The effect of La and Ba additives on the thermal stabilization of gamma-Al2O3 was investigated through total-surface-area measurements. The parameters considered were additive content, calcination temperature, and calcination period. The effect of precalcination was also studied. It was found that thermal stabilization caused by 3 wt% La and Ba is superior to 6 wt% La or Ba, and the positive effect of 3 wt% La and 3 wt% Ba are almost identical. The nearly threefold increase in the total surface area of 3 wt% La or Ba doped samples calcined above the gamma - alpha phase-transition temperature indicates that the aluminate complexes formed with La or Ba during phase transition impart thermal resistance to sintering. Aluminate formation at these temperatures is verified by XRD measurements. Precalcination at 723 K stabilizes the gamma-Al2O3 structure, leading to higher surface areas in the undoped sample upon sintering.