Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I'm scheduled for May 9th at OCC. I understand that they provide broths and popsicles and lots of meds but I have things that I either can't tolerate or won't ingest knowingly My "can't" list- anything that smells or tastes of any sort of mint ( makes me barf in a big way), aspartame, and sucralose. My won't list- MSG, fake cherry flavor, licorice tasting anything So far my search for gasx strips is turning them up only in peppermint. Can I get away with mixed berry baby gas drops instead? Should I anticipate problems with any other meds? Is there a fridge in the hotel rooms? I was planning to hit the Whole Foods in San Diego before meeting the van for stevia s…

http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/scripps-health-help-run-hospital-along-us-mexico-border/2016-04-19

Hi everyone !! Question ... How was your flight home after surger .? I'm going home tomorrow and my flight is about 4 hours and 30 minutes ... Pretty scared about how that's gonna go.. TIA!

So after much debate and internal arguing with myself, I made the decision to have Vertical Gastric Sleeve surgery with Dr. Illian via Bariatric Pal in Tiajuana, Mexico. This is my account of what happened from start to finish. I made the decision to do this with my sister-in-law, so my wife went along as companion for both of us. Making the arrangements and booking was easy. I made my payments via Wells Fargo transfering the money from my account to that of Bariatric Pal with no issues and a good record of the payments. The flight to San Diego via Delta was uneventful and I found the airport in San Diego to be user friendly and a lot less hectic than Hartsfield in Atlant…

What will I need to purchase post-op that isn't provided from the hospital? I understand that there may be opportunities for field trips during my stay? Vitamins, heartburn, pain relievers, and misc? Thank you!

Hi everyone, I am booked for my surgery for the end of March and I am second guessing because I am LOW BMI (<35). My weight has never the less contributed to painful joints and difficulty starting an exercise program. I am also completely hopeless with "Diets" - as soon as I think of the word I gain 5 pounds. Please tell me what you think - is this a worthwhile journey if you are low BMI???

I'm from Los Angeles and considering having my surgery in Tijuana. I would rather go alone on my trip. It's a little under a two hour drive for me to San Diego. Will I be able to drive home or am I going to have to use a car service?

Ok. I've been over this decision for 2 years now. I've finally made the choice I want to do this. However, I currently don't have insurance and I see these surgeons in Mexico are so inexpensive it's almost too good to be true. What's the real deal here? Are there more positive outcomes than negative? Realistically it's a lot easier for me to come up with 6,000 than the 20-30k I keep seeing here (ny) my bmi is 45 and I am just sick of looking at myself. And feeling this way. Any words of encouragement? Positive? Anything?! My frustration level is through the roof. I've done research over the last 2 years but I never feel like I know fully what to even look into? Ugh. …

Anybody have surgery done with Dr Vasquez at Tijuana bariatrics? He's with Fernando Garcia. How was your experience?

Hi there. I'm new to the forums. Have been reading a lot and am starting my process to get gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Altamirano through Bariatric Pal. Since everyone is such a help I wanted to ask a few questions to those who have had their surgery in Tijuana. If you did it over would you do it there again? Did you feel you got personal attention? Did you ever feel unsafe? Was there anything you would have liked to be different? Is there anything that would help me to know ahead of time (any advice)? Would I be better off in the house or hotel? Thank you in advance for your insight!

TIJUANA BARIATRICS :: 4/1 :: I always wanted to be able to read someone's journey start to finish in quick updates! Especially someone who was having their procedure done in Tijuana. So I am going to try and do some highlights on this post and continually update it through my process... Stats:: 5'5" HW::249 PreOp:: 235 Having surgery at Tijuana Bariatrics with Dr. Garcia. Paid $4,250... I might add on an extra $500 and have them take my gallbladder while they are in there. I really don't want to risk complications with that later on. Started 10 day pre op diet 3/20 and lost almost 15 lbs. Yesterday's laxative cleanse sure didn't hurt! Lol wasn't bad at all. Fl…

Anyone else going in June? I am so excited to start this new chapter of my life.

