Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Hello All... I will be sleeved in Tijuana by Dr. Fernando Gacia on may 18th. I would like to know if other Mexico sleevers have bought Medical Tourism Insurance policy. I am considering it....in case anything happens... I'm interested in your thoughts on that.... Thanks for your input

I was going to use Dr Rodriguez but changed my mind and am thinking about Dr ponce DE leon. Does anyone have any experience with him ? Was his hospital nice what was the costs etc please guys leave ur opinions thanks !

My surgeon is dr Garcia in tijuana. Anyone else going down on the 17th?

Anyone used him? Any reviews on him or the facility?

I finally got the courage to schedule my surgery, I had being dreaming about it for years, but fear was stronger than me, not anymore!!!! I am going to get my sleeve with Dr. Carlos Altamirano on June 3, probably will go alone not sure so looking for sleeve brothers and sisters, I am grateful with God for this opportunity, and for everything he does in my life.

I am considering gastric sleeve with Dr. Alvarez with Endobariatrics in Piedras Niegras Mexico. Any input?

Hello I scheduled my appointment, bought the tickets and now I noticed that I might get there with my menstrual period, will this affects my surgery? Please advise, I am going to ask my surgeon any way but wanted to know if someone else have that situation.

Im scheduled June 8th! Anyone else used him at this facility!!! Just curious how it went for you guys??!?? Thanks

I was looking at Vitamins for post-op and I am overwhelmed with how many brands and formulas. Anyone have any suggestions?

Hello new to the group I am having Surgery at Tijuana Bariatrics the first of April. Anyone have any feed back? I am a little scared going to Mexico but I have talked to a lot of people who have been and they are all here telling their stories

Has anyone had VSG in Mexico? Of course my insurance won't pay so I am just paying out of pocket. Wanted to know if anyone else went out of the country?

So i have picked my surgeon and have done a ton of research on the sleeve and so happy to have picked dr zavalza and dr luna. I have skyped with dr z and feel very comfortable with my decision, hes so caring and answers all your questions honestly. Dr luna is the nutritionist and any other company i had looked at didnt have that. Also i love that they have the 2 year post op care and dont just drop you after your surgery and to fend for yourself i think that was the selling point and how kind they are. Iam booked for june 4th 2015 and counting down the days and hours lol also just wondering if anyone else was going at this time

A little about me I'm 5'9 245lbs. I'm on the lower end of the bm..predicate with elevated liver enzymes. I've been struggling with my weight my ENTIRE life. My first diet i was about 11. How sad. Anyhow I'm having surgery with Dr. Elias Ortiz through A Lighter me June 22nd. I am curious to know Dr. Ortiz staple technique. Does he use a 3 row stapler? Does he double enfore staples with sutures. I've asked my coordinator Janese these things but it would be nice to hear it first hand from a patient of his. Thanks in advance.

My coordinator talked me into only one pre-op hotel stay and said that I don't need an additional hotel stay after I'm released from the clinic. She said that when I'm checked out of the hospital I could then go home. Has anyone else done this? Is that enough time to be able to come back okay? Am I going to be able do that?

What is everyone's plan if there are complications after you get back home? I am more afraid of that then the surgery itself. It's the reason I am having second thoughts.

Okay everyone!. I am proud to announce that today I paid my deposit and finally set my date to have VSG in Tijuana Mexico at Angeles Hospital with Dr. Jose Rodriguez and Dr. Elmo Aramburo with BeLiteWeight!!!! My surgery is schedule for July 24th 2014! I am super and excited and cannot wait to see where this Journey will take me. Any experience with these surgeons will be greatly appreciated. If you are planning to have VSG with BeLiteWeight....let us buddy up and experience this journey together!!! Any July surgery in Mexico are welcome to buddy up with Me!!!

