Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

As it turns out, I dont think my husband can make the trip to Tijuana with me so it looks as though I will be going by myself. I live outside of LA so will probably just take the train to San Diego cuz its probably not wise to drive home medicated! I guess I will stay by the airport the night before and just take a taxi to the pick up spot in the morning. Anyone else go down there by themselves?? I'm not at all worried about the care i will receive or even being solo in Mexico (LA is probably worse! Lol)...its just scary having surgery alone and far from home.

Hello, I am going to be self pay since my insurance excludes bariatric surgery. I am looking for a recommendation for a surgeon that was a good price and had a great experience. I am willing to travel North or South in FL. In my area (Orlando) the average price for self pay is approx. $14,500. There is a surgery center that does the sleeve as an out-patient procedure. I am a little hesitation about that. It is around $10,500. Thank you! =)

I tried to do a search with reference to what to pack...none were specifically Mexico related. So, considering I'm less than 2 weeks away, what do I need to take with me and what if anything do they provide? How many changes of clothes? I know the all important LIP BALM is on my list of must haves! Thanks!

Please note: I posted this message under finance and insurance as well: My insurance will not cover the cost of WLS, so therefore I had to take out a hardship withdrawal from my employer's healthplan. The loan is pending, based upon the surgery being medically necessary followed with a statement from the doctor. My doctor will willing to do the surgery using the selfpay option. I have a BMI of 40 but no commodities. I am soo afraid that I will be denied,this is my last hope. Not sure how to get around this hurdle. I am sure that bariatric WLS will be looked at as cosmetic. Any suggestions, before I contact my MD? Has anyone else been faced with this obstacle?

Only a couple days away from my 1 year surgiversary. Who else ? Post up some pics and say hello !!

I was sleeves by Dr Illan a week ago and I'm feeling great! I'm getting in enough Fluid and Protein, still have a little gas at times and a touch of soreness but overall am so happy with how everything is going! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all, I'm really trying to narrow down my list of places where I would like to get my surgery done in Tijuana. I've heard great things about a number of doctors on this and other forums. However, my experience with coordinators and/or doctors has been extremely varied and there isn't a single one that inspires me with total confidence, although some are clearly better than others. I don't know if it's just nerves/cold feet that is making me second guess everything, but I'd be curious as to what other people's experiences were BEFORE they sent in the deposit. So far, here's been my experience with the top 3 places on my list (and as mentioned before, all of these pla…

Is anyone here having surgery at ALO Bariatrics on August 5th?

I am considering sleeve with Dr. Shillingford in Boca Raton, Fl. His website advertises $10,500 self pay for sleeve. I am looking to see if anyone has gone through this physician, and if anyone else has had self pay as well (this is the lowest self pay price in Florida I have found). I was banded 1.16.13 in Tampa with Dr. Ache band removed due to slip 1.1.15. Went from 284lbs to 162lbs. But had a baby one year after band removal and up to 225lbs. I am 5'9".

CER Hospital in Tijuana or Mi Doctor? Dr.Valenzuela or Dr.Garcia? I want to have vsg surgery in Tijuana in Sept. I've been doing a lot of research but I'm having a hard time choosing a facility. I've narrowed it down to Dr.garcia and Dr.Valenzuela. I have heard lots of great things about both. The most important part for me is deciding what facility I would be most comfortable with. I've heard a lot of people have gone to Mi doctor but stated it was outdated, has anyone recently been? How was your experience? As far as dr garcia I've heard great things about him but not so much about cer hospital. I'm leaning towards cer but have yet to see any pictures or videos of wha…

I am having surgery on 8/4 and will probably drive. Did anyone else leave their car at the border crossing? From what I can tell online, it seems safe, but I just wondered what other's experiences were like? I'm debating if I should just drive to the San Diego airport and have them pick me up there as if I was flying. Any insight is appreciated!

Hi all - have any of you heard of WLF Medical in Mexico? It's not the cheapest place to go to, but I believe it may possibly be the most modern and safest clinic. It's the only one I've researched though - a friend of mine told me about it as she was frustrated with yo-yo dieting and asked her doctor about the sleeve. Her doctor recommended this place. I'm in Canada and the CEO of this clinic is Canadian. I was quoted $13,600 for just me (no companion), however if you look on the website they show a comparison of their surgery facilities vs the cheaper options. Now I just have to come up with the money! (Although this surgery is free in Canada the approval process…

Hmm, I could have sworn I posted this last night but I was a little out of it on three klonopin because of fireworks, so maybe I just imagined it. Has anyone here gone through Mexico Bariatric Services? I am trying to research different places before making a decision. This place has an offer that includes airfare, which sounds amazing. I've already started the process with Bill Yanez with BariatricPal Team MX, but I don't want to just go with the first place I look at. I'd love to hear some info about Mexico Bariatric Services, good or bad. Thanks.