I'm traveling solo so I would like to find someone I can meet up with! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi ! Anyone having surgery with Dr.Elias Ortiz in April?! [emoji16]

Well I have put a lot of consideration into this and because I cannot find any post with complications or negative results with Dr. Illan. I see that his past patients are very happy with their choice in picking him for their sleeve. After many conversations with Bill Yanez, Dr. Illan's coordinator I decided Dr. Illan is right for me. Every time I have a question Bill has got back to me right away with answers and I love the fact the even Dr. Illan is available to answer questions on the forum and on the phone. I cant get my PCP to call me even if my life depended on it and the nurse always says they will call back but it is usually several hours later or the next day if …

So I am in the process of doing my supervised diet for the gastric sleeve but even if my insurance approves me I still have to pay 40% out of pocket, plus deductible plus who knows what else. So i am looking into getting it done in Mexico because it will still be alot cheaper, can anyone give me any advice and what there thoughts and experiences are with gastric sleeve in mexico. Also i am really wondering how after care would work, especially if there is any complications, and would that be out of pocket also? Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

Hola! I edited the packing list in the main forum for my upcoming surgery in Mexicali and thought I would share it. Obviously men will have to ignore a few items on there, but overall, it should be comprehensive (a lot of the info is from the doctor's office). I am pasting it below and also attaching a pdf. Please let me know if you are unable to view it, I will email you one. Good luck to all of us! Medical Tourism HOSPITAL STAY CHECKLIST Clothes Comfortable bra with front closure/ Spanx/ Loose underwear Warm socks House slippers to walk the hospital halls to relieve gas pain Loose fitting clothes to wear there and on the way home Slip on shoes to wear there a…

ALERT!!! If anyone is contemplating surgery with weightlossagents.com / Sleeve and it's affiliates you need to look on the web and on YouTube to find out about the allegations that patients are dying who have had WLS at this clinic! There is a video of Angie D. Stidum, from San Diego California in a coma who died in January of this year and three others who have died before and shortly after leaving this facility. They themselves or the families of the deceased have expressed to the channel 10 team, that several other patients from the United States who say that they have been left at the border on their deathbeds! Please go on YouTube and punch in the owners name, Jarred…

2 pounds green asparagus 1 large onion, chopped 2 tablespoons vegan margarine 5 cups vegetable broth ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in warm Water for 1 hour (or ½ cup soy/almond milk) ¼ teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Having my gastric sleeve done by Dr. Cabrera April 23rd, 2016 in Tijuana Mexico! I'm super excited & also very nervous. Anyone else going to be there around this time???

Hi everyone! I just got my surgery date of April 11 with Dr. Illan and wanted to know if there are others going to be sleeved at that time? I'm hoping to find a buddy as I will be going alone and will need someone to hold my hand. I will be flying into San Diego from Dallas so even a flight buddy would be awesome!

I set up a FSA for surgery. When I first signed up, I asked if it could be used towards bariatric surgery and I was told it was. In subsequent conversations, I learned that I could not use my FSA for surgery in Mexico. At least, that's what one customer service representative said. Another said that I could use it anywhere as long as they were set up for medical billing. So, I have money in my FSA available but I can't find a bariatric surgeon (in Mexico) who has either a US billing address or a credit card processing agent with medical billing. I was looking into Dr. Montoyera and Dr. Illan, but I have started researching BeLiteWeight. My FSA is set up that I can ei…

Intuitive eating: 1️⃣ reject the diet mentally 2️⃣ honor your hunger 3️⃣ make peace with food 4️⃣ challenge the food police 5️⃣ respect your fullness 6️⃣ discover the satisfaction factor 7️⃣ honor your feelings without using food 8️⃣ honor your body 9️⃣ exercise ️ feel the difference honor your health Have a nice Day Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My wife and I are both scheduled for the GS on 3/28 with dr. Garcia through tijuana bariatrics. We have been talking to Alisha and Curt. I am supposed to pay tomorrow.. I am very nervous that it is a scam. the emails we receive are very long winded, personal and not as professional as I would think they would be. Has anyone worked with these people? I have read many good reviews on Dr. Garcia but I would like to make sure other people have booked with them, and that it's legitimate. Please respond ASAP as I have to pay by tomorrow. Thank you!! Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

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Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm planning to have a Mini Gastric Bypass and would love to hear experiences others have had with the procedure. Mine will be done in Tijuana, and I'm also interested in learning about what that was like if your surgery was in Mexico, too. Thanks so much!

