About Sergio Verboonen - Tijuana

Dr. Jose Sergio Verboonen (“Dr. V”) is a Premium bariatric specialist in Tijuana, Mexico. He and his experienced team perform gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric band, and intragastric balloon at modern partner hospitals close to the U.S.–Mexico border.

With thousands of cases since the 1990s, Dr. Verboonen is active in international societies for metabolic and bariatric surgery and treats many patients traveling from the U.S. and Canada.

Why book this clinic with Medical Departures?
• Premium, Verified listing with a strong review score around 4.9/5.
• Clear bariatric menu (sleeve, bypass, mini bypass, band, balloon) with typical on-the-ground stay around five days.
• Bilingual care (English/Spanish).
• Border-city convenience with airport transfers often included in packages arranged by the team.
• Competitive, published package pricing across procedures.

Location & access
Based in Tijuana, Baja California, the practice operates minutes from the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry. Most visitors fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN) and transfer 30–45 minutes to the border; others use Cross Border Xpress (CBX) to walk directly into Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). Uber and Lyft are common on the U.S. side; Uber is widely used in Tijuana. Your coordinator will confirm pickup points and return transport.

What to expect
• Hospital-based care: surgery in fully equipped operating rooms with anesthesia, labs, and imaging.
• Procedures offered: gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric band, intragastric balloon; revision options are available for eligible patients.
• Languages: English and Spanish.
• Payments: Confirm accepted methods and any processing fees with your Medical Departures coordinator.
• Typical timeline: plan several days locally for pre-op tests, surgery, and initial recovery checks before traveling home.

Popular procedures (plain-English)
• Gastric Sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy): reduces stomach size to support portion control and steady weight loss.
• Gastric Bypass: creates a small pouch and reroutes the intestine to limit intake and absorption.
• Mini Gastric Bypass: a streamlined bypass for select candidates.
• Gastric Band: an adjustable band around the top of the stomach to restrict portions.
• Intragastric Balloon: a temporary endoscopic balloon that helps you feel full sooner.

Booking & coordination
Reserve through Medical Departures for quotes, surgeon availability, and travel help. Coordinators outline pre-op testing, what’s included (e.g., hotel nights, transfers), and your day-by-day itinerary so you know exactly where to be and when.

FAQs

  1. Which bariatric procedures are available?
    Short answer: Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric band, and intragastric balloon.
    More detail: After your health review, the team recommends the safest, most effective option for your BMI, history, and goals. Revision surgery may be considered for past procedures.

     
  2. Are there warranties or guarantees on treatments?
    Short answer: Written “warranties” are uncommon; ask for policies in writing.
    More detail: Request details on revision windows, complication protocols, and what follow-up is included. Booking via Medical Departures also adds platform support and a Best Price Guarantee on listed services.

     
  3. Where is the clinic and how do I get there?
    Short answer: Tijuana, minutes from the U.S. border; arrive via San Diego (SAN) or CBX into Tijuana (TIJ).
    More detail: Many travelers land at SAN and meet the driver for a 30–45 minute transfer toward San Ysidro/Otay Mesa. CBX lets you walk directly into TIJ’s terminal. Uber/Lyft are common in San Diego; Uber is widely used in Tijuana.

     
  4. What languages are spoken?
    Short answer: English and Spanish.
    More detail: Bilingual staff support check-in, nursing care, and discharge instructions; mention any additional language needs at booking.

     
  5. What payment types are accepted?
    Short answer: Confirm with your coordinator ahead of travel.
    More detail: Methods and fees can vary by package and date; verify deposits, balances, and any card/FX fees so funds clear before surgery day.

     
  6. How long do I need to stay in Tijuana?
    Short answer: Often around five days, depending on the procedure.
    More detail: Typical plans include pre-op labs and consults, surgery, and early recovery checks. Your surgeon will confirm your personalized timeline.
  7. Is airport pickup or hotel included?
    Short answer: Many bariatric packages include local transfers, and some include hotel; confirm your inclusions.
    More detail: Share flight details early so your driver can coordinate border timing and meet-up locations.

Prices and Procedures

1. Weight Loss Surgery
ProcedurePriceDuration
Gastric Band
USD 4,500 - USD 5,500 USD 9,288
5 days
Gastric Bypass
USD 6,900 - USD 8,500 USD 19,914
5 days
Intragastric Balloon
USD 3,000 - USD 3,200 USD 6,050
5 days
Sleeve Gastrectomy
USD 4,500 - USD 5,500 USD 12,405
5 days
Save Up to 70% on Your New Smile

★ 4.89 .70 reviews

Lori Ryder

March 2024

I was so impressed with the facility and staff. Received excellent care.

