Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Hello everyone! I just thought I'd share the experience of my surgery in Tijuana. I had surgery on Monday, December 12th, at Oasis of Hope Hospital. Dr. Illan was my surgeon. And it all started with BariatricPal Team MX. I chatted online with someone, asking different questions. Then I was referred to Bill Yanez, who sent me an email with information and a questionnaire I needed to fill out. I spoke to him a few times on the phone, and within days, after finding out that I was approved, I called Bill and scheduled my surgery. I paid my deposit, and just like that, I had a surgery date. I did research on Dr. Illan previously and was confident that I had picked the right …

I've pretty much made me decision to go with Dr. Maytorena at Long Term VSG to get my gastric sleeve done. I noticed that their package only includes two nights for recovery. I wanted to know if anyone who had their sleeve done with Dr. M thought that 2 nights was enough before flying home as most other packages includes 3/4 nights to recover. There is an option to add on an extra night for recovery and I was thinking that I might do that as I am not great with pain and do get dizzy spells when I am not well rested. Also another night being watched over by nurses and doctors might be worth it. Anyone who had only a 2 night recovery think it was sufficient enough? Or for t…

So, I changed insurances to one that covers VSG. As per usual, there are 983 hoops to jump through as well as all the co-pays, deductible, and co-insurance payment for the surgery. I'd probably end up paying the same amount after all that. Honestly, after reading so much here, I'd almost just rather forget the insurance crap & head to Mexico!! Has anyone done this? Thoughts? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello All, I'm very new to this but looking to soak up as much information as I can retain in regards to the gastric sleeve.. I have watched hundreds of You Tube videos and very concern with some of those videos with discussions of price gouging . I am looking for the reviews on Dr's , Hospitals, Hotels and Pricing ..ex: does the quotes include the dr,s pay or will that be a different payment? Any information provided will be greatly appreciated Need as much information as possible!

I'm 12 days out, got the sleeve done in Tijuana, Mexico. Best decision ever made. Really cheap and VERY safe... I dont know why there's too much taboo involved when thinking of going there for surgery. Has been great for me so far... 18 pds lost already... yes!! Sent from my SM-J105B using the BariatricPal App

Hey all! As I write the title, I realize it's a bit cringe-worthy! Someone that has already gone through so much bodily trauma, is going to another country for elective WLS outside the safe medical guidelines placed in the States. Sounds crazy, right? Maybe this will help me connect with some people that have gone through the same experiences or maybe my story will help other ladies out there struggling with their weight after early on-set menopause. Let's hope! A brief summary of my cancer story. When I was 32 (only 11 months after my previous pap) I found out I had a 7cm tumor growing in my girly bits and ended up going through 32 radiation treatments, 7 rounds…

My husband isn't convinced that Mexico is the right place for surgery. I have been accepted by Dr. Illan and I'm ready... Has anyone had any complications that needed Dr's care POST surgery? If you had to see a Dr. did they even want to treat you? Did you have a hard time getting treatment? Did you go to an emergency room? What were your complications. Would you do it again? My husband works in the legal field, he sees the worst of everything you could possibly imagine. I understand his fear. But I'm ready...

Welp! After all the research, obsessive reading, video-watching, and real-life connections, hubby and I have BOTH decided that we are going to use Dr. Illan. We will have to each go separately for childcare reasons, but from everything I have read, going alone is not that bad. Going to pay our deposits in the next couple of days then BOOK A DATE!!! Eeeeeep!!! It feels so good to say EFF YOU, insurance red tape. LOL!! All encouragement and first hand experiences welcome!!

Hi, BariatricPal family! Feel free to ask any question regarding weight loss surgery procedures!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My insurance will not pay here in the states and I know Mexico will be cheaper. Where did some of you go in Tiajuana, Mexico and how was the experience? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using the BariatricPal App

Curious for those of you who had your Surgeries in Mx, who do you go to for after care? How do you do your after care? Or any issues arise? If your insurance doesn't cover what do do or who go to after care?

I've been following the forum for several months now but only recently decided to take the plunge and contact some doctors. My research and these forums have led me to Dr. Ariel Ortiz, Dr. Fernando Garcia and Dr. Jalil Illan. I'm hoping to have single incision Gastric Sleeve this month. Has anyone opted for the single incision gastric sleeve?

