Weight Loss Surgery Costa Rica: Your Complete Guide to San Jose Clinics & Costs [2026]

Every year, thousands of Americans discover a life-changing secret: weight loss surgery in Costa Rica can be performed by world-class surgeons for a fraction of US prices. The same procedures that cost $25,000-$30,000 back home are available at JCI-accredited hospitals for 65% less. With English-speaking medical teams and a recovery environment that feels more like a wellness retreat than a hospital stay, Costa Rica has become the top destination for medical tourists seeking bariatric procedures.

Whether you're considering [INTERNAL_LINK: gastric-sleeve-procedure] gastric sleeve, [INTERNAL_LINK: gastric-bypass-guide] gastric bypass, or another bariatric procedure, this guide covers everything you need to know about weight loss surgery in Costa Rica -- from costs and clinics to surgeons and recovery destinations.

This article contains affiliate links to medical tourism services and recovery facilities. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support our research and content creation.

Why Choose Costa Rica for Weight Loss Surgery#

Cost Savings: 65% Less Than US Prices

The numbers tell a compelling story for weight loss surgery Costa Rica patients. A gastric sleeve procedure in the United States averages $27,000, while gastric bypass surgery runs around $25,000. Insurance often denies coverage, leaving patients with few options -- except to look beyond borders.

In Costa Rica, the same procedures performed by internationally trained surgeons cost between $4,500-$7,500. Even after factoring in flights, accommodation, and a week-long recovery stay, most patients save $15,000-$20,000 compared to domestic prices.

One patient who had his surgery at Hospital Clinica Biblica summed it up: "With travel expenses, the procedure cost about a third of what it would have in the U.S." That kind of savings changes lives in more ways than one -- both through dramatic weight loss and financial freedom from crushing medical debt.

Pura Vida Wellness Culture and Recovery

Costa Rica offers something no American hospital can match: the "Pura Vida" lifestyle that permeates every aspect of your recovery experience. This small Central American nation has built its reputation on wellness tourism, eco-friendly healthcare, and holistic patient care.

Many patients extend their medical trip to take advantage of [INTERNAL_LINK: costa-rica-hot-springs] therapeutic hot springs, [INTERNAL_LINK: wellness-retreats-central-america] wellness retreats, and the kind of natural beauty that promotes genuine healing. The warm tropical climate, lush rainforests, and Pacific beaches create an environment where recovery feels less like convalescence and more like transformation.

The healthcare culture here emphasizes patient comfort and personalized attention. Medical staff often go beyond standard protocols, with one UK nurse who visited CIMA Hospital noting that her husband "was treated in a very prompt and professional manner. I'm a nurse back in the UK and worked for the NHS for many years, so I know good care when I see it. We could not have asked for anything more."

Proximity to the United States

Geographic convenience makes Costa Rica an ideal medical tourism destination for North Americans seeking weight loss surgery. Most U.S. cities can reach San Jose within 5-7 hours by air, with direct flights available from major hubs including Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York.

Americans and Canadians require no visa for stays under 90 days -- more than enough time for surgery and complete recovery. The country shares time zones with U.S. Central Time (or Mountain Time during daylight saving), making communication with family back home simple and straightforward.

Juan Santamaria International Airport sits just 11 miles from the major hospitals in San Jose, meaning you can be in pre-operative consultation within an hour of landing.

Weight Loss Surgery Costs in Costa Rica#

Gastric Sleeve: $4,500-$5,500

[INTERNAL_LINK: gastric-sleeve-explained] Sleeve gastrectomy has become the most popular bariatric procedure worldwide, accounting for over two-thirds of all weight loss surgeries. During this procedure, surgeons remove approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped "sleeve" that dramatically reduces food intake.

In Costa Rica, gastric sleeve surgery typically costs between $4,500 and $5,500 at top-tier facilities like CIMA Hospital. Compare this to the U.S. average of $27,000, and you're looking at savings of around 80%.

Alt text: Diagram illustrating gastric sleeve surgery procedure for weight loss surgery Costa Rica patients

Package pricing usually includes:

• Pre-operative consultations and testing
• Surgical facility fees
• Surgeon and anesthesiologist fees
• Hospital stay (typically 2-3 nights)
• Post-operative medications
• Initial follow-up consultations

Most patients achieve 50-70% excess weight loss within 18-24 months following gastric sleeve surgery, making it an effective long-term solution for obesity.