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Jani Margetts

March 2024

Dr verboonen almost killed a patient. Multiple months in hospital and looking at multiple more. During her surgery he cut her liver and part of the intestine and the resulted in major infections throughout her body. Dr verboonen not his office has reached out in any way to this patient. Refusing contact while deleting her review and blocking her. Mistakes do happen but this is unacceptable and a coward doesn’t own up to his mistakes. This women’s life has been extremely affected by this. I highly recommend going with a different doctor and clinic. Tijuana offers multiple great ones as well as PV. ZERO stars. I can’t believe this doctor has blocked his own patient.

Show More >

TheQueenOfC

November 2023

Almost 3 years later and I feel and look amazing thanks to Dr. Verboonen. Best decision! Thank you!

Show More >

Mel Melanson

July 2023

Service was okay. Wasn’t happy with my coordinator Sheri. Communication was iffy at times. When I woke up from surgery they were having a loud party and I was so startled. Also, after care is not really after care. They suggest you file a Facebook group that really is more about catering to getting new clients or older women! I’d suggest going to a more reputable surgeon.

Show More >

Melissa Bethany

April 2022

Dr. Verboonen performed my gastric sleeve surgery one year ago. I flew from Texas alone and was naturally nervous but once I arrived in Tijuana, Mexico he and his staff took great care of me. He’s an amazing surgeon and I wouldn’t change a thing! I’ve presently lost 166 lbs and counting. Thank you Dr. Sergio Verboonen for changing my life!!!

Show More >
Show more reviews >

Cleanliness

4.89

Communication

4.89

Value

4.89

Quality

4.89

Service

4.89

Comfort

4.89

Lori Ryder

March 2024

I was so impressed with the facility and staff. Received excellent care.

Show more >

Jani Margetts

March 2024

Dr verboonen almost killed a patient. Multiple months in hospital and looking at multiple more. During her surgery he cut her liver and part of the intestine and the resulted in major infections throughout her body. Dr verboonen not his office has reached out in any way to this patient. Refusing contact while deleting her review and blocking her. Mistakes do happen but this is unacceptable and a coward doesn’t own up to his mistakes. This women’s life has been extremely affected by this. I highly recommend going with a different doctor and clinic. Tijuana offers multiple great ones as well as PV. ZERO stars. I can’t believe this doctor has blocked his own patient.

Show more >

TheQueenOfC

November 2023

Almost 3 years later and I feel and look amazing thanks to Dr. Verboonen. Best decision! Thank you!

Show more >

Mel Melanson

July 2023

Service was okay. Wasn’t happy with my coordinator Sheri. Communication was iffy at times. When I woke up from surgery they were having a loud party and I was so startled. Also, after care is not really after care. They suggest you file a Facebook group that really is more about catering to getting new clients or older women! I’d suggest going to a more reputable surgeon.

Show more >

Melissa Bethany

April 2022

Dr. Verboonen performed my gastric sleeve surgery one year ago. I flew from Texas alone and was naturally nervous but once I arrived in Tijuana, Mexico he and his staff took great care of me. He’s an amazing surgeon and I wouldn’t change a thing! I’ve presently lost 166 lbs and counting. Thank you Dr. Sergio Verboonen for changing my life!!!

Show more >

Doctors

Jose Sergio Verboonen Sotelo
Jose Sergio Verboonen Sotelo
profession badge
22Years of Practice
verify iconMedical Departures Verified Clinic

We conduct a 4 point review of our dentists* - site visit, quality survey, online reputation, medical license verification

* varies by country
language iconLanguage Spoken:
  • English
  • Spanish
association iconAssociations:
  • Member of the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity (IFSO)
  • Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía Endoscópica (AMCE)
  • CMCGAC
  • CMCOEM - Mexican College of Obesity Surgery
education iconEducation:
  • Medical Surgeon
Indira Mayakovsky Partida Vargas
Indira Mayakovsky Partida Vargas
profession badge
23Years of Practice
verify iconMedical Departures Verified Clinic

We conduct a 4 point review of our dentists* - site visit, quality survey, online reputation, medical license verification

* varies by country
language iconLanguage Spoken:
  • English
  • Spanish
association iconAssociations:
  • AFPA
  • CMCOEM - Mexican College of Obesity Surgery
  • Member of the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity (IFSO)
education iconEducation:
  • Certified Bariatric Surgeon
  • Specialty in Internal Medicine

Before and After


Additional Services

Free Wifi
Free Wifi
Free Water
Free Water
Free Ground Transportation to Hotel
Free Ground Transportation to Hotel
Free Ground Transportation to Airport
Free Ground Transportation to Airport
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

Accepted Payment Methods

Visa Visa Mastercard Mastercard Cash Cash Bank Transfer Bank Transfer

Operation Hours UTC-08

MONDAY 08:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY 08:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY 08:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY 08:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY 08:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY -
SUNDAY -

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