How much do Americans save on bariatric surgery in Mexico?

Americans typically save $10,000 to $20,000 USD per procedure. Gastric sleeve costs $4,500 USD at ALO Bariatrics Tijuana versus $15,000 to $25,000 in the US.

How long do I need to stay in Mexico after bariatric surgery?

Typically 4 to 6 nights total: 2 to 3 nights post-op in the hospital, followed by 2 to 3 nights at the recovery hotel before flying home.

Can I get follow-up care in the United States after surgery?

Yes. We provide detailed post-op records for your US physician and offer remote video follow-ups with our team during the first year post-surgery.

FOR US PATIENTS · BOARD-CERTIFIED CARE

The Best Bariatric Surgeon in Mexico for Americans

Q: Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico for surgery?

For air travel a US passport book is required. For land crossing San Diego to Tijuana, a US Passport Card ($65 USD) is the most budget-friendly option. We can also issue a Medical Necessity Letter for expedited passport processing.

Q: Will my US insurance cover bariatric surgery in Mexico?

Most US health insurance does not cover bariatric surgery outside the United States. However many patients still save substantial money paying cash in Mexico versus US self-pay or US deductibles plus copays.

Dr. Alejandro López — 20,000+ bariatric procedures, US-recognized board certifications, all-inclusive packages, and ground transportation from San Diego. Trusted by Americans for 20+ years.

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20,000+Procedures Done

20+Years Experience

4.9★114 Google Reviews

3Mexico Locations

WHY AMERICANS COME TO ALO BARIATRICS

A US-Recognized Bariatric Team Across the Border

Same training. Same accreditation. 50–70% less. Dr. Alejandro López trained and continues to be certified by the same organizations that govern bariatric surgery in the United States — FACS, ASMBS, and IFSO. That's why thousands of US patients have chosen ALO Bariatrics over their hometown options.

FACS — Fellow American College of Surgeons ASMBS — American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery IFSO — International Federation for Surgery of Obesity CMCOEM — Mexican Bariatric Board CMCG — Mexican General Surgery Board

Looking for a Top Bariatric Surgeon in Mexico?

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Over 20,000 procedures performed · 20+ years experience · Board-Certified Bariatric Surgeons

YOUR SURGEON

Dr. Alejandro López — Recognized in the US, Operating in Mexico

Dr. Alejandro López is one of Mexico's most experienced bariatric surgeons, with 20,000+ procedures completed over his 20+ year career. His credentials are recognized in the United States: he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and a board-certified bariatric surgeon under the same standards that govern US-based bariatric programs.

He is a pioneer of Da Vinci robotic bariatric surgery in Mexico and routinely performs sleeve, bypass, SADI-S, duodenal switch, and revision procedures across all three ALO Bariatrics locations.

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Dr. Alejandro López, bariatric surgeon in Mexico, in the operating room

3 MEXICO LOCATIONS · US PATIENT-FRIENDLY

Choose the Location That Works for Your Travel

All three locations operate with the same surgical team, same accreditation, and same all-inclusive package model. Your choice depends on travel preferences.

🚐

Tijuana

Closest to USA. Hospital Dreams. Ground transportation from San Diego (SAN) included — most US patients fly into San Diego and we pick them up.

Best for: West Coast, Texas, Arizona patients who want a quick flight.

✈️

Guadalajara

Direct flights from many US cities. Hospital Puerta de Hierro (Da Vinci robotic available). Many patients fly direct to GDL — no border crossing needed.

Best for: Patients who prefer one direct flight, robotic surgery candidates.

🌴

Puerto Vallarta

Beach recovery option. Centro Médico Joya. Direct flights from major US cities. Ideal for patients combining surgery with a peaceful coastal recovery.

Best for: Patients who want a peaceful recovery setting.

TRAVEL · DOCUMENTS · LOGISTICS

Traveling to Mexico for Surgery — Made Simple for US Patients

Two main travel paths, depending on which location you choose. Both options include ground transport in Mexico, hotel coordination, and 24/7 bilingual concierge support.

🛬 Option 1 — Fly to San Diego (SAN), Cross to Tijuana

Fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN)
ALO ground transportation picks you up at SAN and drives you across the border to Hospital Dreams (Tijuana)
Return: we drive you back to SAN for your flight home
Travel time: about 30–60 min from SAN to hospital
Cheapest flight option from most US cities

✈️ Option 2 — Direct Flight to Guadalajara (GDL) or Puerto Vallarta (PVR)

Direct flights from many US cities (Houston, Dallas, LAX, Phoenix, etc.)
No border crossing needed
ALO airport pickup at GDL or PVR
One-flight convenience for cross-country patients
Ideal for Da Vinci robotic candidates (GDL)

📘 About US Travel Documents

For air travel: A valid US passport book is required (no exceptions).

