Current guidelines from ASMBS and IFSO recommend bariatric surgery for: BMI ≥40 regardless of comorbidities, BMI ≥35 with at least one obesity-related condition (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, GERD, joint disease), and BMI 30–34.9 with Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome that is not controlled with medication. Our surgeon evaluates each case individually — BMI alone is not the only criterion.

Yes — in fact, these are the patients who benefit most from bariatric surgery. Type 2 diabetes goes into remission in 60–90% of cases depending on the procedure. Hypertension resolves or significantly improves in 70%+ of patients. Sleep apnea resolves in 80%+ of cases as excess weight is lost. Our pre-operative protocol carefully optimizes blood sugar, blood pressure, and breathing before surgery to minimize risk.

GLP-1 medications are effective but have limitations: they require lifelong use (weight returns within 1 year of stopping), they cost $1,000–$1,500/month without insurance, and they don’t produce the same metabolic remission of diabetes as surgery. Bariatric surgery is a one-time investment that produces durable weight loss and metabolic improvements lasting 10+ years. Many patients who have used GLP-1 drugs without achieving their goal or who cannot afford the ongoing cost choose surgery as the next step.

Two main reasons: cost and access. In the U.S., bariatric surgery costs $15,000–$35,000. Insurance coverage requires a 6–12 month documentation process and is frequently denied. In Mexico, the same procedure costs $4,500–$7,000 all-inclusive, with no insurance delays. Our surgeon holds ASMBS, IFSO, and FACS credentials — the same certifications required at U.S. bariatric centers of excellence. You receive the same quality of care at 60–70% less cost, typically within 3–6 weeks of your initial consultation.

Many patients are able to significantly reduce or discontinue diabetes medications within days to weeks after surgery — even before major weight loss occurs. This metabolic effect is due to hormonal changes from the surgery itself, not just weight loss. Your surgeon and our team coordinate with your home endocrinologist or primary care physician before and after surgery to safely taper medications. Never stop diabetes medications without medical supervision.

Typically 3–6 weeks from first contact to surgery date. Week 1–2: Free virtual consultation with Dr. López, health questionnaire, medical record review. Week 2–3: Written treatment plan and cost estimate provided. Week 3–4: Pre-op dietary preparation (high-protein, low-carb diet). Week 4–6: Travel to Mexico, pre-op labs on arrival day, surgery the following day. This is dramatically faster than the U.S. system, which typically requires 6–12 months of documented diet attempts before insurance approval.

Many patients who lose 50%+ of their excess body weight develop loose or excess skin — particularly around the abdomen, arms, thighs, and breasts. Body contouring surgery (panniculectomy, arm lift, thigh lift, brachioplasty) is typically considered 12–18 months after bariatric surgery, once weight has stabilized. Our affiliated plastic surgery team at ALO Aesthetic (aloaesthetic.com) specializes in post-bariatric body contouring in Mexico at significant savings vs. U.S. prices.

Some weight regain (10–20% of lost weight) is common at 3–5 years and does not indicate failure — most patients still maintain significant long-term improvements. Significant regain (returning to near original weight) occurs in about 5–10% of cases and may indicate: return to old eating habits, gastric pouch dilation, or a sleeve-to-bypass conversion need. We offer revision bariatric surgery and long-term follow-up support. Lifelong adherence to dietary guidelines and regular follow-up labs are the most important factors for lasting results.