World-Class Bariatric Surgery in Brazil — At a Fraction of U.S. & Private Prices
Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass performed by Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa — a specialist bariatric & metabolic surgeon, member of the IFSO and SBCBM, with over 3,000 procedures. A complete, English-speaking program for patients from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, with concierge care from your first message to your post-op follow-up back home.
One world-class surgical team — two ways to plan your care
Every patient is operated on by Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa and the same senior surgical team — no residents, no trainees. Choose the path that fits you: a transparent all-inclusive self-pay package, or surgery supported by your international insurance and reimbursement documentation.
How the savings compare
| Procedure | With Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa (São Paulo) | Typical U.S. self-pay |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve (all-inclusive) | from $4,900* | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Gastric Bypass (all-inclusive) | from $4,900* | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| Elite tier — Sírio-Libanês | from $9,900* | $25,000+ |
*Indicative USD prices, converted from local pricing and subject to confirmation at consultation. U.S. self-pay ranges per the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and published U.S. self-pay programs; out-of-pocket cost in the U.S. typically runs $17,000–$26,000 and varies by region and hospital. Pricing is not a substitute for an individual medical evaluation.
Closer and cheaper isn’t always the same as safer
If you’re researching surgery abroad, Mexico is probably on your list — it’s near the U.S. border and often the lowest price. Those are real advantages, and we’ll be honest about them. But surgery is one of the few decisions where who operates on you, in which hospital, and what happens afterward matters far more than saving a few hundred dollars.
| What matters most | With Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa (São Paulo) | Typical budget border clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Who performs your surgery | Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa, personally — every single case | Often a high-volume model; the operating surgeon can vary |
| Where it’s performed | Internationally recognized private hospitals (Sírio-Libanês, 9 de Julho) with full ICU | Frequently standalone surgical clinics |
| Surgical schedule | Limited, unhurried daily volume | Often several procedures per day |
| Pre-operative evaluation | Full multidisciplinary work-up & clearance | Often condensed into the trip |
| After you fly home | Structured remote follow-up with the team | Varies; can be limited once you leave |
| Proximity / travel time | Longer flight from North America | Closest to the U.S. border |
| Price | Transparent, all-inclusive package | Lowest price point |
Wherever you choose to travel, ask the same three questions: Will a named, board-certified surgeon perform my operation personally? Is it in an accredited hospital with an ICU? Who follows me after I return home? With Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa, the answer to all three is unambiguous.
Bariatric surgery: is it right for you?
Eligibility is based on your Body Mass Index (BMI) and any obesity-related conditions. These are general international guidelines — your individual case is confirmed in a personal evaluation with Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa.
Clear indication
Surgery is generally indicated regardless of associated diseases.
Indicated with conditions
Recommended when accompanied by conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea.
Metabolic surgery
May be indicated for hard-to-control type 2 diabetes (metabolic surgery), evaluated case by case.
A lasting solution
If weight-loss injections feel like an endless cycle, surgery offers a durable, one-time intervention. Discuss your options with the specialist.
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is the most effective, evidence-based treatment for obesity and many of its associated diseases. By modifying the stomach — and, in some techniques, the path of the intestine — it reduces hunger, increases satiety and triggers powerful hormonal and metabolic changes. The result is significant, durable weight loss and, in many patients, improvement or remission of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and reflux.
Today it is performed almost entirely minimally invasively — through a few small incisions (laparoscopy) or with the Da Vinci robotic platform — which means less pain, smaller scars, lower risk and a faster recovery. In specialized centers, the risk of a serious complication is below 1%, and most patients stay in hospital for a single night.
Types of bariatric surgery
Every patient has a unique profile. Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa recommends the technique with the highest chance of success for your case. The two most common — bypass and sleeve — are explained in detail in the videos below.
Other techniques available
We take care of everything — so you only focus on your health
From your first message to your recovery back home, a dedicated English-speaking coordinator guides every step of your medical journey to São Paulo.
Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa — specialist in bariatric & metabolic surgery in São Paulo
Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa is a bariatric and metabolic surgeon with more than 3,000 procedures performed. He completed a clinical research program at Harvard Medical School (Principles & Practice of Clinical Research) and operates at Brazil’s leading private hospitals, including Hospital Sírio-Libanês. Every surgery is performed personally by Dr. Barbosa and his senior team — never by residents or trainees.
- ✓ CRM-SP 167670 · RQE 78610
- ✓ Harvard Medical School — Principles & Practice of Clinical Research
- ✓ Member, SBCBM (Brazilian Society of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery)
- ✓ Member, IFSO (Int’l Federation for the Surgery of Obesity)
- ✓ Clinical staff, Hospital Sírio-Libanês & Hospital Nove de Julho
- ✓ 3,000+ bariatric & metabolic surgeries performed
What patients say
Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa has more than 1,500 verified positive patient reviews.
“The whole team was attentive and professional from the first appointment. The recovery was much easier than I expected and the follow-up has been excellent.”
“Dr. Rodrigo explained every step clearly and answered all my questions. I felt safe and well cared for throughout the entire process.”
“My diabetes improved dramatically after surgery. The structure and the team made all the difference — I would do it again without hesitation.”
Reviews are illustrative summaries of patient feedback. Individual results vary; bariatric surgery outcomes depend on each patient’s clinical profile and adherence to follow-up.
Questions from international patients
Eligibility considers your BMI and any associated diseases. In general, surgery is indicated with a BMI ≥ 35, or a BMI ≥ 30 when type 2 diabetes or hard-to-control hypertension is present. Your individual evaluation with Dr. Rodrigo confirms your case.
It depends on your clinical profile, BMI, associated conditions and goals. Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa evaluates each case individually to recommend between bypass, sleeve, metabolic surgery and other techniques.
Most domestic plans (U.S. employer plans, Medicare/Medicaid, the UK NHS, Canadian provincial health, Australian Medicare) generally do not reimburse elective surgery abroad. However, some international and expat plans do, and many patients use HSA/FSA funds or pursue out-of-network reimbursement. We provide full itemized invoices and medical records in English to support your claim. Always confirm coverage and pre-authorization with your own insurer before traveling.
Most international patients plan for around 7–10 days in São Paulo: pre-operative evaluation, surgery (typically one night in hospital), and a short recovery period before flying home. Your coordinator confirms the exact timeline for your case.
Recovery is progressive: hospital stay is brief and most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks. We provide structured remote post-operative follow-up after you return home, with nutritional and medical guidance throughout the process.
Your surgery is performed by Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa and a senior team at accredited, internationally recognized private hospitals — the same facilities that serve Brazil’s most demanding private patients. In specialized centers, the serious-complication rate is below 1%. We also coordinate your pre-op clearance and remote aftercare to keep your care continuous.
Yes. In addition to transparent self-pay pricing, installment and medical-financing options are available so you can spread the cost over time. Your coordinator can walk you through what fits your situation.
In many patients, metabolic/bariatric surgery produces significant blood-sugar control and can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes in selected cases. Results are evaluated individually.
Your transformation begins with one message
Get your personalized plan and all-inclusive quote from Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa’s international team. No obligation — just clear answers.
Medical disclaimer. This page is for general information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Bariatric surgery is a major procedure carrying risks; suitability, technique and outcomes are determined only after an individual evaluation. Results vary from patient to patient.
Pricing. USD figures are indicative, converted from local pricing and subject to confirmation at consultation; they may change with exchange rates and the services included. They are not a quote or an offer.
Insurance. Information about insurance and reimbursement is general and is not insurance or financial advice. Coverage of treatment abroad varies by insurer and plan; always confirm with your own provider before traveling.
Sources consulted
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) — metabolic and bariatric surgery resources. asmbs.org
- International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO). ifso.com
- Brazilian Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (SBCBM). sbcbm.org.br
