Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

After exhaustive research, planning and consideration, I had a Single Incision Sleeve Gastrectomy with Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana at Hospital Angeles on December 12th, and wanted to provide this review for all who are still considering their options. My choice was based on the credentials, experience, quality and capabilities of the facility, surgeon, and team of professionals. They did not disappoint. I was picked up by the owner of BeLiteWeight from a business meeting in San Diego, along with another patient who was picked up at the airport where we were personally driven to the Hospital. The city is developed, lively, and I felt very safe during our drive. Upon…

Hello there, I'm day 6 post-op. When I lie flat, a strong, burning sensation comes on in the middle of my esophagus. Anyone, given anything for this? At discharge I was given Milk of Magnesia, and told to take it for an the anti-inflammatory properties. However, side effects of MOM is diarrhea which I still have. SO, anyone out there that experienced this same symptom, and what did you take for it? I don't have an MD back here in the States, following me.

Hello Everyone, My name is Melissa and I have been on this forum almost everyday for a few months. I started researching WLS seriously last year because I'm FED UP! When I finally decided on the VSG I only told 3 people and won't tell anyone else. I know the comments I would get and I don't need any discouragement. My BMI is 37 so everyone always says I'm not that big or I'm jsut thick. WHATEVER! I am obese and I have been since I was a kid. It only got worst when I got a car at 20. I am 29 now and I want to make a permament change to improve my quality of life. I wanted to share what I found in my research of finding a surgeon and financing. I called and emailed abo…

Not seeing anything about the medical center that will be doing my sleeve. Does anyone out there have any testimonials about Dr.Paten or Dr.Gutierrez?

I am hopefully having my sleeve done 1/7/15 with Dr. Verboonen in Tijuana...just waiting to hear about financing I've applied for. (Fingers crossed!!) Anyone else going to be there during this time? Anyone recently had their surgery there that can offer up any tips?? thanks in advance!

Hi. Newbie here. About to take that last step to a new life. Gastric bypass with Dr. De Leon in December. Anyone have any feedback on this Doctor? Bypass Or otherwise it doesn't matter. Talk to me? Going alone. Nervous.

Which would you choose?

If you had your surgery in Mexico can you please share with me how much money you brought with you?

I've only found one doctor who will do it. I asked Dr. Ortiz and he said no, that I would have to get my gall bladder removed before or after I have my sleeve. I think that's rather stupid as they are both done laparoscopically.

Was your work happy with your work note and did it give away that you had surgery? How long were you given off work?

Hello all! I leave on Wednesday and my surgery is on Friday. I am flying into San Diego and then will go to Tijuana. I'm working on packing and then got stumped on rules for the airport and border patrol. Do I need to take all the vitamins I'm taking with me or can I just take them in a weekly pill box? Not sure if you have to have the labeled containers they come in or not. Also the same thing for my protein powder. Can I just put some in a Baggie or do I have to bring the whole container? Any insight would be awesome!

Anyone use him for their sleeve surgery? Looking for any feedback

I'm looking at either florence hospital or Mi Doctor. Is one hospital better than the other?

Yesterday, I started a thread saying that I had been told by my rep at BeLiteWeight that Hospital Angeles in Tijuana was closing and asking if anyone else had heard this. The hospital is NOT closing. It was a big misunderstanding on my part. I spoke to the rep again this afternoon and she clarified our previous conversation. I misunderstood something she said to me. She did not say that the hospital would be closing. I am deeply sorry for the mess I've caused. Please accept my apologies for the confusion and inconvenience I may have caused.

Looking for more feedback on anyone who has taken advantage of the deals associated with BariatricPal. Especially Dr Jesus Lopez.

Hi all! I am hoping to get sleeved early next year. My insurance covers bariatric surgery and I meet the requirements so I will probably not have an issue getting approved. I've been starting to question whether or not Mexico may be a better option for me. The reasons being, the price isn't very much more than I would fork over for deductibles, co-pays, etc if using my insurance. Plus, I wouldn't have to do the 90 day diet that my insurance requires which would really speed things up! No lengthy approval process, no possible denial, fewer headaches, etc. So I'm just curious, what made you all choose Mexico? I assume most don't have bariatric coverage on your insurance …

Are there any reputable surgeons near the Texas border for around the $5000 price point?

A co - worker and I are looking into getting VSG in Mexico. Has anyone used Dr. Curiel? How was your experience!? Thanks in advance for the help.

