Popular Procedures Guide
Understand your options — from weight loss surgery to post-weight-loss contouring.
Popular Procedures Guide
From weight loss surgery to post-weight-loss contouring, here's a plain-language overview of the procedures most US patients ask about.
Gastric Sleeve
The most popular weight loss surgery
A vertical sleeve gastrectomy removes roughly 75–80% of the stomach, creating a smaller banana-shaped stomach that limits food intake and reduces hunger hormones.
- Tijuana price
- $4,500 – $6,500
- Typical recovery
- 2–4 weeks
Best for: BMI 30+ seeking strong, durable weight loss
Gastric Bypass
Gold standard for higher BMI & diabetes
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, combining restriction with reduced absorption. Often recommended for severe reflux or type 2 diabetes.
- Tijuana price
- $6,000 – $9,000
- Typical recovery
- 3–6 weeks
Best for: Higher BMI, GERD, or metabolic conditions
Duodenal Switch (SADI-S)
Maximum weight loss for severe obesity
A two-part procedure that combines a sleeve gastrectomy with an intestinal bypass. It offers the most powerful and durable weight loss and strong type 2 diabetes remission, but requires diligent lifelong nutrition and vitamin follow-up.
- Tijuana price
- $7,000 – $11,000
- Typical recovery
- 4–6 weeks
Best for: BMI 50+ or severe metabolic disease
Gastric Balloon
Non-surgical, temporary weight loss
A soft silicone balloon is placed in the stomach endoscopically (no incisions) and inflated to reduce capacity for about six months. A reversible kickstart for lower-BMI patients not ready for surgery.
- Tijuana price
- $3,500 – $5,000
- Typical recovery
- 3–5 days
Best for: BMI 27–35 wanting a non-surgical option
Gastric Band (Lap-Band)
Adjustable, reversible restriction
An adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper stomach to create a small pouch. It's reversible and adjustable, though it generally produces slower weight loss than sleeve or bypass.
- Tijuana price
- $4,000 – $6,500
- Typical recovery
- 1–2 weeks
Best for: Patients wanting an adjustable, reversible option
Endoscopic Sleeve (ESG)
Incision-free, same-day weight loss
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) reshapes the stomach from the inside using sutures placed through an endoscope — no incisions. It's an outpatient, surgery-free option for patients who don't qualify for or prefer to avoid traditional surgery, with most patients discharged the same day.
- Tijuana price
- From $6,800
- Typical recovery
- 1–3 days
Best for: Lower-BMI patients wanting a non-surgical option
Magnetic Sleeve (Sleeve Plus™)
Sleeve + magnetic bipartition for diabetes
Sleeve Plus™ combines a gastric sleeve with a magnetic duodeno-ileal bipartition powered by the MagDI™ magnetic compression system. Magnets form a natural connection over several days — no extra staples or sutures — targeting both weight loss and type 2 diabetes control.
- Tijuana price
- Quote on request
- Typical recovery
- 2–4 weeks
Best for: Patients with type 2 diabetes seeking strong metabolic results
Magnetic Bypass (MagDI™)
Suture-free intestinal bypass with magnets
The MagDI™ (Magnetic Duodeno-Ileostomy) system uses magnetic compression anastomosis to create a staple-free, suture-free intestinal bypass. The magnets gradually form the new connection, reducing the risk of leaks and bleeding common with traditional bypass surgery.
- Tijuana price
- Quote on request
- Typical recovery
- 2–4 weeks
Best for: Patients seeking a less-invasive malabsorptive bypass
Gastric Sleeve Revision
Re-tighten or convert a prior sleeve
Sleeve revision (Sleeve Rescue™) addresses a stretched pouch, weight regain, or chronic reflux after a previous gastric sleeve. Depending on the case, the sleeve may be re-tightened or converted to another procedure, with traditional and robotic options available.
- Tijuana price
- $5,500 – $7,000
- Typical recovery
- ~6 weeks
Best for: Weight regain or reflux after a prior gastric sleeve
Gastric Bypass Revision
Repair or re-tighten a prior bypass
Bypass revision corrects a previous gastric bypass when the pouch or stoma has stretched, weight has been regained, or complications have developed. A custom surgical plan repairs or revises the original anatomy to restore results.
- Tijuana price
- $6,000 – $9,500
- Typical recovery
- ~6 weeks
Best for: Weight regain or complications after a prior gastric bypass
Body Contouring
Remove excess skin after weight loss
Post-bariatric body contouring (tummy tuck, arm lift, lower body lift) removes loose skin once weight has stabilized — completing the transformation journey safely under one coordinated team.
- Tijuana price
- $5,000 – $14,000
- Typical recovery
- 4–8 weeks
Best for: Patients 12–18 months post weight loss
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Flatten and tighten the midsection
Abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the underlying muscles — a common next step after major weight loss to restore a firm, flat contour.
- Tijuana price
- $4,000 – $7,000
- Typical recovery
- 3–6 weeks
Best for: Loose abdominal skin after weight loss or pregnancy
Facelift & Facial Rejuvenation
Refresh facial volume after slimming
Significant weight loss can age the face. A facelift or facial fat transfer restores definition and youthful contour, available through the Ariel Center for Cosmetic Surgery.
- Tijuana price
- $4,500 – $8,500
- Typical recovery
- 2–4 weeks
Best for: Facial volume loss after major weight reduction
Why Consider Bariatric Surgery in Mexico?
For thousands of US patients, Tijuana offers an affordable, accredited path to life-changing weight loss surgery — minutes from the California border.

Dramatic Savings
Self-pay patients may see substantial cost differences compared with typical US pricing. Actual savings vary by procedure, insurance status, travel expenses, complication coverage, and individual treatment needs — but cost should never be the only factor in choosing a bariatric program.
Accredited Care
Patients should verify whether the specific facility currently holds JCI, SRC, GHA, COFEPRIS, or other relevant accreditation, and should confirm what those accreditations cover.
Easy to Reach
A short flight to San Diego and a quick, coordinated border crossing — no long-haul travel required.
Shorter Wait Times
Some patients consider international or private-pay options when insurance delays, scheduling barriers, or local access limitations make timely care difficult.
Cost Comparison: USA vs. Tijuana, Mexico
Estimated all-inclusive ranges. Actual pricing depends on individual evaluation.
Average patient saves $15,000+ per procedure.
Ready to Compare Your Options?
Get a free, no-obligation personalized quote from our patient care team. We'll answer your questions and help you compare your options.