Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I just received multiple reports from patients who sent deposits or paid in full for surgeries in Tijuana to patient coordinators named Bill Yanez and Stacy Eckel. They're currently working as coordinators for Dr. Ramos Kelly and other bariatric surgeons in Tijuana. The patients have all lost their deposits or the amount they paid for their surgeries. Bill Yanez and Stacy Eckel have pocketed these funds, have not given them to the surgeons, and are refusing to refund the patients. This is not the first time Bill Yanez and Stacy Eckel have embezzled money. They stole hundreds of thousands from me while working as coordinators at BariatricPal Hospital/BC Hospital. …

I have recently received alarming reports from patients who have sent deposits or paid in full for surgeries in Tijuana to a patient coordinator named Bill Yanez. He is now working once again as a coordinator for Dr. Jalil Illan in Tijuana. Please exercise extreme caution when dealing with Dr. Jalil Illan at BC Hospital and coordinators Bill Yanez. They have a history of financial misconduct, having embezzled significant sums of money from me during their tenure as coordinators at BariatricPal Hospital/BC Hospital. Furthermore, I have personally experienced severe surgical complications under the care of Dr. Illan, who botched my surgery not once but twice. Ther…

I tried tagging my surgeon Dr Pablo Fok Russell. He's not in the list. Im currently waiting to be wheeled to surgery. I'm so far extremely impressed. I lost a lot more weight then expected on my pre-op diet. I was allowed salad with a protein choice, 13 almonds and protein shakes. Everyone is very friendly. I had an EKG, bloodwork & xray done as soon as I arrived. The bloodwork was back in an hour! I met everyone. I like everyone. Two women on my flight rode with me here. They are getting some sort of plastic surgery. One already had a facelift already. Looked good too! I liked riding with people who were familiar. The driver was really informative. Now…

Has anyone ever gone to ALO Bariatrics in Tijuana, Mexico? I’m interested in having the modified duodenal switch. Just wanted to know what your experience was like there. Any issues with the hospital? Did you feel safe having your procedure done there?

Has anyone needed post op care/follow ups/complication care in the US? Were doctors ok with doing so? Were there issues? This is the big barrier of going for my spouse and I. Thanks

Hey y'all. Sarah here. I was active on the boards until about a year ago...now I'm BACK! I am a 30 year old retirement planner, living the dream in the SF Bay Area. Oh wait- almost living the dream- first I need to take off this 160 lb fat suit I've been dragging around the last 7 years. See, I've always been fluffy, voluptuous, "a big girl". Still, I was ususally happy with who I was and how I looked. It wasn't until I broke up with my college boyfriend of 4 years at age 23-24, that I started gaining serious weight. I was about 170 back then, and had always worn a size 12 or 14...now I'm a 22. I just started eating to deal with the serious depression, then I w…

Any experience or reviews on either Dr Mayortena or Dr Pablo Fok Russell appreciated— I have narrowed it down to these two doctors in tJ and would love any feedback. Looking at gastric sleeve- BMI 37. Thank you!

Hello BariatricPal, I have narrowed my sergeon selection to Dr Ariel Ortiz at OCC, and Dr. Rene Armenta at Renew Bariatrics. I have GERD and require daily medication. I was originally going to get the MGB, until I came across the IGS. Has anyone had the IGS at OCC and is your reflux resolved? Comments appriciated.

I had a surgery with Mario Almanza and he’s by far the worst! I would avoid at all cost!! I wish I would’ve walked out after 17 patients. I was the last one on feb 20th 2023. I woke up in so much pain and I immediately complained and they kept saying it’s gas pain. Every way I turned they said it’s gas pain. They called his assistant who spoke English I explained to him this pain is not normal. He said it’s gas pain and there is other patient with more serious problem he has to go see. I was in disbelief. Im currently 4 months in dropped over 60 pounds not because only surgery because I’m so malnourished. I cannot eat any type of food not even liquid I vomit dai…

I got my email saying I was approved for surgery and they will be calling me tomorrow to schedule. In the email it stated that I needed to have a passport to cross the border from San Diego to Tijuana. My mom had the surgery and at the time didn’t have a passport and a friend of mine didn’t have a passport either. I have that on the list to ask about tomorrow. I really wanted to have the surgery in March but the passport thing might delay me. Did anyone have any experience with going without a passport? I am going to Dr Mario Almanza.

