Is Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico Safe? Here’s My Real Experience

Can You Really Get Safe, Affordable Weight Loss Surgery in Tijuana?

Hi, I’m Amanda Rivera, a 30-year-old woman from San Diego, and yes—I'm here to tell you that you can absolutely change your life just by crossing the border. I did. I had my gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, and it’s hands-down the best thing I’ve ever done for my health and self-esteem.

For most of my adult life, I struggled with my weight. I wasn’t just battling a few pounds here or there. I was 90 pounds overweight, constantly fatigued, borderline diabetic, and completely overwhelmed by failed diets. Atkins, keto, vegan, Whole30—you name it, I tried it. I'd lose 10 pounds, gain back 15. It was a never-ending cycle, and the emotional toll was just as heavy as the physical one.

I started researching bariatric surgery but quickly realized that, without insurance coverage, it would cost upwards of $20,000 in the U.S. That was a non-starter for me. But then I began seeing more and more stories about people traveling to Mexico for weight loss surgery, especially to Tijuana, which is just a few hours from where I live. So I thought, “Could this really be an option for me?”

Spoiler: it was. And it was a game-changer.

Why I Chose Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico?

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Is gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico safe?” I completely get it. I asked the same question. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and we’ve all heard horror stories. But I did my research and quickly found that Tijuana is actually a world-class destination for bariatric surgery, with highly trained surgeons, clean hospitals, and exceptional patient care.

That’s when I came across Dr. Jorge Maytorena. I was immediately impressed by his credentials—he’s performed thousands of gastric sleeve procedures, has a reputation for outstanding results, and is known for making his patients feel at ease. I read dozens of reviews and watched video testimonials from real patients who had nothing but good things to say. That gave me the confidence I needed to move forward.

I connected with PlacidWay, a company that helps people safely plan medical tourism trips. They coordinated everything: my consultation with Dr. Maytorena, transportation from the San Diego border to the hospital in Tijuana, hotel accommodations, and all pre- and post-op instructions.

What Was My Gastric Sleeve Surgery Like in Tijuana?

The morning of my surgery, I was picked up at a designated spot near the San Diego border by a private driver and taken directly to the hospital in Tijuana. The drive was short, about 30 minutes, and the driver made the crossing seamless. I didn’t have to worry about anything.

When I arrived at the hospital, I was relieved to see how professional and clean the facility was. It felt modern and fully equipped, not like the scary picture people often imagine when they think “surgery in Mexico.” I was checked in, taken for pre-op bloodwork, and then had a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Maytorena.

He was kind, confident, and incredibly thorough. He walked me through every detail of the gastric sleeve procedure—what to expect during surgery, how much of the stomach would be removed, and what the recovery process would look like. He also explained the importance of the post-op diet and how to maintain the results.

I was prepped for surgery later that afternoon. The procedure itself lasted about 90 minutes. I don’t remember anything from the surgery itself (thank you, anesthesia), but I woke up in the recovery room with a nurse by my side and a feeling of calm. I knew I was on the other side of something big.

What Was Recovery Like After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

I stayed at the hospital for two nights so the team could monitor my recovery. The care was excellent. The nurses were attentive, and they checked my vitals regularly. I was on IV fluids for the first day and slowly progressed to clear liquids. I was walking around by the second day, which helped prevent clots and speed up recovery.

By the third day, I was discharged with post-op instructions, medications, and a full guide on what to eat and when. The drive back to San Diego was just as smooth as the arrival—another private transfer arranged by the clinic. Once I got home, I took it easy for the next week. Lots of rest, water, and liquids.

The hardest part wasn’t the surgery—it was adjusting to a new way of eating. Learning to eat slowly, chew carefully, and recognize when I was full was an entirely new skill set. But as the weight started coming off, the motivation kicked in full-force.

What Are My Results After Gastric Sleeve in Mexico?

It’s now been nine months since my surgery, and I’ve lost 92 pounds. My BMI has dropped from the obesity range to the normal range. I’m no longer pre-diabetic. My blood pressure is normal. I can run up stairs without feeling like I’m going to collapse. I even joined a gym—something I used to avoid like the plague.

But more than the physical, it’s the mental shift that has been most powerful. I no longer wake up dreading the day. I no longer avoid mirrors or hide behind loose clothing. I feel in control for the first time in my adult life.

Is Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana Right for You?

If you’re stuck in the same place I was trapped in a cycle of failed diets, skyrocketing costs, and feeling hopeless—then yes, gastric sleeve in Mexico might be exactly what you need. But it’s not a magic wand. You have to commit to real change. This is a tool, not a quick fix.

Here's who it’s great for:

• You’ve tried everything and nothing has worked
• You’re ready for a permanent lifestyle change
• You want top-quality care without paying U.S. prices
• You’re open to safe, affordable medical tourism just over the border

Would I Recommend Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico?

1000% yes. I went from being skeptical to a full-on success story. Dr. Jorge Maytorena and his team were incredible. The hospital was professional. The results speak for themselves. And the cost just $4,600 made this life-saving procedure possible for me when it otherwise wouldn’t have been.

PlacidWay made the entire experience seamless, safe, and empowering. I’m so grateful for them—and for the choice I made to walk boldly toward a better version of myself.