Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I'm asking because I'm going with Dr Lopez & Dr Osuna, I was originally going to pick Puerto Vallarta because of the shorter flight but found that the surgery in Tijuana was less expensive in several different ways BUT while browsing another gastric sleeve forum thread, here, and found some pretty scary issues. One poster, Luann, was there last year in November and had a godawful experience with the staff being rude and not being attentive, she had a issue with a nurse not wanting to drain her bag when it was quite apparently full, they tried threading her IV with the needle still in place, she developed an infection that was the same as what another person on the s…

Hello everyone! I am 100% sure I am ready to start my vsg journey. Though I am looking to actually schedule my surgery in March of 2015 due to PTO reasons, I am trying to get in contact with Dr. Ramos Kelly's office. I have heard great things about his practice and would like to book with his office directly, or so I've read I should, but cannot figure out how. I submitted the info request on www.wlsclinic.com and sent an email to wlsclinic@outlook.com, but haven't received a reply. I have also noticed there were many many reviews on him prior to 2014 but not a whole lot during 2014.....should that concern me?

An you tell me if he uses the newer stapler that does he three rows of staples and slices down the middle? What size bougie does he use? What does the pre op diet look like? Also. Does he do sutures after the stapling? Thx! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I am very disturbed by the recent contacts I have had from people who have been misled and approached in an inappropriate sexual manner by someone who works for a surgeon in Mexico. This is not acceptable. For someone to take advantage of a person in this manner, using their position to do so is completely unacceptable. I cannot, in good conscience, stand by and allow this to happen. Please, if you feel you were in any way the victim of any form of sexual misconduct/abuse/harassment, whatever term you wish to call it, please contact me at slackey66@gmail.com.

Hey guys/gals, What are some must have items that you brought/are going to bring/wish you would have brought along with you on your trip? I see Gas X strips mentioned often, small pillow, heating pad for your back.. anything else?

http://www.mexicobariatricsurgerycenters.com/ I came across this line up of medical places in Mexico that do sleeves and ratings. The Doc I am looking at gets good reviews but the clinic he is at seems to be low on the list. I am not sure what holds Water here but I was wondering what your thoughts were on them and ratings. Dr Q is in the Santa Fe Clinic. I also found one looking into his clinic and who it was certified by they could not find ?? thanks for any thought and info

Anyone from Canada? And possibly going to Tijanna? May/June ?

My sister and I are both getting sleeved this weekend with dr almanza. Wondering if anyone else will be there the sane time? Or anyone has any specific advice for us?

I got my surgery date schedule for July 22,2014 with Dr Illan anyone one else got that date schedule

I was looking for ladies that have been sleeved in the Minnesota area that have found a surgeon that will treat Mx sleeved patients if a complications come up. I am feeling confident on my thoughts about getting surgery in Mx but the after care is what put a hitch in my step So many Docs have no t so nice options at times about going there. How do you have that conversation with your doc or a new one for after care follow up. Do you really have a lot of follow up care? Any advice welcome

So hubs and I went and applied for our passports (cards) three weeks ago. Mine came in the mail a couple days ago, and we expected his to follow shortly. Well, yesterday we received a letter stating that he needed to submit more information in order to verify his identity. When we spoke the a representative on the phone and gave him our travel date, he just told us to send in as much documentation as we could from the list of acceptable items they provided and that we "should" have it in time. Should?!?! Yikes!! I've had three different names through my life (maiden and two marriages) and it's HIM that they need to verify. Lol. Anyone else been through this? I'm a little …

I'm flying in at 2:45 and will have surgery at 6pm that day. I'm super excited and alma has been fantastic throughout this process! Anyone else going to be there that day or a couple of days after? We're staying until the 30th...SOOOO Excited and my PMP is onboard and prescribed me b12 shots for when I get home. Any tips, advice? Reading all of your posts has been monumental in helping me feel comfortable with this decision. Thank you all so so much!

I am so glad I chose Dr. Illan with Baja Bariatrics for my surgeon. The entire experience has been WAY beyond my expectations. I'm down 70 lbs and living life now. I'm 22yrs old and never dreamed what is was to feel this good. Can you imagine what middle and high is like when you are obese? It's not pretty or fun! I wish I could have done this at a younger age but I will take it now. My goal is to be at 175lbs but truly am feeling amazing now. Started out 305 and now 235 Please don't hesitate to check him out because you won't find a better surgeon and team. They are with you from the time you get there until you leave. Best experience of my life and I owe the…

Hello - I know that Dr. Arellano and Dr. Aceves were once a team. I see a lot of comments on Dr. Aceves but not Dr. Arellano. Can anyone tell me if they looked into each of these surgeons, and why you chose one over the other for gastric sleeve? They both practice in Mexicali. Thank you.

