Is gastric sleeve reversible?

No — gastric sleeve is permanent. The removed portion of the stomach cannot be reattached. This permanence is part of why it produces lasting results.

What can I eat after surgery?

Diet progresses in stages: clear liquids (week 1) → full liquids → pureed → soft foods → regular foods (month 2+). Our nutritionist provides a complete plan.

How long is recovery?

Most patients return to desk jobs in 7–10 days and full activity (including exercise) in 4–6 weeks.

Generally: BMI ≥ 30, ages 18–65, willing to make lifestyle changes. We do a free evaluation to confirm candidacy.

Most patients fly back 5–7 days after surgery. We coordinate San Diego airport drop-off for Tijuana patients.

How much does it cost in Mexico?

All-inclusive at ALO Bariatrics: from $4,500 USD in Tijuana, $5,000 in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Includes hospital, surgeon, anesthesia, transport, labs, meds, and coordinator.

Does insurance cover it?

Most US/Canadian insurance does not cover surgery abroad. However, our prices are 70–80% lower than insurance copays in many cases. Some patients qualify for tax deductions.

How much does gastric sleeve cost in Tijuana, Mexico?

Gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana costs $4,500 USD all-inclusive at ALO Bariatrics. The package includes hospital fees, surgeon, anesthesia, pre-op labs, 1-night stay, San Diego/Tijuana airport transfers, hotel, and 12-month post-op follow-up. Flights are not included.

Is VSG the same as gastric sleeve surgery?

Yes — VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) and gastric sleeve refer to the same procedure. VSG is the medical term used by surgeons; "gastric sleeve" is the common patient name. At ALO Bariatrics, both terms describe the same surgery performed by Dr. Alejandro López — laparoscopic removal of ~80% of the stomach to create a banana-shaped sleeve.

How is VSG performed at ALO Bariatrics?

VSG is performed laparoscopically under general anesthesia by Dr. Alejandro López. The surgeon makes 4–5 small incisions in the abdomen, inserts a thin camera (laparoscope) and instruments, then removes approximately 80% of the stomach using surgical staples. The remaining stomach is shaped like a banana — about 2 oz in capacity. Surgery takes ~1 hour. You'll stay 1 night in the hospital and 3–5 days in Mexico before returning home.

🏥 #1 Bariatric Center in Mexico

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana — All-Inclusive from $4,500

Safe, life-changing weight loss surgery performed by board-certified bariatric surgeons in accredited Tijuana hospitals — minutes from San Diego.

See If You Qualify

From $4,500 2–4 Day Stay Board-Certified Surgeons San Diego Pickup

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Why Tijuana

Why Have Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana?

Why have gastric sleeve in Tijuana?Tijuana offers the same gastric sleeve surgical standards as US bariatric centers — board-certified surgeons, accredited hospitals, FDA-approved staples and equipment — at roughly 75% lower cost. Located just 10 minutes from the San Diego border, Tijuana is the most accessible weight loss surgery destination for US and Canadian patients seeking a safe, affordable gastric sleeve.

Choosing gastric sleeve in Tijuana isn't about cutting corners — it's about removing the layers of US insurance markup, hospital overhead, and malpractice premiums while keeping the surgical quality of a top US bariatric center.

Gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana — Dr. Alejandro López

~75% Lower Cost Than the U.S.Gastric sleeve in Tijuana from $4,500 USD all-inclusive — vs $15,000–$25,000 in the United States.
Board-Certified Bariatric SurgeonsLed by Dr. Alejandro López, a board-certified bariatric surgeon with 20+ years and 20,000+ procedures.
Accredited Tijuana HospitalSurgery is performed at Hospital Dreams Tijuana, one of Tijuana's top accredited bariatric centers.
10 Minutes from the US BorderFly into San Diego (SAN) and our team handles the border crossing — no long transfer times.
Same Equipment as US HospitalsEthicon surgical staples, Medtronic instruments, FDA-approved anesthesia — identical to US centers.
All-Inclusive Tijuana PackageSurgery, hospital, recovery hotel, ground transportation, lab work, and 12-month follow-up — flights not included.

Why Patients Choose It

Why Gastric Sleeve?

⚡

Highly Effective

Patients typically lose 60–70% of excess weight within 12–18 months.

🚀

Fast Recovery

Laparoscopic technique means smaller incisions, less pain, and a quick return to normal life.

