Weight Loss Surgery in Puerto Vallarta: Slim Down, Save Big 

Get life-changing results with weight loss surgery in Puerto Vallarta. Lose extra pounds and save up to 60% on US/Canada prices. Unlock all-inclusive packages, benefits, top surgeons, hospitals, and more in the guide below.

Weight Loss Surgery in Puerto Vallarta

Patient Reviews for Bariatric Surgery in Puerto Vallarta

Our partner clinics helped many people lose extra weight and achieve a better quality of life. 

Here’s what our happy patients say about their weight loss surgery experience in Puerto Vallarta.

Before and After Bariatric Surgery in Puerto Vallarta

Check out these impressive results in our patients after bariatric surgery in Puerto Vallarta.

Bariatric Surgery in Puerto Vallarta
Gastric Bypass in Puerto Vallarta
Bariatric Surgery in Puerto Vallarta
Gastric Bypass in Puerto Vallarta
Before and After weight loss surgery in Puerto Vallarta
Gastric Sleeve in Puerto Vallarta
Gastric Sleeve in Puerto Vallarta
Gastric Sleeve in Puerto Vallarta

How Much Is Weight Loss Surgery in Puerto Vallarta?

The minimum cost of weight loss surgery in Puerto Vallarta is $4600. This includes hotel stays, hospital stays, medical expenses, and travel costs.

The average gastric sleeve in Puerto Vallarta costs $4,950, while gastric bypass costs $6900.

You can save up to 60% on surgery costs in Puerto Vallarta compared to the US and Canada.

For a brief comparison of Puerto Vallarta and the US/Canada, check out the table below!

Weight Loss Surgery Cost in Puerto Vallarta vs US/Canada 
ProcedurePuerto VallartaUSCanada
Gastric Sleeve   $4,950$11,000$13,400
Gastric Bypass$6,900$19,000$18,700
Mini Gastric Bypass$6,900$16,000$12,000
*The prices are case-dependant

Note that the US and Canada prices are for “self-funded” or “cash pay” patients

Read on to learn about our all-inclusive weight loss surgery packages. They can help ensure a convenient medical trip to Puerto Vallarta.

All-Inclusive Weight Loss Surgery Packages 

Our all-inclusive bariatric surgery packages offer extensive benefits covering: 

  • Hospital Fees
  • Surgeon Fees
  • Shuttle Services
  • Aftercare Support
  • Nutritionist Support
  • Post-op Medications
  • Pre and post-op Tests
  • One-night hotel stay before the surgery

Note:

  • Hotel & hospital stay duration depends on the case complexity.
  • Package inclusions may vary according to your procedure. 

All-inclusive packages offer a hassle-free experience for patients. 

Weight Loss Surgery Options in Mexico

Financing Options for Weight Loss Surgery

Considering weight loss surgery but short of cash? Financing weight loss surgery in Mexico is the best solution! 

You may need financing for weight loss surgery if: 

  • You don’t have health insurance. 
  • Your insurer does not cover bariatric surgery.
  • You’re considering affordable weight loss surgery in Mexico.

We offer multiple financing options for foreign patients as follows:

  • SuperMoney: An online platform that compares loans from several lenders. It assists in financing bariatric surgery in Puerto Vallarta. 
  • eMedical Financing: Flexible options for borrowers at different credit levels. The company has several lender partners to approve more loans.
  • United Medical Credit- For the US: Offers secure loans for bariatric surgery. The company has a wide network of healthcare lenders.
  • MediCard: Offers flexible loan options for bariatric patients in Canada. The company ranks as one of the top financing options in Canada. 

The application process for getting a loan is quick and hassle-free. 

It involves 3 simple steps: 

  • Select your preferred loan provider and apply.
  • Your loan is approved if the credit score is adequate. 
  • The provider performs a credit check to verify your credit score.

Willing to take the first step?

Fill medical questionnaire

Top Hospital for Bariatric Surgery in Puerto Vallarta

The CMQ Premier Hospital offers top-quality bariatric surgery in Puerto Vallarta.

The hospital has state-of-the-art facilities and board-certified bariatric surgeons. The latest equipment and skilled doctors ensure high safety standards for patients. 

The top highlights of Puerto Vallarta’s leading hospital are as follows: 

  • Latest equipment, such as
    • MRI 
    • CT Scan
    • Ultrasound
    • Digital X-Ray
  • 24-hour emergency services 
  • Modern Hill-Rom patient beds 
  • Dedicated Spanish-English bilingual staff 
  • Five minutes away from Puerto Vallarta’s main hotel zone 
Gastric Bypass in Puerto Vallarta Hospital CMQ Premiere
CMQ Hospital, Puerto Vallarta

Want to learn more about who would perform your weight loss surgery? Read on to find information about the top bariatric surgeon in Puerto Vallarta. 

