesia:
- You will be first administered general anesthesia at the beginning of the surgery.
Surgery:
- A large portion of your stomach (nearly 75%) will be removed in the next step.
- This has a limiting effect on your food consumption.
- Over time, as you consume less food, you gradually lose weight.
Source: uclahealth.org[4]
Usually, very fine incisions are made using minimally invasive tools. The procedure is then called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
Procedure Length: Most sleeve surgeries are completed within 1.5 hours.
Most gastric sleeve patients end up losing 50-90 pounds.[5]
Post-Surgery Aftercare Tips
- After being discharged from the hospital, you will be restricted to a liquid diet for 1-2 weeks.
- You may then begin eating pureed foods before switching to soft foods and then regular foods.
- Your doctor will also provide you with specific instructions regarding what you can and cannot eat.
- They will also provide you with guidelines like eating slowly and keeping your meals small.
- Regular blood tests can help you determine whether you’re getting enough of these vital nutrients.
- You should understand that the long-term success of gastric sleeve surgery depends largely on lifestyle choices.
- To keep the weight off, you’ll have to stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
You may be advised to supplement certain vitamins and minerals like:'
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B-12
Source: Medical News Today[6]
Let's now give you a brief idea about other related gastric sleeve procedures.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty or ESG
ESG is a newer technique done using an endoscope. It is potentially reversible & has minimal risks as compared to open or laparoscopic surgery.[7]
Watch the video here for more information:
Dr. Perez Explains Everything About ESG
Gastric Sleeve Revision
In case a gastric sleeve fails (rarely), surgeons may suggest revision.[8] The purpose of the secondary surgery is to reduce stomach size further & ensure restrictive weight loss.
Other revision surgery alternatives include switching sleeve gastrectomy to a gastric bypass or a duodenal switch.
Travel Guide to Mexico From the US
Mexico has become one of the top destinations for foreign patients. Many of the top Mexican bariatric centers are situated near the border.
Moreover, reaching Mexico and accessing those facilities is easy, convenient, and affordable.
Let’s check out the top bariatric locations in Mexico for gastric sleeve - Cancun, Tijuana, Nuevo Laredo, Piedras Negras, Puerto Vallarta, and Reynosa.
Cancun is famous for its
- Vibrant nightlife
- Beautiful beaches
- Clear turquoise waters, etc.
The most convenient way to reach Cancun is via flight from the US or Canada!
With few hours of flight, you can get quality dental care at affordable rates.
Let’s have a look at the flight durations below:
| US Cities | Duration |
|---|---|
| Miami (MIA) | 2 hours |
| Chicago (ORD) | 4 hours |
| New York (JFK) | 4.2 hours |
| San Francisco (SFO) | 5.5 hours |
| Canada Cities | Duration |
| Toronto (YYZ) | 4.5 hours |
| Quebec (YQB) | 5 hours |
| Montreal (YUL) | 5.2 hours |
| Calgary (YYC) | 5.5 hours |
Tijuana is known for its
- Playas de Tijuana
- Tijuana Cultural Center
- Abraham Lincoln Monument
If coming from a distant city, you can opt for a flight to San Diego International Airport. From there, Tijuana is only 20 mins drive.
Thus, driving to Tijuana is easy and convenient!
| City | Duration |
|---|---|
| San Diego | ~ 20 mins |
| Los Angeles | ~ 2 hr 50 min |
| Las Vegas | ~ 5h 20m |
Thinking about flying to Tijuana, here are some flight details:
| City | Duration |
| Denver (DEN) | 2 hours |
| Dallas (DFW) | 3 hours |
| New York (JFK) | 6.2 hours |
Nuevo Laredo is a Mexican border city known for:
- Lake - El Laguito
- Natural history museum
- Parque Viveros forest park
The most convenient way to reach Nuevo Laredo is by road.
As it is only 5 miles from the bordering city of Laredo, TX, USA.
'
Let’s have a look at the drive durations below:
| City | Duration |
|---|---|
| Laredo, TX | 15 mins |
| San Antonio | 2.5 hours |
| Austin | 4 hours |
Piedras Negras is a Mexican border city known for:
- Macro plaza
- Culture house
- Hunting and fishing club
The most convenient way to reach Piedras Negras is by road.
As it is only 3.6 miles from the bordering city Laredo, TX, USA.
Let’s have a look at the drive durations below:
| City | Duration |
|---|---|
| San Antonio | 2.5 hours |
| Austin | 3.7 hours |
| Houston | 5.2 hours |
Reynosa is another Mexican border city famous for its
- Church bell tower
- Reynosa cultural center
- Temple of our lady of Guadalupe
The most convenient way to reach Reynosa is by road.
As it is only 8 miles from the bordering city Hidalgo, TX, USA.
Let’s have a look at the flight durations below:
| City | Duration |
|---|---|
| Hidalgo | 20 mins |
| McAllen | 35 mins |
| San Juan | 40 mins |
It is a world-class beach destination & has a modern international airport.
Some of the classic attractions & things to do here are:
- Beaches: Twin Beaches, Playa de los Muertos
- Historical monuments: Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Shopping malls: Plaza Marina, Plaza Peninsula, Plaza Pitillal
If you are all set to travel to Mexico, then don't forget to get your important documents.