🩺

Improves Health

Improves type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure for most patients.

🔒

Long-Lasting

The stomach reduction is permanent — supporting weight loss for years to come.

See If I Qualify for Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana →

The Procedure in Tijuana

How Your Gastric Sleeve Procedure Works at ALO Tijuana

Every gastric sleeve in Tijuana at ALO Bariatrics follows the same precise laparoscopic protocol, performed by Dr. Alejandro López and his team at Hospital Dreams Tijuana.

How is the gastric sleeve procedure performed in Tijuana?At ALO Tijuana, the gastric sleeve is a 60-minute laparoscopic procedure performed at Hospital Dreams Tijuana under general anesthesia. Dr. Alejandro López makes 5 small abdominal incisions (or 1 single navel incision with SILS technique) to remove approximately 75–80% of the stomach using FDA-approved Ethicon surgical staples — the same equipment used in US bariatric centers. Patients stay 2 nights at Hospital Dreams for monitoring, followed by 1 night in the recovery hotel before flying home.

Pre-Op Day in Tijuana

Arrival, lab work, EKG, chest X-ray, and consultation with Dr. López at Hospital Dreams. Hotel stay before surgery.

Surgery at Hospital Dreams

60-minute laparoscopic procedure under general anesthesia. 5 small incisions (or 1 with SILS). Robotic Da Vinci assistance available.

Stomach Reshape

~75–80% of the stomach removed using Ethicon staples. The new banana-shaped stomach holds 4–6 oz.

2 Nights at Hospital Dreams

Continuous monitoring by bilingual nurses, IV nutrition, and walking protocol the next day.

1 Night Recovery Hotel

After hospital discharge, you stay 1 night in the recovery hotel where our nurses check on you before you fly home.

12 Months of Follow-Up

Bilingual virtual support, nutritionist check-ins, and Dr. López accessible by WhatsApp throughout your weight loss journey.

60 min Procedure time

2 nights Hospital Dreams

4 nights total In Tijuana

~10 days Back to work

Success Stories

Real Patient Results from ALO Tijuana

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"After researching bariatric options in the US for over a year, the out-of-pocket costs were impossible — even with my insurance. ALO's Tijuana package was a fraction of the price, and from the moment I landed in San Diego the team handled everything. Hospital Dreams Tijuana was as modern and clean as my local hospital in Phoenix. Dr. López spent over an hour with me before surgery answering every question. Eleven months later, I've lost 102 pounds and my Type 2 diabetes is in remission."

Robert M.

Phoenix, AZ · Gastric Sleeve at Hospital Dreams Tijuana

↓ 102 lbs in 11 months

Gastric sleeve Tijuana before and after — ALO Bariatrics patient result

Real ALO Tijuana patient — gastric sleeve before & after

Inside the Hospital

Take a Tour of Hospital Dreams Tijuana with Dr. Alejandro López

What does ALO Bariatrics' Tijuana hospital look like?Hospital Dreams Tijuana — where ALO performs gastric sleeve in Tijuana — features modern laparoscopic and Da Vinci robotic operating rooms, private recovery suites for US and Canadian patients, and a bilingual medical team led by board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Alejandro López. Click the video to see the actual operating rooms, hallway, and recovery area.

Modern Operating RoomsLaparoscopic and Da Vinci robotic surgical systems available
Private Recovery SuitesDedicated international patient floor with bilingual nurses
Board-Certified Surgical TeamLed by Dr. Alejandro López — 20+ years bariatric experience
10 Min from US BorderEasy transfer from San Diego — accessible for US/Canadian patients

Hospital Dreams Tijuana tour — ALO Bariatrics gastric sleeve

Cost in Tijuana

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost in Tijuana, Mexico

Gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico starts at $4,500 USD all-inclusive at ALO Bariatrics — the most affordable bariatric option in Mexico and roughly 75% less than the same procedure in the United States. Below is the complete breakdown of why Tijuana is the most cost-effective destination for U.S. and Canadian patients.

$4,500 all-inclusive

Hospital fees, surgeon fee, anesthesia, pre-op labs, 1-night hospital stay, San Diego/Tijuana airport transfers, hotel, and 12-month post-op follow-up.

Tijuana vs other ALO cities

Tijuana base price is $500 less than Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara ($5,000). Lower cost reflects U.S.-border proximity via San Diego (SAN), shorter ground transport, and higher procedure volume.