I'm trying to gather up as much extra information as I can because there's a possibility that I could have my VSG earlier than the estimated early August so don't hold back! 1] How long did your Dr ask you to be on the pre op liquid diet? I've seen/heard varying times between 2 weeks and a mere 3 days. 2] What were some of the foods that you swore by? 3] How did you maintain your sanity? What about post op? Was there anything in particular that helped you get by more than something else?

Before booking with certain doctors in Tijuana, please do your research on them! Whether it be on here or other informative websites. If you type their name in google and a bunch of complication stories pop up... Helloooooo lol might be a red flag. Here's a brief story of one of my friends that went with a surgeon without researching and he deeply regrets his decision. There are too many good ones in Tijuana to go with one that does as many people as he can squeeze in. How do they even have time to clean the OR in between patients? Hmmm. From Steve: If I would have a researched and done my new due diligence I would not have went to Dr. Almanza, just for the sheer fact …

Did anyone's PCP and/or surgeon in Mexico recommend a blood thinner routine before the procedure to help prevent blood clots? Just wondering

I bumped my date up from May 21 to May 12 in Juarez with Dr. Rodriguez. My nerves are really starting to get to me and has me second guessing everything. Is this typical? I want to procedure and I'm confident in the doctor that I've chosen but I can't help but be nervous..

I'm so excited, I scheduled my date with Dr. Ortiz at ALM. I never thought this was ever going to happen. I've had it as a goal for a few years and was having trouble with my insurance company. Well, I'm skipping the insurance and paying out of my pocket. I have been reading the board for a few weeks and I know I'm making the right decision for me. Happy Journeys everyone.

Hi, I'm considering doing the surgery at Oasis of Hope in Tijuana with Dr. Mario Camelo Ramos, through Medical Tourism. I've seen a few testimonials by his patients but all at Florence hospital. Wondering if anyone else had give to this clinic. Thanks!

I'm looking to get my gastric sleeve done in Mexico by April 2015 yet I can't seem to find a doctor. I was trying to go through Mexico bariatric Center but I haven't received a reply back. Someone please help me out. With direct contact, price for a good surgeon in MexiCo. Thanks.

I read a woman's 'blow by blow' Mexico surgery experience on a Facebook page I belong to (2015 Sleevers- A New Year a New You!) and it helped me SO much to know what I was getting into. I am back from Mexico now and figured I would do the same and let ya'll know how it went and how my experience was. I went through a company called A Lighter Me. I found them on google and read a few reviews on this site, their Facebook page and a few other VSG forums. The reviews were oustanding. I called them in October (2014) and talked to Katy for about 30 minutes. She actually had the surgery and told me what her story was and answered all of my questions. The cost was $4600. I told…

As if I wasn't already nervous enough , my family stages a mini intervention tonight to tell me how they love me the just the way I am and how the surgery is to risky and Mexico is definitely too risky and I don't even need the surgery. Let's just say I'm emotionally drained by it all.

I'm not telling any of my family or friends about my surgery. My husband does know. At first he didn't think the surgery was necessary, but as time went on and I explained how my life has been effected, he realized just how depressed I've been and is now supportive of my decision. The reason I'm not telling my family is that they are VERY judgmental. I have always been kind of the outcast and I don't want this to be another reason for them to set me apart even further. I am just wondering what to say to people when they start noticing the rapid weight loss. I am not an attention-seeker, and I am dreading all the questions I'm going to get when I walk into a room. …

Has anyone had surgery in mexico? If so, did you have a problem finding someone to do fills in the states?

Just seeing who else will be in Tijuana on the 7th with Dr Almanza! Not asking for anyone's opinion on Dr's I have already made up my mind! It's the same dr my hubs used and was an amazing experience! Flying into San Diego on the 6th. Just seeing if anyone else will be there to have some familiar peeps!

