You tried another path. That effort still matters.
If a GLP-1 medication did not provide the progress you hoped for, your weight returned after treatment changed, or continuing medication no longer feels realistic, bariatric surgery may be another option to explore.
At Tijuana Bariatric Center, our team can help you understand which procedures may fit your health history, what the process involves, and what you should consider before making a decision.
No pressure. Just clear guidance and a personalized evaluation.
This short educational quiz can help you compare common bariatric options based on your goals, BMI range, health history, reflux symptoms, previous treatment, and biggest concerns.
This quiz is designed to help you understand which bariatric procedure may be worth discussing with a TBC coordinator or bariatric surgeon. It looks at your goals, BMI range, health history, previous surgery, reflux, metabolic concerns, and biggest questions.
Losing weight is not simply a matter of trying harder. Many patients contact TBC after years of diets, exercise programs, medications, and repeated attempts to improve their health.
For many people, the decision to consider surgery is not only about the number on the scale. It may be about having enough energy to play with their children, improving mobility, feeling comfortable in photos, reducing everyday pain, or protecting their health for the people who depend on them.
Considering bariatric surgery does not erase the work you have already done. It means you are continuing to look for an approach that may better fit your body, health, and long-term needs.
Fear of traveling to another country is normal, especially when surgery is involved. Patients commonly ask who will meet them, how transportation works, where surgery will take place, where they will recover, whether a companion can come, and who they should contact with questions.
Depending on the approved package, coordinated services may include transportation between the San Diego area and Tijuana, local transportation, hospital care, and hotel recovery. Your coordinator should confirm every inclusion in writing before you schedule travel.
Learn about traveling patients or meet the travel coordinator.
Depending on the approved package, services may include surgeon and anesthesiology fees, hospital and operating room services, preoperative testing completed in Tijuana, and medications used during the stay.
Package details may include coordinated ground transportation, transportation from the San Diego area, hotel recovery, nutrition guidance, follow-up support, companion accommodations when included, and medical tourism coverage when applicable.
Inclusions can vary by procedure, surgeon, and medical need. Ask what is included, what is not included, and whether any additional charges may apply before making a deposit.
During your consultation, the Tijuana Bariatric Center team will review your health history, previous weight-loss treatment, current medications, BMI, reflux symptoms, metabolic concerns, and personal goals. The purpose is not to assume that surgery is right for everyone. It is to help you understand whether a bariatric procedure deserves consideration in your case.
Your coordinator can also explain current package information, travel arrangements, preoperative requirements, recovery expectations, and the questions you should bring to your surgeon. Do not stop or change any prescription medication unless the providers managing your care give you specific instructions.
Learn more about Dr. Fernando Garcia.
Many patients who have used semaglutide or another GLP-1 medication may still be evaluated for bariatric surgery. Candidacy depends on BMI, medical history, current health, previous weight-loss results, and the ability to follow the surgical care plan.
Previous or current use of a tirzepatide medication does not automatically prevent bariatric surgery. The medical team needs to review your medication, dose, symptoms, health conditions, and preoperative risk before providing personalized instructions.
Do not stop or change your medication without medical instructions. Your surgeon, anesthesiology team, and prescribing provider will determine how it should be managed before surgery based on your dose, recent changes, digestive symptoms, and individual risk.
No. Previous medication use is only one part of the evaluation. The team will also consider your BMI, weight history, obesity-related conditions, prior treatments, laboratory results, and overall health.
There is no procedure that is automatically best after GLP-1 treatment. Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, or SADI-S may be considered depending on your health history, reflux, BMI, metabolic concerns, previous treatments, and long-term needs.
Not for every patient. Medication and surgery are different treatment paths. The right choice depends on your health, response to medication, treatment goals, risks, preferences, and ability to follow long-term care recommendations.
Weight regain or concern about maintaining previous progress is a reason to speak with a qualified medical provider. A bariatric evaluation can help determine whether surgery, continued medical treatment, or another approach may be appropriate.
Some patients may be able to travel alone, but this should be confirmed before booking. Your medical and coordination teams should determine whether a companion is recommended and explain the transportation, hospital discharge, and recovery support available to you.
Pricing depends on the procedure, surgeon, medical needs, and current package. A coordinator can provide the current starting price, explain what is included, and identify any possible additional expenses before you schedule surgery.
Package details vary. Depending on your approved package, it may include hospital services, surgeon and anesthesiology fees, testing, transportation, hotel recovery, and postoperative guidance. Request written confirmation of all inclusions before booking.
A coordinator will review the information you provide, contact you to discuss your goals, and may request additional medical information. Submitting the form does not commit you to surgery.
No. Results vary by patient and procedure. Long-term progress also depends on nutrition, hydration, physical activity, vitamins, medical follow-up, and the ability to maintain recommended habits.
