Steps to Scheduling Your Surgery Date
If you have any questions or need help, contact our California-based staff at 855-768-7247.
Preparing for Surgery
Once you are scheduled, your coordinator will send you an email with specific guidelines to book your flights, follow pre-op diet instructions, and which home medications you may continue/discontinue before your surgery. You will also receive a Surgery Consent Form which must be completed 14 days before surgery. Ensure to include information regarding any potential accommodations you may need, such as additional hotel reservations, companion details, emergency contact information, and your flight itinerary.
Required Travel Documents
A valid Passport is highly recommended for all individuals in your party. If you do not have a passport or it’s expired, we suggest ordering an expedited passport application/renewal before your departure to Mexico.
*You may use ONE of the following in lieu of a conventional passport only upon approval from your Patient Coordinator.
- Passport ID Card
- REAL ID OR Enhanced Driver’s License
- Valid Driver’s License AND Original U.S. Birth Certificate (no copies). *Bringing your social security card and recent utility/cell phone bill that matches your license/ID helps the process go smoother

What is Needed Prior to Surgery?
- 1
Complete the Consent Form: The link will be sent in your booking confirmation email.
- 2Upload a Copy of your Passport/Identification: To ensure crossing the border is smooth, we verify your identification which you can attach to the consent form.
- 3
Send Us Your Flight Itinerary: Make sure to have your arrival time before 12:00 PM (noon) and departure time after 2:00 PM.
- 4
Proof of Final Payment or pay online (21 days prior)
What to Pack for Your Trip
Packing List: Pack lightly, and ensure that any laptops, notepads, or electronic devices are in travel cases with your name clearly on them. The hotel and hospital have standard U.S. outlets, free wi-fi, and free phone while at the hospital. Make sure to pack a loose, comfy nightshirt, a soft sports bra, and any medications you regularly take in the original prescription bottles. It is not necessary to bring any food or drink with you to Tijuana – you can buy any sports drinks/juices once you arrive at the hotel.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in San Diego
Book your flights To/From San Diego, CA International Airport (SAN). Flight instructions include;
- ARRIVAL DATE: Before 12:00 pm (noon)
- DEPARTURE DATE: After 2:00 pm
Once you arrive in San Diego, our private transportation will pick you and fellow patients up outside the airport and drive you 20 minutes across the border to the hotel. We have a medical lane pass, meaning we don’t have to wait with normal commute traffic. At the hotel, you will meet Karla, our Tijuana patient coordinator who will be by your side the entire time. You will give Karla your final payment (cashier’s checks) as needed to pay for the balance of your surgery.
You will be given an MBC directory with all phone numbers for anything you need during travel. Coordinators will check in with you to ensure you are doing great and will give you the time to meet back in the lobby on the morning of your surgery for a fun shuttle ride to the hospital!
Day 2: Surgery Day
Once you arrive at the hospital, you’ll meet the patient coordinator. You might have a small wait in a general waiting room area and have a chance to talk and get acquainted with the other patients that are scheduled for surgery on that day.
Our patient coordinator will escort you to your hospital room, where you’ll be given a hospital gown and have lab work done. The surgeons, anesthesiologists, and an internist will come in and do the pre-surgery consults. This is a very good time to ask any questions you might have for the doctors about restarting medication, vitamins, wound care, diet, and exercise. Then you will have your procedure done.
The process times will vary depending on your surgery, and you will sleep for several hours post-op. Make sure you tell your family members back home that you will call them when you wake up, but you may be sleepy for several hours post-op. It is not customary for the hospital staff to call family members for you. You can use the phone for free at the hospital, just ask the nurse for the phone.
Day 3: Recover at Hospital
*Gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and some revision surgeries patients stay one extra night at the hospital.
On day three they will take you upstairs for a quick tummy scan to check for any possible leaks. The doctor(s) or their surgical assistants will be checking in on you daily. Make sure to walk, walk, walk post-op to help improve recovery, gas, and healing.
Day 4: Departure
The morning of your release, the physician(s) will check on you and remove any drain tubes. The nurses will dress your wounds, and you will be given a bag with antibiotics, pain medication, the CD of your leak test, post-op paperwork, and procedure verification which includes the doctor’s names, and email addresses. These important documents will be included in your MBC giftbag before you leave the hospital.
The driver has an exclusive license and dual insurance, allowing him to take you through the border in a special medical tourism lane that can bypass traffic. Plan your departure flight after 2:00 pm.
Day 5: Gastric Bypass & Duodenal Switch Only*
Make sure, whether you drive or fly back from San Diego, to move your feet frequently!!! Stop and stretch out your legs, or if traveling, walk to the restroom often and keep hydrated.
Do not try to lift your bag into the car or overhead storage compartment; ask for assistance. Drink juice and water for the flight home. No coffee or tea.
Post-Op Diet (Back at Home)
We recommend patients take 2 to 3 weeks off work starting from surgery day. However, most patients are able to return to work sooner. Please let us know if you need paperwork signed for medical leave from work.
A good rule of thumb for the post-op diet, starting from your date of surgery;
- Phase One (Week 1): Continue with clear liquids only.
- Phase Two ( Week 2): Add thick liquids to your diet.
- Phase Three (Week 3): Add pureed foods and soft solids to your diet.
- Phase Four (Week 4+): Add solid foods slowly. Remember to give your stomach time to heal and reduce swelling.
Restart your medications as instructed by the doctors. If you are diabetic and use insulin, you may have to adjust the amounts as your dietary needs have changed. *Make sure to sip 64 ounces of clear fluids (like water) daily. Ask your surgeon when to start daily vitamins, biotin, calcium chews, and sublingual B-12. Your stomach may be rumbly for several weeks! Refer to the post-op diet plan for foods to incorporate into your diet.
If you have questions regarding your post-op diet, you can email them to our dietitian/nutritionist at nutrition@mexicobariatriccenter.com. Any medical questions should be directed to the doctor or our surgeon liaison at jen@mexicobariatriccenter.com. Your patient coordinator can assist you in sending your questions to the physician. Finally, make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care doctor within ten days of returning home.