Gastric Bypass: $5,500-$7,500

[INTERNAL_LINK: gastric-bypass-surgery] Roux-en-Y gastric bypass remains the gold standard for patients with higher BMIs or those who need to address type 2 diabetes alongside obesity. This procedure creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

Costa Rican hospitals offer gastric bypass for $5,500-$7,500, compared to $25,000 or more in the United States. The slightly higher price reflects the increased complexity of the procedure and longer operating time.

Gastric bypass patients typically achieve similar weight loss results to sleeve gastrectomy patients, though the procedure shows particularly strong results for diabetes resolution -- often improving blood sugar control within days of surgery.

Gastric Band: $3,500-$4,000

While less commonly performed today, adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band) remains an option for patients seeking a reversible procedure. Costa Rican clinics offer this surgery for $3,500-$4,000.

The band can be adjusted or removed entirely, but requires more frequent follow-up adjustments and generally produces less dramatic weight loss than sleeve or bypass procedures.

Package Pricing Details

Most Costa Rican medical tourism packages bundle services to provide transparent, all-inclusive pricing. A typical comprehensive package includes:

Medical Services:

• Complete pre-operative evaluation
• Laboratory work and imaging
• Surgical procedure
• Hospital stay in private room
• 24-hour nursing care
• Post-operative medications
• Nutritional counseling
• Follow-up appointments before departure

Concierge Services (often included or available):

• Airport pickup and drop-off
• Transportation to and from hospital
• Bilingual patient coordinator
• Assistance with hotel arrangements
• 24/7 emergency contact

Some packages also include accommodation at partner recovery centers, making the transition from hospital to comfortable recovery seamless.

Top Bariatric Clinics in San Jose#

CIMA Hospital San Jose

CIMA Hospital stands as one of Central America's most advanced healthcare facilities for weight loss surgery Costa Rica procedures. Opened in 2000, this three-story acute care hospital maintains 103 beds and operates with more than 800 board-certified physicians.

Alt text: CIMA Hospital San Jose, premier destination for weight loss surgery Costa Rica

Accreditations:

• Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited since 2008
• Certificate of Excellence for Blood Bank
• International insurance agreements with major U.S. and global providers

Facilities: The hospital features a large outpatient medical department with comprehensive diagnostic services, emergency department with trauma room capabilities, and a full surgery department with modern recovery facilities.

Patient Experience: Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional service and English-language capabilities. One Texas patient reported: "I can honestly say this was by far the best treatment we have ever seen and experienced. The facilities may be similar at other hospitals, but by far it was the service and attention to detail that made our experience truly amazing."

Another patient praised the multilingual staff: "I was a little nervous for my visit as I speak minimal Spanish, but the staff at CIMA was exceptional. There were English speaking staff available to answer my questions over the phone. Once I got to the hospital, the intake staff was patient with my beginner's Spanish and were able to connect me with an English speaking doctor."

CIMA Hospital is located in the Escazu district, an upscale area of San Jose popular with expatriates and tourists, with easy access to hotels, restaurants, and recovery accommodations.

Hospital Clinica Biblica

Established in 1929, Hospital Clinica Biblica holds the distinction of being the oldest and longest-running private hospital in Costa Rica -- and the first JCI-accredited facility in the country.

Accreditations:

• Joint Commission International (JCI) -- first in Costa Rica
• Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA)
• Costa Rican Accreditation Entity (ECA)
• ISO certified

Bariatric Program: The hospital has developed a comprehensive bariatric program that attracts patients from across North America seeking weight loss surgery Costa Rica options. Their weight loss surgery department works with some of Costa Rica's most experienced bariatric surgeons, including pioneers who founded the region's first minimally invasive surgery training centers.

Services: Hospital Clinica Biblica provides care across 80+ specialties, with particular strength in bariatric surgery, [INTERNAL_LINK: orthopedic-surgery-costa-rica] orthopedics, [INTERNAL_LINK: urology-costa-rica] urology, [INTERNAL_LINK: spine-surgery-abroad] spine surgery, and general surgery. The hospital partners with expert, board-certified doctors who maintain international credentials.

