Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Hello, I have my appointment to be sleeved by Dr. Alvarez on 10/25. Do you have any pointers? I'm scared to death but I do believe Dr. Alvarez is an amazing surgeon. I'm hoping you all will post any tips you might have!

Scheduled on Oct 27. Flying in on the 26

Hi I am sceduled with Dr Cabrera with Mexico Bariatric Center for gastric sleeve October 7, 2014 Anyone else on the forum scheduled for that time? I am an RN with insulin dependent diabetes. I am really hoping that the surgery eliminates the diabetes for me. Pretty excited, but a little nervous too.....

Was anyone able to add all the costs of surgery while filing your tax returns in the states...even though the procedure was performed in Mexico?

Just wanted to ask to anyone who had there VSG surgery by Dr Jaime Ponce Leon and how the experience was. Thanks

Please share your experience, impressions, and progress. Thank you!

...or with any other self pay surgeons in Mexico.

Is anyone going to be in TJ, Mexico on the 19th getting their sleeve? I am! Super excited. My parents are doing it as well, and I couldn't be any more happier than I am right now. Although I am a tad bit nervous--it's only two weeks away! I'm still waiting on my passport, and I'm hoping it comes in this week. Surgery buddies?

So I've been stalking this site for several months and have done my research. I finally took the next step and put my deposit down and made my flight reservations! I'm a little nervous but, once I've made up my mind there really is no changing it ????. I'm not sure if my DH is going at this time but I have his support and he will probably go with me knowing him. TBH I can't believe I actually took the plunge! Surprisingly enough I'm at peace so I know it was the right decision. I need this for me and my family. I've been overweight most of my adult life and I'm ready to be fit and healthy!! Whether you know it or not you helped me feel confident enough to go down …

Ok so I found out my sister can't get off work to go with me so I'm going alone and scared. But I'm going to make a fun trip out of it and take the train to San Diego. Anyone traveled on Amtrak? I never have but it seems like fun except I will be on my pre op diet, not sure how that will work but it will be an adventure. Is anyone else going on the 21st with dr Fernando Garcia?

I am really struggling on deciding which surgeon. How are you all deciding? Are their websites someone is willing to share where you can search credentials? How did you decide? Thank you for the advice i am driving myself crazy...

Well, it is finally here. My sleeve is scheduled for this morning. Not too nervous, but feeling a few last minute jitters. I will be picked up by a shuttle for the trip across the border in about 30 minutes!

I've narrowed it down somewhat. I'm looking for my teen daughter. Im still not sold on Mexico but if there are any of these you absolutely would not go to or have gone to and love please let me know. I'm leaning more towards Ariel Ortiz. Thanks Ariel Ortiz-$6995-OCC Hospital- center of excellence-4 days included Ricardo Ramos Kelly- $7000- Mi Doctor in Tijuana or San Javier in Puerto Vallarta Guillermo Alvarez- $8500 - Piedra Negras Medical Center - 5days included Alberto Acavez- $8750- Almater Hospital

begin rant....so....long story short, my pcp told me that he would drop me like a hot stone if i went to mexico for surgery. so, i began interviewing new pcp's. this time i figured a female would be more understanding of my situation. WRONG!!!!! this woman had the audacity to tell me that 1) i would never qualify for surgery because i have anxiety and panic attacks (well regulated by a low dosage med) 2) it was major surgery with a high mortality rate, so high that obesity was safer! 3) it doesn't work 4) i would be thrown into a deep depression if i did the surgery because i couldn't eat like i used to! but she did say that she would be willing to do my follow up blood w…

My budget it around 4,500. So far I am researching Dr. Quinones (4,500), Dr. Illam (4,600) and Dr. Garcia (4,400) and Dr. Lopez (4,500) I know that we should not only go by price but I feel I can find a solid surgeon in this price range. Anyone else I should know about?

I fly to san Diego in the morning, then go to tijuana for my surgery. So excited cant sleep. My Dr. Is Dr. Osuna.

I want to share my experience with Dr. Wilhelmy in Mexico, Mexico. I had my sleeve surgery almost a month and a half ago and since have gotten a number of people contacting me with questions and my surgery experience which I am happy to share! I have to say that I had already been to Almater Hospital in Mexicali last year when my mom had her sleeve done. I was her companion and we were pretty nervous that time but her surgeon came highly recommended so we went. Everything that time was really exceptional, we were met at the airport in San Diego by Ernesto the driver and we were taken to the hospital to meet with the doctors and haver her tests done. I was immediat…

I booked my surgery with him for 09/12 at Angeles Hospital. I was wondering if anyone else had experience with this doctor? Tell me your story

I was sleeved at the Florence Hospital in Tijuana on Monday 4 August by Dr Fernando Garcia, and I can only say that my experience was PERFECT. Dr Garcia, his team, Dr Velazco, the nurses, Eduardo, Irene and Samuel from Ready 4 A Change - they all worked to make this a truly trouble free and excellent event all round. The Florence Hospital is nothing swish but it's very clean, and all the staff are helpful and very pleasant. Everything that happened was explained to me beforehand so I was never left in any confusion. I travelled alone and felt completely okay about it. I was the only patient scheduled for Dr Garcia that day, so the morning was taken up with pre-op test…

[ATTACH]47886[/ATTACH]

Question for those who have already been sleeved. I am scheduled 10/30 with Dr. Garcia. The coordinator told me I have a choice to stay 1 or 2 nights in the hotel No difference in cost. I live in Maine so travel time home will be about 12 hours. I know I will want to be home but would I be better staying the extra night. I am single and do not have much of a support system. Thanks

Hi! Anyone been to Dr. Jose Luis Curiel Marchena or know anything about him? He is at hospital Jerusalem but I can't find anyone talking about him on any boards. Thanks!

