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Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea
CER Hospital in Tijuana
Guidance for International Patients
Procedures When to Request an Evaluation Before You Travel Packages FAQs
Medically reviewed by Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea, General Surgery and Bariatric Surgery. Last reviewed: July 2026.

General Surgery at Tijuana Bariatric Center

Tijuana Bariatric Center offers evaluation and surgical treatment for selected digestive conditions, including gallbladder disease, persistent acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and hiatal hernia.

When medically appropriate, procedures may be performed using minimally invasive or laparoscopic techniques. The recommended treatment depends on the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and available test results.

Procedures and services currently available include:

  • Gallbladder surgery.
  • Acid reflux surgery.
  • Nissen fundoplication.
  • Evaluation for hiatal hernia repair when it is part of the recommended treatment.
  • Personalized review of medical records and diagnostic studies.
  • Travel and treatment guidance for international patients.
You do not need to know which procedure you need before contacting us. The first step is a personalized medical review.

Our General Surgery Procedures

Each condition requires a different evaluation. Dr. Fernando Garcia reviews the patient’s symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatment, and medical studies before recommending a surgical option.

Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder surgery may be recommended for selected patients with symptomatic gallstones, recurring gallbladder attacks, inflammation, or another diagnosed gallbladder condition. When appropriate, the gallbladder may be removed using a minimally invasive procedure known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Pricing and estimated stay: Provided after medical review.
Future page: /other-procedures/general-surgery/gallbladder-surgery/
Request a Gallbladder Evaluation

Acid Reflux Surgery

Surgical treatment may be considered for selected patients with persistent acid reflux or GERD symptoms that have not improved sufficiently with appropriate medication and lifestyle changes. The recommendation depends on the cause of reflux, anatomy, previous treatment, and diagnostic studies.

Pricing and estimated stay: Provided after medical review.
Future page: /other-procedures/general-surgery/acid-reflux-surgery/
Request a Reflux Evaluation

Nissen Fundoplication

Nissen fundoplication is a specific anti-reflux procedure designed to reinforce the area between the esophagus and stomach. It may be considered for selected patients with confirmed GERD or another condition affecting the normal anti-reflux barrier, sometimes together with hiatal hernia repair.

Pricing and estimated stay: Provided after medical review.
Future page: /other-procedures/general-surgery/nissen-fundoplication/
Request a Nissen Evaluation

Not Sure Which Procedure Applies to Your Condition?

You do not need to select a procedure before contacting us. Tell our team about your symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatment, and any medical studies you already have. A patient coordinator can explain what information is needed for an initial review by Dr. Fernando Garcia.

Tell Us About Your Case

When Should You Request a Surgical Evaluation?

A surgical evaluation may be helpful if you have already received a diagnosis, if your symptoms continue despite treatment, or if another physician has recommended that you speak with a surgeon.

Symptomatic gallstones.
Recurring gallbladder pain or inflammation.
Persistent heartburn or acid reflux.
Regurgitation, especially at night.
GERD symptoms that continue despite treatment.
A diagnosed hiatal hernia.
Difficulty swallowing associated with a diagnosed digestive condition.
A previous recommendation to consult a general surgeon.
Uncertainty about whether surgery is necessary.
These symptoms do not automatically mean that surgery is required. A medical evaluation is necessary to understand the cause of the symptoms and determine the appropriate next step.
Dr. Fernando Garcia explaining minimally invasive general surgery options

Why Consider a Minimally Invasive Approach?

Many general surgery procedures can be performed laparoscopically. Instead of one large incision, the surgeon uses several smaller incisions, a camera, and specialized surgical instruments.

When appropriate for the patient and procedure, a minimally invasive approach may provide:

  • Smaller incisions.
  • Less postoperative discomfort.
  • Reduced scarring.
  • A shorter hospital stay.
  • A more manageable recovery.
  • A faster return to certain daily activities.

Not every patient or condition is suitable for laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Fernando Garcia will determine the recommended surgical approach after reviewing the diagnosis, previous surgeries, medical history, and available studies.

Dr. Fernando Garcia general surgeon in Tijuana Mexico

General Surgery with Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea

Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea serves as Medical Director of Tijuana Bariatric Center and holds professional credentials in General Surgery and Bariatric Surgery.

He personally performs the general surgery procedures offered through this program at CER Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico. His approach includes reviewing each patient’s medical information, explaining the available surgical options, and helping the patient understand what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

For international patients, this means receiving clear information about the procedure, required medical studies, hospital stay, travel planning, recovery, and follow-up before making a final decision.

Meet Dr. Fernando Garcia

What Happens Before You Travel?

The medical and travel plan should be clear before you purchase flights or make nonrefundable reservations.

1

Tell Us About Your Condition

Complete the evaluation form and tell us about your symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatment, and procedure of interest.

2

Send Your Medical Information

The team may request medical records, laboratory results, ultrasound reports, imaging, endoscopy results, previous surgical reports, or a medication list.

3

Receive a Medical Review

Dr. Fernando Garcia reviews the available information and determines whether additional testing or a consultation is needed.

