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Traveling From New Zealand for Bariatric Surgery With Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela

Many patients from New Zealand choose Mexico for safe, affordable, and high-quality bariatric surgery. At Do It Bariatrics, we make your medical tourism experience simple, organized, and fully supported — from the moment you book your surgery until long after you return home.

Whether you’re interested in Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Mini Gastric Bypass, SILS, or Revision Surgery, our team ensures a seamless process tailored for international travelers.


Why New Zealand Patients Choose Mexico

✔ World-Renowned Surgeon

Your procedure will be performed by Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela, MD, FACS, one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the world with 10,000+ successful surgeries.

✔ Faster Access to Surgery

Skip long waiting lists and schedule your procedure on the dates that work best for you.

✔ All-Inclusive Medical Packages

We bundle transportation, hotel, hospital stay, labs, testing, and post-op support into a single, transparent package.

✔ Significant Savings

Even with flights, New Zealanders typically save thousands compared to private bariatric surgery fees in NZ or Australia.


Flight Options From New Zealand

There are two recommended airports for patients traveling to Tijuana:


Option 1: San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Most convenient for border transfer

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to San Diego, but you can easily reach SAN with one or two layovers through major U.S. cities such as:

  • Los Angeles

  • San Francisco

  • Houston

  • Dallas

Once you arrive in San Diego, our private medical transportation team will pick you up and take you directly across the border to the hospital.


Option 2: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Best for direct flights

LAX is the most common entry point for New Zealand patients because direct flights are available from:

  • Auckland (AKL → LAX) – operated by Air New Zealand, Qantas, and American Airlines.

After landing, our team will coordinate your private transportation from LAX to Tijuana. This route is very popular for long-haul travelers because it reduces travel complexity.


Which Airport Should You Choose?

Choose San Diego (SAN) if:

  • You prefer the shortest drive to Tijuana

  • You don’t mind a layover

  • You want the smoothest cross-border experience

Choose Los Angeles (LAX) if:

  • You want direct flights from New Zealand

  • You prefer a simpler flying schedule

  • You’re comfortable with a longer ground transfer (approx. 2.5 hours)

Both options work perfectly — we coordinate everything.


Arrival & Transportation to Tijuana

No matter which airport you choose, we provide:

  • Private, secure transportation from SAN or LAX

  • Assistance at the U.S.–Mexico border

  • Direct drop-off at your hotel or hospital

Our drivers specialize in medical tourism routes, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.


Travel Timeline

Most New Zealand patients stay 5–7 days:

  • Day 1: Arrival + labs/testing

  • Day 2: Surgery

  • Days 3–5: Hospital recovery

  • Day 6 or 7: Return home

We can also arrange extended stays if you prefer more recovery time.


What to Bring

You only need a few essentials:

  • Valid passport

  • ESTA or appropriate U.S. travel authorization

  • Travel itinerary

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Phone chargers and travel adapters

We also provide a pre-travel checklist to make packing easy.


Your Experience at Our Facility

You will stay at a hospital that is in route to achieve one of the most prestigious international accreditations, offering:

  • 24/7 nursing care

  • Private rooms

  • Modern surgical suites

  • Specialized bariatric care teams

You’ll also meet Dr. Valenzuela before surgery for your final evaluation.


Support for New Zealand Patients

Our coordinators are experienced in assisting long-distance travelers and provide guidance on:

  • Time zone planning

  • Return flight nutrition recommendations

  • Medication needs for long-haul flights

  • Follow-up appointments with Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela, MD, FACS

  • Access to our transparent, patient-led Facebook Support Group


Start Your Journey Today

If you’re traveling from New Zealand and exploring bariatric surgery options, Do It Bariatrics is ready to support you from start to finish.
Check your eligibility, receive your quote, and plan your personalized medical trip to Mexico.

Ready to get started?
📞 Contact us or start your weight-loss journey by submitting your Health Questionnaire