Was sleeved 8/31/13 by dr. Illan and have lost 150 lbs!!!!! Can this really be true.....love everything about my journey. In Tijuana now and had arm lift and hubby was sleeved by Dr. Illan 9/2/14 . Great care wonderful outcome thus far!

Hello everyone, I have my surgery today. 8/23 and everything so far has been great my husband and I drove here with our kids met with the driver in san Ysidro and just followed him here. The hotel is very nice everyone here is very nice . Met with 2 coordinators and they have everything set I have family close by so we ended up leaving the hotel to visit and came back and relaxed and this morning I'm just relaxing at the hotel very nervous

Had surgery Mar 26/14... enjoyed my entire support and stay at the Marriot in Tiajuana. Was wondering if there are others out there who used R4aChange and Dr.Garcia Gorvea....terrific doctor! Terrific staff! I am from Update: 12 weeks out 53lbs down...still struggling with water intake and foods...but still trial and error stage right? Hope to hear from you

Hello new friends! I have just started researching gastric sleeve self pay procedures in Mexico and my mind is spinning! I am from Canada, and I feel confused by the different doctors/clinics and I'm nervous regarding making a bad choice, costs, and just "how to's". Could any other Canadians share their experiences (or anyone else! All feedback welcome and appreciated!) I know this is the way for me to go, but I don't want to make any wrong choices! Thanks so much! Pers in Quebec

Many of you on here know me well, I have been a part of these message boards for years. I love our members and I want only the best for them. Therefore, I can not in good conscience keep this to myself any longer. Dr. Illan is a wonderful surgeon. In fact, when I used to coordinate, for a while I actually referred patients to him. His coordinator, Omar, has a very, very faithful following. So much so, I fully expect and am prepared for the "verbal beating" I am going to get for going public with what I know. But, if I prevent just one woman from experiencing what I am about to share with you, then it will all be worth it. As I said, Omar is very well loved among…

An anyone suggest a good Protein shake? And what about chicken broth? Just over 2 months till I go down to get my surgery with Dr. Fernando Garcia and I'm wanting to start getting all of this stuff figured out.

Hello everyone, Has anyone had WLS and is an extremely high risk patient? My husband is on coumadin,(for blood clots), has high blood pressure, diabetes and had blood clots from previous surgeries. He is on oxygen and he had so many surgeries that went through the same incision, he has no stomach muscles--just skin over his abdomen. Has anyone had WLS with severe health problems? What I wouldn't give to get my husband to where I am at. I'd go so far as to say I'd do anything short of selling my soul if I could get him back to better health. Kathleen

Thanks to Dr Illan for giving me my life back. I am three months out and I am 25 pounds from goal. I have lost over 60 pounds. The doctor, hospital and especially his support staff were wonderful. They still answer any questions I may have with a quick response. The facebook page of his past patients is inspirational and supportive. I am so happy I made the decision to go with this doctor.

Went to see my PCP this week and he bluntly stated he "did not support (my) decision to go to Mexico and would not follow you after words or give orders for follow up blood work." I am at a loss!! When asked why he said that he "didn't think you need it at this point. Just cut your calories and walk a little more and you will be fine." Completely dumb founded and upset I left the office with no intentions of returned for any care there! Sitting at 363 pounds right now and can't possibly see why he can't support me Any advice would be wonderful!

Any good or bad experiences with the finance companies recommended by the various Mexico surgeons? Anyone have good luck getting a loan from a local bank?Thanks

I have been thinking about this for quite a while and now it is bugging me enough to write it down here, and see if anyone else had a similar experience. I was sleeved/revised by Dr. Lopez in Tijuana on May 23, 2014. I felt very comfortable with my decision- I thoroughly researched all the doctors and have friends who have used Dr. Lopez in previous years. Also, to preface my account, I was sleeved by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali in '07 and that was an AWESOME experience!! Best hospital experience I have ever had and I have had a lot! So, back to it...Everything seemed to be going well until I woke up in my windowless little closet of a room after the surgery sicker tha…

My one year is approaching (8/31/14) and very happy to say I'm sitting at 177 lbs today. Going back to Mexico to have Brachioplasty and wanting to get my blood work done at the same time. What tests should I ask for while I'm there?

Hi Everyone!! I am newbie that is feeling like I'm riding an emotional wave at the moment. I am scheduled to have a VSG with Dr. Rodriguez w/BELITEWEIGHT in Ciudad Juarez, MX on Sept. 11th. Goodness! That time is coming up quicker than I expected. I will be starting my preop diet soon. As the date is approaching, I am getting more nervous and excited at the same time. Is anyone else scheduled for surgery on the same date? Also, I'm looking for some support for those experienced with this procedure.

