Is there a BMI or age limit for gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico?

Updated November 2025

What BMI qualifies for gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico?

Short answer: Most clinics recommend exploring surgery when your BMI is above 35, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea.

Mexico’s Secretaría de Salud defines bariatric surgery guidance through NOM-008-SSA3-2017 (DOF) , which addresses care for people with severe obesity and obesity linked to medical problems.

Globally, professional societies recommend considering gastric sleeve surgery when:

• Your BMI is ~35 or more, even without other illnesses.
• Or your BMI is ~30–34 with a metabolic condition like diabetes.

See guidance from the ASMBS/IFSO 2022 Guidelines and IFSO – Global Bariatric Standards . Many Mexican clinics serving international patients align with both national and international standards to ensure safe, evidence-based care.

Is there an age limit for gastric sleeve surgery?

Short answer: There’s no specific maximum age. Doctors evaluate overall health, not just birthdate.

Younger adults typically qualify once fully developed, and older adults can be candidates if cardiac/pulmonary status and recovery outlook are favorable. For adolescents, select programs may approve surgery under a multidisciplinary team with psychological and guardian oversight (see IFSO). In every case, teams prioritize safety, long-term benefit, and recovery capacity—rather than a fixed age cutoff.

Why eligibility can vary between clinics

Short answer: Each clinic evaluates patients based on its experience and the standards it follows.

All accredited centers respect NOM-008, but many also use ASMBS/IFSO guidance to consider patients who may benefit at slightly lower BMIs. Differences reflect risk tolerance, available technology, and the clinic’s multidisciplinary approach, so a direct medical evaluation is the best way to know.

How heva simplifies the eligibility process

Short answer: heva helps patients confirm eligibility before traveling by connecting them directly with verified bariatric surgeons in Mexico. Through heva, you can:

• Connect with verified surgeons 24/7: Direct messages and consult scheduling.
• Share records securely: Pre-evaluation aligned with Mexican and international criteria.
• Communicate in 100+ languages: Remove confusion around eligibility or instructions.
• Receive accurate quotes: Doctor-issued estimates rather than generic online prices.
• Pay securely: USD, MXN, EUR, and others—plus optional flexible financing for eligible U.S. patients.

This provides a clear medical answer, beyond just a price quote.

What to prepare for your eligibility consultation

Short answer: Upload a few essentials so the team can give a reliable answer quickly:

• Your height, weight, and known health conditions.
• Medication list and allergies.
• Basic labs (CBC, glucose, liver, kidney).
• Any prior surgery/anesthesia records.

Uploading these in advance through heva helps doctors confirm whether gastric sleeve surgery is safe and recommended for you—saving time and unnecessary travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What BMI qualifies for gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico?

Most clinics start considering patients with a BMI of about 35 or more, or slightly lower if metabolic conditions are present.

2. Is there an upper age limit?

No. Doctors focus on cardiac/pulmonary fitness and overall recovery capacity rather than age alone.

3. Can teenagers get gastric sleeve surgery?

Yes—under a qualified multidisciplinary team with psychological support and guardian consent, per international guidance (see IFSO).

4. Why might two clinics give different answers?

Some follow only NOM-008, while others also apply ASMBS/IFSO criteria; approaches vary with risk tolerance and resources.

5. How does heva help before traveling?

heva lets you share records securely, speak in your language, and confirm eligibility and pricing before booking a flight.

Disclaimers

Medical Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about medical tourism safety considerations. It is not medical advice. heva is a healthcare coordination platform connecting patients with providers—we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All medical and travel decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.

Safety Information: Safety recommendations are based on best practices and expert guidelines. Individual circumstances may require additional precautions. Patients should continue to conduct their own research and verification of providers and facilities. heva facilitates connections but does not guarantee results or safety outcomes.

Insurance Information: Insurance recommendations are general guidance only. Specific coverage needs vary by individual circumstances and procedures. Patients should consult with insurance professionals to determine appropriate coverage levels and providers.

International Healthcare: International medical care involves inherent risks and additional considerations including emergency protocols, legal differences, and care coordination. Patients should thoroughly research all aspects and maintain realistic expectations about cross-border healthcare.