Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I am having surgery next Wednesday and researched him a lot but still nervous, I would love to hear some experiences with him or the hospital

Hey guys! I am having trouble with the PreOpt Diet. I lack creativity & I don't always have the funds for the food needed. I'm on a strict budget. Anyone out there would like to give me examples of what they eat or how the meal prep cook. I'm do for surgery in Mexico [emoji1166] in 71 Days I am worried that my liver will not shrink enough.

Hello! I'm scheduled and ready to go in a couple of months to Tijuana! This is so out of my comfort zone! Anyone either gone, or will be going? Please share the good, the bad, and the ugly if there is any.

Are you guys nervous about going to Mexico for your procedures? How does that work with follow up care? Will doctors here in the US take you on if there's complications? Or do you have to go to Mexico again?

I live in louisiana and im really not wanting to fly. Any surgeons in Mexico that is close to texas border? Help!

Hello everyone, I am currently writing this as I have been waiting for almost 5 HOURS for my surgery. Those of you who had the sleeve done in Mexico, how long did you have to wait for your procedure? I was instructed to arrive at San Diego airport at 7am so I can get my testing done. I finished my tests around 9am. It is currently 1:20pm!! I am livid because I have been awake since 3am in order to catch my flight. So far, the nurse came in once. We had to ask for Water for my fiancé, it was never offered. It has been over 12 hours since I had any liquids. Pretty funny when they preach staying hydrated. Is this normal? I feel like this place is pushing me out to only…

I have been wanting to get the Gastric Sleeve surgery for a while, but my insurance doesn't cover it, and even with trying to save as much as I can. I'll be dead before I'm able to come up with the $25,000 cash to get it done here in the states. I have been too scared to consider getting it done elsewhere, but I have come to the realization that this is going to be my only option. I have been trying to research, but with all the different options out there, and stories of bait and switches, I'm more confused then ever. I have read good reviews for Dr. Ramos Kelly, but most of them are older. I went to his website drramoskelly.com and saw that it is in fact for the Inter…

Hello there, my daughter is hard pressed on having the procedure in Tiajuana. I am looking into having it myself and was thinking of staying in the states. However, if my daughter is going to do it, I will not stand by and let her go at it alone. I am a true hard pressed researcher. I have read and read online, but would like to hear from many people what procedure they had there, any complications and what doctor they used and the name of the clinic. I think replies to this post will help many people find the right place to go in Mexico and avoid the dangerous places. Please post a response if you have had bariatric surgery in Mexico. These details will help keep America…

For anybody wanting to know I had my gastric bypass done in Tijuana Mexico by Pompeii Surgical. My surgeon was Dr.Q and I have has no problems since. I've lost 51lbs since surgery on October 16th 2019. Their process was easy by applying for it , then getting approved to have a weightloss procedure , to applying for financing . And it was a piece of cake. I have pictures attached of my progress and my videos can be found on Youtibe under Deadspacegrave. Thanks.

Hi folks, I plan to travel from Canada to Tijuana, Mx in the new year (2022), hoping by then to be fully vaccinated and this whole pandemic behind us. Are there any other peeps planning their surgery in Tijuana? For early 2022? Any clinics your leaning towards? Surgeons? I’d love to have a travel buddy to meet in San Diego as my hubby will be staying back to hold down the fort. Let me know if anyone has some plans in the making. Thanks!

Nervous about Mexico but financially ,my only option. Can someone recommend a doctor that actually does a virtual consult? I have called several places with no luck. I do not want surgery without at least a virtual consult first. Someone safe with a zero death record? Please help

Hi Guys! I have searched for probably months now. I had my mind made up on going to Tijuana, and getting the gastric sleeve. I have almost talked myself out of it. I am a small town girl and terrified of going out of state to get the surgery. My husband and support system (family) - they are absolutely amazing. This is something that I have wanted to do for years, and am now more serious in planning and getting things rolling. Anyway, if you are from Alabama or surrounding states/and cash pay - Who did you use and what was the total for the surgery? Any feedback is welcome. I have thought of using Dr Ortiz or Dr Carlos Altamirano in Tijuana but…

