We conduct a 4 part review of our medical clinic* - site visit, quality survey, online reputation, medical license verification
* varies by country
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
| Procedure | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
I was so impressed with the facility and staff. Received excellent care.
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.
Almost 3 years later and I feel and look amazing thanks to Dr. Verboonen. Best decision! Thank you!
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.
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!!!
| 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 | - |