Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

For those of you that had the gastric sleeve, how soon were you able to return to work? Also did your doctor in MX give you a written excuse for work? I am seriously considering just taking a week of vacation and not telling anyone at work that I had any surgery at all. I really don't want to have to explain anything to anyone except immediate family.

Hi, April 5th, 2017 I am having surgery with Elias Ortiz. I would love to hear from people that have had surgeries with him. Also, anyone going to see him April 5th?

Hello! I am new to this forum and have recently considered going to Mexico for the gastric sleeve surgery. My current BMI is in between 36-37. I have no other issues other than a high BMI. I scheduled an appointment here in the states, but the doctor wouldn't even see me because I did "not qualify". I have struggled with weight my entire life, but it seems to be getting harder the older I get. I would like to control it before it gets out of control. My main concern is traveling to another country to get this procedure done. It scares me to think of it even in the states. But I know if I continue to gain weight, my body will slowly break down. I already…

Omar Lliles Acosta A few years ago there was an individual named "Omar Lliles Acosta" accused of raping or sexually abusing weight loss patients in Mexico. It's been recently brought to my attention that he's back in business and marketing surgery once again in Mexico. It was never proven that he raped or sexually abused patients but I'm 100% certain that he's a dangerous and drug addicted felon! Omar was recently arrested for carrying hundreds of narcotic pills and an unlicensed firearm. Tijuana, Baja California (GH) As part of the actions of the December Safe operation, the State Preventive Police (PEP) detained a subject with hundreds of psychotropic pil…

I decided to have the gastric sleeve! My surgery date is June 14th. I am so excited and also terrified even though I know I need it. How did the rest of you feel? Any advice or words of wisdom to calm my nerves? It was made official today. I look forward to sharing my journey and offer words of encouragement to others as I progress in this process. Thankss to all have replied to my previous posts.

Can you share your experience with me? How much does it cost, how long was your hospital stay, is it a lot more painful? Is it more complicated for the surgeon to perform? Will I have more acid reflux problems since the stomach will be smaller? Thank you.

I am having my surgery on July 4th and wonder if any one has heard of them. Hopefully some one! Please let me know your experience!

So...I have a lap band. I never got to the "green zone" or optimal restriction, just increased unbearable heartburn with additional fills. I have insurance, and kind of fell into the revision process this December. My insurance requires the repeat of the 6 mos diet process again to submit for a revision to sleeve. I do not want to wait and take the chance of ultimately being denied. So, I have scheduled a revision with Dr. Illan in a few weeks. Everything is all set up. I told my lap band surgeon a couple weeks ago at my last appt. He seemed concerned but understood. This morning I got a personal call from my lap band surgeon. He said his partner was in su…

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I am getting gastric sleeve with Dr. Ortiz on April 10 and I am having a bit of anxiety about complications . Does anyone know of an Medical Tourism insurance policy that help me if I have problems once I return to NY?

Long story short, I went to TJ with my husband for gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Illan last May and ended up backing out. A lot of things happened that we weren't expecting. My room was not reserved at the hotel we had been told we were going to stay at that night, we felt like we had no idea what was going on and where we were being taken, they were blasting rap music with a lot of profanity (not at all something my husband would ever listen to, he's very conservative), and adding that to being out of the US for the first time it was just too much. I know our coordinator meant well and was just trying to relax us and act like being there was no big deal but I think it…

I'm currently looking into surgery with Dr. Alvarez instead of Dr. Kelly I was wondering if anyone has any experience with him? He's more expensive but I like that he has state of the art equipment such as the stapling tool and I like that the sleeve is the only procedure he does I also like his surgery time Just looking for some insight from people who have been there before me Thank you in advanced

So I decided to pull the trigger last week and do VSG in Tijuana through BariatricPal and dr. Ponce de leon at INT. Overall a good experience. I am a 35 year old male relatively healthy but I have been carrying an extra 100lbs for over 10 years. Flew to San Diego last Thursday morning and was doing Pre-Op tests by 3pm. Surgery was delayed until about 7pm. Discharged Saturday afternoon from Hospital and stayed 1 night at the BariatricPal recovery condo. Flew home Sunday (which turned into a foggy mess in Chicago). Ended up getting home 2am late Sunday night/Early Monday morning. Pain has been OK. Had a lot of gas the first couple days. Still have that acid reflux feel…

It is a little annoying to not have her support. I am considering getting the gastric sleeve. Has anyone had any problems re to their surgery post op and if so who do you go to when your surgeon is in Mexico?

