Gastric Sleeve in Mexicali from the United States: Complete Guide

Each year, thousands of patients from the United States choose Mexicali for their gastric sleeve surgery. The border proximity, affordable costs, and international-level medical quality make Mexicali the ideal destination for bariatric medical tourism. Dr. César Hernández Elenes regularly receives patients from California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and other states.

Why Choose Mexicali Over the United States

The cost of gastric sleeve in the United States can exceed $20,000 USD, while in Mexicali you get the same quality care for a fraction of the price. Mexicali is right on the border with Calexico, California, which makes travel extremely convenient. Many patients cross the border in the morning and return after the procedure without needing long flights. Surgery is performed with the same state-of-the-art laparoscopic technology and the same international-brand materials used in US hospitals.

How to Cross the Border

Patients from the United States can cross to Mexicali through two main ports of entry: Calexico West (Downtown) and Calexico East. We recommend crossing through Calexico East to avoid downtown traffic. You only need a valid US passport or border crossing card. Dr. Hernández's team can coordinate your transportation from the border to the office or hotel where you will stay.

Remote Pre-Operative Coordination

Before traveling, we conduct your entire preoperative evaluation remotely. By video consultation, Dr. César Hernández Elenes reviews your medical history, calculates your BMI, evaluates comorbidities, and answers all your questions. We send you the list of studies you can perform in your city: complete labs, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and endoscopy. Once we receive the results, we confirm your eligibility and schedule the surgery date. This entire process can take 2 to 4 weeks.

What to Expect During Your Stay in Mexicali

We recommend planning a 4 to 5 day stay in Mexicali. Day 1: arrival and in-person consultation with Dr. Hernández, last-minute studies if necessary. Day 2: surgery day, hospital admission, laparoscopic procedure (60-90 minutes), recovery in private room. Days 3-4: hospitalization and observation. Day 5: hospital discharge with detailed instructions and return to the United States. We coordinate hotels near the hospital for your companions and for your initial recovery if needed.

Follow-Up from the United States

Once back in the United States, we maintain close follow-up via video consultation and messaging. Your nutritional plan, supplementation, and exercise are monitored during the first 3 months at no additional cost. If any questions or complications arise, Dr. Hernández and his team are available via WhatsApp. For first-year in-person check-ups, patients who live near the border can return to Mexicali, and for those who live further away we coordinate follow-up with collaborating physicians in their city.

Costs Included for International Patients

Our packages for US patients include: initial video consultation, preoperative evaluation, surgeon and anesthesiologist fees, operating room and materials, private hospitalization, medications during stay, 3-month follow-up, and English-language support. Some packages also include transportation from the border and hotel nights. Request a personalized quote for your specific case.

Safety and Guarantees

Dr. César Hernández Elenes is a board-certified bariatric surgeon by the Mexican Council of General Surgery (valid 2023-2028). He works in private hospitals in Mexicali with all international safety certifications. We have been serving US patients for over 10 years with complication rates below international standards. Our working language is bilingual: English and Spanish.