At BariatricPal Team MX, we are committed that our patients receive the most comprehensive and complete care for Pre-op and Post-Op follow-Up care. Bariatricpal Team MX is about trust and confidence and working with medical facilities and surgical teams that offer the best and safest care and service. All of our Bariatric surgeon partners have to follow BariatricPal's strict patient care and follow-up guidelines. We have these guidelines in place to ensure your safe and professional medical care. It is our guarantee that you will receive personal care from your surgeon as well as all medical protocols required to assure your weight loss surgery and recovery before you…

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Same amount of food on each plate Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would like to hear the good, bad and ugly. My husband and I are self pay but both wanting the surgery. He is very much against going to Mexico. I'm very hesitant myself.

Hello everyone, I have been doing research on the gastric sleeve. I have been in contact with a rep via email stating I have been accepted. I am wondering if anyone out there can give me a run down on the precess from hear on out. Wondering how long it takes them to get a date set? How many have picked this Hospital and their outcome? Is there any Fellow Canadians that have ventured to this facility for a sleeve? Has anyone also chosen Dr Cabrera and their opinion on his services? I have been waiting since last Thursday for a reply for a date I sent back to them on my availability .... I did here from a fellow Pal member saying it usually does not take them long…

I just wanted to let everyone know how I'm doing. I had my surgery on Monday. After sleeping for several hours, I was up and walking. The more I walked the better I felt. I was actually able to get my 10k steps in. I am know at the recovery house. Took a stroll around Tijuana. This city is so beautiful and the weather is spectacular. Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Hey everyone, I am new to the group. I just wanted to see if there are any sleevers heading to TJ mid-march. I will be traveling by myself and was hoping to get to know some people I may be visiting with come March.

have a nice day !!

I am so excited. Tomorrow is my surgery. Thanks to this forum and others, I am looking forward to meeting up with other patients. Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers as we fly across the country and begin our new lives. Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Hello Everyone, Let me introduce myself. My name is Enrique “Henry” Cortez, I am the Office Manager for Bariatric Pal Team MX. Having been born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, I have the advantage of growing up in the highly dynamic and always changing bi-cultural environment of the Tijuana-San Diego area and I am 100% bilingual. I have a Bachelors in Communications from the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California. I have applied my knowledge and skills in the fields of Government Communications Offices, Television & Film industry, Logistics and Transportation, Customer Service, Sales, Technical Support, Telemarketing and Medical Tourism in the capacity of Team L…

Anyone going to Tijuana this weekend? I'm going via Mexico Bariatric Center.

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Hello everyone, My name is Roberto, patient coordinator, for Bariatric Pal Team MX. Please feel free to ask me any questions related to our surgeons, our surgery packages, facilities, and other services we provide. Thank you.

Hello there, I am Fernando Benitez, the night shift valet for Bariatricpal.com I am here to take personal care of our members at night at the Hospital and Guest Houses or Hotels. Feel Free to contact me for any assistance that you need.

Has anyone used Dr Eulices Frayre?

Any feedback with this surgeon in Mexico? I am going in May. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Well here I am day 2 post op (I was sleeved Friday 3/4). amd since I'm relaxing by the pool right now I figure I may as well post a review, right? Let me first tell you a bit about me. I'm a single mom, 33 years old and live in the Washington DC area. I'm 5'5 and my highest weight was 273 lbs. Over the last year I'd worked to lose some weight so I started my pre--op diet at 250. At the end of my pre-op diet, I weighed in at the Guadalajara Hospital at 235, so not too bad. Day 1- Surgery Day March 4th. I caught a 8:48 am flight out of Dulles Airport directly to San Diego. Of course, it's snowing in Washington DC, but my flight made it out and on time, so I was happy…