Hello All, I will be having surgery June 13th in Juarez through BeLiteWeight. I am very nervous as I have never had a major surgery in my adult life. Minus the fact my primary care doctor is not supportive of my idea, I recently found out I was anemic. I am trying to get my hemoglobin level up before surgery its at 11 and normal would be 12. I live in Charlotte, NC and would love to have a buddy if possible. My surgeon is Dr. Rodriguez. What are your thoughts regarding surgery and experience with my selected surgeon?

Hi I'm planning on going to Mexico solo has anyone else went alone to have the sleeve done and if so was there or is there any concerns I should worry about being alone for the surgery Thanks

So many things I didn't consider but what if I have a leak or need something repaired as far as my surgery goes? I have insurance but it doesn't cover a plastic surgeon.

I hope not to create a divisive issue but this is beginning to become an issue with me. As I lean more towards surgery in Mexico, I am beginning to note more comments about horror stories shared by medical professionals who are advising me against surgery in Mexico. As one said, if I am deadset on self-pay then I should only look for a reputable American surgeon. They all talk about patients or people they know who had problems after surgery in Mexico. But, I am sure there are American patients who had American surgeons that also experienced complications. For me, it seems some of their attitudes stem from our (general) belief that American=best. I understand relating c…

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/04/AR2011030402628.html http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2014/may/25/stringers-want-bargain-bariatric-surgery/

Ok I was sleeved yesterday and the gas is so bad I can barley drink water! And suggestions

I have a friend who might have to go by herself to Tijuana. She flys in on the 8th. Anyone else having surgery this time with Dr. Valenzuela?

So what was the process like once you decided to go to Mexico for surgery? What's the red tape? Was it simple or difficult? Are you happy you did it or do you wish you'd stayed near home?

I'm still considering having my sleeve in Mexico but now I'm leaning towards the states partly because Mexico doesn't use narcotic pain relievers. I'm a baby and I don't do pain. The surgeon in the US said he gives you a pain pump right after surgery and sends you home with liquid lortab. All the Mexican Drs I've talked to say they send you home with trammadol type stuff for pain. To me a major surgery needs major pain relief!

Since I have 48 days until surgery (but who's counting), and I feel that time has pretty much slowed to a crawl, I thought maybe I could use this time to prepare myself for some of the lifestyle changes that will occur when I am sleeved. Some ideas I have are: 1. Getting more Protein in. 2. Trying out different shakes and powders to see which one are gross and which ones I like. I've heard my tastes may change after surgery, but I don't want to use that time to experiment when I could be doing it now. 3. Practice sipping Water all day instead of waiting until I'm parched and CHUGGING an entire bottle. 4. Practice cutting food into really small pieces and chewing for…

Even though my insurance won't pay for the sleeve , it will still pay for all the pre-op tests that USA docs usually require before sleeve surgery. SO, I got the list of what my local one requires and am getting them done even though the Mexican surgeons don't require them. These include: Upper G.I (i think this is the endoscopy test....not sure) Ultrasound of liver Cardio test (not sure what they do, I think an EKG) Pulmonary test (again not sure, will update post test) sleep apnea test

As anyone heard of this dr? I have a couple of friends that used him and loved their experience but I haven't seen anyone on here post about this dr. Just wanted to get more feedback

Hello everyone! I am 100% sure I am ready to start my vsg journey. Though I am looking to actually schedule my surgery in March of 2015 due to PTO reasons, I am trying to get in contact with Dr. Ramos Kelly's office. I have heard great things about his practice and would like to book with his office directly, or so I've read I should, but cannot figure out how. I submitted the info request on www.wlsclinic.com and sent an email to wlsclinic@outlook.com, but haven't received a reply. I have also noticed there were many many reviews on him prior to 2014 but not a whole lot during 2014.....should that concern me?