What you save vs the U.S.

Gastric sleeve in the United States averages $15,000–$25,000 out-of-pocket after insurance refusal. Choosing Tijuana saves U.S. patients $10,000–$20,000 on the exact same procedure.

Why Tijuana is cheaper

Lower hospital overhead, no insurance billing markup, and lower malpractice premiums let accredited Mexican hospitals perform the surgery using the same medical devices (Ethicon, Medtronic) at a fraction of U.S. pricing.

Sample total for a U.S. patient flying to Tijuana: ~$5,635 all-in (sleeve $4,500 + flight $350 + companion $500 + insurance $285) — still over $10,000 less than U.S. pricing.

For a complete cost analysis including 16 FAQs on pricing, what's included, and how to lock in your surgery date with a $500 deposit, see our full Gastric Sleeve Cost in Mexico guide. Comparing other procedures? Read the Gastric Bypass Cost in Mexico or all-procedure pricing breakdowns.

Pricing

What's Included in Your ,500 Tijuana Gastric Sleeve Package

What's Included

🏨Hospital stay & private room

✈️Airport pickup

👨‍⚕️Surgeon, anesthesiologist & team fees

💊Post-op treatments

🩺Pre-op labs & EKG

🤝Bilingual patient coordinator

📞24/7 post-op support

🥗Nutritional plan & follow-up

Where You'll Have Surgery

Hospital Dreams Tijuana — Top Accredited Bariatric Center

Your gastric sleeve in Tijuana is performed at Hospital Dreams, one of Tijuana's top accredited bariatric facilities — known for its high-volume bariatric program, modern surgical suites, and dedicated international patient floor.

Where does ALO Bariatrics perform gastric sleeve in Tijuana?All ALO Tijuana gastric sleeve procedures take place at Hospital Dreams Tijuana — a top accredited Tijuana bariatric center located 10 minutes from the US-Mexico border, equipped with advanced laparoscopic operating rooms, Da Vinci robotic surgical systems, private recovery suites, and a bilingual medical team specialized in care for US and Canadian patients.

Accredited Bariatric CenterOne of Tijuana's highest-rated hospitals for weight loss surgery

10 Min from US BorderQuick access from San Diego (SAN) — no long transfer times

Da Vinci Robotic SystemSingle-Incision Sleeve (SILS) and robotic gastric sleeve available

Bilingual Medical TeamEnglish-speaking nurses, anesthesiologists, and patient coordinators

Hospital Dreams Tijuana — ALO Bariatrics gastric sleeve facility exterior

Hospital Dreams Tijuana lobby — accredited bariatric center

Hospital Dreams Tijuana private patient room for gastric sleeve recovery

Hospital Dreams Tijuana post-op bariatric recovery area

Hospital Dreams Tijuana operating room — laparoscopic gastric sleeve

Hospital Dreams Tijuana hallway — bariatric center walkthrough

Cost Comparison

How ALO Compares to US Pricing

USA Average

$20,000+

Hospital fees · Surgeon fees · Anesthesia · Often NOT covered by insurance · Long waiting lists

ALO Bariatrics — Tijuana

From $4,500

All-inclusive · Same quality care · Board-certified surgeons · Schedule within weeks · No waiting lists

Save up to 80% without compromising quality or safety.

The ALO Difference

Trusted by Thousands of US & Canadian Patients

20,000+

Sleeves Performed

Years of Experience

99%

Patient Satisfaction

4.9★

Verified Reviews

Single-Incision in Tijuana

Single-Incision Gastric Sleeve (SILS) in Tijuana — Nearly Scarless

Dr. Alejandro López is one of the few bariatric surgeons in Tijuana performing single-incision laparoscopic gastric sleeve — the same proven sleeve procedure performed through a single small incision hidden inside the navel for a nearly invisible scar.

Is single-incision gastric sleeve available in Tijuana?Yes — Single-Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS) is available at ALO Tijuana. Dr. Alejandro López performs SILS gastric sleeve at Hospital Dreams Tijuana using a single incision hidden inside the navel, leaving virtually no visible abdominal scar. SILS offers the same weight loss outcomes and safety profile as the traditional 5-port laparoscopic sleeve.

