Gastric Sleeve Tijuana
Safe Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Now Starting at $3,999 (30-39 BMI)
- Significant Savings
- Comprehensive Care
- Certified Surgeons
Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals at a Fraction of the Price Compared to the U.S. and Other Countries
Medical tourism at our Tijuana, Mexico, practice allows us to offer bariatric procedures like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass at more affordable prices than you would see in the U.S.
Medical tourism doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality care. Our Tijuana surgical center uses state-of-the-art equipment that meets the same standards as surgical equipment in the U.S. When performing gastric sleeve surgery, Dr. Martinez uses surgical tools that use thermal energy for a safe and effective procedure and better long-term results.
Get started on your weight loss journey in Tijuana by contacting us online or calling us for a free consultation.
(619) 629-0600

“I had a mini sleeve done in March, everyone was warm welcoming knowledgeable and kind. My starting weight was around 195 I’m currently 132 with no major issues or problems the surgery settled beautifully I gradually lost weight and everything looks natural with no loose skin. Best decision I ever made thank you Dr!”
Sydnee Reynolds
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery? Is This Weight Loss Procedure Right for Me?
Gastric sleeve, otherwise known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular bariatric (weight loss) surgery. It's a restrictive treatment that helps patients limit their food intake and makes important physiological changes to the digestive system. Eighty percent of the stomach is removed, reducing the stomach to a tube-like "sleeve" that helps patients feel full without overeating. Gastric sleeve surgery helps restrict your daily calorie intake, allowing you to lose weight through a healthy caloric deficit.
“I recently chose to get bariatric surgery with Dr. Sandy Martinez and this is one of the greatest decision I took! Going in another country for medical purposes is never an easy choice, however from the start Dr. Sandy Martinez manager helped me and reassured me about my surgery.”
Katrine B
Candidacy for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Dr. Sandy Martinez will review your medical history and discuss your goals for weight loss to determine if a gastric sleeve weight loss surgery is right for you. Candidacy relies on several factors, such as:
Family History
For patients with a family history of obesity who have not been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, the gastric sleeve procedure might be the best way to prevent obesity-related conditions like high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, joint pain, and sleep disorders. If a patient already presents one or more of these symptoms, a different bariatric procedure might be recommended. However, keep in mind that every patient is completely different.
Eating Habits and Lifestyle
The gastric sleeve procedure will help you lose weight by restricting the amount of food you will be able to eat and by limiting the secretions of ghrelin (the hunger hormone). However, if a patient adopts a better food regimen and exercises for at least 30 minutes a day, the results can be improved significantly. In most cases, patients accomplish their weight loss goal simply because they took advantage of the effects of the gastric sleeve and adopted better habits.
Age
Our approach will always be to reach your weight loss goal with the least invasive procedure. However, as the human body ages, many changes occur that will require malabsorption as an additional tool. To determine the best approach, a comprehensive evaluation must be performed.
BMI Calculator
A BMI up to 25 is considered normal, from 25-30 the patient is overweight, and over 30 is obese.
There is a bariatric procedure right for you, and regardless of your BMI, we can help!
Do You Qualify for Surgery? Request a Free Consultation
There is no "one size fits all" formula to recommend which bariatric procedure is best for you long-term.
A consultation is your first step to getting approved for gastric sleeve treatment. Dr. Martinez can review your medical history and develop a weight loss surgery plan that fits your needs. Call to request a free consultation virtually or at our Tijuana bariatric surgery office:
(619) 629-0600

You Are Not Alone
"Gastric sleeve surgery is the most popular bariatric surgery in the world."
National Library of Medicine
Understanding How the Gastric Sleeve Works
During gastric sleeve surgery, anatomical and physiological changes are made to achieve weight loss. A consultation is your first step to getting approved for gastric sleeve treatment. Dr. Martinez can review your medical history and develop a weight loss surgery plan that fits your needs.
Preparing for Gastric Sleeve Surgery Your Preoperative Diet
Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery is just as important as following aftercare instructions. Your preoperative diet will entail:
2-4 Weeks Before Surgery
Very Low-Calorie or Liquid Diet
- Calories: 800-1,200 per day.
- Protein: High-protein shakes, broths, or soups.
- Clear Liquids: Broths, water, tea, sugar-free gelatin.
- Avoid: Sugary, high-carb foods and drinks.
- Supplements: Multivitamins and other supplements as needed.
1-2 Days Before Surgery
Clear Liquids Only
- Diet: Only clear liquids to ensure an empty stomach.
- Examples: Water, clear broth, sugar-free gelatin, tea, sugar-free drinks.
- Avoid: Dairy, solid foods, opaque liquids (e.g., milk, juice).
- This diet prepares your digestive system for surgery. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions, even if they are different from what is listed here.
The Gastric Sleeve Process
Eighty percent of patients who come to Dr. Martinez have gastric sleeve surgery, making it our most popular bariatric procedure.
Interested in Gastric Sleeve?
Contact us now, and one of our patient coordinators will reach back out to you to see if you qualify! Call us in Tijuana or send us a message today.
"Quality-of-life measures improve as early as 3 months after bariatric surgery."
National Library of Medicine
Understanding Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve Surgery A Popular Option for Our Patients in Tijuana
While many gastric sleeve surgeries are performed through three to five incisions in the abdomen, Dr. Martinez can often perform this weight loss surgery through just one incision in the belly button. Single-incision laparoscopic sleeve (SILS) surgery is minimally invasive and doesn't leave as many scars as more traditional methods while offering the same weight loss results.
Our Tijuana team will determine if this type of gastric sleeve surgery is an option for you during your free consultation.

