Is it safe? Vetting a surgeon and hospital

Tijuana has excellent bariatric hospitals — and places to avoid. Safety is about choosing the right surgeon and facility, not the city.

Green flags

• Board-certified bariatric surgeon (CMBM / Mexican Council)
• High volume of your specific procedure
• Licensed hospital, not a "surgical suite"
• Written package with complication coverage
• Verifiable patient reviews and follow-up

Red flags

• Pressure to book now or wire large deposits
• No named surgeon until you arrive
• Prices far below everyone else
• No plan if a complication occurs

On the city

You'll see the headlines. In practice, medical travelers stay in the hospital district and recovery houses with clinic transport. Use drivers, keep a companion, use big-city sense. Personally, I felt safe and enjoyed my visit.