Business Details
14 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Affordable Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
Mexico Bariatric Center was founded in 2012 by Ron Elli, Ph.D., with a mission to combat global obesity through accessible, high-quality weight loss surgery. Our team of double board-certified surgeons and dedicated support staff deliver personalized care in state-of-the-art facilities, including the newly opened Hospital Azar in Tijuana. We prioritize patient safety, offering all-inclusive packages that cover surgery, accommodations, and post-operative care.With over 27,000 successful surgeries, we combine advanced technology and ethical standards to provide transformative solutions for obesity. Our U.S.-based coordinators ensure seamless communication and support throughout the patient journey. We are certified by the Medical Tourism Association and maintain an A+ BBB rating, reflecting our commitment to excellence and trustworthiness.
Services
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Bypass
Mini Gastric Bypass
Duodenal Switch
Gastric Balloon
Revision Surgery
Endoscopic Procedures
Robotic Surgery
Pre-Op Consultations
Post-Op Care
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Double board-certified surgeons with 100+ combined years of experience
- All-inclusive packages covering surgery, hospital stays, and transportation
- 24/7 patient support from U.S.-based coordinators
- State-of-the-art Hospital Azar with ICU and modern operating rooms
- 97.7% patient recommendation rate based on 1,000+ reviews
Associations and certifications
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Medical Tourism Association (MTA)
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) A+ Rating
What people say
Life-changing results
Excellent surgeon care
Seamless process
Supportive staff
Dramatic health improvements
Services
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Sleeve surgery removes 80% of the stomach, creating a banana-shaped sleeve. This procedure reduces hunger hormones and limits food intake. Patients typically lose 82% of excess weight in the first year. Recovery allows return to work within 1-2 weeks. The procedure is easily revisable if needed.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric Bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine. This dual-action procedure results in 73% excess weight loss in the first year. It effectively manages diabetes and hypertension but requires lifelong vitamin supplementation due to nutrient absorption changes.
Duodenal Switch
Duodenal Switch combines stomach reduction with intestinal rerouting, achieving 80% excess weight loss in one year. It offers the highest metabolic benefits for severe obesity (BMI 40+). Patients must commit to strict vitamin regimens due to malabsorption.
Gastric Balloon
Gastric Balloon is a 6-12 month non-surgical solution placing an inflatable device in the stomach. Patients lose 20-40 pounds by feeling full faster. The balloon is removed endoscopically, making it ideal for mild obesity or pre-surgery preparation.
Revision Surgery
Revision Surgery corrects failed prior bariatric procedures. Options include converting gastric band to sleeve or enhancing previous bypasses. Our surgeons specialize in complex revisions with high success rates, using advanced techniques to optimize outcomes.
People
Ron Elli
Founder
Dr. Ron Elli founded Mexico Bariatric Center in 2012 after 18 years in medical tourism. A Ph.D. in Bio-Engineering, he pioneered Hospital Azar's development to elevate cross-border bariatric care standards.
Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez
Bariatric Surgeon
Double board-certified by CMCG and FACS, Dr. Gutierrez has performed 6,500+ surgeries. He specializes in gastric sleeve procedures and brings U.S.-trained expertise to Tijuana's bariatric field.
Dr. Miguel Montalvo
Bariatric Surgeon
With 5,500+ surgeries, Dr. Montalvo focuses on laparoscopic techniques. He previously served at A Lighter Me and holds certifications from IFSO and Mexican Surgical Associations.
Dr. Jacqueline Osuna
Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Osuna has performed 6,000+ procedures since 2007. Certified by CMCG and CMCO, she specializes in complex revisions and metabolic surgeries across Tijuana and Guadalajara.
Dr. Jesus Ceja
Bariatric Surgeon
Board-certified by CMCG, Dr. Ceja joined MBC in 2019. He specializes in single-incision sleeve gastrectomy and revisional surgeries, combining technical skill with compassionate patient care.
Questions
What bariatric procedures do you offer?
We offer gastric sleeve, bypass, duodenal switch, gastric balloon, and revision surgeries performed by double board-certified surgeons in Tijuana and Guadalajara.
Are your surgeons certified?
All surgeons are certified by Mexican Councils (CMCG/CMCO) with many holding FACS designations and 5,000+ case experience.
How much do surgeries cost?
Procedures start at $3,995 for gastric sleeve, including hospital stay, surgeon fees, and post-op care. Financing options are available.
Is Tijuana safe for medical travel?
Our patients report feeling safe with our private transportation, secure facilities, and proximity to the U.S. border in Baja California.
What's included in your packages?
Packages include surgery, 2-3 night hospital stays, pre-op testing, post-op leak tests, medications, and private ground transportation.
How do I start the process?
Begin with our free health questionnaire to determine eligibility. Our U.S.-based coordinators will guide you through scheduling and preparation.
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Reviews (6)
Vivi Sanchez
Feb 04, 2022
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I had my surgery on 09/16/2021 ! Iv already lost 72pounds ! I am super happy with my experience at MBC ! The communication from the moment i called was AMAZING ! I was nervous when i was close to my surgery day . But the driver communicated with us 1 day before arrived to sam diego . The pick up was easy , post op was quick and surgery was AMAZING . I had dr rodriguez lopez! He was PHENOMENAL . Super sweet told me what to expect after surgery and what to expect post opThe nurses were AMAZING ! His post op care doctor was also always so attentive to me once i got back home . Just amazing !!!! I
Tasha Cammon
Jan 22, 2022
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I had my surgery January 2021. I was very skeptical and did a lot of research for two years before I decided to go ahead with the surgery. I must say that Mexico bariatric center definitely met all my expectations and was very clean professional and communicated very well with me. They took care of me from the minute I got there to the minute I left. My surgery was extremely successful. The only thing I would have done different is I would have got the surgery sooner.
Heather Serviss
Jan 22, 2022
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My experience with MBC was wonderful. Having the Gastric Sleeve 3 months ago was the best decision I could have made. From the time I was picked up at the airport to the time I was dropped off 3 days later, everything was flawless. Juan at the hotel was extremely helpful with all my questions. He was available for my companion when she had questions or concerns also. The drivers that took me for my pre-op tests and the next day to the hospital were friendly and very helpful with anything that I needed. Karla, Brittney and Leili are fantastic. They answered all my questions and concerns through
Glenn Bolden
Jan 20, 2022
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
I was sleeved June 16,2021 and have dropped a little over 100 lbs. I feel like a brand new man and definitely look like one. Dr. V took care of me and Ive had no complications knock on wood. This is the best decision other than my wife and kids that Ive ever made.
I was sleeved June 16,2021 and have dropped a little over 100 lbs. I feel like a brand new man and definitely look like one. Dr. V took care of me and Ive had no complications knock on wood. This is the best decision other than my wife and kids that Ive ever made.
Lucy Mendoza
Dec 29, 2021
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Good experience got there early so I was able to go on the tour and explore. It was a friendly and professional atmosphere. The drivers are the nicest people so helpful and kind. I didnt have a wall plug in and they brought one back for me. The. Hotel has the most amazing food for your companions and you get to have popsicles, jello and broth. My surgeon was Cabrera he was nice and as of right now I have no complaints other then my surgery time was changed a few times and that was pretty annoying.
Jim Sherer
Nov 22, 2021
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Unlike some of the reviews on here, this place is very clean and sanitary. The staff is very polite and attentive to your needs. Everything used is new and taken out of sterile packaging. After surgery is going to be rough but as soon as the staff is able to they will get you on medication to assist with pain and nausea. 100 % recommend for anybody thinking about this place!
