Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Hello, Wife and I going May 28th for our Sleeves. Just wanting to know if anyone had any trouble bringing back any meds they gave you. I read one review where the reviewer specifically said "Bring back all the pain pills you will think you need, just in case you need them to be comfortable". That seems like great advice, but I really don't want to spend any time in a mexican jail (or american for that fact). So what's the scoop? Thanks!

Hello Everyone, I wondered if anyone has crossed into Mexico for surgery just using their Green Card at the border? I'm a Brit married to an American, have been here for 3 years and got my permanent Green Card, and my British passport has expired. From the internet research I've done it looks like I'd be okay, but just wanted to make absolutely certain by asking if anyone here has done it. I don't have a surgery date yet, but am hoping to go with Dr Quinones, probably in early August.

I'm one week out today, done with clear liquids and starting tomorrow full liquids. Question: besides protein shakes what can I have? My discharge papers doesn't say too much besides I would appreciate suggestions from you guys. After one week of just Gatorade, water and chicken broth I need some substance without compromising my baby sleeve. ; )

While I'm here at the Marriott hotel in TJ waiting for my sleeve tomorrow with dr Garcia, I am thinking about how many times i tried? How many years I wasted in frustration, pain and shame? So I came up with my "list" of diets that turned out as failure. 1- Brazilian pills - totally forbidden but I managed to get them 2- weight watchers 3- Quick Weight Loss centers 4- HCG shots in my belly 5- nutrasystem 6- dunkan diet 7- soup diet 8- Hollywood diet I'm sure I'm forgetting something but you can have an idea. Now tell me yours : )

Ok, who does the follow up when I get back to Cali? And what is the Dr doing? And what type of Dr should the appointment be with? Do I need to tell my General Practice Dr that I had this done??

A friend of mine had surgery a few years ago to help her lose weight. She has done really well with it, so I became interested and getting the surgery myself. I don't have the money or insurance to have the surgery in the US so I am considering surgery in Mexico. There are so many doctors to choose from and I want to make sure that I choose the right one. Any suggestions on who is the best?

Sooooo my hubby n I are really here !!!!!!! Were in Tijuana @ Marriott surgery tomorrow !!!!! I'm do scared and excited !!!! This seems so real

I can honestly say I'm not even a little bit scared about surgery. What terrifies me the most is I am self pay and my insurance doesn't cover a dime of it. If something goes wrong after the fact, or there is a problem of any kind, I am SCREWED. Insurance won't cover it! We are sacrificing a lot paying out of pocket. I would love to hear any stories from self payers. I just need a little confidence that everything will be fine!!!

Hey there, I have a dilemia, I am ready to have my surgery.. June 2 I will be sleeved!!! And I am travelling alone. I have been debating this for a very long time.. Like 5 years long.... Been the "fluffy" sister/friend/daughter/cousin/inlaw for the last 15years. problem is I don't know how to tell anyone I am having the surgery, let alone having it done in Mexico. Which I am completely fine with. I want to tell someone, anyone cause this is a big life altering event , and kinda scary, (regardless of where I have it done)and I would really love to talk to someone, even would love to have my mom come with me, as she told me she would if I was having a tummy tuck (cause…

Hello good people, Everyone keeps saying 'do your own research' on these doctors in Mexico...but HOW? I am not looking for just general advice (read forums, read reviews etc.) but looking for specifics - phone numbers, reputable sources, reputable journals, malpractice agencies, etc. Also, what exactly should we ask about or look for? Best Regards

Hello!!! I will be traveling alone to TJ. I live in San Diego so I don't have a long distance to travel for the trip home...I am hoping to talk to someone else who is scheduled around my time or has a recent experience with Dr. Lopez. I have done years of research and feel very comfortable with my choice of doctor, but any new info would be great!! Thanks!

I guys I wanted to just let u guys know I'm officially a looser lol sorry didn't wright earlier by have been dosing on and off since surgery ..... Everything's great so far jusT a bit of gas pain but bare able

Just looking for a buddy in TJ in June.

OK, this scares me. I was all for Almanza, even though I'm not thrilled with my choice. I'm hoping to make it out of the cattle call and be healthy and move on after the 3 days. I was considering Dr. Kelly, but now I'm hearing about deaths. I'd LOVEEEE Aceves, but he's just too expensive. Is there any middle ground Doctor in TJ who does a decent job? This scares me.... I always heard great things about Dr. Kelly.