Location: Situated approximately 11 miles from Juan Santamaria International Airport, the hospital offers convenient access for international patients. The surrounding area provides numerous accommodation options for companions and post-operative stays.

Hospital La Catolica

The Bariatric Surgery Center at Hospital La Catolica has built a reputation as the first and most comprehensive weight loss surgery center in the region. The facility combines Costa Rica's traditional excellence in healthcare with specialized bariatric expertise.

Program Highlights:

• First comprehensive bariatric surgery center in the region
• Dedicated team of two specialized bariatric surgeons
• Full range of diagnostic, emergency, and surgical services
• Modern JCI-accredited facilities

Surgical Approach: Hospital La Catolica emphasizes minimally invasive techniques using ultra-modern equipment and advanced surgical methods. Their bariatric team performs laparoscopic procedures that minimize recovery time and reduce complication risks.

What Sets Them Apart: The hospital's dedicated focus on bariatric surgery means their entire workflow -- from pre-operative evaluation through long-term follow-up -- is optimized for weight loss surgery patients. This specialization translates into efficient processes and staff who deeply understand the unique needs of bariatric patients.

Costa Rica Bariatric Surgeons#

International Certifications

The best Costa Rican bariatric surgeons hold credentials that would impress at any American medical center. These physicians have trained at leading institutions worldwide and maintain active memberships in international surgical societies.

Dr. Jacobo Zafrani exemplifies this international caliber of surgeon. His credentials include:

• General Surgery degree from University of Costa Rica (2004)
• Sleeve Gastrectomy training with Dr. Garnier at Cornell University, New York
• Post-graduate training in Bariatric Surgery through ALACE (2005)
• Masters of Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery in the USA (2008)
• Doctoral thesis work at Salamanca University

Dr. Zafrani's professional memberships span the globe: American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity & Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) as Costa Rica's representative, Society of American Gastrointestinal & Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and the Latin American Association of Endoscopic Surgeons.

Dr. Ariel Rivera Aguerri brings similar international pedigree:

• Medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Centro America
• General surgery specialization from University of Costa Rica (1997)
• Doctorate in medical science from University of Salamanca, Spain
• Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS)
• Active memberships in SAGES, ASMBS, and ALACE

English-Speaking Teams

Language barriers vanish at Costa Rica's top bariatric programs. Many surgeons and support staff speak fluent English, having trained in the United States or other English-speaking countries.

CIMA Hospital employs numerous English-speaking physicians, with some staff also speaking Portuguese, Hebrew, German, and Italian. Hospital Clinica Biblica maintains bilingual patient coordinators specifically for international patients.

From your first consultation through discharge instructions, you can expect clear communication in English. Post-operative nutritional counseling, medication instructions, and follow-up protocols are all available in English.

Safety Records

Dr. Zafrani has performed over 4,500 surgeries to date, conducting approximately 300 bariatric procedures annually and completing more than 275 metabolic surgeries. He was the first surgeon to perform metabolic surgery in Central America (2006) and founded the first training center for minimally invasive surgery in Central and South America.

Dr. Rivera Aguerri has completed over 1,500 laparoscopic procedures, with extensive experience in minimally invasive gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery. He is a founding member of the Bariatric Surgeons of the Bariatric Center of Costa Rica.

These surgeons work within JCI-accredited facilities that must meet rigorous international quality and safety standards -- the same standards applied to American hospitals.

Planning Your Trip#

Pre-Surgery Requirements

Your journey toward weight loss surgery in Costa Rica begins months before your flight. Most programs require a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation that you can partially complete at home.