In 2012 I started the process of getting surgery. At that time I was going to use my insurance and, as most of you know, there are many hoops to jump through for a 6 month period of time before you even get approved for surgery. Well, I did everything that was required but I wasn't able to lose the weight so I decided to just try to lose it on my own. Even though I was going to go through my insurance and use a Dr. in the U.S. I still researched having surgery in Mexico. Now fast forward 2 years and I haven't lost any weight and I'm 20 pounds heavier then when I started. So I made up my mind that I really want to have this surgery and I've done a lot more research o…

My experience with Dr Fernando Garcia and Ready 4a Change was absolutely PERFECT. I cannot put in any other way. From the beginning very easy and fast communication with the company here in the US thru Alma, to the day I set feet down here in Florida back again. Everything they said they would do and everything I expected they delivered with great professionalism and human touch. When I got to San Diego airport, the driver Samuel was there already. We crossed the border and he took me to Marriott Hotel, where I experienced a Marriott quality stay first night. The coordinator Irene came to welcome me at the hotel and to tell me I was not alone (I went alone). She answere…

After months of research and months of thinking, talking to various patients, and questioning the hell out of patient coordinators, I am happy to say that I FINALLY settled on Dr. Quinones to perform my sleeve surgery! I paid the deposit today and will have my surgery on July 22. Bill, Dr. Q's patient coordinator, has been so kind and helpful up to now, even with me emailing him in the middle of the night, and calling him before daybreak in the morning. He has been very patient, and has never made me feel like I'm bothering him, or like I'm asking too many questions. I felt a little nervous today after I paid the deposit. Just a little flurry of nervous energy, but not…

Was sleeved on May 26th and arrived home on the 29th with 6 boxes of supradol (does NOTHING). I still take it every 6+ hours and am still in pain and very sore. I had a hiatal hernia repair in addition to the sleeve and am not sleeping well at night due to discomfort. I am amazed that I was not given anything stronger and that most people don't seem to need any pain meds. I have been walking everyday (around 2 miles in the morning) and taking my PPI as well. It's not gas pain-that I know I can feel in my left shoulder. This is soreness and pulling sensation around navel area. I kept thinking it was the incisions, but now I realize the pain is near the incision, but not…

Hey all!! Ok so I have been doing research and I have come down to two doctors. Dr. Alberto Aceves and Dr. Alejandro Lopez. I have hit a brick wall and I can't decide between them!!! If you could share your experience if you have had one of these doctors, or information that you have heard I'd greatly appreciate it!!! Thanks in advance

March 11th marked my 1 yr anniversary. I haven't been active on these boards For awhile but wanted to come back and share my story and success because I know when I was preparing for my surgery reading about other peoples experience was a comfort. I had my surgery with dr. Garcia through ready4achange at mi doctor. (I believe if you look through my old posts you can find a. More detailed posting of my experience) I have lost 75lbs, which is ALL the weight I wanted to lose ( yes I was a "lightweight"). at about 8 months out I had reached my weight loss goal and have been easily maintaining my weight since. Never once have I regretted this surgery, in fact I have made…

After ballooning up to 196 lbs., I needed a change. I wasn't able to fit into my clothes, and I felt like I was gaining weight by the day. Besides eating, I had other factors against me like hypothyroidism and a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. After researching, it seemed like with me having a BMI of 35, being approved for the surgery in the U.S. would be hard. So I started researching doctors and afforable programs to have the gastric sleeve. I came across Hospital Jerusalem. I read some positive and negative feedback, but once I saw that dr. Ponce de leon was surgeon I was in. Dr. Ponce De Leon is known as one of the top surg…

Hey, y'all. Forgive me if this has been covered before but do any of you frequent travelers/fliers have any travel tips you care to share? I haven't flown as an adult and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with everything. There's the possibility of having to buy two seats for myself on the plane because I'm heavy (had no idea that was really a thing they make people do). Then there's the cost of tickets (round trip Georgia to San Diego for myself and my husband is looking like $800+...YIKES). Also worried about how to make sure that we are seated together on the plane (I thought this was a guarantee if you purchase together, but apparently it is not). On top of that, we…

Had surgery Saturday 5/24 at Hospital Mi Doctor with Dr. Elias Ortiz. It has been a wonderful experience. The doc's were kind and compassionate! The nurses and staff were great as well. Never once did I have to ask for pain meds or anti-nausea. Everything was brought to me on schedule and on time! The pain has been minimal. The worst was the gas pains for the first couple of days, but nothing a few Gas X strips and some walking couldn't handle. Overall I've felt great and have not had any trouble drinking or any bathroom issues. I consider myself very blessed. Thank God for getting me through this and for the friends I've made along the way.

Sitting here by the pool at the Marriott just enjoying myself. Sleeved yesterday and didn't even remember it. Woke up in my room and asked my hubby if I had surgery. Just discomfort some but hardly any pain at all. It really doesn't feel real yet!!! I'm looking forward to a fantastic future loving myself!!! Thanks everyone on here for encouragement!!!