Hi, I just wanted to let your all know that it's possible to get reimbursed a portion of your surgery cost through you Flex Spending Account(FSA). I submitted all of my paperwork to FSAFEDS( My FSA Administrator). I was reimbursed $2,230 of my surgery cost within 2 days of submitting the forms I only elected to set aside $2,300 this year. I used $70 of it earlier this year, so they gave me what was left in my Flex Spending Account. I plan on setting aside at least $1,00 of it for any future medical/dental expenses. I took all of my forms with me to Mexico, so Dr. Ponce could sign them. He signed a letter of Medial Necessity for me and another form. I got …

With dr Illan at Oasis in MX. I'm super nervous but excited as well. Any tips?? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Can someone please explain to me why these doctors move around in Mexico? I keep seeing posts from maybe two years ago when doctors worked with different doctors and now they are no longer affiliated with each other. Example being Dr Zavalza with BariatricPal. Has anyone else noticed this? I'm trying to figure out who I'm going to have surgery with but I just can't keep up. I need to make a decision. Would anyone like to list their Doctor here in Tijuana? Thank you.

Hello. Has anyone had a Lap Band to Sleeve revision with Dr. Illan? How was your experience, recovery and weight loss? I see lots of sleeves, but not band to sleeve revisions with him. I would love to hear!

I am from Wisconsin I am doing a self-pay looking for any of the surrounding Midwest states self pay prices. Cheapest I can find in Wisconsin is 22,900. Sent from my XT1055 using the BariatricPal App

I live in DC metro area. I have insurance, and it seems to cover a portion of the gastric sleeve surgery...but I would still have to pay several thousand plus 220 every time I would see the doctor. It also seems like in order for the procedure to be covered, I would need to see the doctor regularly for at least 6 months, which starts to add up. I am seriously considering going to Mexico. My family is actually pretty supportive. My mom is hispanic (and a lawyer) and would like to accompany me in case something happens and my lack of language proficiency is problematic. My husband typically gets all his medical and dental work done when he goes home to the middle…

I have a doctor in mine This is a revision surgery I have a sleeve I want to get gastric bypass

Good day everyone! I've heard so many good things about Dr. Lopez-Ortega. I don't have a LOT of weight to lose compared to some (about 60 lbs), but I need to. I'm on 3 different blood pressure meds, and on Metformin for high blood sugars. I'm 51 and a bit terrified and excited all at the same time! I'm hoping to glean lots of information from VSG veterans

Anyone used this company? What was your experience there? Would you recommend it? Thanks!

Hi all, I'm from Canada, and I'm going to Puerto Vallarta in October (VSG with Dr.Joya). I would like to take a month off and cover the first 2 weeks with PTO. I am planning on letting work know 30 days in advance, and filing STD paperwork after the surgery. I have coverage with Great West, and I'm wondering if anybody has had experience with GWL? Or with having a surgeon in Mexico? ????

Getting my sleeve March 10th in Mexico. Does anyone have any comments about Dr. Ramos and/or Florence Hospital in Tijuana? So far I've been pleased with the communication from Mexico Bariatric Services.

My first interaction with BariatricPal Team MX was with Bill. He was very helpful and prompt in his replies. I originally wanted Single Incision Gastric Sleeve but Dr. Illan advised against it after reviewing my health questionnaire. I had consulted with, and been approved for Single Incision Sleeve with the two other surgeons, both of whom had the same information Dr. Illan had. I felt compelled to go with the doctor who took my health and recovery into consideration even if it meant booking me for a less expensive procedure. Decision made, I booked my surgery and was on my way to Tijuana less than 2 weeks later! Day 1. Stacy (also the nutritionist) picked us up at…

I have a question about prescriptions: I would like a Mexican prescription from the surgeon for use state side, fill in US, for pre-op Phentermine because I have a huge appetite and don't think I'll fare well on the pre op liquid diet. I have an expired (prescribed a year and a month ago) US prescription for Retin A I want to fill while in Mexico. In 1997 one did not need a prescription for it but I'm not sure if that is still the case. Does anyone know if these two scripts could be filled like that? Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Hi all! I was considering getting gastric surgery in Mexico. I currently live in the US, and my insurance does't cover anything related to gastric surgery here. I saw that Dr. Illan had good reviews and looks affordable so I was considering choosing him. I was unsure of whether I should choose gastric bypass or the mini bypass, I think the mini bypass would be better for me but from what I hear it is not a common procedure in the US, and I am concerned about finding a Dr. that can treat me here if something goes wrong. Also, has anyone had issues with their insurance once they got back not covering things related to having the surgery? From what I hear Mexico is very safe…

Ok, so you go to Mexico to get the procedure done, but there are complications and you need to stay in the hospital longer than the package provides. How are these additional bills handled? Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

A co-worker of mine had WLS in Mexico last year and told me she also had the Zoom teeth whitening done while she was in Tijuana. She said it was significantly cheaper than doing it at home. Has anyone here looked into this or had it done? Any recommendations on a clinic/dentist? More importantly, is there any reason not to have this done in the days right after having the Gastric Sleeve procedure done? Thank you!

