Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
Gastric Bypass Surgery
The gold standard weight loss surgical procedure performed by Dr. Luis Cervantes — tailored to help you achieve significant, long-lasting health improvements.
Procedure Overview
How Gastric Bypass Helps with Weight Loss
Gastric bypass surgery is widely considered the gold standard weight loss surgical procedure. On average, most patients lose 70% to 80% of their extra weight. The procedure helps you lose weight effectively by making you feel full and satisfied, changing the way your brain senses hunger, and making it uncomfortable to eat foods that are high in fat and sugar.
After your surgery, a small meal will feel like a very large meal because the newly created small stomach pouch can’t hold a lot of food. When you eat, the walls of your stomach stretch and your body sends a message to your brain that you’re full. Over time, if you eat healthy foods, your body and brain will feel hunger differently. Because the surgery reduces the amount of the hormone ghrelin your body makes, your brain will naturally prompt you to eat smaller, healthier amounts of food.
Real Results
Before & After: Gastric Bypass 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
Success is Better Health
Not Just Weight Loss
Reclaiming Your Health
If you exercise and eat a healthy diet after surgery, the changes can be dramatic. Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y surgery) is very successful for improving severe obesity-related conditions:
Long-term Wellness
As you lose weight, a variety of health problems will get better over time. For example, some patients who have been diabetic can stop taking their diabetic pills and insulin before they even leave the hospital, while others will likely be able to reduce their insulin dose dramatically.
"Remember, the surgery will help, but you must make lasting changes to your food and exercise habits to lose weight and keep it off. This program gives you the tools to improve your health. We will encourage you to be successful."
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Gastric Bypass
How will my body digest food after surgery?
When you swallow food, it goes into the small upper pouch of the stomach, which holds about one ounce of liquid or 2-3 small bites. From there, food passes through a half-inch opening (anastomosis) directly into the upper small intestine (jejunum).
The new small pouch won't break up food like your old stomach did; instead, the small intestine will digest food using enzymes made by your other organs. Note that while you absorb food normally, some vitamins or extended-release medicines may absorb differently.
What can I eat after surgery?
For the first two weeks, you can only consume pureed food (liquified in a blender). Afterward, you transition to soft solid foods, and most patients can eat regular foods after one month. You must chew your food well before swallowing so it passes easily into the small intestine.
Right after surgery, low-fat and low-carb protein shakes are essential. Long-term, you need to avoid high-calorie liquids because the surgery changes how your body processes sugar and fat.
Why avoid foods high in sugar and fat?
Before surgery, sweets and fats were processed by the stomach. After a gastric bypass, food goes directly into the intestine, which can't process them efficiently. This is known as "dumping syndrome".
Dumping can lead to feeling weak, sweaty, diarrhea, and a faster heart rate. To prevent this, simply avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat after your procedure.
Preparing for gastric bypass 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 bypass surgery in Tijuana.
How long does the surgery take?
The gastric bypass 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
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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 HouseThe 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 Sleeve* Inicia tu proceso hoy para recibir un presupuesto completo a tu caso, recuerda que cada caso es personalizado.
Gastric 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 Bypass* Inicia tu proceso hoy para recibir un presupuesto completo a tu caso, recuerda que cada caso es personalizado.
Mini 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 Bypass* Inicia tu proceso hoy para recibir un presupuesto completo a tu caso, recuerda que cada caso es personalizado.
SASI 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 Surgery* Inicia tu proceso hoy para recibir un presupuesto completo a tu caso, recuerda que cada caso es personalizado.
Revision 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 Revisions* Inicia tu proceso hoy para recibir un presupuesto completo a tu caso, recuerda que cada caso es personalizado.
Ready 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.
Financing Available
Flexible payment plans with our trusted partners. Achieve your weight loss goals today.