Hello! My surgery was on 12/27/2016; so far so good! I just want to tell you all about my wonderful experience with Dr. Illan, Bill and all the staff in Mexico. Oasis Hospital is a very clean and well-equipped facility. The nurses go beyond their job description to make us comfortable and at ease. The valet service is very personalized; anything you need or want they try to do. They made me feel welcome and cared for from the first time we contacted them and are still there for me to answer my questions after my surgery. Definitly the kind of care I needed in such uncertain circumstances for me. Thank you.

Hello Everyone Happy New Year!!!! I am in my research stage and I'm looking to have gastric sleeve in Mexico summer 17. If you guys have any info to share about your surgeon or experience I would greatly appreciate it. Also do you think it is better to book through the surgeon directly or to use a coordinator or something? Any feedback, suggestions, things to avoid? I'm all ears!!! And if you have a YouTube or something I'll gladly check it out. Thanks????

How long does it take from initial contact with surgeon to having the surgery? Thanks Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello Everyone, Due to the holiday I am having to wait for answers from my hospital choice, but I thought I would ask here first. Do you have to have someone go with you to the hospital and be there when you get dismissed? Normally when you check out from a hospital someone has to drive you home, however the driver would take me to the airport, I would fly home, and then I would get picked up and driven home. So is taking someone along a necessity? I can use my phone for emotional support during the process. What is your experience, thoughts, opinions, knowledge?? TIA

I had a wonderful experience w/ Mexico bariatrics! Everything they said over the phone was exactly how things went, i hd gasteric sleeve 12/15/16 & i belong to the group "December sleevers " i also post weekly in the post gasteric sleeve section of BariatricPal! I can tell you everything you want to know via the post or you could send me a private message

So new to this. Who's had surgery in Mexico. Looking for more info. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

My husband and I chose to have gastric sleeve surgery with Bariatric Pal Team MX. We traveled to San Diego, California on December 16, 2016. We were met in San Diego by the wonderful staff. We had surgery on December 17th. We were pleased with the facility, doctors, staff, and care. We constantly cared for and our concerns met at each turn. We spent two nights at the casino/hotel where the doctor and staff checked on us. We were pleased. We have high praises for Bill Yanez, his wife Stacy and all the valets who cared for us. We highly recommend this facility, doctor, and company. We are always open to share our experience. Feel free to contact us with questions o…

Does anyone have feedback on a doctor Ariel Ortiz? or the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana Mexico? I am doing my research and want to schedule surgery soon but would like to hear from anyone who has used this surgeon or this Clinic. Sent from my XT1055 using the BariatricPal App

I have begun my journey and started thru my "requirements"-attending la minimum of 2 support group mtngs, visits with nutritionist, psy eval next week, blood work in Jan. However, upon reading the requirements of Mass Health, it says they decide on it case by case. My question... my fear-is Ill fulfill my 6 mos requirements only to be denied. Ill be devestated. Should that occur-I will consider traveling to Mexico. Anyone else out there dealing with Mass Health able to offer any input? My bmi is 40 plus and I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, high blood pressure and have osteoarthritus in my knees. Help! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the Bariatric…

I'm having a sleeve surgery With Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana on Jan. 9th. Has anyone used this surgeon? Has anyone returned to him or another surgeon for post op appointments in Mexico? If your post op is in the states, what do you tell your primary care doctor? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi there - for those having surgery in Mexico, what do you do for post op care? If you need to see a dr. in the states, I have heard they won't see you if you got your surgery in Mexico? Any insight to clear up my confusion -- thanks so much. I am seriously considering this route b/c insurance won't pay for the surgery. Thanks!

What kinds of meds are giving in Mexico for pain after the surgery? Also, Do they give you something to calm down before the surgery? Sent from my SM-G930P using the BariatricPal App

I have a good feeling about several doctors but now I want to narrow it down to the finalist. I will be going to Mexico for my surgery. For those who have gone to Mexico how did you research the doctors and facilities? Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I was approved for 5600 and I need a band to sleeve revision.. anyone know where I can get it done for that price???? in Mexico????