Does anyone have Instagram? I will be documenting my journey on Instagram fro wls patients only so if you have an IG follow me @sleevedsista I would really appreciate the support we can share a lot through ig thank you

I am making a thread to consolidate my research. I have posts all over and a lot of private messages with good tidbits to consider. First, here is a chart to be filled in as I gather information. This document is just being put together so it is a VERY rough draft and is not organized yet. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jd4oi1BFANNxuZ28L5w-D79fg2Pm6WWeG7pfQVDfW3U/edit?usp=sharing Things to look for in surgeon - Professional experience (education, number of sleeves,reputation, other qualifications like trauma surgeon, privileges at quality hospitals, FACS, Proctor, Center of Excellence etc) - Quality (reviews, leak rate, complication rate, infection rate) …

I will probably take my mother with me. What kind of activities are there for her to do other than staying by my side? I want her to have some fun and a mini vacation. I heard Tijuana is somewhat dangerous so where can she go? Are there any tours she can take? Go to the beach? What did your companions do while there?

I have seen several posts about being sure to tip various people who provide services. So I would like to know how much is an appropriate tip for various scenarios. I know someone will say whatever you feel like giving but I would rather more concrete numerical examples. How much for: nurses in hospital (is this really necessary? and which ones should you tip? all of them? every time they bring you food or when you leave?) driver to and from airport? driver from hotel to hospital or vice versa? hotel room service? luggage handler? anyone I forgot or don't know about?

I am planning on getting Gastric Sleeve done in Mexico. I am having a hard time picking the doctor. Can anyone recomand a list of good doctors whom they had their sleeve done? Thanks.

Im having surgery on Monday and I was wondering if anyone that has had previous DVT have to stay in the hospital longer at OCC?

Hello good people! EDITED to add: dr. Ponce de leon is pretty much out for me. There are too many conflicting accounts to make me feel comfortable going with him. Others have reported great experiences so don't let my choice deter you. Do your research - don't listen to me or anyone as gospel. Edited again: Wow. After reading these links, I can't believe I ever considered this place or any doctor who has ever been associated with it. Thank you to my friend on here who sent me a private message giving her reasons for not choosing this place or doctors and starting me off on the research journey. Mexico is my best alternative. After a cursory run through on this…

I still have a month until my surgery with Dr. Alvarez, I'm completely freaked out and want to back out. I'm scared! I have two kids & a husband who are my LIFE and I'm afraid of dying during surgery or from complications and leaving them. And afraid that if I make it thru surgery, that there will major issues and I'll end up worse off than I am now. Can any of you relate to these feelings? Can any Dr. Alvarez patients help reassure me?!

I am headed south of the border to Tijuana on May 24, 2014 for the sleeve with Dr. Elias Ortiz. Anybody else?

Hi all. I'm a new(ish) member but I've been stalking the forum for ages. I've found SOOOOO much useful information here and have heard great things about many doctors. I recently reached out to a company called Medical Tourism Co, and they sent me information regarding two doctors: Dr. Jose Curiel, and Dr. Mario Camelo and I can't seem to find a whole lot of reviews on either. Also the San Juan clinic in Tijuana seems to be lacking in information as well. Has anyone had any experience with either of these doctors or with the San Juan clinic? What about Medical Tourism Co? Any information would be appreciated. I'm still in the planning/saving stages, but I'm just about rea…

I failed to respond to a couple of personal messages because of not coming on here often (sorry!). Since those were long ago, I'm just writing some general info and offering to give further detail if needed/ desired . I traveled to Tijuana through San Diego Int'l Airport back in November 2013 (almost 4 months ago). I had a perfect, positive and uneventful trip, surgery and recovery. My surgeon was Dr. Jalil ILLAN Fraijo (goes by Dr. ILLAN) and I returned as the companion to a dear one 2 months later in January since I was so impressed with the whole surgery experience, etc. Dr. Illan is very popular and well-reviewed, but most of his marketing is word of mouth / referra…

As anyone had Ponce de Leon as a surgeon?

Hi everyone, So my insurance denied my surgery, and will not budge. My husbands work is self insured and do not care about people needing elective procedures. I can not afford to pay for RNY surgery here in the US. My payments would be like 700$ a month. No way. So I started researching Mexico for the surgery. I am looking for people who have gone to Mexico for your procedure and I am looking to hear stories from start to finish, good or bad. Also I am really confused on how this all works since I wouldn't see the doctor beforehand. Also, how does financing work? I have no money in a savings. Do people get loans for these kinds of things? Family is not an option for hel…