Hi everyone! I have a BMI of 41 and I have been considering getting the gastric sleeve for over a year now. I recently tried to do a consult locally in the States, but I found out that my insurance does not cover bariatric surgery. I've been looking into Dr's in Mexico who would be able to perform the procedure at a more affordable price, I can't do the 17K self pay for the procedure locally. The process of picking a doctor outside the US seems very difficult, and every time I look into it more, I find more and more doctors. Some that I have been considering are: Dr. Jalil Illan Dr. Guillermo Alvarez Dr. Mariano Covarrubias Dr. Pablo Fok Russe…

Hi All, hope your having a great day im a 34 year man 5.11 230 lbs i have sleep apnea and on medication for high blood pressure i want to do the sleeve in mexico by doctor Ramirez in tijuana, but im not sure if its the right thing for me to do as im not so fat and im unsure if my sleep apnea and high blood pressure will really go away after sleeve as im vaping. Also am i scared that because im not so fat i will loose to much weight and be way too skinny and look terrible. i have tried dieting and exercise i can never follow through i really dont know what to do should i just quit vaping and that will solve my apnea and high BP or is it a combinat…

Looking for a Bariatric buddy to have a surgery date close to mine with Pompeii surgical in Tijuana

I had a VSG through Kaiser, and my partner had theirs through MBC tldr: MBC falls short in care and cleanliness, Kaiser is cheaper but takes 4-5 months. With Kaiser, I took 16 weeks worth of classes, did pre-op tests, EKG etc, waited a couple weeks and then had surgery for about $700. Kaiser is certainly the longer but cheaper pathway. I also think there is a lot of value in getting your head in the right place before surgery, and committing to 4+ months of pre-op does the job. It is annoying and hard to wrap your head around at the beginning but it went by quickly for me, even having to drive 1.5 hours each way to classes. I’m glad I used Kaiser so we have the res…

I was sleeved 2/23/23 at West Medical in Tarzana CA. Cost - $10,000. Time from first consult to surgery was 3 weeks. I had a psych eval phone call, and one zoom nutrition class on post op diet. Pre -op tests were done through my insurance, including EKG, labs, chest xray and sleep apnea test. Days on the PreOp liquid diet is based on BMI. The surgery is outpatient, but if there are complications, it is possible to spend the night. My surgery was scheduled for noon, and I was back in my hotel room by 6:00PM. I did pee before I left, but pretty much the requirements were being awake enough to put your clothes on. The facility was clean, and they welcomed my husband and trie…

Looking to have my gastric sleeve soon in Tijuana and I'm looking for doctor recommendations. Any feedback will be very appreciated

Has anyone gone to Heartland Weight Loss clinic? They advertise $9,999 self pay VSG but I don’t see a lot of information about them online.

Hey guys. I’m THIS close to booking my surgery with Fr. Alvarez in Mexico. The final thing holding me up is, what if there’s a long term complication that needs to be addressed by a US doctor and my insurance refuses to cover it because my sleeve was done in Mexico? Anyone have experience with this or thoughts on the matter?

I had VSG sleeve with the Weight loss team in Puerto Vallarta. You have access to Gerald Witt before and after surgery. He is 4 years post op. They have a facebook group with over 2000 people. Not a ton of posting but there are a lot of resources. The hospital was top notch and Dr. Para was great. My experience was very good but almost 30 days post op and no issues. I am a very self directed individual though. The cost was $4200 which was all the doctors hospital etc. There were a few other charges and for me I too the family and rented an Airbnb. It was a great time for my wife and 3 kids but even for me it was nice. If you are like me and insurance doesn'…

Hello! My partner is considering doing self pay in Mexico (I went though Kaiser, it was great but slow). I’m wondering if others can share their experience with post op care. I’ve seen people say they’ve been refused care because they got the surgery done in Mexico. Some have said don’t tell your doctor where you got it done… how would someone skirt around that? Say “I got a VSG, but I refuse to tell you where?” (Awkward?!) What about post op labs? What if there are complications once you’re home? He is on MediCal through the end of the year and will probably switch to BCBS or Kaiser next year. Thanks for any insight or experiences you are willing to…

Anyone going around that time? I'm going to Dr. M. Doesn't feel real yet. Lol Maybe it will when I buy my plane ticket.