I thought I would post up my entire experience with ALM in Tijuana while the details are still fresh in my mind. This will be a bit of a long read, but hopefully someone who is investigating the possibilities will find some useful information, answers to some questions and some reassurances! Here goes: I was introduced to the idea of bariatric surgery about 6 months ago during a conversation with a friend, who has been struggling for a few years with a significant (100lbs+) weight gain. I, too, had been gaining weight steadily since losing 100lbs four years ago. She said that if she couldn't lose the weight in the next year, she was "gonna get the gastric surgery" and b…

I can find very limited information on him he does have a few happy clients who received the sleeve but I wanted to know if anyone has had our and why I wanted to know what people have to say about him I'm a little concerned that there isn't a lot of information the reason I'm considering him as they offer financing interest free without a credit check for part of the procedure they may charge a little more than some of the others butts not having to pay the full amount is helpful. Any accurate information that you can provide me about this dr. In this facility is appreciated as you know with doctors in Mexico it could mean the difference between life and death. thank you…

I took out a loan to have my surgery with Dr. Kelly Ramos. I was all excited and ready to go and now my nerves are getting the better of me. I was going to schedule it for december but now I'm worried that I'm chickening out. I'm so scared of complications and of traveling that far from home and I'm just so panicked right now. Most of the reviews I've seen for doctor kelly are amazing but i good portion of them are pretty old. has anyone had surgery with him recently? Does anyone have any insight or recommendations? I'm panicking but I really want to change my life

Hey! I have never posted before, but I am at the airport ready to fly back home, and I just wanted to post a little bit about my experience with TeamMX and my surgery with Dr. Illan. Overall, I had a great experience. The work to get everything ready prior to surgery was smooth. Bill and Stacy did a great job with communication up front, and that helped put my mind at ease. For some context, I am 5'8 and my highest weight was 304.5 about 6-7 weeks ago. I started the pre-op diet on 11/17, and did my best to stick to it through the Thanksgiving holiday. The fact that I had a cold and could not taste anything made that easier! Anyways, my flights to San Diego were sm…

Im looking into ALO Bariatrics in Tiajuana with Dr. Alejandro Lopez. Has anyone used him or heard about his practice?

I just wanted to share with yall the great experience that I had when I chose to have my revision with BP Team MX. From the very beginning Bill was the best! The customer service I got from the first moment I contacted them was super! The whole process was so easy and rewarding. From planning the surgery, to paying, to all the communication! I would absolutely recommend this team to anyone and everyone that is thinking of going to Mexico to have surgery. The hospital (Oasis of Hope) was clean, well maintained, and comfortable. They mopped the floors in what seemed like every few hours. It smelled clean, appeared clean, and was clean! The hotel was very nice. I s…

If you have surgery in Mexico can you still file for FMLA? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am investigating surgeons. Has anyone used Dr. Valenzula at Mi Doctor Hospital in Mexico. If so, would you consider sharing your experience with me? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all! I am looking at surgeons in Mexico, and I have notices a lot of them are in Tijuana. I live in Florida and Cancun is like and hour and 1/2 plane ride as opposed from 6-8 in Tijuana. Does anyone have experience with a surgeon in Cancun or on the East coast of Mexico?

I posted this in the support groups I am apart of, but would like to hear from you all also. Quick lighthearted question I have my departing flight from San Diego at 7:25PM to Phoenix at 10:00PM where I will a layover until 1:45AM. From there I'll arrive in Chicago at 6:00AM where I'll have another layover until 8:30 where my final flight arrives in Toronto at 11:00AM. Where depending on how I feel will take an uber or bus home (I don't live that far from the airport). The question is: Will I die?

Hi All, I was sleeved 5 days ago in Mexico and will be heading back to Brisbane tomorrow (YAY)!! I am looking for a GP recommendation for follow up care upon my return. I live in the Mt Gravatt/Holland Park area but would be willing to travel if anybody knows any supportive, knowledgable GP's that support bariatric surgery and take the time to listen properly to any concerns. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks, Nic Ps. Feel free to ask me any questions about my experience in Mexico.

I thought I would just share my story to pay it forward to somebody else thinking of getting this surgery done. My highest weight. In my life was 230 pounds. After the pre-op diet I got down to 220. I am 5'2" tall. So here I am at five months out and the happiest I've ever been. I went from wearing clothes that was 2 xl to wearing clothes that are size medium. I few days ago when I weighed myself I was 142 pounds. So I am currently down 88 pounds overall!! The bottom line is that I would do this surgery again in a heartbeat even if it cost twice as much. We have one life to live, and we should live the healthiest life possible. The only downside that I have found …