Mini Gastric Sleeve Surgery Is Also Available
Patients with a BMI of less than 35 who maintain an active lifestyle may benefit from a mini gastric sleeve surgery. This procedure has many benefits for those who qualify, including:
Fewer Incisions
Only one or two incisions are made with a mini gastric sleeve surgery. This reduction in incisions means less scarring for patients post-surgery.
Faster Recovery
Since the mini gastric sleeve procedure is less invasive than a traditional gastric sleeve procedure, the recovery time is drastically reduced for patients.
Fewer Restrictions
While gastric sleeve patients must wait 6-8 weeks before exercising and jumping into their new healthy lifestyle, mini gastric sleeve patients can resume daily activities soon after their procedure in Tijuana.
Discuss Your Options
Book a Consultation Today
We understand that the decision to pursue bariatric surgery can be overwhelming. We're here to guide you every step of the way. During your initial consultation at our office in Tijuana, your surgeon will discuss your options to determine if bariatric surgery is right for you and which procedure is the right fit.
From consult to surgery and beyond, our team is dedicated to helping patients safely and effectively achieve significant weight loss for a healthier life. Book a consultation today to discuss your options and get started.

“The best surgical experience I have had, a full staffed clinic of very competent and compassionate staff. Seeing not only the surgeon, fellow physician, pharmacist, nutritionist, and a third doctor I felt beyond safe.”
James Robinson
Dr. Martinez Can Check for a Hiatal Hernia That Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Most doctors don't check for a hiatal hernia as it requires time, technical knowledge, and experience to identify, locate, and repair, which can significantly impact the outcome of bariatric surgery.
Having a hiatal hernia repaired during your weight loss surgery in Tijuana is not only convenient but also cost-effective, with a price of only $500. This straightforward procedure can enhance your quality of life and potentially prevent esophageal cancer.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux disease, is a highly prevalent condition among overweight individuals. This condition is both uncomfortable and potentially hazardous, as it can lead to the development of esophageal cancer due to acid erosion. Unfortunately, it is frequently misdiagnosed and improperly treated.

Hiatal Hernia
The hiatal cavity, which separates the upper chest and middle abdominal cavity, has an opening designed to allow the esophagus to connect with the stomach. Sometimes, this opening becomes larger than it should be, allowing a portion of the stomach to move upward and causing the inappropriate reflux of acid into the esophagus.

A Hiatal Hernia as Seen From the Bottom of the Abdominal Cavity
During a bariatric procedure, our surgeons always advise patients to treat a hiatal hernia, as it can exacerbate GERD, particularly after a gastric sleeve procedure. If a hiatal hernia is detected, the surgeons will identify it from below the cavity, as illustrated here.

Hiatal Hernia Repair
To correct a hiatal hernia during bariatric surgery, your surgeon repositions the stomach back into the abdominal cavity and leaves approximately 10 centimeters of esophagus below the hiatus. Subsequently, the surgeon closes the opening using permanent stitches, creating only the necessary space for the esophagus to pass through.

Normal Hiatal Wall
Once the stitches used to repair the hernia have fully healed, the normal function of the hiatus allows for the digestive process to operate without acid reflux. This procedure can be lifesaving as it halts the progression of GERD. Having a hiatal hernia repaired during bariatric surgery is advantageous since the patient is already under anesthesia, and the surgeon can diagnose and address the condition immediately.
Post-Surgical Guidelines What to Know
What to Eat & Drink
- Fluids: Aim to drink 64 ounces of fluids daily, sipping between meals. Avoid drinking liquids while eating, and avoid carbonated drinks, caffeinated beverages, and fruit juices.
- Food: Eat three to five small meals a day, focusing on lean, protein-rich foods. Limit bread and pasta. Chew your food thoroughly until it reaches a pureed consistency before swallowing. Limit snacking between meals.
- Supplements: Take a multivitamin daily as prescribed by your doctor. Additional supplements, such as iron, folate, and vitamin D, may be necessary based on your doctor’s advice.
What to Avoid
- Alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages, as they can interfere with digestion and overall health.
- Chewing Gum: Chewing gum may lead to swallowing excess air, which can cause discomfort and bloating.
- Eating and Drinking at the Same Time: To promote better digestion, avoid drinking liquids while eating. This helps prevent discomfort and ensures your body can properly absorb nutrients.
Seek Medical Attention
Contact your healthcare provider if you:
- Experience a fever of 101.5°F (38.6°C) or higher
- Notice redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus-like drainage from your incisions
- Experience chest pain or shortness of breath
- Feel pain or tenderness in the leg that could be a blood clot
- Have nausea or vomiting that lasts more than 12 hours

Weight Loss Injections and Bariatric Revision Surgery
Patients often choose to undergo bariatric revision surgery when they put weight back on or don't see the results they've envisioned after their first bariatric surgery procedure. While we encourage our patients to continue a healthy diet and regular exercise, sometimes these lifestyle changes are not enough to keep the weight off. We may recommend you combine your revision surgery with GLP-1 injections to effectively suppress your appetite, slow gastric emptying so you feel fuller for longer, and improve insulin sensitivity.
However, it's important to remember that not all insurance plans will cover weight loss injections, and there are potential side effects that must be discussed to determine if the benefits outweigh the possible risks.
“This was the best experience I have had with medical tourism. Dr. Sandy Martinez was fantastic and found a hiatal hernia that I am didn't know I had. Thank you so much Dr. Sandy Martinez and team!”
Sarah Beckman