Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Anyone having or had gastric sleeve done by her in tj?

Since the change of the passport laws, did you need a passport to get when traveling to and from Mexico? I have read so much conflicting information, I figure I'll ask here. Thanks!

What are your thoughts? Is it safe?

Well I am finally here in Tijuana after a long day of flying from Kentucky. I am here at the Bariatric Pal House. It is very nice! Me and my husband are the only two here tonight so we have it all to ourselves. My surgery is at 2pm local time tomorrow. Please send positive thoughts and prayers my way. I can't believe I am so close to my new life! It is very exciting. )

I joined a gym with my bestie! She is a two time cancer survivor and we are each others support on the road to health. Start my pre op diet on Tuesday. It is getting close now!

I am looking at having gastric sleeve surgery at the end of March and I am very interested in hearing from anyone who had the surgery with Dr Hidalgo in Puerto Vallarta. Would anyone who has used him be willing to share their experience with him? Thanks in advance

I went with my wife to have her sleeve surgery in Mexico with Dr. A. As far as that went I think things went great and she is doing well. HOWEVER, my experience in Mexico is a totally different story which I feel others need to know about. I ended up getting food poisoning and then kidney stones. I even had to rush to the ER in San Diego because the Mexico doctors were unable to control my pain and nausea after multiple attempts with a multitude of different medications. I was in severe pain and very nauseous for around 24+ hours, but nothing they did helped. I guess the drugs in Mexico just aren't that strong and are watered down OR I just wasn't given any of the goo…

Looking so forward to having surgery with Dr. A, his staff and the Bariatric Pal team on December 7th!!! I can say after all my research and speaking with Dr. A via face time I am very comfortable putting this big decision I have made in his hands!! So excited!! Yay!!!!

So I am just over three months our from my surgery and doing well and really haven't had many questions regarding the program as I have had a previous surgery. Anyway I received a facebook post from my surgeon Dr Zavalza checking up with me to see how I am doing and if I need anything or could he do any thing for me!! How amazing is this!! Bariatric Pal surgeons are the best. If you are thinking of going this route do not hesitate, I am so happy I used Bariatric Pal as my coordinating company. Thank you Dr Z!!!

Surgery scheduled for Sept 1 in Tijuana with Dr. Elias Ortiz. Any other September surgeries?

Did anyone finance through them? I've applied but I'm not sure what to expect? can anyone advise? Thank you!

I have just scheduled my Skype session with Dr. A! I have already met with a doctor here in the states. Total costs 19K as my insurance won't cover. Any advice on important questions? Also, I saw a YouTube video which mentioned the doctor they used wasn't very sterile between surgeries. My biggest concern is infection. Has anyone had any issues with this facility and cleanliness?

Shopping with my daughter and hate being too fat for the cute clothes. Maybe I'll ask for clothing store gift cards for Christmas so I'll have something to look forward to.

I didn't see any threads on this and was wondering if there was anyone around who has or is planning on self funding their bypass in the U.S. ? I'm getting really frustrated with my insurance and am ready to give them the boot. There are two excellent bariatric programs within a twenty minute drive of home and I'll be going with one of them. EDIT: Sorry....I must have posted this in the wrong section. I thought it was for self-funded domestic and Mexico. My apologies. Moderators, please delete the post. Thank you.

Anyone ever tell you DO NOT go to Mexico? I just had a dietitian at a Bariatric Seminar freak out on me when I told her I was going to Mexico. I informed her that it was done through Bariatric Pal, and she looked at me as if I was crazy! She works for a Bariatric Center and didn't even know what this was. hmmmm She said I would be "butchered" in Mexico. I told her I had done my research and it is 100% legit and I am doing it. So my question to all of you, is who has completely freaked out on your Mexico Decision?

I am having a REALLY hard time choosing between having my band to sleeve revision surgery here on November 20th or in Mexico with Dr. A. Would love any input from others. I have so many Pros and Cons for each that my mind is just tired. If I go to Mexico I could have it with my wife the exact same day and we would be side by side every step of the way on this journey. However, I have already invested my time, emotions, and money (about $800) into having it here in the US. I am also VERY impressed with Dr. A in Mexico. We talked to him on the phone via FaceTime a few days and I was VERY impressed with him. When have you ever talked to your doctor on the phone? Person…

Hey there! I am in the pre-op phase of the VSG. Done with all of the pre-op testing and have a tentative surgery date of 1/11/16. I have 2 jobs and both of them make their schedules 2-3 months in advance. I put in request for the 2 weeks of 1/11-1/25 and most likely I will get what I want. Heres my problem, my surgeons office will not submit paperwork to insurance until 2 weeks before 1/11 which is sometime around Christmas...my work schedule for Jan will be done 1st week of Dec so Im a little worried by the possibility that I could be denied so close to the tentative date. Therefore, Mexico is my Plan B if insurance doesnt approve (for whatever reason) because I dont…

Hi Natalie, At 10.5 weeks out can we have chia seeds? Ground or whole? Also how many grams of protein should we be getting a day? Regards, Donna

I have the opportunity to go down to TJ and get sleeved as soon as the end of December. My SO has been super supportive through this whole process which I am so grateful for but when I told him it could be done that soon, he said it was too soon. I didn't think there was such a thing. What are your opinions? Is it too soon or would you have gone sooner given the opportunity and what did your time frame look like? I'm in AZ so it's a quick drive down.

