Weight Loss Surgery · Tijuana, Mexico
The main difference between a gastric sleeve and a gastric bypass is how they work: a sleeve removes about 80% of the stomach to restrict how much you eat, while a bypass also reroutes the small intestine for a stronger metabolic effect. The bypass typically achieves greater total weight loss but is a more complex surgery with a longer recovery. At Russald Medical Center in Tijuana, both cost 65–75% less than in the US, and the right option for you is confirmed in your free evaluation.
Medically reviewed by Russald Medical Center — April 25, 2026
Two Procedures at a Glance
Two proven bariatric procedures with different mechanisms, recovery, and cost. Your surgeon confirms the right fit for you at your free evaluation.
A restrictive procedure: about 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving the digestive tract intact. Simpler surgery, often with a faster recovery — many patients are up and walking the same day.
From $4,500–$6,000 at Russald — 65–75% less than the US.
Restrictive AND malabsorptive: a small stomach pouch plus a rerouted small intestine, for a stronger metabolic effect — often considered when conditions like type 2 diabetes are a factor. A more complex surgery with a longer recovery.
From $5,500 at Russald — 65–75% less than the US.
Side by Side
Gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass cost in Mexico vs the US, side by side — how the two procedures compare on technique, recovery, reversibility, and price. The right option for you is confirmed at your free evaluation.
| Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Removes ~80% of the stomach | Small stomach pouch + rerouted small intestine |
| Mechanism | Restrictive | Restrictive + malabsorptive |
| Metabolic effect | Strong | Stronger (incl. more diabetes improvement) |
| Surgical complexity | Less complex | More complex |
| Typical recovery | Faster (often walking same day) | Longer |
| Reversibility | Permanent (stomach portion removed) | Technically reversible, considered permanent |
| Cost in Tijuana | $4,500 – $6,000 | From $5,500 |
| US typical cost | $15,000 – $25,000 | $18,000 – $28,000 |
| You save vs US | 65–75% | 65–75% |
Which Is Right for You?
A sleeve may suit you if…
You want a simpler first procedure with a shorter recovery and strong restriction.
A bypass may suit you if…
A stronger metabolic effect matters — for example when type 2 diabetes or significant acid reflux is part of your picture.
In every case
The right choice depends on your anatomy, medical history, BMI, and goals, and is determined with your surgeon at your free evaluation — not self-selected.
Explore & Compare
See each procedure in detail, review the full cost breakdown, or get your personalized recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gastric sleeve removes a portion of the stomach, leaving the digestive tract intact. Gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, producing stronger metabolic effects — including more significant diabetes improvement. Bypass typically achieves greater total weight loss but is a more complex surgery with a longer recovery.
Gastric bypass typically achieves greater total weight loss and stronger metabolic effects, while the sleeve is simpler with a faster recovery. The best option depends on your clinical profile and is confirmed at your evaluation.
A gastric sleeve is from $4,500–$6,000 and a gastric bypass from $5,500 at Russald — both about 65–75% less than US prices. Your exact cost is confirmed at your free evaluation.
A gastric sleeve is permanent, because a portion of the stomach is removed. A gastric bypass is technically reversible but is considered a permanent procedure — reversal is rarely performed and typically only in cases of serious complications.
Gastric bypass is often considered when a stronger metabolic effect is a priority — for example with type 2 diabetes — and may be preferred when significant acid reflux is part of your picture. Suitability is not self-diagnosed; it is confirmed with your surgeon at your evaluation.
Request a free evaluation: your surgeon reviews your medical profile, BMI, and goals and recommends the best option for you. There is no obligation, and your written recommendation and quote are confirmed before you travel.
No Commitment Required
Our team reviews your case individually: connecting you with the right specialist at no cost and with no obligation to proceed.
Pre-approval path: submit your profile and receive a pre-approval decision
Response within 1 business day: often same day
Fully confidential: your information is never shared
Minutes from San Diego: no flights, no long trips
English-speaking team handles your case from start to finish
Transparent pricing: receive a personalized cost breakdown
Step 1 of 2 · Takes about 2 minutes.