Top Bariatric Surgeon in Puerto Vallarta 

Dr. Sergio del Hoyo
Dr. Sergio del Hoyo
  • Experience: 15+ years
  • Education: Surgeon and Obstetrician Degree at School of Medicine, University of Guadalajara
  • Specialization: General surgery and gastrointestinal surgery
  • Memberships & Certifications: AMCG, AMCE, CMCOEM, IFSO

Want to learn more about the bariatric treatments? The next section explores bariatric surgery options in Puerto Vallarta. 

Schedule your consultation today!

Contact Us

Bariatric Surgery Options in Puerto Vallarta

Choosing the ideal surgery will depend on your BMI and health-related issues. 

Our partner hospital in Puerto Vallarta offers top-quality bariatric surgery options as follows:  

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery in Puerto Vallarta is also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

The surgery involves the removal of about 80% of your stomach. This leaves only a small, tubular, banana-shaped section, closed with staples.[1]National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Weight-loss (Metabolic and Bariatric) Surgery Types of Weight-loss Surgery
“a surgeon removes most of your stomach, leaving only a banana-shaped section that is closed with staples.”
View in Article

The surgery reduces the amount of food that can fit your stomach. This, in turn, makes you feel full faster.

The surgery is irreversible because some part of your stomach is permanently removed.

Gastric Sleeve for weight Loss Surgery in Puerto Vallarta
Gastric Sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery takeaway:

Procedure DurationHospital DaysHotel DaysRecovery
60-90 minutes2 Days4 Days4-6 weeks[2]Medical News Today
What to know about gastric sleeve surgery
“It can take 4–6 weeks to resume normal activities after weight loss surgery.”
View in Article

Gastric Bypass Surgery 

Gastric bypass surgery in Puerto Vallarta is called the “Roux-en-Y” bypass.

It is named after the French term meaning “in the form of the letter Y.” 

It’s difficult to reverse gastric bypass because the reversal procedure is risky.

However, a surgeon can do it in case of inadequate weight loss/regain.[3]PubMed
Revision of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Inadequate Weight Loss or Weight Regain
“Inadequate weight loss or weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP)…Available remedying treatment options include endoscopic and surgical techniques for revision of the gastric pouch”
View in Article

Gastric Bypass Surgery for Weight loss surgery in Puerto Vallarta
Gastric Bypass Surgery

The surgery is performed in three major steps:[4]National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Weight-loss (Metabolic and Bariatric) Surgery Types of Weight-loss Surgery
“Gastric bypass surgery, also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is done in three steps.”
View in Article

  • The surgeon staples your stomach to create a small pouch in the upper section.
  • These staples make your stomach much smaller, making you eat less and feel full sooner.
  • This restricts how much your stomach can hold.
  • This also allows your body to absorb fewer calories.
  • The surgeon divides your small intestine into two parts.
  • The lower part is then connected directly to the stomach pouch.
  • The food can bypass most of your stomach and the upper part of your small intestine.
  • The new location is down on the lower part of your small intestine.
  • The surgeon reconnects the upper part of your small intestine to a new location.
  • The digestive juices can now flow from the bypassed part to the lower part of your small intestine. This helps facilitate complete digestion. 

Gastric bypass- surgery takeaway:

Procedure DurationHospital DaysHotel DaysRecovery
1.5 Hours2-3 Days4 Days2 weeks[5]UPMC
Gastric Bypass Surgery
“Recovery time is about two weeks.”
View in Article

Mini Gastric Bypass 

Mini-gastric bypass surgery is also called single-anastomosis gastric bypass.

It involves a simplification of the gastric bypass procedure.