I'm so ready for this, I'm down 20 pounds from pre op diet and that in itself feels like an achievement ???? surgery scheduled for the 17th, I'm very lucky that my family gets to accompany me.. I've packed small, but my mother has not, haha.. I hope there's room in the medical transport for all of her pressed clothes and makeup! Again very grateful ❤️ My surgery is being done by a team of Dr Paten and Dr Gutierrez, the were trained by Dr. A. Ortiz. I feel 100% confident and not even a little nervous.. I do have some questions about prescriptions and bringing them back across the border, I also have diabetes and gout. I would like to pickup some meds for both issues…

I plan on bringing cash for tipping to Mexico- I have 100 in small bills. Will my credit card work down there, too? Someone said to bring more cash for the pharmacy, etc...but I have never been a fan of carrying a ton of cash on me. Will my credit cards work in the pharmacies and stores?? Thanks!

I have my date set for January 19th. Is anyone else seeing Dr Kelly around this date? Anyone not seeing him but will be at the same hospital during this time?

I need to go in 3 weeks. I live in CA and I know there are these companies that can get your passport for you in 24 hours, or 7-10 days etc. I'd like to know of an recommendations thanks!

I'm calling GOAL! Was sleeved 8/31/13 with Baja Bariatrics in Tijuana Mexico (Dr. Illan) and went from 326lbs to 155lbs! I originally had said 150lbs would be goal but I truly don't feel like I need to lose anymore weight. Now the fun part of maintaining begins. I still have A LOT of restriction in my eating. I've been very determined to work this tool as best as possible and stayed on my high protein/low carb eating plan to the best of my ability. The support I've received from my sleeve sisters/brothers have been a big key to my success as well. My daughter has lost 115lbs and my hubby has lost 65lbs. This by far was the best decision of my life. I eat to live no…

4 Days away from my big day and totally freaking out! This is my very first surgery so I don't know what to expect. It has been hard with this damn liquid pre op diet...However, I am going through the "what if" stage! What if something happens to me while in surgery? What if I just diet and do it the natural way? MY NERVES ARE GETTING THE BEST OF ME!!!!!

Hello, I finally scheduled my surgery. I wasn't nervous until I actually set the date. I will be going alone. I have read some bad things about him and that scares me but I have to remember that is just a small percentage of the patients. I am hoping for no complications and I am going to take a month off of work. I heard others went straight back but I feel I need the time. My BMI is just at 35. I haven't set a goal weight. Honestly I don't even know what to expect to lose. I can't remember when I was thin and I certainly don't remember getting this big. I am only 5'4 and weight 201. I don't want to look like a pencil but will be glad to be in the normal BMI range. My FA…

On the first day of my clear liquid diet phase of the pre-op diet (starting tomorrow!) I am supposed to take a laxative. They say I can take whatever I normally take. I have never taken one before! Does anyone have a good one to suggest? I am super afraid to take one because....well...I heard they make you poo explosively? (Sorry for poo-talk this early in the morning!) But ...any suggestions? Thanks!

Did anyone have the surgery and chose not to do aftercare? The reason why I ask is that I currently do not have insurance but would really like to have the surgery in Mexico. I was wondering if anybody has had the surgery without the need for follow up care with a local doctor?

This is my first post to this group. My sister has had a successful gastric sleeve done in July 2014 and has lost over 70 pounds. Back in November, when I had to re-sign up for insurance, the UHC representative assured me that I would have coverage. I scheduled an appointment with my sister's doctor and the day before they called and stated I indeed did not have bariatric coverage. They did offer me the self pay option and at present, I do not have the ability to make 'another' car payment. She mentioned to me that this group has been helpful to her and that others have gone down to Mexico to have surgery. If I have to pay my max out of pocket for the surgery, I mig…

Which Dr in Mexico would you go to for the sleeve?

I'm thinking about booking with Dr. Sergio Verboonen. Has anyone had any experiences with them?

This is my first post to this group. My sister has had a successful gastric sleeve done in July 2014 and has lost over 70 pounds. Back in November, when I had to re-sign up for insurance, the UHC representative assured me that I would have coverage. I scheduled an appointment with my sister's doctor and the day before they called and stated I indeed did not have bariatric coverage. They did offer me the self pay option and at present, I do not have the ability to make 'another' car payment. She mentioned to me that this group has been helpful to her and that others have gone down to Mexico to have surgery. If I have to pay my max out of pocket for the surgery, I mig…

drum roll please........and my dr. is dr. illian! sx date 1/30! i thought i would never be able to make the decision!

