How Many Patients Undergo Bariatric Surgery Each Year in Mexico? Stats and Figures

How Many Undergo Bariatric Surgery in Mexico Per Year

Going to Mexico for weight loss surgery is more common than you think. Estimates vary on the total yearly patients undergoing some sort of weight loss surgery in Mexico. Depending on who you ask the estimates vary greatly. Renew Bariatrics estimates roughly between 10,000-20,000 patients undergo surgery per year in Mexico. With most patients choosing Tijuana, for their bariatric procedure.

This compares with 256,000 undergoing bariatric surgery in the US in 2019.

Data for 2020 is skewed because of COVID-19 Pandemic – when hospitals was cancelling and delaying various non life threatening surgeries.

If you’re interested in learning more about bariatric surgery industry, please review our statistics page.

Why Do People Undergo Bariatric Surgery?


People undergo bariatric surgery for a multitude of reasons, and the decision is often rooted in a complex interplay of physical, emotional, and psychological factors. One of the primary motivations is the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle and improved overall well-being. People who have struggled with severe obesity and its associated health risks may turn to bariatric surgery as a medically endorsed and effective solution to address their weight-related issues. These procedures can lead to substantial weight loss, helping to alleviate conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint pain, thus enhancing the quality of life.

Beyond the physical aspects, bariatric surgery also addresses the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany obesity. Many individuals grapple with feelings of low self-esteem, depression, and social stigmatization due to their weight. Bariatric surgery offers a transformative opportunity for individuals to regain confidence, boost self-esteem, and redefine their relationship with their bodies. The process involves not only the physical transformation but also a holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being, with many patients reporting significant improvements in mental health post-surgery.

In addition, bariatric surgery is viewed as a proactive step towards preventing and managing obesity-related complications in the long term. It serves as a tool for breaking the cycle of unsuccessful weight loss attempts, providing a sustainable and impactful solution for those who have exhausted traditional methods. Overall, the decision to undergo bariatric surgery is a deeply personal one, influenced by a desire for improved health, enhanced self-esteem, and a renewed sense of control over one’s life.

Tijuana is the World’s Biggest Destination for Bariatric Surgery

Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico is the world’s biggest destination for bariatric surgeries today. To understand why so many choose Tijuana, Mexico, we first need to see how Tijuana has progressed throughout the years.

Since the invention of the Gastric Banding procedure (Lap-Band Surgery) in the late 2000s, people started to flock to Tijuana, Mexico to undergo affordable self-pay surgery. During those times, Gastric banding was roughly $8,000-$9,000 USD depending on the surgeon and location, saving patients tens of thousands.

Once the sleeve gastrectomy, or the gastric sleeve procedure, started to become bariatric surgeon’s preferred surgery type in 2012, patients again sought weight loss surgery in Tijuana, as an affordable solution. Things for Tijuana increased further with the rise of revisional surgery after gastric banding surgery.

When those patients wanted to convert their failing Lap-Band procedure to the more reliable gastric sleeve procedure they choose bariatric surgeons in Tijuana. Once the demand for bariatric surgeons rose, so to did the general surgeons seeking board-certifications in bariatric surgery – helping to support the demand for care. Hospital facilities also boomed in Tijuana, with dozens of facilities in Tijuana capable of performing various bariatric surgeries.

Tijuana Bariatric Surgeons Have Decades of Experience

Since the early 2000s, bariatric surgeons in Tijuana have led the way in providing US and Canadian patients an affordable, easier option for surgical weight loss.

Today, bariatric surgeons in Tijuana, are some of the most experienced bariatric surgeons around, even compared to those in the United States. Bariatric surgeons, like Dr. Hector Perez, was performing gastric banding procedures in the late 2000s, for patients worldwide. Dr. Perez has seen the progression of bariatric surgery in Tijuana and more broadly Mexico.

Today, most bariatric surgeries take place in Tijuana, Mexico, as it’s the leading medical tourism destination for bariatric surgeries.

Tijuana is home to roughly 60% of all bariatric surgeons practicing in Mexico and marketing to the US and Canadian patients.

(based on Renew Bariatrics internal audit).

Mexico is a Premier Solution for Bariatric Surgery

Along with all the various benefits of having surgery in Mexico, another facet to consider is the costs. Bariatric surgery costs in Mexico are attractive for those seeking to pay cash and avoid insurance bureaucracy. The costs of gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico is the leading reason why so many undergo surgery abroad.

If you’re considering going to Mexico to undergo bariatric surgery, contact our helpful staff. We are here to help you get approved quickly and answer any question you may have. Are you ready to get approved? Apply for surgery on our short health questionnaire here. We will reach out to you with further information.

Schedule A Consult for Bariatric Surgery

Renew Bariatrics is a group of premier weight loss surgery doctors with locations in Tijuana and Cancun. We offer all-inclusive procedures that are very transparent including everything you need.

    To speak with one of our bariatric surgery patient coordinators schedule a free consult or apply to see if you qualify for weight loss surgery with Renew Bariatrics.

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