Hello everyone, I'm new here and need help finding the right surgeon in MX. I'm from California. I've been struggling with all the requirements these different Dr's put on us. I had a goal weight to meet and I just cannot lose the rest of it, I mean that is why I need the surgery Bc i cannot do it on my own. Any advice will help. Thank you

Has anyone had the sleeve surgery with Dr. Ilan after having a fundoplication (12 years ago)? Sent from my XT1650 using the BariatricPal App

I've been researching my options for having the Gastric Sleeve procedure done in Mexico for quite a while now and I've narrowed it down to two options - Dr. Garcia and Dr. Illan. Can anyone who has used either of these two doctors recently offer some insight? Anything to do with the surgery itself, the facilities, the hotel, the after-care, etc. Also, I would be flying down from Ontario so I'm a little concerned about the length of the flight home after. Did anyone encounter any issues on their trip home? I'd appreciate any advice anyone can offer. I feel like I've read so much that's it's just become information overload and I'd rather hear people's personal exper…

Hey guys! I found out my insurance doesn't cover surgery here in the US. So, I am planning on going to Mexico this summer. I was wanting to know if anyone has any first hand experience with a good facility in Mexico. Preferably one with the shortest flight duration (I live in FL). And if anyone did financing what was your payment plan like? Thanks!

I decided to create this thread for all June and July sleevers who are getting VSG in Mexico. This would be a place where we can share our thoughts and experiences as we go through this journey. Please state your starting weight,...... your surgeons name........... and when you will be having surgery. Keep in mind that we need to be respectful of each person's opinion and their surgeons. All experiences will be welcomed!!!!

I have made the decision to have gastric sleeve surgery and am considering having the surgery done in Mexico. There are a couple of concerns I have but one of the major concerns is how do you get follow up care once you are back home? My insurance does not cover WLS which is why I am considering MX so I would assume they will not cover follow up care.

I started out booked but not paid with another company. Once I had verbally committed I could tell that I wasn't a priority to them. I just overall started getting a bad unsure feeling. I stopped and prayed and asked God to guide me and give me peace about doing period, and who would be doing it. About 5 minutes later of reading on different forums I found Bariatric pal team MX. I haven't looked back since. From the very beginning "Henry", Bill and Stacey were walking me through everything I needed to do. Henry was there day after day helping me work with the finance company I had chosen. From the moment you step off the plane it will be all about YOU and YOUR care. It t…

I recently had a revision of a gastric sleeve from a Lap band January 16th with the Bariatric Pal team. OH MY GOSH what an awesome experience. I live in Missouri and it was pretty hard to get the right flight in to fit the time schedule but they were amazing to work with me and helped me get a hotel to stay the night before. The surgery was very easy and Dr. Illian was so kind and sweet and listened to any fear and concerns I had about getting revision surgery, about the scar tissue, about not losing as well, about the size of my tummy all of it.. he was amazing and smelled good too!!! LOL I felt NO PAIN at all. I can’t say that will happen to everyone but the nurses we…

I recently had a revision of a VS to mini gastric bypass surgery in Jan (three weeks ago). I live in Los Angeles so I drove in and stayed the night before at the hotel they use. The surgery was very easy. For me going under is not a scary prospect as I’ve been around this rodeo before (this would be my 11 time going under). And it was very easy. I felt NO PAIN at all. I can’t say that will happen to everyone but I happen to be blessed with a high tolerance of pain. Even the gas they put in your stomach for the surgery seem minimal to me. I was walking all over the places chatting with the sweet receptionist up at the front of the hospital. So I was supposed to stay 3 da…

I returned home Sunday from having my Gastric Sleeve surgery in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Illan coordinated by BariatricPal TeamMX. I wanted to leave a review while everything was still fresh in my mind. First off - if you are on the fence about booking with Dr. Illan through BariatricPal TeamMX - GET OFF THE DAMN FENCE AND BOOK ALREADY! They were amazing! It has been nothing but superb throughout the entire process. I flew into San Diego the day prior to my surgery. Stacy (our NUT at BariatricPal TeamMX) was there to pick me up. Personal service! She answered all of my questions and put my mind at ease right away. She brought me to the hotel in Tijuana (Pueblo A…

On January 5th, I had gastric sleeve done at Oasis of Hope Hospital in Mexico with Dr. Illan. The entire process was an amazing experience. I have had 5 surgeries before this in the last 10 years and this was the easiest of all. All of the staff involved really care about you and are there for you every step of the way. I would recommend this to anyone. Don't wait another minute if you are questioning doing this. It was like a mini vacation and I would do it over again in a heartbeat. It is now January 26th and I am down 30 pounds already. My only regret is not learning about Dr. Illan and the Oasis of Hope Hospital sooner.