GOAL IN 6 MONTHS

I have been lurking this website for awhile now and figured I'd pay it forward. I was sleeved January 6th by Dr. jaime Ponce de leon and have Trish as my coordinator. Let's start from the beginning. Had a bit of a flight delay coming out of Chicago so didn't arrive in San Diego until after 1. Trish's sons were there to pick my up and promptly took me to see Trish. Shortly after meeting Trish I as brought into my room at INT. It had been building but at this point I was TERRIFIED. I had never had a surgery until now and there could have been a number of reasons for it but my pulse was through the roof, as was my BP, and I was sweating. They told me they were going to gi…

Greetings from Michael, My story begins with research, research and more research. Like everyone I was a hound when it came to getting my gastric sleeve and wanted the best place so I checked all over the US and found out pretty quick I didn't have the time to jump through all the hoops since I was self paying. I contacted a friend who had a lap band done in Mexico with great success found out her doctor and hospital. I checked it all out had everything set to go there and something didn't set right with me. I looked again and came across Bariatric Pal put in a request and got a call almost straight back from David Lopez. He told me he could get my surgery done at less t…

Does anyone have any information on this doctor or have already had surgery with him? I am not finding anything on this doctor.

I am scheduled at INT wellness on feb 12 with dr Ponce. i had a friend who loved him but didn't like int, is Mi hospital better. i keep going back and forth and don't think i can change for a 3 rd time. just wondered if anyone had any experience with this thanks

Anyone getting sleeved dec 2? Anyone recently sleeved by Dr. Almanza? Would love to hear from you!

I was looking into Dr. Fernando Garcia, what are your thoughts? Did you have a good experience? Anything negative?

Has anyone gone back to Tijuana and had plastic surgery after a successful weightloss, and who did you use and recommend?

My biggest fear is not being able to fit in the seats. The last time I flew it was circa 1997 and I weighed 170lbs. Now I weight 350lbs. Can people who have gone to Mexico tell me how they flew, such as if they went economy or first class, did they have to purchase an extra seat, etc.

I'm planning to have the Mini Gastric Bypass in March in either Tijuana or Juarez. I'm now researching, looking for the best surgeon to perform my procedure. I like what I've seen and read about Dr. Jose Rodriguez (BeLiteWeight is his US coordinator). He works out of a full service hospital (Hospital Angeles in Tijuana and Star Medica in Juarez). Patients spend their entire stay in the hospital, not in a hotel. He's a US Certified Bariatric Surgeon and has studied in the US and Europe. He has a long list of other credentials on the BLW website, and they seem to be excellent. I'd love to hear any input on either Dr. Rodriguez or BeLiteWeight (good or bad). Has an…

Has anyone been able to find a doctor in the Seattle area that will see you after getting the sleeve in Mexico if complications arise?

I'm looking at either florence hospital or Mi Doctor. Is one hospital better than the other?

Has anyone used Specialized Bariatrics? I have a sleeve scheduled 21 January at Mi Doctor Hospital in Tijuana. I know he used to be with a lighter me, and then he and his wife opened Specialized Bariatrics this summer. Just wondering how it went for anyone who has used them. I need to start looking at when I need to do the preop prep as well.... thanks all!

My surgery date is January 20th in Tijuana. I've got my airline tickets, time off from work, but just today got to apply for my passport, and my husbands. I expedited our passport request, but I'd have to receive our passports by Friday, January 12th for our trip. Am I cutting it too close? Should I reschedule? Gosh, I hate to because it means I'll have to wait a few more months (blackout period at work) but I really hate to cancel at the last minute. Any suggestions? I didn't make copies of our birth certificates...I didn't realize if I had copies we could cross the border with that, our drivers license, and a receipt from the passport request.

Does anyone know anything about Juan Francisco Hildalgo out of Puerto Vallarta?

Nervous yet so excited! Can't explain that combination in words! Ready to start my new journey!

Hi, I am new to this whole process but looking at having surgery in Mexico due to the cost differences. Can any of you tell me about your experiences if you have had surgery in Mexico. Where did you go? Who was your surgeon? Thank you,

I am scheduled to get sleeved in April with Dr. Rodriguez through Beliteweight. I would like to hear from anyone with experience with them. Thanks