DR ALMANZA IS NOT A BARIATRIC SURGEON CERTIFIED NOW THEY USED @BAJAHOSPITALTIJUANA I BELIEVE THAS THE NAME OF THE PLACE NOW OR CLINIC PLEASE RESEARCH VERY CAREFULLY WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO DO YOUR SURGERY HIM IS JUST A REAL KILLER PATIENTS AND THE TABLE NOW THEY USED DRA Psic. Carmen Payán BAJA HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER, DIRECTORA Psicólogo clínico especialista en pacientes bariátricos 411D4D42-A340-47B6-B2D1-F6368127E9F3.MOV

Hi All, I posted a while back about being interested in getting surgery at Blossom Bariatrics. After much going back and forth, them quoting me almost 19k... I decided to look more into going to Mexico. To be totally honest, I kept thinking I was off my rocker to go to Tijuana for a gastric sleeve. But after a ton of research, I decided that Dr Ariel Ortiz at OCC (Obesity Control Center), was the surgeon for me. I do have Kaiser Southern California insurance and while I was approved for surgery through them, in fact they would pay it all, it could take a year give or take for the entire process. Honestly, I couldn't wait a year and do their classes. For me, I have to…

HI all, My sister is planning on having the gastric sleeve procedure done in Mexico in a few months. I am going to go with her and I am considering liposuction. Basically, surgery buddies, but different procedures. I know a lot of bariatric patients end up needing some surgery for loose skin, etc. But I'm not sure which practices provide both. Does anybody have any experience with a bariatric place in Mexico that also provides plastic surgery? Thanks, Kelly

Hi everyone, I have scheduled with Dr Gonzalez at Oasis of Hope in Nov for gastric sleeve but I am not finding info online of him at all other than Oasis of Hope website. Feeling nervous and hoping to learn as much about anyone else's experience with Oasis of Hope Bariatrics as possible. Also have seen lots of good reviews by members about Dr Jalil Illan at HospitalBC. Now I am considering should I switch? I was able to find him on https://conacem.org.mx/ but not able to find Dr Francisco Gonzalez from Oasis of Hope. If you have any resources to assist with research, I would truly appreciate thank you!

I am planning to go to Mexico and making sure I have everything in order money wise. I know I have to pay for surgery, the deposit, plane tickets, possibly a hotel one night before and one after in San Diego, food for companion while traveling, and of course some extra money just in case. Since I'll be on a pre op and post op diet I figure I can bring pretty much anything I need with me to mix into water to drink. Is there anything else you had to pay for while in Mexico? Is there something I'm not thinking of? Thanks!

I am a member of his practices Facebook group but I honestly think his staff delete non asskissing reviews/comments. From what I've researched, Dr. Elias Ortiz himself is a good surgeon with nice medical staff but the people he chooses to hire as coordinators have no medical experience and are extremely rude. I am making this post to ask others for personal experience with his clinic. I have booked him for July 20th and I'm trying not to panic.

I see both of these mentioned, and was wondering people's take on them. I did fill out the web form for Obesity Control Center as well as called and left a message. Over a week ago. No response from them... Thanks!

Due to my new insurance excluding all weight loss surgeries, I am looking for high quality/low(er) cost surgeries, Gastric Bypass or Mini Gastric Bypass. From what you have read, what is everyone's opinions on the differences between Mexico Bariatric Center and the Obesity Control Center? If you had to choose, or do your surgery over again, which would you pick? Thanks!

Hello everyone! I'm planning gastric bypass surgery for mid-May 2023. My insurance doesn't cover it so I've been looking at Mexico. Which of course is causing my family to freak out, because "scary Mexico"! I think I have decided on Oasis of Hope. I like that you stay in the hospital the whole time instead of a hotel and my husband can stay right there with me. I'm terrified I won't be able to stick to the diet afterward and I'll lose weight and then gain it all back. I've done so many diets and every year I'm just a little bit bigger. So tired of being tired and uncomfortable. I saw a post of NSV's and about cried when one person said they fit a regular size towel around…

Recently went to Tijuana Mexico and had my gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Elias Ortiz. This has been a wonderful experience. I’m looking for others who have done so as well share your experience on this thread. Hope to read some of your experiences soon.