Anyone traveling to Tijanna Mexico alone? Anyone need a support person? I am traveling alone......would love to connect with others we can be each other's support. planning May /June

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I was wondering if anyone has had a boob lift/augmentation after they reached their goal weight...also what good surgeons do them in Mexico?

Hey I am 23 years old and weigh 440 pounds. I decided about a month ago to do the Gastric Sleeve surgery and there are SO MANY different clinics and doctors. My finances are pretty constricted so i have been looking into clinics in Mexico mainly. Just thought i would ask around on here to see who you went to and where? And how your experience was with your doctor? Any input/feedback is much appreciated and will help immensely in my decision on where to go! Thanks!

...when you read about someone who chose to have their surgery performed in Mexcio and unfortunately had complications, please try not to leave condescending comments about how you would never chose to go to a foreign country to have surgery or how you value your life too much to put the cost of surgery before your health, etc, etc. We are all trying to get to the same place with our health and have a common goal but just because we chose a different path than you does not lessen how we feel about ourselves, our families and so on. Alot of us who opted to go to Mexico did not have the option to use health insurance or were rejected by some of the same companies you used f…

Hi! I am considering having lasik while in mexico. Will I feel up to it two days after surgery?

I was impressed by Dr. F. Garcia when I first started looking into surgery in Mexico, but now I'm more impressed/ interested in Dr. Ramos Kelly - based on his resume, experience, website and videos. But Dr. Ramos Kelly appears more expensive. So I'm looking for input on either/ both of these doctors and your experience with them, Ready4aChange and Mexico Bariatric Center. Thank you.

Had my surgery yesterday with Dr. Lopez and it went well. The first day was the roughest because of the gas pain and nausea. But they give medication around the clock for it. Walking and gas x strips have been what works best for me. They gave me blue drink to see if it come out in the drain. Then later I will take more liquid to take the leak test. Dr Lopez did stop in this morning to see how I was doing. Everyone here is really nice.

I am wondering if people are getting surgeries done in other countries besides Mexico? I had my Band to VSG done in Jordan.

I think the tape gave me a rash! But wouldn't i have had a reaction earlier? I'm 9 days post op but I'm still finding tape residue. And now the section that was covered in tape near my drain seems to be rashed. Or atleast I hope it's a rash and not anything else!!!

Hi Guys!!! Of course iv done my research! Many hours and days and weeks ! And of course you can never do enough research !! But I would love to hear from any sleevers who have or will be having surgery with Dr Q

Ok so has anyone used pain meds other than the ones you were sent home with?

has anyone out there had their surgery in Tijuana, mexico? Trying to do some resurch .. I will be having my sleeve done there at the Jerusalem hospital ,by Dr Abril in June. Just wish Iknew if I was doing enough checking, but dont know where else to go. I would be thankfull for any input.

I have a prepaid cell phone through Net10 and I wonder if I will get any service in San Diego? It shows coverage but we all know that coverage maps still have gaps in service.

I just read on the CDC website for Medical Tourism that they do not recommend abdominal surgery patients travel on a plane until they are ten days out. I'm from Indiana and will be traveling on a plane much sooner than that to get home! My blood likes to clot, so it makes me worry. I've let my intended doctor know about my blood clotting issues...I wonder if I will be sent home with heparin or something? I had to anticoagulate while pregnant because of my issues. Generally I am not on any blood thinning drugs...but I'm trying to take care of my fears, you know how it is! Cara

Just stopped a few days ago..Im going crazy!! I have the vapor cig, gum, and plenty of other things to take away the craving but DANG IT I WANT A CIGARETTE!!! WHERE IS THE MARLBORO MAN WHEN I NEED HIM THE MOST!!!!!!!!!!!

In the old days you couldn't drink the water. Hence the booming beer business. Or do we need bottled water?

Mine headed to TJ on my 8th!

Did anyone having or had surgery at Mi Doctor Hospital in Tijuana call the hospital before to be sure you are on their schedule for surgery? Or did you just trust and everything worked out? My surgery is coming up quickly and just wondered if I should call ahead?

