Patient Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about bariatric surgery, medical evaluation, pricing, travel, recovery, nutrition, and ongoing support at Pompeii Surgical Mexico.
Pricing and Packages
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Current starting prices are $4,600 USD for gastric sleeve and $5,800 USD for gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, and many revision procedures. Additional procedures or medically necessary services may affect the final price.
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Packages may include surgeon and anesthesia fees, hospital care, medications during your scheduled stay, ground transportation, recovery accommodations, one approved adult companion, nutrition support, and postoperative coordination. Your coordinator will review the exact inclusions before booking.
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Airfare, vitamins, optional room upgrades, companion-related upgrades, and services not included in your selected package may be separate. Any anticipated additional cost should be explained before your surgery date.
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Available payment methods may include cash, cashier’s check, and wire transfer. Wire transfers must be completed within the timeframe provided by administration. Your coordinator will confirm current payment instructions.
Procedures and Surgical Options
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The decision depends on your BMI, medical history, reflux symptoms, previous procedures, medications, and long-term goals. A patient coordinator can explain the general differences, but the final recommendation is made by the surgical team after medical review.
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Gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of the stomach by creating a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. It does not reroute the intestines and may help patients feel satisfied with smaller portions.
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Gastric bypass creates a smaller stomach pouch and reroutes part of the digestive system. It may be considered for qualifying patients with significant reflux, type 2 diabetes, higher BMI, or certain revision needs.
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Yes. Revision cases require an individualized review. Previous operative reports, endoscopy, imaging, and other records may be requested before the surgeon can determine whether another procedure is appropriate.
Eligibility and Medical Review
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Eligibility is based on more than BMI alone. The team considers age, weight, medical conditions, previous surgeries, anesthesia risk, medications, laboratory results, and your ability to follow long-term nutrition and follow-up requirements.
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Testing requirements vary. Some patients may need blood work, EKG, echocardiogram, specialist clearance, imaging, or other documentation before approval.
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Many patients have conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or reflux. These conditions do not automatically prevent surgery, but they must be disclosed and reviewed carefully.
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Yes. A new illness, abnormal test result, medication concern, incomplete preparation, or another safety issue may require additional evaluation or rescheduling.
Travel and Your Stay
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Most patients fly into San Diego International Airport. Follow the arrival and departure times provided by your coordinator before purchasing flights.
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Qualifying surgical packages include scheduled ground transportation between the designated pickup point, the border, Pompeii Surgical Mexico, and the airport. Your exact itinerary will be confirmed before travel.
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Typical stays are four days and three nights for gastric sleeve and five days and four nights for gastric bypass or mini gastric bypass. Revision procedures may require additional time.
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Bring a valid passport or other documents accepted for your specific border crossing. Entry requirements can change, so confirm current requirements with the appropriate government authority before traveling.
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One approved adult companion is included with many bariatric packages. Companion accommodations, meals, and transportation details should be confirmed with your coordinator.
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Patients remain in the Pompeii surgical and recovery center during their scheduled stay, allowing medical care, nursing support, and recovery accommodations to remain coordinated in one location.
Recovery and Nutrition
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Recovery varies according to the procedure, job demands, pain control, hydration, fatigue, and individual healing. Patients with desk-based work may return sooner than those with physically demanding jobs.
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The diet generally advances in stages from clear liquids to full liquids, purée textures, soft foods, and then broader food choices. Advance only according to the schedule provided by the nutrition and medical teams.
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Weight loss varies widely based on procedure, starting weight, health conditions, nutrition, activity, follow-up, and individual response. No specific amount of weight loss can be guaranteed.
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Walking usually begins early, while more strenuous exercise and weight training require medical clearance. Follow your surgeon’s restrictions and increase activity gradually.
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Seek prompt medical care for chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to drink, significant fever, calf swelling, or other rapidly worsening symptoms.
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Only take medications approved for you. Some over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may not be appropriate after bariatric surgery.
Insurance and Financial Questions
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Coverage varies by insurer and plan. Many U.S. policies do not reimburse elective surgery performed outside the country. Contact your insurer directly for a written explanation of your benefits.
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Some patients may be able to use eligible health spending accounts, but requirements vary. Confirm eligibility and documentation needs with your plan administrator before making payment.
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Pompeii packages may include a complication policy with specific terms, coverage limits, timeframes, and exclusions. Review the written policy before surgery so you understand what is and is not covered.
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Travel insurance may help with issues such as cancellations, delays, or lost luggage. It is separate from medical or surgical complication coverage. Review the policy details carefully before purchasing.
Aftercare and Long-Term Support
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Postoperative support may include coordinator check-ins, nutrition guidance during diet progression, answers to recovery questions, and access to patient support resources.
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Most bariatric patients require ongoing vitamin and mineral supplementation. The exact products and doses depend on your procedure, diet, laboratory results, and medical history.
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Your primary care clinician or bariatric provider should monitor laboratory values regularly. Testing frequency may be more frequent during the first year and adjusted based on results.
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Weight regain can occur for several reasons. Reconnect with your nutrition team, review eating and activity patterns, update laboratory testing, and discuss whether medical or surgical evaluation is appropriate.
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Yes. Continue routine care with your local healthcare professionals for medication management, annual physical examinations, laboratory monitoring, preventive care, and urgent concerns.
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Patients may join the official Pompeii support community to connect with others, receive updates, and share encouragement throughout the bariatric journey.
Contact Pompeii Surgical Mexico
Patient Coordination: +1 (858) 439-7931
Patient Coordination: +1 (858) 439-7979
Transportation: +1 (858) 439-7788
Email: contact@pompeii-surgical.com
Av. Diego Rivera 2550
Zona Urbana Río Tijuana
22010 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
* Important Medical Notice
The answers on this page are general educational information and do not replace medical advice, individualized instructions, insurance documents, government travel requirements, or the written terms of your surgical package. Contact your medical team or coordinator when you need guidance specific to your situation.