🏥 #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.

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

📚 Published in Obesity Surgery (2026)View publications →

Gastric Sleeve Surgery diagram — ALO Bariatrics

About the Procedure

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is the most popular weight loss surgery worldwide. The surgeon removes about 75–80% of your stomach, leaving a slender “sleeve” that holds far less food and reduces hunger hormones — so you feel full faster, eat less, and lose weight steadily.

Performed laparoscopically through small incisions, recovery is fast and most patients go home within 2 days.

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Also known as VSG: Gastric sleeve surgery is medically referred to as VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) or simply sleeve gastrectomy — all three names describe the same procedure performed by Dr. Alejandro López at ALO Bariatrics. For a complete overview of the procedure step-by-step, read our 14 Things to Know About VSG Surgery patient guide.

Why Patients Choose It

Why Gastric Sleeve?

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Highly Effective

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

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Fast Recovery

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

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Improves Health

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

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Long-Lasting

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

The Procedure

How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works

Small Laparoscopic Incisions

The surgeon makes 4–5 small incisions in the abdomen for the laparoscope and instruments. No large cuts — minimal scarring.

Creating the Vertical Sleeve

Using a stapling device, about 75–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve.

Recovery & Discharge

The procedure takes ~60 minutes. Most patients are walking the same day and go home in 2 days.

Success Stories

Real Patient Results

See the dramatic transformations our gastric sleeve patients have achieved at ALO Bariatrics — backed by safe surgical technique and lifelong support.

“Best decision of my life. I lost 95 lbs in 14 months. The team treated me like family from airport pickup to follow-up calls.”

— Jessica J., Texas (Verified Patient)

View More Patient Stories

Patient Stories on Video

Hear From Patients in Their Own Words

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Explained

Eduardo's Gastric Sleeve Anniversary

Kim — 4 Years After Her Surgery

Pricing

All-Inclusive Pricing for Gastric Sleeve

Same surgeon, same standard of care — choose the location that works best for you.

Location	All-Inclusive Price
Tijuana	From $4,500 USD
Guadalajara	From $5,000 USD
Puerto Vallarta	From $5,000 USD

* Prices may vary based on individual evaluation. Financing options available.

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

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.

Where We Operate

Destinations for Affordable, High-Quality Bariatric Care

Choose the destination that best fits your travel preferences. All three locations are accredited hospitals with the same surgical team led by Dr. Alejandro López.

Tijuana

Hospital Dreams

Just minutes from San Diego, ideal for US patients on the West Coast. Modern surgical technology focused on bariatric care.

Visit Tijuana

Guadalajara

Hospital Puerta de Hierro

High-specialty private hospital in Zapopan with advanced infrastructure and full multidisciplinary support.

Visit Guadalajara

Puerto Vallarta

Hospital Joya Riviera

Recover by the Pacific Coast — high-quality care plus a vacation-like experience for international patients.

Visit Puerto Vallarta

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

Advanced Technique

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS)

For qualified patients, we offer SILS — a single small incision through the belly button, leaving virtually no visible scar. Same proven results as traditional laparoscopic sleeve.

Virtually No Scarring

One incision hidden inside the navel.

Faster Recovery

Less tissue trauma means quicker return to normal activities.

SILS Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

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

What to Expect

Life After Gastric Sleeve

Week 1

Recovery

Liquid diet, light walking, mild discomfort. Most patients return to desk work in 7–10 days.

Month 1

15–25 lbs Lost

Pureed foods, energy returns, noticeably smaller portions feel satisfying.

Month 6

40–60 lbs Lost

Most weight loss happens here. Confidence, mobility, and energy soar.

Year 1

60–70% EWL

Most patients reach goal weight. Co-morbidities like diabetes often improve significantly (results vary by patient).

FAQ

Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana — Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Am I a candidate?

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

When can I fly home?

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, hotel, transfers, and follow-up.

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.

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 as in U.S. centers — only the cost structure differs.

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

Surgeon fee, anesthesiologist, hospital room (1 night), pre-op bloodwork and EKG, all medications during stay, hotel before and after surgery, ground transport from San Diego/Tijuana airport, post-op visits, and follow-up support for 12 months. Flights to San Diego and meals at the hotel are excluded.

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

Yes. Tijuana starts at $4,500 versus $5,000 in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara — a $500 difference. Tijuana is the most affordable option for U.S. patients within driving distance or short flights to San Diego.

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.