Ok, I have paid my deposit!!! I am going to the amazing OCC!! The deposit is nonrefundable so it looks like I’m going through with it! The reality of it hasn’t really hit yet. This is literally life changing. But to be honest I’m terrified. I’m not scared of the surgery. That doesn’t bother me at all. It’s life after the surgery that scares me. How do I do “thin” or smaller in general? I’ve always been the thick or big girl. I know how to act and how to expect others to act when I'm big. So after this surgery when I lose a bunch of this excess baggage how do I adjust? Is anyone else scared of who you’ll become after surgery?

I've just about made up my mind to have the sleeve surgery in Mexico. Does anyone know of insurance you can buy that will cover complications?

I am new and have not posted before. I had my sleeve done in Tijuana at Mi Doctor hospital on January 26 of this year. I wanted to share my experience as honestly as possible and hope anyone who criticizes my comments will do so gently as not everyone has the same expectation or experience. I started doing my research months ago to have my sleeve. I had a friend who used Dr. Almanza and had an excellent experience with him. However, when I saw pictures and saw it was a surgery center and not a hospital, I was not interested. I also ruled out several other doctors over time based on various reasons. I chose Mi Doctor and Dr. Valenzuela based on communications with th…

I am scheduled to have my surgery 9/12/14. My surgeon is Louisiana Valenzuela. Any other sleevers have an experience with Mexico Bariatric Center and Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela? Anyone scheduled for the same date? I will be travelling alone and would be interested in a buddy.

please help! i have fallen into complacency....i was all reved up and rearing to go mexico (haven't decided on a doc yet) then i fell off the motivation bandwagon. i think a lot of it is coughing up the dough, but the biggest lack of motivation is the absolute stonewalling i am receiving from the hubby. so, HELP!, i am in the comfort zone trap! if i can get over the fear of taking on the debt, i'm golden....(sounds horrible, but screw the hubby if he is going to act like this) and please, you may mean well, but i don't need ways to talk to him. i have tried everything! he is ACTIVELY making it harder for me to go. i need talk about bang for my buck! LOL!

If anyone has the name of a great dermatologist in Tijuana I would greatly appreciate the info..

Good Morning. I am at the beginning of my journey. I have contacted "A lighter me" in Tijuana, Mexico. I have a close friend that went there and had a fabulous experience. In fact she was there twice. The reason for my post is just to find out more info. I have heard many different situations. I am just looking to find out the good, bad and ugly. I am in hopes to get my surgery the beginning of October. I was going to go through my insurance but they have a long waiting period, lots of hoops and that is not guaranteed that I can get it. I am looking to see if anyone else is on the same page as I am just starting out! It's always better to have someone to talk t…

3 days post op with Dr Kelly and super happy! I was always wanting pictures so here are some. I'll get some of incisions etc later. I want to keep updated with my changing shape too. I love Dr Kelly and Florence/Oasis! God has blessed me! http://i1277.photobu...zpse2e5925a.jpg http://i1277.photobu...zps0a473602.jpg http://i1277.photobu...zps68bbc03c.jpg http://i1277.photobu...zps4b476e83.jpg http://i1277.photobu...zpsa84d8e37.jpg http://i1277.photobu...zps4777e3d3.jpg

I Have set my surgery date for Sept 25 with Dr Alvarez. I go from being so excited to scared to death!! They what it's are killing me!! Anyone else set for that date? I need someone to relate with!

Hi! I'm scheduled with Dr. Ismael Cabrera on Friday, March 28th.

I am in her process of picking a doctor in Mexico to do my gastric sleeve. I had then band done in 2008 and had problems on a regular bases with in march 2013 I had it removed. I have now decided to do the sleeve. My insurance won't cover it so I am looking for the perfect surgeon for me. I am leaning toward having Dr.Guillermo Alvarez. What information can you share with me to help comfort my nerves. I am not to concerned about the surgery. I am more concerned about going to Mexico to have it done? I also would like to know any information I get here in reference to the hospital and well as the staff? Please the more information the better!! Thank you!!

I will be getting surgery August 23rd with Dr.lopez at Mi doctor any one else??

So I was wondering. There is a thread that has been pretty hot around here.Through out the many post people start saying things about a surgery in the 4500 or so range just can't be done and the surgeon must cut corners and an use black market supplies. So what I just don't under stand is every surgeon in that range are all that way ?? What I mean is there are a good hand full that are in that range. So does that mean they all cut corners and use cheap or bad supplies. They do not seem to say any thing about other Doctors besides the one that is a hot ticket item right now. So unless you go to a MX surgeon that is 7 to 9 thousand range they are not good. ?? Just a th…

How much is VSG with DR. Q? I thought I had decided on a Dr. then I found this site and am now very interested in Dr. Illan but I keep seeing good thing about Dr. Q also.

Have many of you had this happen to you after surgery? I understand if the surgery is prolonged and requires more anesthesia it will cost more. Just curious if many people had this issue and how they handled the payment situation.