Bariatric Surgery Procedures in Mexico
Our specialized staff, both in the United States and Tijuana, Mexico, work together throughout the entire surgery process. Hotel and hospital stays are both included in our surgery packages. Our drivers in Tijuana will provide transportation to and from the San Diego airport as well as between the hospital and the hotel. From assessment to recovery, you are in good hands with our medical team.
To start treatment, we must first conduct an evaluation using the information from our health questionnaire. The health questionnaire is where we will learn about your current health and your most important areas to address in preparation for surgery. Once the health questionnaire is reviewed, we will discuss which surgical options are recommended for your specific needs.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)
Gastric Sleeve, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is the most prominent bariatric surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery is quickly becoming the most performed procedure in Mexico and is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand.
Gastric sleeve surgery works by removing the stomach by 85%, then stapling the stomach in the “sleeve” shape. A smaller stomach size forces the patient to eat less while feeling satisfied and content.
Typically, patients can consume only about 400 calories per sitting and about 800 to 1000 calories per day. This significant reduction is the modus operandi of the gastric sleeve.
Learn more about gastric sleeve surgery
Gastric Bypass Surgery (RNY)
In this procedure, surgery is performed on the stomach (as in the gastric sleeve), but we also do surgery on the small intestine (which is part of the digestive system where the nutrients are absorbed).
It consists of making a smaller stomach and then connecting the stomach to the intestine. By doing this surgery, we help our patients to eat less (feel satisfied with less food) and decrease the absorption of food.
Learn more about gastric bypass surgery
Duodenal Switch Surgery
Starting at $6,295
Duodenal Switch, also known as Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS), is a weight-loss surgery typically performed as a revision of a vertical gastric sleeve or band procedure. The duodenal switch surgery is an effective option for those who have a significant amount of weight to lose and is best suited to achieve long-term weight loss.
How Duodenal Switch Surgery Works
This procedure is both malabsorptive and restrictive. It stimulates weight loss by rerouting the small intestine and permanently removing the stomach while keeping the malabsorption technique.
Dr. Zapata is one of the best surgeons providing duodenal switches in Tijuana, Mexico. He has performed more successful DS surgeries than most surgeons around the world.
Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery
Starting at $5,395
Single-incision Laparoscopic Surgery allows patients the aesthetic benefit of a single, minimized scar, as well as faster recovery times and less pain. Dr. Zapata can perform single-incision gastric sleeve, single-incision gastric banding, and single-incision revision surgery.
- Quicker Healing Time
- Fewer Scars, Incisions
- More aesthetic
History of Single-Incision Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery was performed as an open procedure for many decades before the advent of laparoscopic surgery. In open bariatric surgery, surgeons open up the patient by creating a long incision line in the abdomen and operate with “traditional” medical instruments.
As medical technology evolved, laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery became possible. With laparoscopic surgery, surgeons create small incisions and utilize a thin, flexible tube containing a video camera (laparoscope) to reach the organs of the abdominal cavity.
Surgical Equipment for Single Incision
Da Vinci – The da Vinci is a sophisticated laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Da Vinci uses robotic-assisted 3D video technology. The da Vinci System has been in operation for over 10 years and has been used in thousands of procedures. The da Vinci system is an autonomous or semi-autonomous device that can do single-incision surgery.
Gel Point – Gel Point is a medical device used to facilitate gastric sleeve, gastric banding, and gastric bypass procedures. Learn how the GelPOINT advanced access platform enables single-site surgery. Explore single-site tools and techniques, including:
- Instrumentation
- Camera operation
- Trocar placement
- Indications and limitations
- Visualization and instrument manipulation
- Patient selection, benefits, risks, and challenges
- Patient education, documentation, and reimbursement
- Anesthetic considerations
Covidien SILS System – The Covidien SILS System’s multiple access ports are an advanced medical device made by Medtronic that can accommodate up to three laparoscopic instruments through a single incision. When used at the umbilicus, the SILS Port leaves a hidden scar and may reduce postoperative pain.
Gastric Balloon (Intragastric Balloon System)
Starting at $3,295
This option is not surgery; it is a procedure performed endoscopically, in which a balloon is placed under direct vision inside the stomach and left in place for 6 months to 1 year. This balloon fills with liquid and stays in the stomach, allowing you to eat less and thus start to lose weight.
Medical Tourism
Getting weight-loss surgery in Mexico is like taking a little vacation from home. You get to travel to Mexico and be around people in a warm, friendly culture. Medical Tourism ensures having safe, affordable bariatric surgery with a trusted surgeon in beautiful Mexico.
Affordable Bariatric Procedures in Mexico
Tijuana, Mexico, offers one of the most affordable bariatric surgery packages in the world. The cost is one-third to one-eighth of the cost in the U.S. and Canada. It is often even less than the co-pay patients pay in the United States.
Painless Approval Process
As an elective procedure in Mexico, once you are evaluated, you can conveniently schedule your weight-loss surgery. There is no long-term wait to see the surgeon or book your surgery, as is the case for Canadians. Also, they do not put you through the wringer, as is the case for Americans using their insurance.
Quality Medical Care
Mexican health organizations have high healthcare standards similar to those in the United States. Most hospital facilities are fully compliant with accreditation standards from organizations such as JCI and CSG and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Board certifications across all disciplines are almost the same in the U.S. and Mexico. In general, Mexican doctors are younger than U.S. doctors because they begin training right after high school rather than after earning a baccalaureate degree. Surgeons in Mexico have much more human touch than their American counterparts. The attention and care you receive from the surgeon and medical staff are much, much more in Mexico.
Innovative Recovery Solutions
Mexico Bariatric Center (MBC) uses trademarked cellular-level technology such as Stellar Stem™ to support faster, better postoperative recovery. MBC uses regenerative services, MSC stem cells, and exosomes to help patients with chronic obesity disease heal more quickly.
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