4

Review Your Proposed Plan

The coordinator explains the proposed procedure, facility, preparation, expected stay, recovery guidance, package details, and personalized pricing.

5

Confirm Before Booking Travel

Wait until the procedure, medical requirements, surgery date, hospital, and travel arrangements have been confirmed.

Start Your Evaluation

General Surgery Packages in Tijuana

Package details vary according to the procedure and the patient’s medical needs. After the initial review, our team will provide a personalized quote and explain what is included.

Your personalized package may include:

  • Surgery performed by Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea.
  • Procedure at CER Hospital.
  • Surgeon and anesthesia fees.
  • Hospital stay and required preoperative testing.
  • Postoperative medications and recovery guidance.
  • Hotel recovery when included in the approved package.
  • Transportation and companion arrangements when included.
  • Follow-up guidance after returning home.

Pricing and package details are subject to medical evaluation. The final quote may vary depending on the diagnosis, required testing, medical complexity, length of stay, additional procedures, and services needed.

Request a Personalized Estimate

Traveling to Tijuana for General Surgery

Tijuana is located near San Diego and is accessible to patients traveling from the United States and Canada. However, choosing surgery in another country involves more than selecting a destination or comparing prices.

Before scheduling, patients should understand who will perform the procedure, where surgery will take place, which medical studies are required, and how long they should remain in Tijuana.

Patients should also confirm whether they can travel alone, what assistance they may need after surgery, what is included in the package, and how follow-up will work after returning home.

Our coordinators help organize this information so you can understand the medical and travel process before deciding whether to proceed.

Traveling Patient Information

Why Patients Choose Tijuana Bariatric Center

Clear medical information, coordinated travel guidance, and a personalized review can make the process easier to understand before a patient decides.

Personalized Medical Review

Each recommendation is based on the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, previous treatment, and available studies.

Procedures Performed by Dr. Garcia

General surgery procedures are personally performed by Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea.

Care at CER Hospital

Procedures are performed at CER Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico.

Minimally Invasive Options

When medically appropriate, laparoscopic techniques may support a more manageable surgical experience and recovery.

Guidance for International Patients

Our team explains the medical, hospital, travel, and recovery process before treatment is scheduled.

Clear Information Before You Decide

No pressure. Just clear guidance about your options, package, costs, and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Surgery in Tijuana

What general surgery procedures does TBC offer?

Tijuana Bariatric Center currently evaluates selected patients for gallbladder surgery, acid reflux surgery, and Nissen fundoplication. Hiatal hernia repair may also be considered when it is part of the recommended treatment. Every case requires a personalized medical evaluation before a procedure can be recommended.

Who performs the general surgery procedures?

The general surgery procedures offered through this program are personally performed by Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea at CER Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico.

Is laparoscopic surgery available?

Yes. When medically appropriate, certain procedures may be performed using minimally invasive or laparoscopic techniques. The final approach depends on the diagnosis, medical history, previous surgeries, and findings from the evaluation.

Is acid reflux surgery the same as Nissen fundoplication?

No. Acid reflux surgery is a broader category that may include different surgical options. Nissen fundoplication is one specific anti-reflux procedure. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of reflux, diagnostic studies, anatomy, and individual medical needs.

Can hiatal hernia repair be performed with Nissen fundoplication?

It may be. Hiatal hernia repair can be performed alone or together with an anti-reflux procedure depending on the type of hernia, symptoms, diagnostic findings, and the surgeon’s recommendation.

What medical records should I send?

The required records depend on the condition. They may include medical notes, laboratory results, ultrasound or imaging reports, endoscopy results, previous surgical reports, and a current medication list. A coordinator will explain what is needed for your case.

How much does general surgery in Tijuana cost?

Starting prices vary by procedure. The final cost depends on the diagnosis, required testing, anesthesia, hospital stay, medical complexity, additional procedures, and recovery arrangements. A personalized estimate is provided after the initial medical review.

Can I travel from the United States or Canada?

Yes. International patients may be considered after an initial medical review. Before traveling, the procedure, medical requirements, surgeon, facility, estimated stay, and recovery plan should be confirmed.

Can I travel alone?

Whether you can travel alone depends on the procedure, expected recovery, medical condition, and assistance you may need after surgery. The coordinator will explain whether a companion is recommended for your case.

What happens after I submit the evaluation form?

A patient coordinator will contact you to learn more about your symptoms or diagnosis. The team may request medical records and diagnostic studies before your case is reviewed by Dr. Fernando Garcia.

Should I purchase my flight before receiving medical approval?

No. Patients should wait until their medical review is complete and the procedure, date, hospital, and travel requirements have been confirmed.

Get Clear Answers Before You Travel

If you are considering general surgery in Tijuana, the first step is not choosing a procedure or purchasing a flight. It is understanding your condition and receiving a personalized medical review.

Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatment, and available medical studies. Our team will explain what information is needed and what the next step may be.

Request a Surgical Evaluation

No pressure. Just clear information about your options and next steps.

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