Has anyone had sleeve surgery in Mexico at Hospital Jerusalem? If so, can you tell me about your experience? I am in the beginning thoughts of having sleeve surgery in Mexico because I can afford it better. But I am a little leery. Just wanted some thoughts on the subject. Thanks, Holly

I've been doing the customary digging around for info. I really felt a rapport with Dr. Illan based on what I was reading from others who've seen him, so I'm thinking of going with him. But why is it I can find so much information on the web about many of the other Mexican docs, but can't about Dr. Illan? He definitely doesn't market himself like others. I can't find anything listed about complication rates at all. Where are you all going to find out about your doctor choices? Cara

Best decision I've ever made. Sleeved 8/31/13 and down 123lbs and SO close to ONEderland!

Hey everyone! I am 3 days out and heading home to Canada tomorrow. I basically got zero info on aftercare requirements from my surgeon / coordinator. He mentioned that I will need to have blood work done every 4 months for 5 years but nothing about Vitamin supplements or exactly how often. I should see my family doc etc. I didn't ask these questions because when I asked him if he would go over post op care and diet I was assured yes so figured we would cover that then. Then they handed me a bunch of paper today and once I got to our hotel I went to read over it only to realize it doesn't tell me anything. Can anyone explain to me what I should/ will need to do an…

Question to all who have been sleeved in Mexicali: is there a need to exchange cash (or withdraw from an ATM) for dining or purchasing prescriptions in Mexicali? My husband will be traveling with me and I imagine he will need to venture out of the hospital occasionally for meals. I am not sure what he can expect (or what I can expect as I wander around the day before surgery). Also, if you were sleeved at Almater Hospital, were you able to get post-surgery prescriptions there? I plan on purchasing pain meds, blood thinners, and ppi's. Gracias for your help!

K guys I was sleeved march 7th feeling great lost 38 lbs but for the last 2wks I have not lost a lb yet! Am I ok? Do I need to worry?

I'm not sure what to do so i'm posting in different places on here and hoping for the best. I'm tired of being overweight I have been like this my whole life. I know that I need help but don't know what to do. Theres just so much stuff on wls where do you start?

I am going to try to see if my insurance will approve a revision but I'm afraid that it may not happen since I have no comorbitites so Mexico is my second option I'm wondering who people went through for Agency's And which doctors they used for revision. Such as occ, beliteweight, alighterme ect. And how were their experiences. ThNksw

I am trying to find out info about the above doctor. I haven't had surgery and I am nervous. Looking for a little support. Any help would be great.

Just curious, I am being sleeved by Dr Lopez in April, and afterwards will be flying home to NH. Almost as far as you can get from Mexico in the US. I'm a bit concerned about blood clots and flying. Before I was denied to have surgery in the states, the practice coordinator was going to have me on heparin for a month I think. I asked the coordinator for Dr Lopez about heparin shots and was told I wouldn't need them. Trust me, I'd rather not be giving myself shots, but if the local hospital was going to make me do them, and now with a plane ride involved, I'm being told I don't need them, I'm a little concerned. Just wondering if anyone has dealt with this? Should I ask …

I used to see alot of posts from patients of Dr. Fernando Garcia, but haven't seen anything in a while. I just scheduled for March and would love to hear updates from his former patients. Also, still have this nagging curiosity about Dr. Illan, so want to hear more from his patients as well. Updates, experiences etc. I have read through the board and have seen a few. Before I put my deposit down just want to make sure I am making the best decision for myself! They both seem like well qualified surgeons and either way I would be making a good choice. Just wondering if anything in particular sets them apart. Thanks!

I was wondering about the Marriot and if they had free WiFi? Also is cell service international since youre so close to the US? I want to stay in touch with my family every step of the way. Thanks

This is my bf, lunch & dinner ....... I don't know if I could do this another 3 weeks

I live in Austin, Texas and I am really concerned about my follow up visits. Does anyone have advise about how you followed up after surgery in. Mexico? I am particularly concerned about a doctor accepting my follow ups?

It seems that there are about 4 very popular Dr.'s in Tijuana, Mexico. How many feel more comfortable with a Dr that is very well know/popular vs. a Dr. that does not have a large following? I am having my surgery with a Dr. that is not on the popular list but is very well qualified. On thing my research did show me was that the Dr.'s move around to different hospitals.

I am scheduled this month for a gastric sleeve with Dr. Ortiz at OCC, can somebody shere your recent experience? Thanks.

Anyone able to get cell phone coverage through Verizon while in TJ? What should I expect? Also wondering if I will be able to use my standard plug in devices such as will I need an adapter? I am probably over analyzing things but I want to be prepared I have Ipad, Iphone, Heating Pad. Thanks for your help.