Essential Documents
The following are the must-carry documents when traveling to Mexico:[9]
- Passport: You would require a valid passport to enter the country.
- Visa: US citizens are allowed to stay in Mexico for 180 days without a visa.
- IDs & FMM Card
- You will need valid proof of your automobile registration (if traveling by road).
- The FMM, issued by INM, is a must for US citizens traveling > 20 km and staying over 72 hours in Mexico.
Note: Mexican authorities may confiscate your vehicle if you enter Mexico with an expired U.S. registration.
Traveling to Mexico for the first time? We will share some practical information you need to know before your trip.
Is Gastric Sleeve in Mexico Safe?
Gastric sleeve in Mexico is safe as long as you choose a reputed clinic. Additionally, the complication rate for this procedure is < 1% as per the reports from ASMBS.[10]
Our partner hospitals in Mexico are:
- Well-established
- Nationally accredited
- Equipped with the latest technology
In addition, our partner surgeons:
- Are board-certified
- Have 20+ years of experience
- Have performed 5000+ surgeries
What Do You Need To Know About Mexico As a Tourist?
Here are a few important things you must know about Mexico:
The Mexican peso (MX$) is the official currency. However, US Dollar is widely accepted in most parts of the country.[11] Also, buying pesos from your US bank is economical.
The climate is tropical & it ranges from 50°F - 90°F. However, the dry season from December to April has no rain, so it is the best time to visit Mexico.[12]
Spanish is the official language, although English is also spoken widely.[13] You can learn basic Spanish phrases: hola: hello, por favor: please, gracias: thank you.
Mexico is a safe country, but there are areas that can be dangerous due to drug-related crime.[14] Moreover, our surgeons practice at safe locations.
Buses (long-distance buses aka camiones) are the most efficient form of public transport.[15]
However, Uber, taxi, or metro (~ $0.25) are other best options as they are clean, quick & fairly cheap. [16]
Well, tap water might not be safe for drinking in Mexico, so drink filtered or bottled water.[17]
You can grab a bite of these mouth-watering Mexican dishes: chilaquiles, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, ceviche & more.
The next thought that arises is, where can I find an affordable and cozy lodging option?
To make it easy for you, we have curated a list of hotels situated close to the hospitals.
Recommended Hotels in Tijuana
Check out these hotels in Mexico before you make a check-in.
Grand Hotel, Tijuana
Hotel Marival, Puerto Vallarta
Hotel Maria de Lourdes, Cancun
City Express, Nuevo Laredo
Hotel Astromundo, Reynosa
Autel Rio Inn, Piedras Negras
Duration of Stay:
Usually, you have 2 days/nights in a hospital and 1 in a hotel. But, it may vary depending on the case & facility you choose.
How Does MTC Ease Your Medical Tourism Trip?
We are happy to help you prepare for a safe, affordable, and successful gastric sleeve abroad.
Below are some reasons why so many patients around the world choose us:
- Patient safety is our first priority
- Our partners offer free pick up/drop off for a relaxing commute
- Little to no wait time for consultations
- Package deals that bundle all major expenses
- Convenient locations and travel assistance
- Partnerships with world-class clinics and certified physicians
Note: All transportation and accommodation details will be organized in advance.
MTC: Making Lives of Medical Tourists Easy
FAQs
The gastric sleeve surgery cost in Mexico is around $4,395. While in the US, the same costs you about $20,000.
Hence, you can end up saving over 70% on a gastric sleeve in Mexico.
Gastric sleeve surgery is cheaper in Mexico because Mexico has a much lower cost of living than the US.[18]
It costs less for Mexican doctors to open and maintain a private clinical practice.
Moreover, Mexico’s president has declared the remake of a more inclusive & cheaper healthcare system.[19]
Conclusion
A growing number of US patients are going to Mexico for their gastric sleeve surgeries. This is primarily motivated by financial considerations, as gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico is 70% cheaper than in the US.
So, don't wait for another second to get transformed with us now! MTC is there to assist you with all of your medical tourism needs.
References
1. UC Health: Success After a Second Gastric Sleeve Surgery
2. uclahealth.org: Bariatric Surgery Gastric Sleeve
3. Johns Hopkins: Gastric Sleeve Surgery
4. Medical News Today: What to know about gastric sleeve surgery
5. Hopkins Medicine: Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
6. UC Health: Success After a Second Gastric Sleeve Surgery
7. travel.state.gov: Mexico
8. gov.uk: Foreign travel advice Mexico
9. Live and Invest Overseas: Climate In Mexico
10. World Travel Guide: Mexico History…
11. World Nomads: Drug Violence in Mexico
12. Rough Guides: Getting around Mexico…
13. travel.usnews: Mexico City Travel Guide
14. Travel Mexico Solo: Can You Drink the Water in Mexico? (2023 Updates)
15. asmbs.org: Studies Weigh in on Safety and Effectiveness...
16. Expatistan: Cost of living in United States compared to Mexico
17. International Living: Healthcare in Mexico