3-6 Months Before Surgery:

• Initial virtual consultation with your Costa Rican surgeon
• Medical history review and BMI assessment
• Begin any required pre-operative diet
• Obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician
• Complete psychological evaluation if required
• Arrange travel dates around the surgical schedule

2-4 Weeks Before Surgery:

• Final virtual consultation
• Review surgical plan and answer remaining questions
• Begin liquid or soft food pre-operative diet as directed
• Stop smoking (critical for healing)
• Discontinue blood thinners and certain medications as advised
• Arrange work leave and home support for recovery

Upon Arrival in Costa Rica: Most patients arrive 1-2 days before surgery. The typical pre-operative process includes:

• Complete physical examination
• Laboratory work (blood tests, urinalysis)
• Cardiac evaluation (EKG, possibly stress test)
• Pulmonary function testing if indicated
• Final consultation with your surgeon
• Meeting with anesthesiologist
• Nutritional counseling session

One patient described arriving for his procedure at Hospital Clinica Biblica: "Upon arriving in Costa Rica, I did a half-day medical exam. My surgery was two days later."

Recovery Timeline

Understanding the recovery timeline helps you plan your stay and set realistic expectations.

Day of Surgery:

• Procedure duration: 60-90 minutes for gastric sleeve, 2-3 hours for gastric bypass
• Move to recovery room for monitoring
• Begin ambulation (walking) within hours of surgery

Hospital Stay (Days 1-3):

• 2-3 nights in private hospital room
• 24-hour nursing monitoring
• Pain management with IV medications transitioning to oral
• Clear liquid diet begins
• Gradual increase in walking distance
• Daily surgeon visits

Recovery Accommodation (Days 4-7):

• Transfer to recovery center or hotel
• Full liquid diet progression
• Continued walking and light activity
• Final follow-up appointment with surgeon
• Receive detailed written instructions

Before Flying Home (Days 7-10):

• Medical clearance for air travel
• Compression stockings provided for flight
• Follow-up consultation schedule arranged
• Emergency contact information provided

At Home (Weeks 2-6):

• Gradual progression from liquids to pureed foods to soft foods
• Return to light work by week 2-3
• Resume normal activities by week 4-6
• Virtual follow-up consultations with Costa Rican team

Most patients feel well enough to walk around San Jose and enjoy light sightseeing within 5 days of surgery.

Wellness Retreat Options

What sets Costa Rica apart from other medical tourism destinations is the opportunity to combine weight loss surgery with genuine wellness experiences.

Recovery Center Chetica: Located just outside San Jose, this family-run wellness retreat has supported thousands of international patients. They offer 24/7 medical support with nursing staff who coordinate directly with your surgeon. Every recovery plan is tailored to your specific procedure and needs.

Las Cumbres Inn: Described as "the finest surgical retreat in Costa Rica," Las Cumbres Inn provides an intimate recovery environment for medical travel patients. The hillside location above San Jose offers peaceful surroundings while remaining close to hospital facilities.

The Retreat Costa Rica: Situated just 35 minutes from CIMA Hospital, The Retreat employs an on-site registered nurse and maintains a partnership with CIMA for any medical needs that arise during recovery.

These facilities blend traditional hotel amenities with medical necessities -- 24-hour nursing care, monitoring of vital signs, and often spa services or therapeutic massage available once cleared by your surgeon.

Recovery Destinations#

Pacific Coast Options

Once your surgeon clears you for travel (typically 5-7 days post-surgery), Costa Rica's Pacific coast offers rejuvenating environments perfect for continued recovery after weight loss surgery.

Manuel Antonio: This renowned national park area combines pristine beaches with lush rainforest, creating an ideal setting for gentle walks and nature observation during recovery. The soft white sand beaches and calm waters provide a peaceful backdrop for healing. Light activities like watching wildlife or enjoying sunset views require minimal exertion while lifting your spirits.

Numerous wellness-oriented hotels in the Manuel Antonio area cater to medical tourists, offering specialized menus compatible with [INTERNAL_LINK: post-bariatric-diet] post-bariatric dietary requirements and quiet environments conducive to rest.

Alt text: Manuel Antonio beach, ideal recovery destination for weight loss surgery Costa Rica patients

Guanacaste Province: The northern Pacific coast offers drier weather and beautiful beaches. Resorts in this region provide:

• Private beach access for quiet relaxation
• Healthy cuisine options easily adapted for bariatric patients
• Spa services including gentle massage (once approved)
• Easy access back to San Jose if needed

Jaco: This coastal town offers a blend of accessibility and beach relaxation. Located closer to San Jose than Manuel Antonio, Jaco provides a good option for patients who want Pacific coast scenery without traveling too far from their medical team.