This makes the surgical procedure technically easier to perform with shorter operative time and lower risk of complications.[6]PubMed
MINI-GASTRIC BYPASS: DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNIQUE AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS
“this procedure proposes a simplification of Roux-en-Y bypass… with a significant reduction of technical complexity, shorter operative time and a potential reduction in morbidity and mortality.”
View in Article

Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery for Weight loss surgery in Puerto Vallarta
Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery

In this type of surgery:

  • The stomach is divided using staples, creating a small pouch. 
  • The surgical joining of this bowel to the stomach is called anastomosis.
  • This ensures that only a small amount of food can be eaten, making you feel full quickly.
  • Next, the surgeon joins a loop of 200-300 cm long bowel to the lower part of the stomach.
  • As the food bypasses 2-3 m of the small bowel, fewer calories are absorbed, leading to weight loss. 
  • Now, the food will pass from the small pouch to the bowel, where it’s mixed with the digestive juices.
Procedure DurationHospital DaysHotel DaysRecovery
1-1.5 hours 1 Day2 Days2 weeks

Weight Loss Surgeries in Puerto Vallarta

Pre-Operative Requirements 

Before bariatric surgery, you’ll undergo some pre-op tests. These are required for a medical evaluation. 

These typically include blood tests, ultrasound, X-rays, and psychological evaluation[7]National Library of Medicine
Obesity Surgery Preoperative Assessment and Preparation
“A psychological clearance is one of the first steps in the preoperative workup of the patient.”
View in Article, etc.

You must follow these preparation instructions before the surgery:

  • Stop smoking 4 weeks before the surgery.[8]PubMed
    Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Bariatric Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations: A 2021 Update
    “Tobacco smoking should be stopped at least 4 weeks before surgery.”
    View in Article
  • Eat or drink only clear liquids for 24-48 hours before surgery.[9]WebMD
    Weight Loss Surgery: What to Expect
    “You’ll need to eat or drink only clear liquids for 24-48 hours beforehand.”
    View in Article
  • Follow your surgeon’s instructions if you need to take any medication.
  • If you are not sure whether you are pregnant, consult your doctor or nurse.
  • Consult the surgeon if you are taking any herbal medicine or dietary supplements.

Pre-operative visit 

After your medical evaluation is complete, it’s time for a pre-operative visit.

During this appointment:

  • The surgeon may also explain any other necessary requirements.
  • Your bariatric surgeon will discuss what to expect before and after the surgery.

Post-Operative Requirements 

Following post-op instructions after your bariatric surgery in Puerto Vallarta is essential. This ensures a quick and safe recovery. 

Make sure that you meet the following requirements after successful bariatric surgery. 

Dietary Guidelines:

  • Start adding solid foods to your diet one month post-surgery.
  • Focus on thin and thicker liquids while maintaining the calorie intake.
  • Avoid rice, bread, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, and meats that are difficult to chew.
  • Add liquid foods, such as milk, soy drinks, and plain yogurt, at 3-7 days post-surgery.[10]PubMed
    Nutritional Recommendations for Adult Bariatric Surgery Patients: Clinical Practice
    “Patients can add liquid foods, such as milk, soy drinks, and plain yogurt, at 3–7 d post-surgery. “
    View in Article
  • Drink liquids in small portions as tolerated, with no more than half a cup per serving.
  • For the first two months post-surgery, maintain a calorie intake between 300-600 calories a day.
  • Avoid sugar, sugar-containing foods, and beverages[11]Healthline
    Gastric Sleeve Diet
    “Don’t drink anything with sugar. Sugar can contribute to dumping syndrome, a complication caused by too much sugar entering the small intestine quickly. “
    View in Article    , concentrated sweets, and fruit juices.

Dietary Guidelines Post Weight Loss Surgery

Physical Activities 

  • Low-impact exercises [12]Healthline
    Your Guide to the Gastric Bypass Diet
    “Low impact exercises such as walking and swimming are good options for the first month. You may also benefit from simple yoga poses, stretching, and deep breathing exercises.”
    View in Article    such as swimming, cycling, and walking.
  • Aerobic activities such as brisk walking and biking as per your tolerance.[13]PubMed
    Physical Activity and Physical Function in Individuals Post-bariatric Surgery
    “Physical activity that was ≥3 METs would include activities such as brisk walking, bicycling, jogging, or other activities of similar levels of energy expenditure”
    View in Article
  • Start by walking for about 10 minutes and gradually increase it up to 30 minutes. 
  • Talk to your bariatric surgeon for a personalized exercise regime after the surgery.
Post Bariatric Surgery Exercising Tips

Potential Complications

  • Hernia
  • Leakage
  • Stricture
  • Skin separation
  • Perforation of the stomach or intestines
  • Internal bleeding[14]PubMed
    Early and late complications of bariatric operation
    “Early complications include leaks, stenoses, bleeding…”
    View in Article     or profuse bleeding of the surgical wound 

Lifestyle Adjustments

  • The transition from three large meals to smaller, more frequent meals. 
  • Add regular exercise into the routine, as advised by bariatric surgeons.
  • Focus on protein-rich foods to meet nutritional needs and preserve muscle mass. 
  • Open communication with family and friends about dietary needs and lifestyle changes. 

