Is Weight Loss Surgery Tax Deductible? Here’s What ALO Bariatrics Patients Need to Know
Choosing bariatric surgery is one of the most meaningful investments you can make in your long-term health and quality of life. But beyond the medical benefits, many patients are surprised to learn that weight loss surgery may also offer tax advantages.
If you are planning your procedure with ALO Bariatrics, this guide will help you understand how U.S. tax deductions for medical expenses work and how bariatric surgery may qualify.
Does Bariatric Surgery Qualify as a Tax-Deductible Medical Expense?
Yes — in many cases, bariatric surgery is considered a tax-deductible medical expense.
The IRS defines medical expenses as costs for the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, prevention, or cure of a disease. Since obesity is recognized as a disease, procedures such as:
- Gastric Sleeve (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy)
- Gastric Bypass
- Duodenal Switch
- Bariatric Revision Surgery
are all considered legitimate medical treatments and may qualify for deduction.
IRS Requirement: Exceeding the 7.5% AGI Threshold
To claim any medical expense deduction, your unreimbursed medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
Example:
- AGI: $60,000
- Threshold (7.5%): $4,500
- Only medical expenses above $4,500 may be deducted.
If you travel to Mexico for surgery with ALO Bariatrics, the surgery cost plus related travel and medical expenses may make it easier to exceed this threshold.
Which ALO Bariatrics Expenses May Be Tax-Deductible?
IRS rules allow many surgery-related costs to qualify as medical deductions. These may include:
1. Surgical Fees
- Gastric Sleeve
- Gastric Bypass
- Duodenal Switch
- Revision surgeries
All procedures performed at ALO Bariatrics by our board-certified surgical team.
2. Pre- and Post-Operative Care
- Medical evaluations
- Lab work
- Post-operative follow-ups
- Medically prescribed nutritional counseling
3. Prescription Medications
- Antibiotics
- Antacids
- Pain management (if prescribed)
- Vitamins or supplements only if prescribed for a medical condition
4. Travel Expenses Related to Medical Care
If you travel to Tijuana, Guadalajara, or Puerto Vallarta for surgery, the IRS allows deductions on certain travel costs, including:
- Airfare
- Ground transportation (Uber, taxis, shuttles, mileage if driving)
- Parking and tolls
- Lodging up to $50 per night per person (IRS limit)
Meals during travel are not deductible.
5. Medical Equipment or Supplies
- Compression garments prescribed by your surgeon
- Post-operative dressings
- Medical devices recommended as part of recovery
ALO Bariatrics packages include many of these services, making documentation and record-keeping much easier.
Expenses That Are Not Deductible
The IRS excludes certain expenses from medical deductions, such as:
- Vitamins or supplements not prescribed by a physician
- Cosmetic procedures that are not medically necessary
- Personal wellness expenses (gym memberships, spas, etc.)
- Any costs reimbursed by insurance
Always maintain clear documentation to avoid reporting ineligible expenses.
How to Claim Bariatric Surgery as a Tax Deduction
To deduct your medical expenses, you must:
1. Itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040).
You cannot claim these deductions if you take the standard deduction.
2. Your itemized total must exceed the 2025 standard deduction:
- $14,600 — Single filer
- $29,200 — Married filing jointly
If your medical expenses + other itemized deductions exceed these amounts, itemizing may reduce your tax liability.
Using HSA or FSA Funds for Bariatric Surgery
Most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow funds to be used for:
- Bariatric surgery
- Medical consultations
- Lab work
- Prescription medication
- Surgery-related supplies
Because HSA and FSA funds are tax-advantaged, using them for your procedure can significantly reduce your total cost.
Post-Surgery Expenses: What May or May Not Be Deductible
Some post-operative expenses may qualify only if prescribed by a medical professional:
Potentially deductible if prescribed:
- Physical therapy
- Medically necessary nutrition counseling
- Prescription-required supplements
Not deductible:
- Gym memberships
- Over-the-counter supplements
- General wellness expenses
Consulting a tax professional helps ensure accuracy and compliance.
Tips for Maximizing Your Tax Savings
1. Keep detailed records
Save:
- invoices
- travel receipts
- mileage logs
- prescriptions
- medical statements
ALO Bariatrics provides itemized receipts to simplify this process.
2. Consider “bunching” medical expenses
Many patients schedule:
- surgery
- labs
- follow-up visits
- medically necessary treatments
within the same tax year to exceed the 7.5% AGI threshold.
3. Work with a tax advisor
IRS medical rules can be complex — a qualified professional can help you claim all eligible deductions.
Why So Many U.S. and Canadian Patients Choose ALO Bariatrics
ALO Bariatrics is one of the leading bariatric surgery centers in Mexico, known for:
- Board-certified bariatric surgeons
- State-of-the-art hospitals
- More than 20,000 successful procedures
- Safe and seamless medical tourism experience
- Coordinated transportation, hotel recovery, and full medical support
Affordable, world-class bariatric surgery — combined with potential tax benefits — makes this a life-changing and financially accessible option for many patients.
Weight loss surgery not only transforms health — it can also open the door to valuable tax savings.
By understanding IRS rules, keeping excellent records, and planning ahead, ALO Bariatrics patients can make informed decisions that support both their health and financial well-being.
If you’d like help estimating your costs or learning more about surgery options, our coordinators are here for you every step of the way.
Verified Sources
- 1. IRS Publication 502 – Medical and Dental Expenses
- 2. IRS inflation-adjusted standard deductions for 2025
- 3. NerdWallet: Medical Expense Tax Deduction Guide
- 4. Forbes: 2025 IRS Tax Adjustments