Arenal Hot Springs

The Arenal Volcano region stands out as perhaps the ideal post-bariatric recovery destination for weight loss surgery Costa Rica patients. The area's natural hot springs offer therapeutic benefits that complement surgical recovery.

Therapeutic Benefits: Hot springs increase blood flow, boost metabolism, improve circulation, and aid absorption of essential minerals. The heat and buoyancy help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and soothe muscles -- particularly valuable as you begin moving more actively after surgery.

Tabacon Hot Springs: The most popular hot springs destination in the Arenal area, Tabacon features intricately designed warm waterfalls, thermal pools, and sitting areas that blend seamlessly with the rainforest environment. The resort maintains medical partnerships and can accommodate patients with dietary restrictions.

Paradise Hot Springs: Built specifically for hydrotherapy, Paradise Hot Springs offers natural mineral thermal pools, jacuzzis, hydromassages, water jets, and waterfalls of various pressures. Guests can take full advantage of the mineral-rich waters' healing properties.

Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort: This resort feeds its pools with mineral-rich thermal waters known for therapeutic properties. The setting provides the perfect balance of natural beauty and comfortable amenities for recovery.

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa: This resort offers a riverside network of thermal pools maintained at approximately 38C (100F), which aid circulation, joint health, and skin condition. Their wellness programs can be adapted for post-surgical patients.

Most hot springs resorts are located 2-3 hours from San Jose, making them accessible once you're cleared for travel but far enough to feel like a genuine escape.

Risks and Safety#

Surgical Risks

Bariatric surgery, like any major surgical procedure, carries inherent risks. Understanding these risks helps you make an informed decision and prepare for your procedure.

Mortality Rates: Modern bariatric surgery has remarkably low mortality rates. The 30-day mortality rate for gastric sleeve is 0.08%, while gastric bypass is 0.14%. To put this in perspective, these rates are lower than those associated with gallbladder removal or hip replacement surgery.

Complication Rates: According to the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO), overall postoperative complication rates for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are 2.12% -- lower than the 3.02% rate for gastric bypass.

Potential Complications Include:

• Staple line or anastomotic leaks (1.5-3% for sleeve, 0.3-2% for bypass)
• Bleeding at surgical sites
• Venous thromboembolism (0.06-2.20%)
• Wound infection
• Stricture or narrowing
• Nutrient deficiencies (long-term)
• Gallbladder disease
• Internal hernia (more common with bypass)

Long-term studies show sleeve gastrectomy has lower 5-year rates of mortality (1.29% vs 2.15%), complications (11.5% vs 16.2%), and reoperation (18.5% vs 22.8%) compared to gastric bypass, though it has a slightly higher revision rate (3.3% vs 2.0%).

Quality Standards

Costa Rica's top bariatric hospitals maintain quality standards equivalent to or exceeding many U.S. facilities.

Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation: JCI is the same organization that accredits American hospitals. To achieve and maintain JCI accreditation, Costa Rican hospitals must meet identical standards for:

• Patient safety protocols
• Infection control procedures
• Surgical quality metrics
• Staff credentials and training
• Facility standards
• Emergency preparedness

Surgeon Credentials: Leading Costa Rican bariatric surgeons maintain active memberships in American and international surgical societies including ASMBS, SAGES, and IFSO. These memberships require ongoing education and adherence to best practices.

High-Volume Experience: The most experienced Costa Rican bariatric surgeons perform 200-300+ procedures annually, providing the kind of surgical volume associated with better outcomes. Research consistently shows that outcomes improve with surgeon and facility experience.

What to Verify Before Surgery:

• Hospital JCI accreditation (verify on JCI website)
• Surgeon's membership in ASMBS or IFSO
• Surgeon's total bariatric surgery experience
• Hospital complication and mortality statistics
• Clear understanding of what's included in your package
• Written protocols for emergency complications
• Follow-up care plan after returning home

Frequently Asked Questions#

How much does weight loss surgery cost in Costa Rica compared to the US?