Support Networks

  • MBS offers pre and post-operative support via a dedicated Facebook support page.
  • After your bariatric surgery, you also get nutritional counseling from Katelyn J. Mock, our US-registered dietician.

Patient Trip Schedule  

Plan your weight loss trip to Puerto Vallarta using this day-wise schedule: 

  • Hotel stay
  • Pick up at the hotel
  • Travel to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
  • Surgery
  • Pre-op tests
  • Shuttle to hospital
  • Pre-op consultations
  • Leak tests
  • Liquid tests
  • Post-op diet consultation 
  • Drive to hotel
  • Pick up from the hospital
  • Return home/stay at hotel

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery in Puerto Vallarta 

Your surgery in Puerto Vallarta is performed by highly skilled and certified bariatric surgeons with 15+ years of experience.

Hospitals in the city are equipped with the latest bariatric technology and equipment to ensure safe and precise surgical procedures. 

Bariatric surgery in Puerto Vallarta is much cheaper than in the US and Canada. You can save up to 50% on surgical procedures due to Mexico’s low cost of living.[15]Expatistan
Cost of living in United States compared to Mexico
“Cost of living in United States is 84% more expensive than in Mexico “
View in Article

Here’s why Puerto Vallarta is one of the best cities for your bariatric surgery: 

  • Direct flights from the US and Canada
  • Spanish-English bilingual medical staff
  • State-of-the-art medical facilities- MRI, digital X-rays, CT scans
  • Affordable surgery options include gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and bariatric revision surgery.

Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery in Puerto Vallarta  

A good candidate for weight loss surgery must have a body mass index (BMI) above 35.

Patients with severe obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes are also eligible.

Note:

Our expert surgeons in Puerto Vallarta will evaluate your overall health.

This includes your age, weight, and other factors determining your eligibility.

BMI Requirements for Weight Loss Surgery

The recommended BMI requirements for the surgery are as follows:

  • Patients with type 2 diabetes and a BMI higher than 30.[16]Medical News Today
    What to know about weight loss surgeries
    “individuals with a BMI of 30–34…conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or type 2 diabetes, or blood sugars”
    View in Article
  • BMI higher than 35, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities.
  • Individuals with a BMI of 30–35 who do not achieve durable weight loss via nonsurgical methods.

Is Weight Loss Surgery in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Safe? 

Your weight loss surgery is completely safe if: 

  • Performed by a certified surgeon
  • You follow some basic pre-op and post-op instructions.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is well known for maintaining the highest safety standards in weight loss surgery. 

The following reasons contribute to the high level of safety in the city:

  • Certified bariatric surgeons with 15+ years of experience
  • Hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities such as digital X-rays, MRI, 24-hour emergency services, nurse call systems, etc.
  • Highly qualified surgeons who are members of the Mexican Association of General Surgery (AMCG) and the International Federation of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) 

Moreover, here’s why Puerto Vallarta is the perfect city for your weight loss trip:

  • According to Medical Tourism Mexico, 1.2 million Americans travel to Mexico for health care each year.[17]Medical Tourism Mexico
    Number one Medical Tourism destination in America
    “1.2 million visitors every year for medical tourism “
    View in Article
  • Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest places for international tourists in Mexico. The city has an active law enforcement and a favorable climate.[18]Travellers Worldwide
    Is Puerto Vallarta Safe to Visit in 2024? | Safety Guide
    “It’s considered one of the safest places for international tourists in Mexico, with active law enforcement and a favorable climate. “
    View in Article
  • Puerto Vallarta has a safety index of 64.46[19]Numbeo
    Crime in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
    “Index Info Crime Index: 35.54 Safety Index: 64.46”
    View in Article    , making it highly safe to travel alone during the night as well.

While the city is rated safe for tourists, make sure that you follow these basic safety measures: 

  • Avoid night travel in unfamiliar areas.
  • Avoid carrying too much cash, and keep all your cards together in one place. 
  • Make copies of your travel documents and keep some of them at your home. 
  • Travel during the day and stick to the main road as much as possible. 

Medical Tourism Puerto Vallarta

Not sure about how to travel to Puerto Vallarta? This section includes all you need to know about medical tourism in Puerto Vallarta. 