Single-Incision Sleeve (SILS) in Tijuana

1 small incision hidden in the navel
Nearly invisible scar — best cosmetic result
Same weight loss outcomes as standard sleeve
Same safety profile and recovery timeline
Available with Dr. Alejandro López at Hospital Dreams
Best for patients with BMI under ~45

Traditional Laparoscopic Sleeve

5 small abdominal incisions
Small but visible scars on the abdomen
Standard approach used in US bariatric centers
Suitable for all qualified candidates including higher BMI
60-minute procedure with same hospital protocol
Same Ethicon staples and FDA-approved equipment

Single IncisionScarless Sleeve TijuanaSILS Gastric Sleeve MexicoHospital Dreams Tijuana

Your Surgeon

Meet Dr. Alejandro López

Medical Director, ALO Bariatrics · 20 Years · 20,000+ Procedures

Dr. Alejandro López is one of Mexico's most respected bariatric surgeons. After completing fellowship training at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, he's been performing weight loss surgery since 2005 — with over 20,000 successful procedures and published research in peer-reviewed surgical journals.

He's a member of ASMBS, IFSO, AAAASF, and FACS — the most prestigious bariatric medical organizations.

Learn More About Dr. Alejandro López

FAQ

Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana — Frequently Asked Questions

Real questions from US and Canadian patients planning their gastric sleeve in Tijuana. If yours isn't here, message Dr. López's team — same-day reply.

Is gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana safe?

Yes — when performed at accredited facilities by board-certified surgeons, gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana has safety outcomes comparable to top U.S. bariatric centers. ALO operates at Hospital Dreams Tijuana with board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Alejandro López, who has performed 20,000+ bariatric procedures over 20+ years. The same Ethicon surgical staples, FDA-approved anesthesia, and surgical protocols used at U.S. bariatric centers are used in Tijuana.

What hospital does ALO use for gastric sleeve in Tijuana?

All ALO Tijuana gastric sleeve procedures are performed at Hospital Dreams Tijuana — a top accredited bariatric center located 10 minutes from the US-Mexico border. The facility is equipped with advanced laparoscopic operating rooms, Da Vinci robotic surgical systems, private recovery suites for international patients, and a bilingual medical team specialized in care for US and Canadian patients.

How long do I stay in Tijuana for gastric sleeve?

A total of 4 nights in Tijuana: 1 night in the hotel before surgery (for pre-op evaluation and lab work), 2 nights at Hospital Dreams Tijuana after surgery for monitoring, and 1 final night in the recovery hotel after hospital discharge before flying home. Most US and Canadian patients return to office work in about 10 days.

What airport do I fly into for gastric sleeve in Tijuana?

Most patients fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN), where our ALO team picks you up and handles the US-Mexico border crossing — Hospital Dreams Tijuana is only 10 minutes from the border crossing. You can also fly directly into Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) if you prefer to land in Mexico.

Can I drive across the border for surgery in Tijuana?

Yes. You can drive your own car directly across the US-Mexico border to Hospital Dreams Tijuana. Alternatively — and preferred by many patients — you can park your car at a secure long-term parking lot in San Diego, and our ALO chauffeur will pick you up and bring you to Tijuana for surgery, then drive you back to your car after your recovery in Mexico.

Do I need a passport to come to Tijuana for surgery?

Yes — US citizens need a valid passport book (or U.S. Passport Card for land crossings only) to enter Tijuana and return to the United States. Canadian patients require a valid passport. We recommend checking that your passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity before booking your gastric sleeve in Tijuana.

Why is gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana cheaper than the U.S.?

Lower hospital overhead, no insurance billing markup, lower malpractice premiums, and U.S.-border location combine to drop the price ~75% below U.S. levels. The same surgical staples, anesthesia drugs, and medical devices (Ethicon, Medtronic) are used in Tijuana as in U.S. centers — only the cost structure differs, not the surgical quality.

What's included in the $4,500 Tijuana gastric sleeve package?

The all-inclusive Tijuana package covers the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, 2 nights at Hospital Dreams Tijuana, 1 night at the pre-op hotel, 1 night at the recovery hotel, ground transportation in Tijuana and border pickup, pre-op lab work, post-op nutritionist support, and 12-month follow-up. Flights are not included.

Is Tijuana cheaper than Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara for gastric sleeve?

Yes — Tijuana is typically the most affordable destination for gastric sleeve in Mexico because of its proximity to the US border (lower transport costs for both patients and supplies) and the high-volume bariatric programs in the area. Tijuana starts at $4,500 USD, while Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara start at $5,000 USD.