Good evening fellow travelers. Since I haven't seen a group posting for February/March 2015 I thought I'd start one. I am interested in who you chose and where you're having your surgery. I have not set a date yet, but I will be talking with Katy Floyd (from A Lighter Me) on Monday to discuss setting a date and answering some of my questions. I am 49 years old (going to be a healthier 50's and beyond) man. I am a nurse,working in an ICU, and have been working nights for the majority of the past 27 years. I have decided on Dr Elias Ortiz, with A Lighter Me, in Tijuana, Mexico. I hope to share more of my story in the future.

I have surgery scheduled for sept 26 with Dr Guillermo Alvarez. I am looking for any input from people who have been there for this procedure as well as anyone who is scheduled around my date!!!! I need a support group. My husband is the only person who I have talked to about this. He is very supportive but I would like to expand my support group with people who have been in my shoe or are currently there!!

I can't say enough how wonderful my experience has been. I, like most of you, was extremely skeptical on coming to Mexico for a gastric sleeve. My family and friends thought I was crazy too. I chose Mexico Bariatrics Center for my surgery. From day 1 of interest, the patient coordinator Cyrel was there to help and answer all my questions. She was great! I flew from Texas to San Diego alone yesterday morning. I was picked up from the airport by a driver who works for MB. Border patrol didn't even stop us, which I was kind of glad because I had only a BC and DL. Even though I was told if would be fine, I was nervous about not having a passport. I came straight to the hospi…

Every morning I wake I thank god for a new day on this earth! After all I have been through in the past 9 days, has seriously made me a new person. I can remember, like it just occurred, I felt so cold, I said, I have a fever, she checked, and said, your ok. My heart rate was at 121, Blood pressure which typically ran high was, jaw dropping low. The nurses kept emptying my drain, over and over, I had lost 3 liters of blood-within 3 hours, that is not including what she threw out prior to feeling that there was reason for concern. My once jovial upbeat nurse, had turned invisibly concerned. -I remember feeling what seemed like a dark veil, like a light filter of smok…

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and haven't been sleeved yet. Let me first apologize for the long post that is below, i tend to want to ask all my questions up front. I've been considering WLS for the last 2 years, with the sleeve the past year and surgery in Mexico the last 2 months. My insurance won't cover me so Mexico seems to be my only route. I've just started my research and I get lost so quick. Mostly with what doctor to choose. There are so many of you that have seen different doctors and each doctor gets good and bad reviews, yes i know not everyone will be happy but try finding a doctor with a 95% positive review (high expectations I know) is hard work!! …

I went onto the complication thread and am now officially freaking out! I am having surgery on June 12rh with Dr. Jose Rodriguez and am scared of post op complications and what I am going to do back home if I have issues. I am thinking about just having him take the band out and not do the revision. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Ladies and Gentleman if your looking to self pay in Mexico please look into these 2 men. They are all around wonderful people looking to help others with the best care possible. I had my sleeve done Dec.29,2014 and will be doing all follow up care thru Skype for the next 2 years with Dr. Zavalza. He is truly a blessing to all those who have met him. He works thru Bariatric Pal and David Lopez where you will get the best treatment and recovery that can be provided. There is also a Facebook page with others that are going to or planning their next move towards surgery. Please check this out...... Dr Zavalza and Dr Luna Mexico support group..... We are all supporting each ot…

I was just informed that the balance of my surgery needs to be paid in cash. This makes me kind of uncomfortable as I am traveling to Mexico alone. Is there a reason why they want cash?

Hi I am considering getting the sleeve in Puerto Vallarta and am looking for a doctor. Have you had your surgery there and who do you recommend. I am currently considering Dr. Hildago and looking for reviews.

My family is a little ( a lot) worried even though Iv produced numerous articles discussing the decrease in violence over the last couple of years. Please share your experiences so that I can share with them.

