Life-Changing Weight Loss Surgery: Minutes from San Diego

Bariatric procedures at Russald Medical Center cost 65–75% less than the US average. For example, a gastric sleeve runs about $4,500–$6,000 versus roughly $15,000–$25,000 in the US; gastric bypass and revision are priced proportionally (see our pricing comparison). The exact price depends on the procedure and your clinical profile — your coordinator provides a detailed, itemized quote after your evaluation, with no hidden facility fees.

General criteria include a BMI of 35 or higher, or BMI 30+ with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. You should also have a documented history of unsuccessful diet and exercise attempts and a commitment to post-operative dietary changes. Every patient is evaluated individually — your pre-op workup determines final candidacy before a date is scheduled.

Safety depends on the facility, the surgical team, and the pre-operative protocols in place — not the country. Russald Medical Center's bariatric surgeons hold fellowship training equivalent to leading US programs. No procedure is scheduled without a complete pre-operative evaluation including bloodwork and cardiac clearance. We operate in a fully equipped facility and provide structured written discharge instructions and remote follow-up for every patient.

Most patients spend 2–5 days in Tijuana following the procedure. Laparoscopic techniques reduce incision size and recovery time significantly. You can expect to return to light activity within 2–3 weeks and most normal activities within 4–6 weeks. Dietary progression — liquid, soft, then solid food — takes approximately 6–8 weeks and is detailed in your written discharge instructions.

No in-person pre-consultation is required. Your coordinator collects your health history, current medications, and any prior diagnostic results by phone or email. If you are a viable candidate, your pre-operative workup is completed in Tijuana on arrival — typically the day before your scheduled procedure.

You receive written discharge instructions and a scheduled remote follow-up before you leave. Your coordinator remains reachable for questions after you return. If you need immediate care, seek it at your nearest US emergency facility and share your discharge summary — provided in both English and Spanish — with the treating team. We coordinate with your local provider as needed.

Most US insurance plans do not cover elective procedures performed outside the country. A small number of self-insured employers offer medical tourism benefits — check your Summary Plan Description or contact your HR department. In most cases, the out-of-pocket cost at Russald Medical Center is still substantially lower than US pricing even after accounting for deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

Gastric sleeve (VSG) removes approximately 75–80% of the stomach, creating a narrow tube that limits intake and reduces hunger hormone production. Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine, combining restriction with a degree of malabsorption. Bypass typically produces greater weight loss and stronger improvement in type 2 diabetes, but involves higher surgical complexity and a longer recovery. Your surgeon will recommend the appropriate procedure based on your BMI, comorbidities, and surgical history.