Did anyone go with Dr. Francisco Gonzalez? I'm still looking for a doctor and would like to know if anyone went with Dr. Gonzalez Thank you, Cynthia Sent from my iPhone

Hello all, I was wondering if you could tell me how long you stayed in Tijuana before traveling back home. Please include number of days spent in hospital, in recovery hotel, and any other days. How soon would you have felt comfortable flying again after surgery?

I am leaving for Tiajana Mexico In less than 24 hours, last night I was feeling greatful for this amazing opportunity and sent a pm to my surgeon to tell him how excited that I was to meet him. Then I asked him how it felt to be a hero to so many. Within a few minutes I had a message back. DR.Illan replied saying he was ready to meet me and he loves seeing his patient's live change and health improve!!! SERIOUSLY never would you have that kind of personal contact with your provider in the states!! If you have doubts about this group message me. I am a believer.

What are the specific pre-op assessments that are done prior to havng the procedure? Is an Endoscopy done? What happens if you arrive in MX and you ARE NOT cleared for surgery due to your pre-op workup? Just trying to consider all possible What if's.... thanks much ~

Within the coming days I will schedule my procedure with Dr Garcia, however, i just realized that i will need F/U once I return home. What have others done in this case. My PCP is totally against medical tourism and will not provide post F/U visits. Anyone from NC/VA on this site?

I haven't seen a thread yet discussing insurance coverage of any treatment that is needed post-surgery. Is that also exclusively out-of-pocket? I would imagine that's one of the top risks considering the relative frequency of complications. Does that lack of coverage convey to new insurance plans? Considering that some conditions may or may not be related to the surgery, are you set-up for insurance fights for life? Thank you for your experiences with this.

Hi all! I am narrowing down my choices for gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico. I am trying to get info on fees for Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the OCC in Tijuana. The website gives a range and the cost is based on your BMI and other conditions that exist. I am currently at 42 BMI with HBP and reflux. Nothing too major. I have contacted the OCC for more info but being the impatient me, I thought I would put this question out there for everyone here. I have learned a great deal of important info from these forums and thank everyone for their input.

Going to Tijuana, who was your doctor

I am scheduled for a VSG on July 9th, 2016 with dr. Ponce de leon and co. I contacted them directly without speaking to their coordinator. Dr. Frayre contacted me directly to set things up. Has anyone else done this before? I am asking, because the whole thing seems a little unorganized to me compared to other people's stories. I did my research on Dr.'s, so I'm not worried about the actual surgery itself, but the coordination has me a little worried. For instance, all I did was text him the day that I wanted to have surgery, and he texted back that it was fine, and then I sent Dr. Frayre my air travel itinerary. He has not sent that much information to me. Should I…

Anyone have any advice on which to choose?? A lighter me or Mexico Bariatric Center... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Has anyone used a flex card for surgery? What company did you go through? I am in the process of choosing between "A Lighter Me" and Bariatric Medical Center for surgery in August...any advice on either one? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm so excited and I want to tell everyone but I can't.. I've decided to keep this journey of my life very personal to close friends and my immediate family. I'm so happy that I belong to such a great support system such as this group. I wanted to know if there are any vegetarians out there. My hubby and I have been vegetarian for over 8 months.

Hey y'all! I am completely new, so bear with me! I was planning on going to Dr. Q but after reading some posts here I am somewhat freaking out about that choice (it is booked but they do not require payment so it's only my flight that is an issue at this point). My bff told me this horror story of how her mom's cousin got kidnapped and murdered when she went for a breast augmentation in TJ so now I am terrified, but I do not know if that woman was driving herself, walking around, or what happened. I felt fine about it before she told me that. Please reassure me that you had safe experiences! Who did you choose, and why? Were you happy with your pre/during/post …

I would love to hear from anyone who has used this surgeon. I am thinking of going with him for vsg because he has in-house financing and would like to hear the good, the bad, and the hopefully non-existent ugly lol Thanks!

I've done so much obsessive research, I'm literally making myself crazy over this! I originally wanted to be resleeved and thought that Dr. Wilhmey was the perfect surgeon for the job, then through my research I decided a revison to MGB would be best and Dr. Rodriguez would be the man for the job (Dr. Wilhmey doesn't do revisions to MGB) then last night I find a post where someone went to him in February and had a bowel punctured (I know things happen) but still in all honestly I'm amazed by the following and support of both Dr. Ramos Kelly and Dr. Illan on FB which makes me think if SOOO many had such great expereinces with them, maybe one of them would be the better ch…

Hi everyone! I am flying from Denver to San Diego and getting gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana with dr. Ponce de leon on June 6, 2016. Is anyone else on this forum doing the same thing about that time? Any tips or experiences to share regarding Dr. Ponce or the facilities? I am getting nervous but excited too. Any helpful posts would be greatly appreciated.