So, for 2 years I've been working with the weight loss clinic to get gastric sleeve. I've done all the testing, jumped through their hoops but insurance will not cover surgery. And if they did, all my co-pays would cost double what Mexico would anyway so here I am. Who do you recommend? What do I do? Also, I can pay in full with income tax refund, but is there anywhere I can get assistance from so I don't have to wait any longer? I've wasted enough of my life, I want to get this done asap. Any tips? I've researched and done all the nutrition stuff so I know what lies ahead. I just don't know how to go about getting it done in Mexico. TIA!

Hi there, I am considering going to Mexico for the gastric sleeve. How many days does it take to travel and recover before you can return to the States? Also, are there requirements regarding BMI and health factors, such as insurance requires to qualify for the surgery? I am at a BMI of 39.3 or something to that extent. I do not have major medical issues -yet-, but I am headed down that road it seems. Thanks in advance for your input!

I am planning to go in the beginning of next year and get sleeved. I haven't talked to my SO about it yet. I'm not sure if he will be on board. How did you bring it up? If your SO isn't supportive, can you go alone? Do you need a buddy?

It's that time of the year when I have to make my elections for my 2016 Flexible Spending Halthcare Account. I was wondering if surgical costs incurred in Mexico could be claimed as bona fide expenses for a US FSA. Any ideas or experience anyone? Sure would like to pay with pretax $$ and spread the cost over the entire year.

I am scheduled with Dr. Lopez on January 22nd but I follow a lot of forums for A Lighter Me and Dr. Ortiz. It makes me feel like I didn't make the right decision...anyone else use Dr. Lopez? I need the good, the bad, and the ugly so I can make an informed decision! Thanks in advance.

Hey, everyone!!! I'm so happy to have come across this forum. There is such a wealth of information here in everyone's stories and experiences! i gotta question...... what Dr.s in Mexico will take people with a low bmi? I already checked with Kelly. he will do it but his hospital won't approve of it. I know Almanza will do it, but im not too impressed with with the mixed reviews...AT ALL!! Im working with Trish and may go with Ponce. I see that everyone loves Aceves too but will he take a low bmi? Thanks in advance for your responses!!

Hi I'm trying to decide between which of these 2 doctors i should go with? Dr. Altamirano or Dr. Zavalza?? I know Dr, Z does about 3 surgeries a day- Does anyone know how many surgeries Dr.A does a day? I am hoping to have the sleeve done in middle of September, I have been reading post on this web site but any experience someone has had with these doctors to help me make up my mind would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. Plus it would help ease my husbands mind he is about 85% sold on the idea of me going to mexico to have it done. WHAT made your final decision to go with your doctor choice?? I like the idea that they do the surgeries in the hospital (Florence?) or is H…

I know everyone is different but I was wondering if I could hear peoples experience about post op pain and flying home. How bad is the pain how,long does it last and how uncomfortable is it to fly home five hours? If you had to do it over again would you have stayed longer?

So- I'm just about fed up with insurance and all of their semantics. They make this entirely too difficult. Therefore, I'm strongly considering Mexico. Especially since I would still come out $6k cheaper even if my insurance does decide to cover their 80% here in the US. I'm looking for experiences. Good or bad. And processes. Do you have to travel to Mexico prior to surgery to be evaluated? Or is everything done online/over the phone and they complete any tests, etc when you actually arrive for the surgery? I'm not a risk taker. Surgery alone is causing some nerves to rattle. And the thought of traveling out the states for a surgery is really causing some anxiety. …

So I have talked it over with my SO and he is on board with me getting sleeved (*whew*)..... BUT hes digging his heels in about having it done in Mexico. He has no issue if it's done state side, but he's not comfortable with Mexico..... especially a border town. With all the hype about the drug related crime, he's worried I'll leave and never come back.... Any advice? I've tried looking up articles that would show that I'm in no more relative danger than I would be to drive in the harsher parts of my city, but there's just not much out there.

I have to buy a medical tourism insurance policy for my trip to Mexico. Should I add the evacuation plan for myself and my husband? I'm considering it due to the non-life threatening medical emergency that still requires hospitalization portion of it. However it adds quite a bit to the premium. Anyone have experience with this? Anyone needed it?

When are you having surgery? If you had surgery how long were you out of work?

I'm looking for a buddy for Nov. 20 with Dr. A.

