Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
World-class sleeve gastrectomy performed by Dr. Luis Cervantes — minimally invasive, safe, and tailored to your weight-loss goals.
Procedure Overview
What Is a Gastric Sleeve?
A gastric sleeve—also known as sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG)—is a surgical weight-loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach. Designed for individuals struggling with obesity, it helps achieve significant, sustained weight loss by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold. During the procedure, Dr. Cervantes removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped pouch that resembles a banana. With a smaller stomach, patients feel full more quickly and naturally consume fewer calories.
The gastric sleeve is performed laparoscopically, using small incisions and a tiny camera to guide the surgeon. This minimally invasive approach translates into shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and significantly reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery. Today, it is widely considered one of the safest and most effective bariatric procedures available — and at Cervantes Bariatrics in Tijuana, we perform it with the precision and personalized care that international patients deserve.
Real Results
Before & After: Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico
Real transformations from our international patients. Click any image to see the full story.
Financing Available
Flexible payment plans with our trusted partners
Health Beyond Weight Loss
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
What Does a Custom Gastric Sleeve Treat?
The gastric sleeve is a powerful, evidence-based solution for individuals facing obesity and its most common comorbidities. It is especially effective for treating:
Added Health Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico
Beyond weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery is well-documented to improve a wide range of obesity-related conditions:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Reduced risk of heart disease & heart failure
- Improvement in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and enhanced fertility
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know
What is the gastric sleeve procedure?
A vertical sleeve is created within the stomach through precise surgical stapling, removing approximately 75–80% of the stomach and leaving a narrow, banana-shaped pouch that restricts food intake.
Is the gastric sleeve procedure painful?
Your comfort matters to us. Our patients tell us that any residual pain is minimal and well-managed. Some patients experience temporary bloating after the procedure, which usually resolves within a few days.
What are the side effects of gastric sleeve?
The most common side effects are bloating and heartburn; leakage is extremely rare. Thanks to Dr. Cervantes' refined technique — including reinforced suture lines and meticulous staple-line management — post-surgery complications are significantly lower than the industry average.
Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery
You will be guided through a pre-surgery diet along with supplements. Our certified nutritionists will walk you through every step to ensure you are fully prepared to undergo a customized gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana.
How long does the surgery take?
The gastric sleeve procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Because it is performed laparoscopically through small incisions, the minimally invasive technique allows for a shorter operating time, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications.
What is the recovery time after surgery?
Recovery involves spending one night in the hospital under our care. This is followed by a structured three-month program to gradually transition your diet — from liquids and purées back to normal, solid foods — supervised by our nutritional team.
Schedule a Consultation
Getting Here
You will fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN). Our private driver will pick you up directly from the airport and transport you to Centro Médico Premier in Tijuana — just minutes from the border. You may bring one companion who will stay with you throughout.
Arrive
Transport
Late Arrivals
Return Flight
Documents
What to Bring
Clothing
- Elastic-waist pants or yoga pants
- Comfortable T-shirts / tank tops
- Light jacket or hoodie
- Slip-on shoes or flip-flops
Toiletries
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Deodorant, face wash, body wash
- Chapstick (hospital air is dry)
- Alcohol pads (to remove adhesive from incision sites)
Other Essentials
- All prescription medications (labeled)
- Cell phone + charger
- Small amount of cash (tips for driver & nursing staff)
- Snacks/tea for your companion
Payment & Deposit Information
Clear, transparent rates and secure options for your life-changing weight-loss transformation.
| Procedure | Price (BMI < 50) |
|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve (VSG) | $4,900 |
| Single Incision Gastric Sleeve (BMI 30–35 only) | $5,900 |
| Gastric Bypass (RYGB) | $6,500 |
| Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) | $6,500 |
| SASI | $6,900 |
| SADI | $7,500 |
| Gastric Balloon | $3,700 |
| Gastric Balloon Extraction | $1,000 |
| Revisional Surgery | Procedure price + $1,000 |
BMI Considerations
Additional costs applied according to patient's body mass index measurements to cover specialized operating room requirements.
50 – 59
+ $500
60 – 69
+ $1,000
70+
+ $1,500 – $2,500
(potential $1,000 for ICU post-op)Deposit & Payment Methods
A $500 deposit is required within 7 days of scheduling your surgery date.
The deposit is non-refundable but transferable (with minimum 6 weeks' notice).
Balance is due in cash on the day of surgery, or financed through an approved medical loan company.
Always include your Name, Procedure, and Surgery Date in the payment memo.
Send proof of payment (screenshot) to your coordinator immediately.
Accepted Channels
Zelle Option 1 (Preferred)
619-831-5212
Zelle Option 2 (Preferred)
drc.zelle@gmail.com
Venmo & PayPal
Deposit via Venmo/PayPal = $540
Credit/Debit Card (in hospital)
VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover
Financing Available
Flexible payment plans with our trusted partners
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease that affects multiple organ systems and dramatically increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, joint degeneration, and certain cancers. It is not a lack of willpower — it is a medical condition that requires medical treatment.