I had the gastric sleeve with Dr ceaser elenes. The surgery itself was 1000/10. Didn't feel any pain or experience any issues. Excepted the fact that I woke up speaking Spanish....???. Followed the after diet for the first 3 months and lost 80lbs. Surgery date. June 1,2022 Price $3000 Travel $700 (from Miami to mexicali,Mexico). Hw 384lb Surgery 372lb Currently weight 291. Pros: The price extremely affordable. Had been getting dicked around by my insurnace for 3 years. The care (bedside manner) of the doctor. Getting a new lease on life(not to sound corny). No more early morning back pain. sleep apnea. Blood pressure …

I'm thinking about doing this surgery in Mexico. However, I don't think my husband is going to go for this process. Our concerns are safety, post-op, and covid. I'm not even sure if this is the right move, but I'm just looking at all of my options. $16k for a sleeve to bypass is a bit much for me to pay out of pocket in the states. So, for me the main driver is cost. My other option is to do the VSG to ESG which costs $11,995 in GA. I guess you can say cost is my driving factor right now because I really want to get this done. I need a second chance. By the way, I never been to Mexico, I don't have a passport (I'm probably the only adult who doesn't have one LOL)…

Hi everyone, I'm thinking of going to Tijuana for my vsg. Specifically I was thinking of going with the all inclusive Dr. Elias Otriz (https://eliasortiz.co/about/#). I was wondering if I should buy any insurance since I'm considering it. I know it's a safe procedure, but I can't help, but be a little scared. Friends who have gone through it, can I get your support and suggestions? Thanks! [emoji3059]

I had a very successful sleeve surgery five years ago. I was so happy with the results. As I approached 40 I had a surprise pregnancy! As you can imagine this changed my body quite a bit. My child was born right at the cusp of the declaration of the pandemic and I have put on a lot of weight. No matter how I eat, no matter how little I’m eating, my body and hormones seem to want to hold onto the weight. At any rate, being a middle-age woman with a one year old means I need to take Care of my health, and I am seeking to get a revision from the sleeve to a mini gastric bypass. I’ll be paying cash and intending to have my surgery in Tijuana, although if you know someone grea…

I am currently in México,cdmx 6 days post op. My hospital experience was the best,super high End. He Is a great doctor I feel great. Highly recommend.

Hey all, my wife is looking into the gastric sleeve surgery, of course I am the one with all the questions about it. Hoping maybe someone could help with any anecdotal evidence at least. I'm trying to reduce the "I wish we knew x before doing this" ... Anyway, for obvious reasons we are looking at Mexico. The first one she sent me was Elias Ortiz out of Tijuana. So I looked into him more, and read about some very poor (in my opinion) things about him, I think mostly when he was with ALM (or whatever it's called). Of course the first surgeon we look at giving me the eebie geebies is not a great start. He's not officially out of running, but we have looked into the fol…

Hello, I'm trying to find out if insurance will reimburse for Mexico surgeries, as out of network? my insurance covers the surgery in the US. I am trying to avoid the 6mo wait and pre-op testing and screening as I've already gone through it. I went up to my pre-op appt the week before surgery and had to cancel because I got sick. I had to recover, lost weight on my own and here I am 80lbs heavier just wanting to get through it but they are making me start from day 1. thanks!

I went to mexico bariatric center for a gasteric sleeve surgery in on June 11th. Dr. Louisana Valenzuela was my surgeon. I would recommend them to anyone interestes in going to mexico for surgery. If you have any questions let me no. So far i am down 35lbs from when i started the preop diet. No complications either.

Does anyone have a doctor in Houston that would see you after having weight loss surgery in Mexico for follow-up care? Need a recommendation.

April 27th with Dr Elenes

Guys I’m confused..I dont know wich doctor choose.please some help

Guys I need your help ,does anybody have or know abour doctor Perez Corzo in tijuana from RENEW BARIATRIC??

I have scheduled my surgery for July 8th with Dr. Perez in TJ Mexico [emoji1166] was wondering if anyone has used him and what there experience was like?? Thanks [emoji4]

Anyone have any information or experience related to Dr. Jose Eduardo García Flores?

Antibody have experience with Renew Bariatrics?

Has anyone had a gastric sleeve in Renew Bariatrics? If so go much did you pay? Did you pay in a lump sump? And what was your experience? Thanks!

Anyone get the gastric bypass surgery or vsg to gastric bypass revision surgery in Tijuana Mexico. Can you share you good and bad experiences with me. I am looking for a great Dr. to do my surgery, any recommendations would be appreciated.

Hi everyone, I am curious to know if anyone has had a revision from gastric sleeve to the gastric bypass in Mexico? If yes, who did your surgery and would you recommend them to others? Thanks..

Has anyone gotten the single incision sleeve done in mexico? If yes where did you go and who was your surgeon and was your experience positive?