Flying to Puerto Vallarta 

Refer to the following table for flight details from the US to Puerto Vallarta:

Direct Flights From the US to Puerto Vallarta 
USAirlinesDuration
HoustonSouthwest Airlines2 h 20 min
Dallas-Fort WorthAmerican Airlines, Sun Country Airlines2 hr 42 min
Los AngelesDelta, Jet Blue, United Airlines, Alaska, American Airlines3 hr 13 min
DenverFrontier Airlines (seasonal), Southwest Airlines, United Airlines3 h 25 min
ChicagoAmerican Airlines, United Airlines4 hr 48 min

If you live in Canada, several airlines offer direct flights to Puerto Vallarta from major cities. 

Check out the flight details for precise information: 

Direct Flights From Canada to Puerto Vallarta
CanadaAirlinesDuration
TorontoAir Canada, Air Transat, Flair, Sunwing, Swoop, WestJet4 hr 39 min
CalgaryAir Canada, Flair, WestJet, Sunwing5 hr
MontrealAir Canada, Air Transat, Sunwing (seasonal)5 hr
VancouverAir Canada, WestJet, Flair, Sunwing (seasonal)5 hr 11 min
EdmontonSwoop, WestJet, Flair, Sunwing (seasonal)5 hr 18 min

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadian and United States citizens are almost the same:

  • A regular valid passport.[20]Puerto Vallarta.net
    Travel Documents
    “USA citizens need to have an original, signed passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their stay. Canadian citizens also need to have a valid passport.”
    View in Article
  • Entry forms to be filled are available at travel agencies, airline offices, etc.
  • Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) is no longer required to enter Puerto Vallarta.[21]Visit World
    Travel: Mexico
    “If you arrive and depart from the following airports…Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)…You no longer need to fill out the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), also known as a tourist card.”
    View in Article
  • A visa is not required for tourists traveling from the US or Canada holding a valid passport.

How To Move Around the City?

Considering the high traffic during busy hours, the best way to move around Puerto Vallarta is via public transport or booking a taxi or Uber through verified apps. 

Stay Options 

Puerto Vallarta is home to a large variety of hotels and motels with variable price ranges. You can typically expect the hotel price to be between $30-$80 per night. 

Conclusion 

Weight loss surgery in Puerto Vallarta has helped thousands of patients transform their lives.

With reputable hospitals and certified surgeons, Puerto Vallarta offers the best bariatric treatments. You can also avail all-inclusive packages for extensive benefits on your dental trip.

FAQs

Gastric sleeve surgery patients need to stay in Puerto Vallarta for about 4-6 days before they can travel back home.[22]PubMed
Medical management of patients after bariatric surgery: Principles and guidelines
“Usually patients are discharged 4-6 d after surgery.”
View in Article

This includes about 1-3 days stay in the hospital [23]
Afterwards – Weight loss surgery
“You can usually leave the hospital 1 to 3 days after having weight loss surgery.”
View in Article and 4 days in the hotel. You may need to stay in the hospital or hotel until the surgeon clears you to travel back home.

Start your journey today!

Get in touch

References

  1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Weight-loss (Metabolic and Bariatric) Surgery  Types of Weight-loss Surgery
  2. Medical News Today: What to know about gastric sleeve surgery
  3. PubMed: Revision of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Inadequate Weight Loss or Weight Regain
  4. UPMC: Gastric Bypass Surgery
  5. PubMed: MINI-GASTRIC BYPASS: DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNIQUE AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS
  6. National Library of Medicine: Obesity Surgery Preoperative Assessment and Preparation
  7. PubMed: Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Bariatric Surgery
  8. WebMD: Weight Loss Surgery: What to Expect
  9. PubMed: Nutritional Recommendations for Adult Bariatric Surgery Patients
  10. Healthline: Gastric Sleeve Diet
  11. PubMed: Physical Activity and Physical Function in Individuals Post-bariatric Surgery
  12. Healthline: Your Guide to the Gastric Bypass Diet
  13. PubMed: Early and late complications of bariatric operation
  14. Exaptistan: Cost of living in United States compared to Mexico
  15. Medical News Today: What to know about weight loss surgeries
  16. Medical Tourism Mexico: Number one Medical Tourism destination in America
  17. Travellers Worldwide: Is Puerto Vallarta Safe to Visit in 2024? | Safety Guide
  18. Numbeo: Crime in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
  19. Puerto Vallarta.net: Travel Documents
  20. Visit World: Travel: Mexico
  21. PubMed: Medical management of patients after bariatric surgery
  22. NHS UK: Afterwards – Weight loss surgery

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