I had gastric sleeve surgery with Dr Francisco Zavalza on February 24, 2015 in Tijuana Mexico. I wanted to wait until I hit my first goal before posting a review. I figured this would allow me to talk about the follow up that seems to set Dr Zavalza apart from most of the other well known doctors. I went on this trip with a friend and we both had the surgery. He is a nurse and had 2 nurse friends who had gone to TJ and had the surgery done by another group. They had a good experience but Todd was changing Jobs and needed to have the surgery before the other group was available. I had been lurking on BariatricPal for a while and was just starting to see things pop up abo…

I'm scheduled for 4/23, anyone else around the same time ? I'm traveling alone and it would be great to talk with someone who will be there too !

I am doing research for a doctor in Mexico for a sleeve revision. I currently have a LapBand and have it since 2003. Have had one slip, and one replacement. I am with constant heartburn, at night sometimes I aspirate in my sleep with it. So, need to have it fixed. I am aware that Dr Ariel Ortiz does lots of revisions, and fixes hernias. Does he suture over staple line? Dr. Rodriquez? Does he do lots of revisions? If you have had one of these two doctors I would love to hear your story. Thank You so much

Has anyone scheduled through TJ bariatrics?

Please help me decide. I do qualify for the Single Incision Sleeve, I just don't want the multiple incision sleeve scars to be noticeable. I've already had Tummy Tuck Scar that's covered with a tattoo and I also have 3 liposuctions scars. Will the multiple incision scars be bigger than the lipo suction scars? My boyfriend is also a trucker which I only see twice a month and I seriously don't want it to be noticeable so that's why I was going with the single sleeve. I'm new to the board, well been lurking for 6months now and I know it sound like a stupid question, but i been really thinking hard about this and I have my surgery on April 24th with Dr Fernando Garcia in …

I am considering a gastric sleeve in Tijuana (thanks for the help choose a destination) with Dr Lopez in May /June time frame. Anyone have any experiences they would like to share? Anyone having the procedure in the same time frame? Would love to have a buddy!

was anyone over 400 lbs and went to mexico and had the surgery done? i was approved by the surgeon but am nervous.

I am 23 yrs old and i have two small kids. I want to go through with the procedure im 5'7 and 220 pounds i have struggled bein over weight since i can remember i feel this is the right choice for me to regain my life back i feel trapped in my own body i feel low energy nd i want to do this because i know i will be dedicated to being healthy but i need this i cant do it on my own i want to offer my kids that healthy life style so teu dont go through the same struggles i do nd i want to have that energy to do much more activities with them then i do now The thing that keeps me thinking will i have any complications in the future nd if so will i regret puttin my self in a po…

I had gastric bypass surgery with Dr.Dr. Ismael Cabrera March 11th and feel it may be helpful to share my experience(s). I have recovered without any complications, I have had no problem drinking and today I will have some greek yorgut and half a can of blended chicken soup. No desire to eat, no hunger. Eating is now only a needed task in my day to get done vs. before surgery like most people eating was looked forward to! Pre surgery: Pickup from airport went as planned, ride into TJ took about an hour, it was close to rush hour. Stayed in the new Hyatt, very nice and secure hotel. Their broth was pretty bad, Jello ok and the Popsicles nothing but froozen ice. But no o…

I am about 10 days postop and I still need to do a thorough review of my experience in Tijuana, but if you are looking for a very skilled and compassionate surgeon then please check into Dr. Francisco Zavalza. I had a great experience and now that I'm at home, I feel wonderful. I had a very easy recovery that's for sure. Feel free to ask me any questions if you have any!

I see several old posts about Doctors in Mexico and was wondering if any has gone down this year to have their procedure done. I have three doctors I am looking into Dr. Kuri, Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal and Dr. Elmo Aramburo, or Dr. Almanza. The costs and facilities are almost the same, one doctor is not at the same hospital as the other two. At this point I am just looking for others opinions before deciding which avenue to go. I was going to wait around for insurance but after yesterday I am ready to get the help I truly need.

Hello all, Im so excited, my flight has been booked and everything is a go. Is there anyone traveling to MX in February? Please let me know. Has anyone used to Rod and the ladies at Beliteweight?