Gastric sleeve surgery in Costa Rica costs $4,500-$5,500, compared to approximately $27,000 in the United States. Gastric bypass runs $5,500-$7,500 in Costa Rica versus $25,000 or more stateside. Even with flights, accommodation, and a week-long recovery stay, most patients save $15,000-$20,000 by choosing weight loss surgery Costa Rica. Some patients have reported their total Costa Rica experience -- including surgery, travel, and recovery accommodation -- cost about one-third of the U.S. price alone.

Is weight loss surgery safe in Costa Rica?

Yes, when performed at JCI-accredited hospitals by board-certified surgeons. The major hospitals in San Jose -- CIMA Hospital, Hospital Clinica Biblica, and Hospital La Catolica -- all maintain international accreditation and employ surgeons with credentials from American and international surgical societies. Mortality and complication rates at these facilities are comparable to or better than U.S. averages. The key is choosing accredited facilities with experienced, credentialed surgeons rather than basing decisions solely on price.

How long do I need to stay in Costa Rica after bariatric surgery?

Plan for a minimum stay of 7-10 days. Typically, you'll arrive 1-2 days before surgery for pre-operative evaluation, spend 2-3 nights in the hospital, and recover for 4-5 additional days at a hotel or recovery center before flying home. Some patients choose to extend their stay to 2-3 weeks to incorporate recovery at hot springs resorts or Pacific coast destinations. Your surgeon will provide medical clearance for flying based on your individual recovery.

Do doctors and hospital staff speak English in Costa Rica?

Yes, at the major medical tourism hospitals. CIMA Hospital, Hospital Clinica Biblica, and Hospital La Catolica all employ English-speaking physicians, nurses, and support staff. Many leading bariatric surgeons trained in the United States and speak fluent English. Patient coordinators assigned to international patients are bilingual, and all important documents, discharge instructions, and dietary guidelines are provided in English. Some staff members also speak Portuguese, German, Italian, and other languages.

Which is the best bariatric clinic in Costa Rica?

The three leading hospitals -- CIMA Hospital, Hospital Clinica Biblica, and Hospital La Catolica -- all offer excellent bariatric programs with JCI accreditation and experienced surgeons. Hospital Clinica Biblica is the oldest private hospital and was the first JCI-accredited facility in Costa Rica. CIMA Hospital is known for exceptional patient service and modern facilities. Hospital La Catolica operates the longest-established bariatric surgery center in the region. The "best" choice depends on your specific surgeon preference, package pricing, and personal comfort during consultations. Request detailed information from each facility before deciding.

Can I combine weight loss surgery with a vacation in Costa Rica?

Yes, and many patients do. After your surgeon clears you for travel (typically 5-7 days post-surgery), you can visit destinations like the [INTERNAL_LINK: arenal-volcano-guide] Arenal hot springs or Pacific coast beaches. Light activities like nature walks, wildlife observation, and soaking in thermal pools are usually appropriate during recovery. However, keep your expectations realistic -- the first week after surgery, you'll be focused on rest and recovery. Planning a longer trip (2-3 weeks) allows genuine time for both recovery and enjoyment. Always follow your surgeon's activity guidelines and dietary restrictions throughout any post-operative travel.

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Take the Next Step#

Weight loss surgery in Costa Rica offers a proven path to dramatic weight loss at a fraction of U.S. costs. With internationally accredited hospitals, surgeons trained at world-class institutions, and a recovery environment unlike anywhere else, thousands of Americans have transformed their lives through bariatric procedures in San Jose.

The first step is a consultation with a Costa Rican bariatric program to determine if you're a candidate and understand your options. Most hospitals offer free virtual consultations to help you begin your journey.

[INTERNAL_LINK: medical-tourism-checklist] Download our complete medical tourism checklist to start planning your weight loss surgery Costa Rica journey today.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about weight loss surgery in Costa Rica and should not be considered medical advice. Bariatric surgery is a major procedure with significant risks and requires careful evaluation by qualified medical professionals. Individual results vary based on numerous factors including initial weight, adherence to post-operative guidelines, and overall health status. Always consult with your primary care physician and a board-certified bariatric surgeon before making decisions about weight loss surgery. The information in this article is current as of publication but medical practices, pricing, and facility details may change. Verify all information directly with healthcare providers before proceeding with any medical procedure.