In recent years, Tijuana has established itself as one of the main destinations for bariatric surgery in North America, attracting hundreds of patients from the United States and Canada who are looking for an effective and accessible alternative to combat obesity.

Dr. Luis Gerardo Cano Santos, director of Obesity Out Bariatric Surgery Center, attributes this trend to the high quality of the procedures, competitive costs and advanced technology offered by specialists in the region.

"Obesity is one of the major pandemics of the 21st century, affecting millions of people worldwide. Bariatric surgery is today the only effective and sustained long-term treatment to control this condition and its comorbidities, such as diabetes and hypertension",says Dr. Cano Santos.

One of the key factors that has positioned Tijuana in this field is the access to state-of-the-art technology, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery. In addition, many clinics and hospitals have international certifications that guarantee safety and quality standards comparable to those of the United States and Canada.

However, Dr. Cano Santos recognizes that there are still important challenges, such as the perception of insecurity that prevails in some sectors of foreign public opinion. "Many patients have doubts due to the image that is projected in the United States about Tijuana. However, the reality is that our city is home to first class medical centers with highly trained professionals.", señala.

In addition to medical quality, cost is a determining factor for international patients. While in the United States a bariatric surgery can cost between 20,000 and 30,000 dollars, in Tijuana the prices are up to 60% lower.

The specialist considers that a joint strategy between the medical profession, the government and the tourism sector is essential to promote the medical offer and guarantee that patients have accurate and updated information on the safety and quality of the procedures. He also stresses the importance of patients doing thorough research before choosing a surgical center, looking for certified surgeons with ample experience and good references.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Cano Santos assures that the future of bariatric surgery in Tijuana is promising. Every year, thousands of patients find in the city a viable and effective option to treat obesity, contributing to the growth of medical tourism in the region.

About Dr. Luis Gerardo Cano Santos

Dr. Luis Gerardo Cano Santos is a renowned general and bariatric surgeon with more than 16 years of medical experience and 12 years in private practice, during which he has performed more than 2,000 procedures. He graduated from the National Polytechnic Institute as a Medical Surgeon and specialized in General Surgery at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. Subsequently, he completed a high specialty in laparoscopic surgery and surgery for obesity and metabolic diseases. In 2018, he completed a fellowship in bariatric surgery at the Gastro Obeso Center in São Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Cano Santos is certified by the Mexican Board of General Surgery and is an active member of several medical associations, including the Mexican Association of General Surgery, the Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery and the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases.