Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

In 25 days I will have my new sleeve done by Dr. Ariel Ortiz on 2/17/14. I'm getting so excited. The further it was, the more nervous I was. The closer it gets the more excited I get. I think I'm prepared and ready. I got this! They told me pre-op diet 2 wks before but I want to make sure I lose my 10% weight so I think I may start my pre-op diet next week, even though I will be on vacation in Disneyworld and Key West next week.

I hear you're looking for me. Here I am. PM me. W

I'm sitting pretty in a size 18 for the first time that I can remember, and yesterday was my six month surgiversary, so I thought I would write up an update, especially considering my post detailing my experience with Dr. Illan was somehow lost during the update. First off, here is a Dr. Illan and three weeks later was in Mexico having the surgery. I've more or less consistently lost 10 pounds per month since surgery. It hasn't always been easy, and stalls have happened, but it is by far the best thing I've ever done. I honestly often forget that I've had surgery. Dr. Illan's team provided the best medical care I've ever had in my life and I would go back to him in a he…

I’ve noticed more activity on this site lately from future OCC Sleevers with Dr. Ariel Ortiz. I remember before my surgery I craved information about the OCC experience so I thought maybe it’s time I that posted my story too! My surgery was on Monday, July 9, 2012. Yesterday was eight months and I’m happy to say I am 14 lbs away from my goal weight! The following details are from email exchanges I had right after my surgery with another OCC Sleever. So although it’s been eight months since my surgery, the details here are from a fresh memory! Sorry if I seem to ramble at the end. I just cut and pasted from multiple emails. My sleeve surgery was on Monday, July 9…

Hi everyone. my name is Jessica and I'm new here. I am scheduled with Dr. Kelly @ OCC/Florence on may 31st. Super excited! Just wondering if anyone has used Dr. Kelly or will be around the same time as me? Thanks!

I am doing my research for the gastric sleeve in Mexico and I only have a few concerns. My most major concern is the pain. I am very sensitive to pain and have a high tolerance to pain medications due to chronic back pain and arthritis. I truly do not see myself getting surgery and taking Tylenol or Aleve a day later. Due to my pain, I take those daily. Does anyone have experience with a doctor giving them something stronger for the pain for a few days after the surgery? Yes, I understand there will be gas pain etc., Can anyone recommend a surgeon that is more understanding of chronic pain?

Ok, my biggest anxiety about all of this is not about the surgery but about flying since I have never flown and I am scared of heights. Help a girl out here... What airline is the most comfortable? I will be traveling about 7 hours from the looks of things. Which seat is easiest for a plus size person to fit into? (I am a size 24 if that helps) I will be traveling with my husband who wouldn't mind me pressing up against him but what about arm rests? Seat belt extenders? Is there a way to know ahead of time that you need one? Any tips I need to know?

I'm scheduled 1/7 to have surgery with Dr. Lopez at the Mi Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico. I'm very nervous but excited. I'm concerned about after care. Can anyone tell me what to expect?

I went to TJ for vsg with Dr. Kelly, my patient coordinator was Sandy and I am very happy with the service I have received through Sandy. However, I do have some serious concerns regarding the coordinator Trish. Sandy took the time to answer all my questions and helped me prepare for my surgery, about a week prior, Trish called me and offered me a discount if I canceled and then re-booked with her. What the hell is that all about? I was well cared for during my whole trip, upon arrival I received a survival bag that contained a folder of information regarding my post op diet, gatorade, broth, lemon-glycerine swabs, chapstick, a Diet Minder diary to record my eatin…

Anyone else going to be there at the same time?

Made it! Had to go home to retrieve passport and catch a later flight but at least I made. Coordinator Janese even came with the driver to airport to pick me at 9:20p as she wanted to go the extra mile for me as she felt bad to my rotten start leaving PP at home. The marriot was fab! big comfy bed w 4 pillows & luxurious sheets. picked up by ALM @ 7:30 did labs i was 2nd surgery about noon. I panic if IV needle doesnt land the first time so anestetiologist (sp) put it in. i thought that was kind. Its been 18 hrs a not a single pain. Zero nausea zero gas pains. And I have the pain tolerance of a baby. Unbelievable. nap time. sorry if bad typing, using a Kobo. oh …

I'm wondering if we're allowed to bring clear liquids on the plane with is? If not, did you bring a powder or some kind of protein to mix with water? What would work for this?

I was thinking about ideas of things I could do for my kids on the days I am away. I have set up skype and taught my 8 yo daughter how to call me on it with her tablet so they will have video calls to me but I was wondering if anyone left little daily gifts for their kids and how their kids handled you being away for 5 days? My kids ages are 17, 8 and 4.

Hi, I am looking to have surgery with Dr Lopez in April. My husband and 9 year old daughter will probably be coming with me, the alternative is I come alone and he stays home with her. That was the original plan but now he wants to come. Is the Marriott area safe for them to be walking around at? How far is the Marriott to the market place that people talk about? Is that easy to get to? Is it safe? I'd be fine going alone, or with him coming with me but to have my daughter there too, and with what you hear about, that concerns me. Anyone have any input on this? Thanks. Lisa

Hi I'm new here.. I would like to post my journey from start to end... I'm ready !! Yes... After trying to get approved by my insurance in nj and denied. I decide to go to mexico! Actually I will be having my sleeve surgery with doctor hector perez corzo in cancun... I decide cancun because is closer to home less expensive to travel .. And also the whole idea of tijuana was not my thing.. I love cancun is beautiful will be visiting for second time.. Now I've hear some good things about this doctor .. I also know I cant expect the clinic to be like the states but I sure hope is clean for most ... I will be be there for total of 6 days .. To make sure everything is fine bef…

I'm trying to set up a surgery for my brother with Dr. Fernando Garcia. Anyone have ideas on who to contact? The person who did mine is no longer in business.

Ok. So I have been researching going to Mexico for the surgery. I really like Dr. Alvarez and everything I've researched about him but the cost for him to do it (without airfare) is close to what I would pay here in Florida where I live. I am not made of money and I do realize that there are a lot of good reviews for the "cheaper" Mexico surgeons. Here is my question: Which Mexico dr's are good (and, of course, I will research it to death) but aren't over 8 grand. I really do not see (for example) Jerusalem Hospital as an option for me, no offense to anyone who has gone that route. The reason is I really would just feel humiliated being in a room with everyone el…

Okay, I'm almost ready. Took tomorrow of so I can pack, plane leaves Sat morning since I'm going to spend an extra day in San Diego. Anyone else going to be at the Marriot on Sunday (the 26th), and having their procedure on Monday (the 27th)? I'll be having Dr Cabrera giving me my new start, (and being assisted by the way to handsome for his own good Dr Altamirano). I'll be down there with my mother, but it would be cool to meet up with some folks post-op for some broth sipping story telling, haha. (I know I'll meet some folks on the van ride down from SD, as well as around the hospital, but would love to meet up with some forum dwellers).

There is a thread I thought I saw (or maybe an entirely different forum). It was people telling about complications but I didnt see the doctor's names. How can I check to see which doctors have the greatest rate of leaks or other complications? Am I thinking of another site that has the users surgeons names listed.... I appreciate your responses.

I there! Surprisingly-my PCP is kinda giving me a hard time about my follow up aftercare. I'm scheduled for sx on 3.28 with Dr Cabrera in TJ. First she grilled me about my expectations from her and I explained that I'd like to see her a few weeks before just to touch base. Then a week post op to check suture sites. And lab work a few times a year to check for any vitamin/mineral deficiencies. Now she's asking me if my surgeon has a plan in place for any vitamin/mineral deficiency. My first thought is.....supplements, right? I mean - I've had a vit. d def. before and took supplements. Should I just respond that I'm getting the feeling she's uncomfortable and find a…

Been researching and have pretty much settled on these 3 surgeons in Mexico: Ariel Ortiz, Obesity Control Center Guilleremo Alvarez, Endobariatric Dr. Lopez, Specialized Bariatrics Any info on any of them would be GRATEFULLY appreciated. If you don't want to post it here, please PM me. Dr. Lopez is the cheapest then Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Alvarez. Money is not the only consideration though. I am looking at having Lapband removed and a sleeve put in place. I go see my primary care physician on Friday, 1/31/13 and if I get his blessing want to move on it as soon as I can. TIA

I am having surgery with dr. Ariel Ortiz on 2/17/14. I'm flying in early and staying at the TJ Marriott Saturday and Sunday and I go in for surgery on Monday. Just wondering if anyone else on here will be there. I'd like to exchange contact info and meet other people since i'm traveling alone.

I will be having my sleeve surgery this Friday, 1/31, with Dr. Elias Ortiz at Mi Doctor. Just looking to connect with others that will be there, too.

As anyone been able to claim WLS performed in Mexico on your taxes?

K so I'm trying to figuring out the best time to schedule my flight. What would y'all say the best time is? Getting it the night before surgery or the morning of? I'm flying from Houston.

i'm looking to do WLS in january. I have spoken with a few of the coordinators. some are Very pushy ( used car salesman) and i don't feel like they have a clue whats going on except that they need my money LOL others don't contact you back at all.... I have seen a lot of great thing about OCC and Dr Oritz. his fee is a little higher than id prefer to pay as the extra 2000 could mean the difference between me being able to put together the $$ for surgery or not. I'd like to know how you guys decided on your surgeon and how you checked out thier rates of complications and god forbid mortality rates. I have read that surgeons that are fast and delicate with your tissue…

So Andrea the nutritionist from OCC had me look up the website for their Enspira products in order to pre-order my vitamins and prep-op, post-op packages!! Wow! Expensive!! What can I use to substitute these products!! I want to start on the vitamins ASAP! I've been taking others for example folic, vitamin c, Iton, and a women's one Aday. But for this specific surgery I want to be ready!!!!! Help!! I want to purchase all this stuff ASAP!! Planned surgery date 'Marxh 8th

I am planning on having Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery in Cancun, Mexico in October 2013. Has anyone had any gastric bypass surgery in Mexico?

Soooo excited I just have to share! Starting the 3 meal; B: shake L: shake D: salad & protein today. Kinda surprised they said small salad, I mean is it possible to eat too much lettuce? Feeling strong and confident about all except getting the IV. Needles make me nervous esp those big buggers. Going to try someones suggestion of lots of water right til cut off time. Yippee for me!! And everyone else!! See ya on the other side. W

I'm spending this week setting aside things to pack and picking up last minute items, as I hop on the plane on Saturday. I'll be at the Marriott Sunday, Hospital MI Doctor on Monday & Tuesday, and then back at the Marriott Wed and Thur. I know the Marriott has Wi-Fi. Can anyone advise how good the connection is? Also, does the hospital have Wi-Fi? I'm debating bringing my laptop since I'm a bit of a nerd and need my gaming, (World of Warcraft, the true essence of nerdom, haha), but won't bother if the connection is too crappy. I might go ahead and bring it anyway, since Saturday pre-op, as well as Fri and Sat post-op, I'll be at the Hyatt Grand Manchester, and t…

I flew in from Cincinnati to San Diego today. Victor met me at the airport and brought me to the Marriott. Raul met me at the Marriott and helped me get checked in and then I went up to my room. It's a nice room, two double beds and the Wi-Fi and Internet is free, The bathroom smells a little musty but I'm wondering if it's just the water. The room is clean and maybe a little older but it's fine. Everyone seems to be very nice so far. I check out tomorrow morning and Raul will pick me up at 10 minutes till 10 to take me to Mi doctor hospital. I have some more paperwork I need to fill out this evening and I ask why I needed to do more paperwork since I had already done so…

It all began when we found out that my wife's close friend was getting the sleeve done. She had it done in Decatur Texas and had part of her insurance help due to a hiatal hernia. We quickly saw her results and had probed her for questions. 9 months later we were on a cruise with her, her husband, and another friend couple. She looked fantastic and was a completely new person. I could put my arms around her when I hugged her and it really got my wife and I talking about it. We pried her for all of the questions and our intrigue got very serious. My wife signed us up for a seminar with the local hospital group in Wichita, KS. 10 minutes into the conversations th…

I am currently scheduled for march 16 with DR otiz is anyone else going around this time. I have been waiting for three years I couldn't be more excited

Looking for January Mexico sleevers!!! Let's see who is out there and who will be where on what dates. I'm January 14th. Dr Mario Almanza

Hi everybody, I had my WLS on August 6. 2013 with Dr. Kelly Ramos and I would like to share my experience with you. First of all, let me explain my condition: at 5ft 10’ I was 255lb. My BMI was somewhere between 36 and 37. That was the borderline minimum to have the vertical sleeve surgery. The way I appear from the outside, one could not necessary tell that I’m morbidly obese. The reason Dr. Kelly accepted to do the surgery is because of my high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, and cholesterol. Having all of these problems, and being sick and tired of taking all the pills for my condition, I decided to take a more radical approach. I have to tell you that 10 years a…

So I look up the cost and, guess what? $3,500 to $8000. Same as a cost to go to Mexico. I already had braces ( the icky all metal headgear kind) So now its time to change the rest. (no reason those braces are that spendy)

Ok has anyone else had this problem? I'm sitting here in the San Diego airport and about the time I was about to have a full blown melt down he calls. An HOUR after he's supposed to be here to tell me he's sitting at the boarder. I couldn't pull up the emails with the consignor a # on it I haven eaten much today and I feel like I wanna kill this dude. Then he calls again and has the nerve to say " can you please wait outside I'm 30 min away? Are you KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!

Is getting an epidural customary when having the sleeve? Do all Mexico Dr 's do it that way?

Happy 2014! I'm heading to TJ on 1/22 & getting sleeved 1/23 at Mi hospital with Dr. Cabrera & staying at the Marriott! Is anyone going at the same time? Would love to have a broth sipping buddy ???? Would love to hear about your experience if you've already been? How's the hotel? How's the hospital? Dr. Cabrera?

So my powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein shake mixes came today and I'm starting pre-op diet Sunday. Unjury instructions state to add some type of milk (skim, soy) but my instructions from Dr. Ortiz don't say anything about allowing or disallowing milk. Because I'm doing this on a weekend, I can't contact them directly. I'm vegetarian so I'd be adding almond milk...is this allowed? You don't mix these things with Water do you?

Hi everyone, I am so excited!!! I am finally getting my sleeve on March 11th with Dr. Ortiz at the OCC... I wanted to know if any one else was going to be there between March 10th and the 14th? It would be great to hook up with some fellow sleevers. Let me know! Yay! Im getting ready to begin a whole new life! A new me is about to be made Amber

Just wondering if any of you have any positive feedback re: financing options for sleeving in mexico. My wife and I are looking at options for sooner rather than later, but don't have the best credit. Thanks for any insight you can provide!

Till looking to find people who are going to TJ January 16-21. I will be sleeved on Jan 17 by dr. Fernando Garcia at Mi hospital and staying at the marriott hotel when not at hospital ..... ANYONE??? PLEASE??? Lol

Did any of you try to combine this surgery with a family vacation? I am thinking about taking my ex and our two daughters along for the ride. It could be a two-fold opportunity....surgery for me and a week long vacation for my family. Is there anything in the immediate surrounding areas that would be of great fun/learning/sightseeing opportunity for kids?

Those of you who've already had surgery, what period of time do you think has been the most difficult so far and why? Was it the pre-op diet? The gas pains after surgery? The fourth week post-op? Thanks!

I am interested in hearing from patients of Dr. Alvarez, I'd like to hear about your experiences before, durning and after... Also anything else you might think would be helpful.. I am scheduled for 7/13 and also wonder if the other patient scheduled for the same day as me happens to be on here from my understanding he only does two sleeves per day.. TIA

I'm new here!! Found out about this App from a great friend that had her surgery done in Houston!! She looks awesome by the way:) as for me I am looking into going to Cancun and getting my sleeve done. A little nervous expecting to go with Dr. Perez. Has anyone gone with him before and how was everything? I got my quote already and wanted to go soon not sure when. HELP!

My husband and I got sleeved last Friday, August 2, 2013 by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez and I wanted to post a review for those of you who may be considering him. We would recommend him without reservation. The whole process was extremely smooth from start to finish. From calling and emailing to get the surgery scheduled to actually having the surgery, and then leaving, there wasn't anything that rankled, or made me think twice about our decision. I found them to be highly responsive to all our requests (starting with the incomparable Susan who typically responds within the hour to emails), and found them to be extremely professional, without being distant and uninterested. …

Hi guys, So I'm getting sleeved with Dr. Ariel Ortiz on Jan 21st and will be starting the pre-op diet on Jan 5. All of the paperwork I've received from them pushes this Enspira product as the only option and it's EXPENSIVE! If I'm understanding this right, I have to have three shakes per day. Their pre-op package is $124 and it only comes with three shakes which means I'd have to order FIVE of them!!! $620! These people are out of their goddamn minds. Anyone here use cheaper shakes with the same protein requirements?

I had my gastric sleeve dove by Dr Ortiz on December 30th and am beyond pleased with the results so far. I feel good and am getting stronger by the day.