I recently had my sleeve performed at Oasis of Hope in Tijuana by Dr. Gonzales. I could NOT be happier with my decision! I think most people skitz out a little when they think of going to Mexico for any type of medical procedure, but it’s so much more common than people realize, and not as dangerous as they think! The hospital was beautiful, and VERY clean. Some parts were older, like x-ray and the blood lab, but they are currently remodeling and updating the hospital. The doctors and staff are AMAZING! Though there was a communication issue at times, I NEVER felt like I wasn’t cared for or looked after. I’m my 3 days there, I was visited by 4 doctors, 8 nurses, the nutri…

For the last 9 mths the tip of my tongue feels slightly numb. Since I had my surgery in Mexico I can't be seen by a bariatric Dr in the states. Nothing tastes right. I crave foods and get hungry but never eat much of them because I can't really taste them. Anyone else dealing with this and gotten help?

Hello, I am looking at scheduling my revision surgery. I will be travelling from Canada to Mexico and wanted to get some feedback from those that have done so recently during the pandemic and really recently with the mandatory 3 day hotel quarantine when you re enter Canada prior to continuing home for the rest of isolation? Any issues, what 'protein' did you bring. Anything hidden surprises or things you wished you had known. I am feeling comfortable with my decision for a revision and the Doctor but I am getting stressed about the added complications of the travel and the costs. Any advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated. I

Hey all! I've already made my decision to have the surgery...however I will be driving from Canada into the US. Just curious if anyone has done this in the recent weeks with Covid and all. I have called both US and Canadian border security however they will not give me a yes or no answer as to whether I will be allowed to cross for surgery. They tell me it will be up to the officer at that time...wow! Is bariactric surgery considered essential I asked....and again not a straight answer. I really hate to fly by the seat of my pants on this but I really dont want to put this off any longer. Any info you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Everyone, I am new to the forum and wanted to know if anyone had any WLS friendly PCP suggestions in Maryland. I currently don't have a PCP and have always had PPO insurance as an adult so I always just went to a specialist wherever I needed something. I currently do my physicals with my OBGYN but would like to use a PCP for follow up post surgery. I am planning to have my surgery in Mexico later this summer. I am in Montgomery County. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Hi there ? I am not sure if this is the right forum but here it goes ! I'm from Ireland and researching gastric bypass in Europe (lower cost - self pay) and Estonia has popped up on my radar. I am hopeful here that someone has had surgery there - get the low down? Anyone had experience with Dr Ilmar Kaur? thank you MC

If you are considering surgery in Mexico, I would highly recommend Dr. Juan Francisco Hidalgo with the Weight Loss Team in Puerto Vallarta. I am 4 days post-op from VSG surgery and everything went so smoothly. The hospital, CBQ Riveria Nayarit is new, state of art, absolutely spotless, beautiful, much nicer than any hospital I have ever seen in the U.S. I was actually sitting on a balcony watching the sunset over the ocean the evening after my surgery.Gerald, the Executive Patient Support Manager is wonderful! I only stayed in the hospital one night, but most patients stay two. The next two days, I enjoyed a beautiful resort with my family before traveling home. I was in …

Can anyone tell about their experience with having surgery in Mexico? Where did you have it and with who? About how much did you spend and what was the entire process like? Sorry for all the questions. I am just nervous.

Hi everyone, has anyone gone to CMQ with Dr. Hidalgo? I would truly appreciate any insight. He's the only surgeon so far who is able to accommodate my tight schedule. But I also want to be safe, of course. I've read as many posts here as I can, but most about CMQ are from 2013/2015. I'd very much appreciate any advice ???

Anybody travelling down to Tijuana on those dates?? My surgery is 24th. But going a bit early to see San Diego and/or Tijuana areas. Going solo. Looking for any travel buddies or people living in SD area already!

Hi all-been a long time since I've been on this board. I had my sleeve with Dr. Aceves in 2011 (?). Time has passed and I'm looking for a sleeve revision and DS. I searched Dr. Wilhelmy but couldn't find anything recent. Anyone been to him lately? I really loved my previous experience and decided to stick with them but would love to hear from anyone.