Stacy Eckel is a crucial part of the BariatricPal Team MX Support Team. As a former patient of weight loss surgery in Tijuana, Stacy has the insight to speak with those considering weight loss surgery with BariatricPal Team MX, not only as a supporting team member, but from the patient perspective as well. This unique ability allows Stacy to connect with people/patients in a way that many others cannot. Stacy works with those individuals that have booked with BariatricPal Team MX to help them understand both the pre-operative and post-operative diet instructions and guidelines. She is here to help those that need, not only support, but advice and guidance on adjusting to …

Is there minimum BMI for Vsg in Mexico? I currently have a BMI of 41 and my husband and I are going start a high Protein low carb diet along with working out. I know I will drop below 40 once we start this. I can not afford surgery till at least April but need to start my journey to living healthy. I am scared I won't be able to get the surgery if I am under a certain BMI. Sent from my SM-G930P using the BariatricPal App

I'm scheduled for gastric sleeve Dec 27 at Tijuana Bariatrics and will be by myself. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm very anxious. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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I went to Tijuana Mexico alone on September 22. Dr. Garcia preformed my surgery. The cost $5950 this included 3 1/2 days in the hospital and two days hotel. The hospital was clean and sanitary. I was at the Tijuana Bariatrc Center. The nursing staff and Doctors first rate. They make sure to control your pain and nausea and to keep you hydrated. There were workers sanitizing the place non stop! I had some problems with nausea after returning home that my doctor help me with. 55# and counting

I live in Alaska and there are only two surgeons in the entire state... if I'm correct one only does gastric bypass and the other does the different procedures but neither provider is considered in network so instead of 90% insurance coverage I will only have my surgery covered at 80%... my insurance only covers the first $30,000 at the 90% for in network and then 80% after the first $30,000 but my surgery would cost me 20% plus my deductible and the maximum out of pocket doesn't apply to bariatric surgery... I also know WLS is pricey in Alaska but I don't know exactly how much... I'm at a crossroads because I love the idea of having my surgeon local especially because I'…

Hi! I'm 37, 5'4 and currently 255 - starting weight/highest weight was 270. I'm getting the sleeve at the OCC with Dr. Ortiz on December 19th. I'm doing well on the pre-op diet, but have struggled finding a Protein shake that works for me because I am allergic to all fake sugars and sugar alcohols. Unfortunately, pretty much every shake mix has those in it. My nutritionist said for now I can stick with lean Proteins and low carb veggies, but I'm wondering how to get my protein after. I am excited for a new phase in my life. I have been on every - and I mean every diet, ever - even when I competed in triathlons I could not get below 200 lbs. I thought there were no choic…

I am trying to decide on a doctor in Tijuanna to have my bypass done. I think I have narrowed it down to Dr. Garcia. Anyone want to share their experience with their doctor? It would be greatly appreciated!! Sent from my VS990 using the BariatricPal App

Anyone had their weightloss surgery done at Oasis Hospital in TJ with BariatricPal TeamMX? Starting into look into getting my band and plication revised to a gastric bypass but can't afford my surgeons price :/ If anyone can share their experiences I would aprecciate it

I have been overweight for sometime and everyone in my hometown is getting gastric sleeve. My daughter cheers for high school and every Friday night another person would have had it done, I was finished, I told my husband. He said whatever, I called the insurance company and they wouldn't pay. So I started looking for cash options 10,500 is lowest I found one night in hospital. Really. So I had read Bariatric Pal forums before and started looking for Drs. I researched, I bet I have read everyone's story. I picked Dr. Illan and his group. I believe, I called October 12 sent deposit and scheduled for November 7. I called Bill the coordinator so many times with questions. B…

My sister and I went to Mexico and had surgery together. She paid $4100, I paid $5100 ( different drs., different prices). That was for hotel, and total hospital stay, supplies and surgeon. Our flights for both less than $350. Excellent service!!! So many Americans and Canadians are doing it. Didn't have to go through the hoops like you do in U.S. Sent from my SM-J700T1 using the BariatricPal App

Hi All, This is my first post here. I have been toying with the idea of sleeve surgery since I got my band removed in 2014 due to complications. I am super excited - I paid my deposit and got my surgery date today. January 3 is the big day and it can't come soon enough. I am not sure what to expect. Any words of comfort or tips would be appreciated and also anyone who has been sleeved by Dr Cabrera - would love to hear your experience. I have been researching this for a long time and researching him and feel like i have made a great choice. I also met him in person at a seminar last year and this just reinforced my decision. Thanks. Any tips would be so appreciate…