BMI Classification
| BMI Range | Classification |
|---|---|
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 – 34.9 | Obesity Class I |
| 35 – 39.9 | Obesity Class II |
| 40 – 49.9 | Morbid Obesity |
| 50 – 59.9 | Super Obesity |
| > 60 | Super Super Obesity |
Who Is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
- BMI ≥ 40 regardless of comorbidities
- BMI ≥ 35 with at least one obesity-related condition (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.)
- BMI ≥ 30 with severe metabolic disease (case-by-case evaluation)
- Prior failed attempts at sustained weight loss through diet and exercise
- Commitment to lifestyle changes and long-term follow-up
The Cervantes Experience
Discover why thousands trust us to change their lives forever
Read Our Google Reviews
See what 279 patients are saying about their journey
Inspire Others With Your Journey
Your transformation story is our greatest pride. Sharing your experience helps others feel confident about taking their first step towards a healthier life.
Share Your ExperienceYour All-Inclusive Bariatric Experience
One transparent price. Total peace of mind. We handle every detail of your journey so you can focus entirely on your transformation, health, and recovery.
Board-Certified Experts
Led by Dr. Cervantes, our elite surgical team is dedicated to metabolic health, precision, and patient safety.
Hospital & Surgery Fees
No hidden costs. Full surgical facility access, medical team, and anesthesia fees are completely included.
Premium Accommodations
Comfortable stays at our exclusive Guest House and top-tier hospital rooms designed for a peaceful recovery.
Private Transportation
Seamless, secure door-to-door transportation from the San Diego Airport directly to our facilities.
Bilingual Support
Friendly, fluent English-speaking patient coordinators by your side to assist you at every single step.
Dietary & Post-Op Care
Expert nutritional counseling and continuous medical follow-up to ensure optimal, long-lasting weight loss.
Centro Médico Premier
One of Tijuana's most prestigious and advanced medical centers. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art surgical technology and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), ensuring our bariatric patients receive the highest standards of safety and care comparable to top U.S. hospitals.
Explore Facility
Alfa Guest House
A safe, spacious, and relaxing sanctuary where your journey begins. After we pick you up from the San Diego airport, you and your companion will arrive at Alfa Guest House. Enjoy comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, TV, board games, and the chance to connect with fellow patients in a welcoming, home-like environment designed exclusively for your comfort.
Discover Alfa Guest HouseMeet Our Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Cervantes is a world-class leader in the field of metabolic weight loss. He has dedicated his career to developing proprietary protocols that guarantee enhanced safety, faster recovery, and exceptional long-term success for his patients.
Dr. Luis Cervantes
Lead Surgeon & Founder
A Legacy of Transforming Lives
With over a decade of specialized surgical experience, Dr. Cervantes approaches every patient not just as a medical case, but as a member of the family. His philosophy blends surgical precision with unmatched human warmth, ensuring you feel completely supported before, during, and long after your procedure.
Beyond his surgical expertise, Dr. Cervantes is a visionary in holistic patient transformation. He is the proud founder of a trusted network of medical partners designed to support you at every stage of your journey to a new you.
Professional Highlights
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Board-Certified Surgeon Holds fully active, up-to-date medical credentials and specialized bariatric certifications.
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Extensive Experience Over 12 years of specialized practice with thousands of successful, life-changing procedures.
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Visionary Founder Creator and founder of our trusted partners: Cervantes Body Contouring, Alfacellbiotech, and VoxEva, offering a comprehensive health and aesthetics ecosystem.
The Informed Journey
Our VIP Private Facebook Community
This is a private educational community for people who want to understand the full weight-loss transformation process — from bariatric surgery to post-weight-loss body contouring.
Here, thousands of individuals share real experiences, thoughtful questions, and practical insights. This space exists because successful outcomes are not built only in the operating room — they are built through preparation, education, and long-term vision.
- Ask questions openly or completely anonymously in a judgment-free zone.
- Moderated directly by the Cervantes Bariatrics & CBC Plastics medical team.
- Not a sales group. It is a space to learn, listen, and make informed decisions.
Real Stories. Real People.
Be part of our Facebook family.
Excellence in Bariatric Care
Our Procedures
We utilize the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques to ensure your safety, comfort, and long-lasting weight loss success.
Gastric Sleeve
The most popular and effective bariatric procedure. We remove approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a smaller "sleeve" that restricts food intake and significantly reduces hunger hormones, promoting rapid and safe weight loss.
Read more about Gastric SleeveGastric Bypass
Considered the gold standard in bariatric surgery. This procedure creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the intestines. It provides exceptional weight loss results and is highly effective in resolving type 2 diabetes and severe acid reflux.
Read more about Gastric BypassMini Gastric Bypass
A simplified, highly effective alternative to the traditional bypass. It features a shorter operating time, excellent weight loss results, and lower complication rates while effectively improving metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Read more about Mini Gastric BypassSASI Surgery
The Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal bypass combines the benefits of a gastric sleeve with a controlled intestinal bypass. This advanced technique delivers powerful, sustained weight loss and excellent metabolic results while preserving nutrient absorption.
Read more about SASI SurgeryRevision Surgery
For patients who experienced complications or insufficient results from a previous bariatric procedure. Our expert team carefully evaluates each case to correct, convert, or enhance prior surgeries, helping you get back on track toward your goals.
Read more about Revision SurgeryReady to Transform Your Life?
Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Schedule your free evaluation with Dr. Cervantes and our expert team today.