For land border crossing (San Diego → Tijuana): A US Passport Card ($65 USD) is the budget-friendly option — it's WHTI-compliant for land/sea entry and costs half of a full passport book.

Don't have a passport yet? ALO Bariatrics can issue an official Medical Necessity Letter for expedited passport processing. This letter documents that you have a scheduled bariatric surgery in Mexico and need rush passport service. Many patients receive their passport in 2–3 weeks instead of 6–8.

Request your medical necessity letter → · Full passport guide →

COST COMPARISON · USA VS MEXICO

How Much Do Americans Save?

All-inclusive packages at ALO Bariatrics cost 50–70% less than equivalent US procedures. Below: typical US self-pay cost vs ALO Bariatrics package (Tijuana location, all-inclusive).

Procedure	US Cost	ALO (from)
Gastric Sleeve	$15,000–$25,000	$4,500
Gastric Bypass	$20,000–$35,000	$5,900
Mini Gastric Bypass	$20,000–$30,000	$5,900
SADI-S	$25,000–$40,000	$6,900
Duodenal Switch	$25,000–$40,000	$7,200
Revision Surgery	$20,000–$30,000	$6,700

💰 Average savings: $10,000–$20,000 USD per procedure (Tijuana prices shown).

REVIEWS · 114 VERIFIED

What US Patients Say About ALO Bariatrics

4.9

★★★★★

114 verified Google reviews

"From the moment I landed in San Diego, ALO took care of everything — pickup, hospital, hotel, return trip. Dr. López explained every step in perfect English. Lost 90 lbs in a year." — US Patient, Tijuana sleeve, 2025

"I was nervous about going to Mexico. The accreditation, the surgeon's US credentials, the all-inclusive package — it was actually safer and more organized than what I would have gotten at home. Saved $18,000." — US Patient, Tijuana bypass, 2025

Our 4.9★ average reflects 114 patient reviews on Google. Dr. Alejandro López leads our surgical team at all three locations (Tijuana, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta); patient experience standards apply consistently across all sites.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common Questions from US Patients

Is bariatric surgery in Mexico safe for Americans?

Yes, when performed at an accredited facility by a board-certified surgeon. ALO Bariatrics operates at accredited Hospital Dreams (Tijuana), Hospital Puerta de Hierro (Guadalajara), and Centro Médico Joya (Puerto Vallarta). Dr. Alejandro López is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a member of ASMBS — the same credentials required to practice in the United States. Complication rates at our facility are comparable to or lower than US averages.

Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico for surgery?

For air travel: yes, a valid US passport book is required. For land border crossing (San Diego to Tijuana): a US Passport Card ($65 USD) is the most budget-friendly option — it's WHTI-compliant and costs half of a full passport book. We can also issue a Medical Necessity Letter for expedited passport processing if you need it faster.

What is included in the all-inclusive package?

Surgeon fees, anesthesia, accredited hospital, pre-op labs, post-op care, ground transportation in Mexico (and from San Diego if applicable), hotel coordination, 24/7 bilingual concierge, and post-op nutrition guidance. International flights are not included.

How long do I need to stay in Mexico after surgery?

Typically 4–6 nights total: 2–3 nights post-op recovery in the hospital, followed by 2–3 nights at the recovery hotel before flying home. Detailed timeline depends on your specific procedure.

Will my US insurance cover bariatric surgery in Mexico?

Most US health insurance plans do not cover bariatric surgery performed outside the United States. However, many patients still save money paying cash for surgery in Mexico vs. paying US self-pay or US deductibles + copays. We accept payment via wire transfer, credit card, and HSA/FSA funds.

Can I get my follow-up care in the United States?

Yes. We provide detailed post-op records you can share with your US primary care physician or any local surgeon. We also offer remote video follow-ups with our team for the first year post-surgery.

What if I need revision surgery later?

ALO Bariatrics handles revision cases (sleeve-to-bypass, fundoplication-to-bypass, gastric bypass revisions, etc.). Many of our US patients return for revisions because the cost savings are even larger on complex revision procedures.

Ready to Start Your Journey to a Healthier Weight?

Free initial evaluation with Dr. Alejandro López. We'll review your case, recommend the right procedure, and walk you through the entire travel + cost plan.

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