This is my 100% honest review. I will go over the good and the bad and my experience as it was through my eyes. I hope this will help you make the most informed decision possible. On May 31 2016 my husband and I were sleeved at Florence hospital in TJ, MX by Dr. Illan. Stacey was at the airport on time to pick us up and was very kind, we crossed the boarder quickly and within 40 mins were at Florence hospital in TJ. The hospital looks terrible from the outside, it really could be redone to make patients a bit more comfortable upon arrival. The inside of the hospital is very clean. My husband and I were shown to our room and right away nurses were getting our IV's in a…

Hello All! I am a long-time lurker on these forums. After a year of researching and going back and forth, I finally decided on which procedure I would prefer, and by which doctor. I am a self payer , since my insurance does not cover WLS at all. I spoke with my mother about this, as I would like her to be my travel companion. And I was surprised by how adamant she was that I not have the surgery in Mexico, how it is 3rd world country, and Tijuana is not the place to go for anything, and Americans just aren't safe in Mexico. It really took me by surprise considering, although I live in GA now, I was born in San Diego and taken to TJ as a baby, and my mother grew u…

Just courious how did everyone pay for their surgery? Has anyone found a Dr that will accept payments?

Well, I have been turned down by my insurance company (an HMO) multiple times now despite having a BMI of 42 (i don't really have any other life threatening issues...i'm just fat). So i'm considering having the surgery in Mexico (i live in Southern California). My question is...from the time you first emailed the surgeon of your choice, until the day of your surgery...how long was it? does it take nearly a year like in the US or is it a faster process. I am considering Tijuana Bariatrics (Dr. Garcia??) any thoughts? Obviously, I'm slightly terrified with the idea of this...so any input is greatly appreciated. :-)

I am a Canadian who DWL paid in Mexico. Thought I would open a spot just for us. Any Canadians out there?

I've seen a few references to self pay options in Las Vegas. Does anyone have any details on this? I have a family member that is interested but is feeling intimidated by going to Mexico.

Anyone else??

My surgery was on May 19th. I leave tomorrow and have really enjoyed the visit, the surgery seems like it was a small part of this trip even though it will be so life changing. I have had ZERO gas pain and my pain has all been very manageable. I've been out walking with our concierge Juan both days at the recovery house. I was up and walking around the hospital pretty quickly as well. I received the DVD of my surgery (per my request) yesterday and actually got a big kick out of watching it last night. I'm really happy with my decision and really glad I stayed in the recovery house and explored the area a bit. Now, tomorrow I finally see my boys - it'll be five days away f…

I have scheduled my plication surgery with OCC and I'm getting nervous :/ Anyone out there have experience this surgery or with OCC? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So after a month of research from India to Mexico I finally found Dr. Pompa Gonzales. The price is good and the surgical center looks very nice. Please go to the You Tube link to see the facility. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSuhiAM6ATM]YouTube- Our State of the Art Facilities[/ame] That's all I can tell you now until my surgery on Tuesday March 9th. I will update you while I am there.:001_tt2:

I've done 2 days, to the letter, of my liquid diet and haven't lost an ounce. Has anyone else experienced no loss of weight on the liquid diet? Sent from my SM-N900W8 using the BariatricPal App

I'm scheduled with Dr. Cabrera at Mi hospital on May 9th. I'd love to chat with someone else headed there around that time. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone, still in the research phase. Looking to self pay in Mexico. Having a really hard time getting my hubby on board with the idea. I would appreciate any research resources that may help get him a little more comfortable with the idea. Thanks!

Hi!! Just wanted to share with y'all that I'll be having surgery today with Dr. Ortiz [emoji16][emoji16] Since I've arrived to TJ the ALM staff has been great!!! I Will update once I'm out of surgery and feeling up to it .

I would like to hear from anyone who has had the bypass in Mexico. I have been looking at a couple surgeons but it seems there is way more information about getting the sleeve down there than there is bypass. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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Ingredients: ¾ cup raw cashews, soaked 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 2 medium onions, diced 2 stalks celery, chopped 3 carrots, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 16 oz broccoli (about 7 cups, packed) 6 cups Water, divided freshly ground pepper Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Anyone here have their sleeve surgery performed by Dr Ortiz? Did he and or the anesthesiologist,listen to your concerns regarding nausea and pain? I'm going June 30th for mine and I'm beyond scared and nervous! I worry about waking up in pain and nauseated/vomiting. I'm doing my best to let everyone know upfront that with prior surgeries (in the states) I was given something so I wouldn't wake up sick. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi ... I'm craving some ink and was wondering when it's ok to get a tattoo? I have like 10 of them ... I guess it's a good way to relieve my stress being that I'm not eating or smoking any more .. THANKS IN ADVANCE It will be on my foot ***

Please.... everyone tell me your experiences with ALM TJ... good bad and ugly... i need to hear it.

I'm excited but it feels so far away lol