Anyone know of any surgeons in TJ who have done amazing tummy tucks, breast lift and implant?

I’ll have to self-pay for my gastric bypass so obviously I’ve been drawn to getting it done in Mexico instead of the US because of price. I’ve also been interested in it because the follow-up care of the place I’m looking at is more extensive than it would be in the US. However, I know that some places in Mexico aren’t as reputable as in the US. How did you choose your location? How could you tell that your care would be good there? I don’t want to die on the operating table because I tried to save money on my surgery.

Hi all, When I finally decided to have WLS, I knew it would be self pay. My insurance just doesn't cover anything to do with bariatric or help with weightless. I really am not interested in going to Mexico. I prefer to have a doctor who if I need them, I can drive to in a matter of 3 or 4 hours (just in case). I thought I found that doctor. Did more homework and checked out his reviews and paid $400 for a consultation. I was super conformable with him and his staff. I knew that some tests and labs would need to be done - but DANG! When I called, before making the consultation appointment, the first thing I asked was the cost. I was told around $25K…

I’m looking for any feedback or review of Oasis of Hope Bariatrics. I’m looking to go to TJ for gastric sleeve and looking at the best options. Any advice is appreciated!

Make sure you do your research before going to Mexico for surgery I ended up going to Mexico Bariatric Surgery Center in Mexico what a huge mistake first of all I can say Mexico is not the cleanest it when it comes to being sterile and following protocol for safety measures my Iv fell out and was dragged on the floor the nurse that wanted to reinsert the needle back into my arm. They have a little Tin Cup to keep alcohol and cotton balls together. the tin cup had people's blood on the rim. the showers had bloody bandages clearly not clean. Never once did they change their gloves from Patient to Patient. To top this off I had my surgery they removed 95% of my stomach which…

Hi all! I will be getting my VSG with Dr Jorge Green at Renew Bariatrics this July. Any past experiences or testimonials from patients would be greatly appreciated

Hey all! New here, just wondering if anyone has any experience with dr. Louisiana valenzuela? From what I can see, she seems to have a great record and she’s actually had the gastric sleeve herself. There’s an extra layer of added comfort there for me, for some reason. (:

Has anyone used Jet Medical? Did anyone have any experience with Dr. David Vasquez and San Juan clinic? Need feedback.

Looking to do the Sleeve in Mexico. I drive a truck OTR. So little to no home time and always sitting. So healthy food is still bad no matter what I do. When I go to plan this. From what I can gleam from others in the forum. not much is said about what really goes on. If I plan it and have to sit at a doctors office for the interview first? or can I do that at any doctor. Would it be better to take a short amount of time off and get a few of the interviews out of the way that the doctor would need before going further with possible payment and date? Nothing is really clear. Im just sitting at my laptop at the moment in Texas. Home time is Chicago. So any help and info wou…

Hey what did the pre op diet look like?

Hi everybody! I am confirmed for gastric sleeve with Dr. Jalil Illan at Hospital BC on July 17, 2020 and plan to report my progress here to you guys to provide moral support for anyone considering such a dramatic and life-changing decision. I am terrified about having surgery outside the US, and worried about complications during or after the surgery, but have read a lot of great things about Dr. Illan. His staff have been really wonderful through my whole pre-op process so far. I had a fever last week out of the blue, but am feeling better today, and tested negative for Covid. I was worried it was a false negative, so I am scheduled to take another test tomorrow to …

Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Lopez Corvala at Angeles Hospital? I was surprised that I have not seen his name mentioned at all. From my research, he sounds pretty impressive. Is this orum sponsered by certain drs. Is that why? Anyways if anyone has had gastric sleeve or any other procedure with Dr. Lopez Corvala in Tijuana at Angeles Hospital, I would LOVE to hear about your experience. Thank you!