I had decided I wanted this procedure done, and when I heard my insurance didn't cover it, set out to looking for somewhere affordable, and of course someplace that I could trust. I had read reviews of several places - there were a few that were MUCH more expensive, and also a few that were cheaper. I emailed Bill a few questions, and was pleasantly surprised when he responded almost immediately. I filled out the health questionairre, then called Bill to discuss scheduling. I was really impressed with how organized they were - I went and watched the video of the Oasis of Hope hospital, and started reading everything I could find on Dr. Illan. After I got my surgery d…

I had the best experience with the BP team and the Doctor. Everything was exactly how it was described from the pick up from airport to the hospital room and hotel room! Everyone was amazing and I was well taken care of. My cousin who traveled with me was even attended to very well. This was the best decision I could have made and I did my research before ever booking my surgery. Bill the patient coordinator and Stacey the nutritionist where amazing and it was so nice to meet them both at the hospital. All the valet guys especially Juanito he was great took us around everywhere and Roberto was awesome while I was in hospital. I am two weeks post op and feel great no pa…

Good afternoon everyone, I just wanted to share my experience for those of you considering Bariatric Surgery so I could maybe help you along a bit in your decision making. My insurance agreed to pay but I would still be out of pocket around $4000 and I would be on a required diet for 6 months. Well I am an impatient girl and I didn't want to wait that long. I have 3 little girls and a husband so this was a HUGE decision for me and I did research for the next month or so. I finally decided on Bariatric Team MX and Dr. Jalil Illan. I scheduled through Bill Yanez at BariatricPal and I went alone for my surgery because I wanted to leave my husband behind to care for our gir…

Hi all! I am planning to go to Mexico for a VSG, I was considering Ariel Ortiz as my surgeon. If anyone has any experience with him, let me know I would love to hear it. But my main question is, since I will be traveling to Mexico for my surgery I will not being all the counseling and preparation for the surgery like I would in the US. (6 mos of dieting, psych eval, dietary counseling). I am worried that because I am skipping this part my surgery will not be as successful. Does anybody have advice or insight they would like to share?

We're happy to announce that we've partnered with two Insurance companies to offer our members inexpensive Medical Tourism Insurance. 1) Novamar Insurance offers our members a fantastic and inexpensive medical tourism insurance policy. Why you need Medical Tourism Insurance While surgeons and hospitals take every precaution to protect your safety, the possibility of a complication exists for every surgery in any country, due to the natural conditions of a patient. Because the medical procedure is self-paid, patients will also be required to cover additional expenses should a complication occur during the procedure. Our Medical Tourism Insurance Policy A Medica…

Hi All-I was a self pay lapbander that was completed here in the states. I believe my BMI was around 33-34, 3 years ago. Since getting the band I have dropped to 150 pounds, give or take, depending on how horrible my band wants to be. I have only had a max fill of 4.50CC's in a 10CC band. Anyways, I am constantly struggling with reflux and stricture, so they remove Fluid. I gain weight as I have the hunger pains that I normally do not have. I have not had solid food since Jan.1 due to horrific reflux and stomach pain. I had an endoscopy yesterday and the Dr said I was inflammed and my issues are 100% the band. I then went to my bariatric surgeon and they took the rema…

I am having gastric serve surgery on 10/21/16 and I'm very scared. I thought my BFF was accompanying me but she is unable to at the last minute so I will have to go alone. I'm terrified. Dr Fernando Garcia is my doctor. I'm just lost right now. I leave on 10/20/16 from louisiana and I'm so overwhelmed! Was so excited but so scared to go aloned

Haven't posted in awhile but I am considering getting a sleeve to mini GBP with Dr. Illan. I received an email from Bariatric Pal and the hotel they use is Pueblo Amigo Hotel and Casino. I stayed at the Marriott when I got my sleeve 2 years ago. If anyone can tell us about their experience, I would greatly appreciate.

So I'm just curious how many people have actually went to Mexico and had their surgery? Its kinda scary to me but not as scary as my insurance telling me they will cover nothing if I have complications from this surgery. I have noticed there is insurance you can buy for any complications but it's only good for thirty days. Did anyone else have my concerns and went ahead with the surgery anyways in Mexico? What was the experience like? Anyone have Dr.Maytorena? Thanks Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App