I am shocked at the lack of support there is for people who have been sleeved in Mexico. I helped a lady from Montana who was literally dying get on track and healthy. I m willing to help any way I can! You need to know how to eat properly. Add me and ask me any thing and if I don't know the. answer I will find it. I am almost 6 months post surgery and have lost 102lbs

I leave Tuesday from Cleveland to San Diego and I am taking a carry on only. Does anyone have any insight what the best way to pack my shakes, etc is? Thanks

Hello Everyone, I like to inform you that there is a Special for the Gastric Sleev Surgery with Dr. jaime Ponce de leon, $4699 USD. (for BMI under 49). The package includes 2 year Post Nutrition Follow-up by a USA Nutritionist and Post-Op medications (up to $50.00 USD). This Special Price is for a limited time, please contact me for details. (619) 900 7345 or by email henry@bariatricpal.com. BariatricPal Surgery Deals Group Dr. Jaime Ponce De Leon Support Group

Hey everyone I need help, my insurance will not cover my much needed revision surgery. I am single and working two jobs and still cant pay for my full surgery :-( Please help me with a small donation. I'm desperate!! https://www.gofundme.com/zn77a3a8

Im only 3 months out but am already starting to save up to get so "alterations" now that I am 81 lbs down and only 50 lbs to go. I was hoping someone would tell me not just their experience and what to prepare for, but also share how much to save up. If you have a price list even better

Just scheduled my surgery for this Saturday October 3 with Dr Fernando Garcia in Tijuana! This is for a revision lapband to RNY, very excited but nervous since Im going alone... Anyone scheduled Oct 3? Anyone with the same Dr or experiences with him? Thanks!

Hi everyone! Newbie here and I'm glad to have found this site. It's been very helpful reading your stories regarding wls. From what I can see, there aren't many conversations about people choosing to have RNY in Mexico? Am I missing something here? I am looking into having this procedure over the sleeve because I have horrible reflux issues. Any help you all can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I dont see any posts here where people have had Dr. Verboonen. .. its making me nervous! My surgery date is June 10th. I did not go through Bariatric Pal (didnt know about it until now, but another facilitaters. Im really getting nervous now!

How long is the waiting list once you choose a dr? What's the general process? How much is the deposit?

I am 38 and 5'3.5". My process has been super easy and I feel bad for the posts I read with people having issues. Highest weight I saw on the scale was 239 and after surgery I was 224. I'm down to 209. Feel like I hit the famous stall and that's the only negative I can find. Mexico was super good and everyone was attentive. I don't have any regrets so far. Not sure I'm eating totally right, but feel great so not stressing over it.

I am going to have gastric plictation on Oct 6th in Tijuana with Dr Ortiz. Anybody else scheduled for that day or close to it??

I come to Tijuana Mexico on the 3rd. I had my surgery yesterday with Dr. Garcia. My first day in Mexico was nice. The Marriott hotel is really nice and most of the staff spoke English. I got into Mexico really early so my driver brought me to the hospital to get some blood work and my ekg done early. They come and got all of us that were having surgery on the 4th and took us to CER hospital pretty early in the morning. We were put right into a room and changed into a hospital gown. They gave me some stuff to calm my nerves. All of the Dr's speak perfect english. The other staff is about half and half but usually they know enough that you can help them figure out what you …

Hey guys need your help!! I flew in today and I am waiting for them to take me down to surgery. Was wondering for those of you that have been here and already had your surgery what you tipped?...Trying to get an idea of what to tip the driver that picked us up at the airport / if they run you to the store/ or pick something up like food or drinks? I definitely believe they deserve tips but also don't want to forget anyone that I should have tipped along the way? Also did you tip for every time or at the end of your stay. Please help me thanks Can't wait to get wheeled down for surgery

I've decided to have the gastric sleeve procedure. Since my insurance doesn't cover it and I can't afford $20,000 to have it done in the states, I'm considering Mexico. From what I've researched, Hospital Angeles Tijuana is supposed to be a state of the art facility. I've also read very good things about both Dr. Juan Lopez Corvala and Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela. Please share with me your experiences with either doctor or facility and feel free to make other recommendations based upon your person experiences. Thank you

Have appointment in star medica my friend went too seems very mondernizd. Then incame across one in pv for 4500 huge difference since all is self pay including two plane tickts for my mother. My friend told me you get what you pay for ie:bad rusty staples or bad glue etc. iam not so sure about that and thats a huge savings. Then again its my body and health the most important thing in this world! So of anyone has gone to either one and has info???? Thanks

This is MY Personal experience Let me say YOU ARE CRAZY if you DO NOT use BARIATRIC PAL and Dr. ALTAMIRANO!!!!! This is what i was looking for . A great hospital, a knowledgable doctor, wanted the extras in a operating room incase of a emergency,Not just a dr. with alot of surgeries under their belt but a good bed side manner ...we were worried about Tijuana ..and wanted to feel safe. I was looking at 3 different doctors and researched as much as I could as YOU should do as well. Dr. A as we call him is ridicously knowledgeable. Even after all the face time and phone calls and even before and after surgery this doctor TRULY CARES AND WORKS AROUND THE CLOCK. Me and …

Wondering how much extra I have to pay to get the band removed. Thanks

Can anyone tell me which is better for a doctor to use to close incisions , glue or Staples? The doctor that I'm thinking about using uses Staples. He says that Staples hold better. He takes the drain and the staples out after the third day.