I know several women in our county who have had the Gastric Sleeve surgery and who they used. I was just about set to go to their Dr but after having a background check done on a few, Dr Lopez Corvala was the only one who sounded solid. Dr Corvala only does 2 procedures a day and with a dedicated team where at least 1 is with you at every turn and on the premises all night if needed. We were picked up and returned at the airport in SanDiego by driver Rafeal . He was a charismatic tour guide with a medical pass that helps immensely when trying to reenter the Us. When first arriving at the Hospital Angeles the patient coordinator hand delivers you to all testing areas and e…

I am still researching doctors and the one that I want to schedule with requires a passport (mine expired this week!) and the passport office is closed in Seattle. There are two doctors I am researching that do not require one, but one has a very negative review on this site and the other has no recent reviews (Dr. Pedro Kuri) who seems a bit old and may not be recently certified. Any recommendations for surgeons who will take an enhanced driver's license from Washington State??

I am scheduled for a revision from VSG to RNY with Dr. Francisco Gonzalez at Oasis of Hope hospital in Tijuana in October. I’d love some feedback and experiences with either the surgeon and/or hospital. Nervous but excited! Thank you!

I’ve had a lapband removed 3 years ago and now wanting a sleeve. I’ve researched surgeons and got myself confused. I want a state of the art type hospital, ideally English speaking and a 36-38F bougie. I’ve researched this and smaller bougie sizes can cause problems. Who are the top 5 best of the best surgeons who operate in 5* type facilities? I like the look of these 4 so far: Mexico - Dr Ilan - no negatives so far! Lots of positives Obesity Control Center - Dr Ortiz - this was my favourite but major downside uses 32 bougie and cost is $7000. LiMARP -Dr. Liza María Pompa González Dr Altamirano - $4500 is it an outdated hospital? Procedures tak…

I'm having a difficult time chosing between these two doctors. Dr Illiam- Bariactric pal Mx or Dr Gonzales at Oasis of Hope? Wondering if I could get some feedback on your experiences with either of them . Thank you

Hi. I was scheduled in OCC with dr Ariel Ortiz in July. They’ve been closed throughout the pandemic. Now that they’re re opening in July they came out with a tremendous amount of new requirements that are making it very difficult for me. (For example need to be there 2 days before surgery) I’m strongly considering switching to Tijuana bariatrics with dr Garcia or renew with one of their doctors. what are your thoughts? I’m so confused. ?‍♀️ I just want this done already!

Has anyone had VSG with Dr. Villarreal?

Gastric sleeve may 28th at oasis of hope mexico. Dr. Gonzales. What are some essentials to have on hand when getting back from surgery? Any tips.

Has anybody had a bad experience with this dr? I am schedule for the 15 of this month

Hi hoping someone where can help. I just had my final meeting with my doctor and scheduled my revision RNY to DS. 2 years ago my insurance denied my revision so I am 100% self pay. I got all my payment information today and the woman at the doctor's office told me she would need to "run the insurance info through" for the hospital just so they have the denial info? huh? the LAST thing I want is for my insurance company to have any info on this surgery. I majorly understand the risks of any complications in the hospital and being responsible for the costs personally since I am paying for the initial surgery. I understand that risk and am willing to take it. I…

Just had my VSG done in Vegas. Great experience. Called them 3 weeks ago and I was scheduled right away. They do all the labs the day before surgery. Everyone is very nice. My first post so hope it is helpful.

I am scheduled for MGB surgery with Dr. Cazares at Oasis of Hope Hospital in Tijuana on March 28th. This will be a revision from VSG in 2015. I am extremely nervous to say the least. Has anyone used the physician or facility and can provide some better insight. I don't want my nerves to talk me out of this, but want to know I'll be taken care of!

I'm going to have to pay for the gastric sleeve surgery. I've looked into Blossom, but their price was $15,500. There are so many other places, but I was wondering which clinics/hospitals are the best for lower cost self-pay. I am willing to travel anywhere in the US. Thanks!

Still undecided which one. thoughts please?

HI all, I am new here. I am looking into these 2 doctors in Mexico. Dr. Ortiz works in Obesity Control Center and Dr. Cueva in Renewal Bariatrics. Has anyone done the sleeve with either of them and how has it been? I'm looking for references on both. Thank you very much