Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Anybody getting sleeved with Dr. Ortiz (OCC) march 7th? Need a sleeve buddy, I'm going solo!! I can't wait super excited!!!!!????

Can someone post the contact email for Dr. Illian so that I can get some information? Thanks

How does the entire team measure up? Who is a hospital employee and who is a team member? These things may play into your overall experience. People to consider: Anesthesiologist (THE most important person, he's the guy that keeps you alive). Experience? Employee or team member? Nurses: Hospital employees or team members? Some companies employ their own nurses, you may not have to settle for staff with little/no English. Co-ordinator/advocate: on phone or on site? Aftercare: Is there an aftercare person to answer your questions when you've forgotten everything you thought you knew? Myself: I recently changed surgeons to get a better team. Not everything rests i…

I am so excited. I thought my PCP would drop me as a patient if I told her about having WLS (nevermind having it in Mexico). She was so supportive and promised to do my aftercare. She was up on what the sleeve is and what I should expect from it. She was more than happy to give me a referral to a Nutritionist and to a therapist for my food addiction. Things are starting to fall into place. I am 90% sure of my surgeon choice (Illan). As far as money goes, I have been unexpectedly been offered overtime at my job. While the overtime is very short term, It will pay for 1/4 of my surgery cost and my tax return should cover the rest. I have also discussed it with my adult c…

My husband and I were chatting about how much research I have been doing to try to pick the right doctor for this procedure. Chances are if I was getting it done locally and someone I knew went to the doctor and the doctor would be covered by my insurance I would go with them. I have had 12 surgeries in my lifetime and had a few... gallbladder and a surgery to drain an abscess and a bone tumor which resulted in a broken hip that I had a to have a few surgeries on which I met the doctor right before they did my surgery. I didn't interview them, whoever in charge at the hospital or my insurance dictated who that person would be. Do we go into research mode because its …

Looking for January Sleevers for Dr Mario Almanza?

Feb 4 /14 Dr. Elia Ortiz (A lighter Me) Mi Doctor Hospital TJ Marriott

I was sleeved in Mexico by Dr. Illan on 8.31.13 in Tijuana MX. I would not trade my experience for anything. Dr. Illan is a very talented surgeon with Baja Bariatrics and his team is amazing! His coordinator Omar is there to help you every step of the way and afterwards. I started out at 326 lbs, 301 day of surgery and currently 287 This tool has saved my life and I'm not sure where I would be if Dr. Illan and his team hadn't given me this tool/gift. The hospital was very nice and the nurses were so sweet and attentive. I would not change one thing about choosing Dr. Illan or going to Mexico except to have done it sooner! This has been an amazing journey thus far …

Anyone else using Dr. Alvarez for gastric sleeve? And why is his price higher than other doctors from Mexico?

I have never figured this one out. Any book recommendations on this topic for the unenlightened?

Does anyone know if a patient has been denied surgery due to not losing enough weight during pre-op diet? I ask because I gained about 10# during the holiday since turning in my health questionnaire. So far I'm following pre-op to a t but will probably weigh the same as listed in the health q I filled out 2 months ago.

I am getting sleeved on the 21st of this month by Dr. alejandro lopez at MI Doctor Hospital. What items should I bring? I know to bring my c-pap machine, Cathy said there is a large fee per night if I need to rent one from the hospital. I know to bring meds in the original rx bottles. Would someone give me an idea of what I need? Starting from how many changes of clothes, to pjs or nightgown, toiletries, do I need to bring my own washcloth, scrungee, etc? When I travel to Europe I always bring my own scrungee, because is many places the washcloth is non-existant. Houseshoes? I have read gas-x, extra extension cords, etc.I could not find a list on the site of wh…

Hi I leave for San Diego on the 9th and my surgery is scheduled for the 10th. What can I expect crossing the border, tests at the hospital, and general info about Mexico (never been there). I'm a little anxious about my surgery but am glad to be getting out of the deep freeze here in Canada haha. Will hate coming back to the cold!! Anything you forgot but wish you had? Or anything you were glad you brought? I'm by myself with a facilitator from the company I went with. No family or friends coming.

I am seriously considering VSG. Already consulted with one Dr. and checking out another next week. My question is, I am self-pay. Insurance will not cover any WLS. I'm scared to death of complications and medical debt that could ruin my family financially. The first Dr. has an insurance plan (Blis) that they make you take out that covers complications for 90 days after the surgery. In talking with the second Dr's office, they claim complications should be paid by insurance as they would have a different medical diagnosis. Can anyone out there who has had the unfortunately experience of complications and been self-pay tell me how that went for you? Your experiences …

Hi Everyone. I am home and rested and ready to share my experience with Gastric Sleeve Surgery.... Stats: Height 5 ft 1 weight on surgery day 248 (higher than my scale stated) Age 36 Doctor: Dr. Ramos Kelly Hospital Nova Tijuana Mexico 32 Boogie ( She is small) I call her Moaning Myrtle Background: Genetically inclined to be fat. Managed to stay within normal weight in high school and pieces/ parts of adult hood. 135- 140 in high school 150 adulthood. Married at 30 y.o was 175 and climbing.... Not a big sweets eater but I overeat and I fancy myself a good cook. Prepare healthy meals, but portion control is a problem. Yo-Yo dieter tried: Weight watchers…

Has anyone used Dr Ariel Ortiz and had complications?

Okay I haven't booked yet but I'm thinking January is going to be my month for Dr Illan. Just wanted to see who else is also going to be there in January ? let me know as I'm going alone and would dearly love some buddies (and support !! I'm a chicken)

Hey looking for people who may be getting sleeved near the time I am in Tijuana. I will be arriving in San Diego January 16/2014 going to the marriott hotel for the night and surgery on the 17th........ ANYONE????

My sleeve is set for December 18 at the Mexico Bariatric Center. I have heard good things only. Has anyone else had Dr Lopez and if you thoughts please !!! Getting very nervous

So, after long talk with my wife & information from people we know, I've decided to not have the sleeve with the surgeon in San Fransisco. We are going to have the Vertical Sleeve done in Mexico. I know multiple people that have done this exact procedure with the same surgeon in Mexico and they turned out great. Plus the cost is considerably less than then they other surgeon. I'm the type of person that likes all the info upfront about everything. I don't appreciate it when they know finances are an issue for everyone, and not tell me about a fee of $5,750.00 until after I jump through all their requirements and my insurances. I know some people may not approve…

Hi All, I have a low BMI and no co-morbitities and so will be a self-pay. Originally I went to a local US bariatric surgeon for a consult (even put a deposit down with them) but have eventually decided on going to Mexico because of the $9000 price difference. I recently moved to a new state and have a new PCP, a very nice lady, but I've only met her once. I don't know how to approach this subject with her. I am a low BMI and tall....so with clothes on I seem to carry the extra weight very well even though I have 60 lbs to loose to be in a normal BMI range. Of course I am having all of the fears and second thoughts about this surgery in general but I think the thing…

Hi there! I'm searching for the best Protein shake with more than 15mg of protein. I'm having The sleeve performed 3.28 with Dr Cabrera and need to get my BMI from 54 to 49. Hopefully something sold at Costco! Thanks

Hey guys, did anyone feel like they were up to going home after the two nights in the hospital and one night at the hotel vs two nights at the hotel? I hate the idea of such a long flight so was thinking about getting a late flight on the night prior to my supposed check out...The late flight is the only direct flight to Miami and I could sleep so it wouldnt be as bad. I could stay the two nights but I would still want to take the late flight out and I would have too much time to kill in San Diego :/ Anything interesting to do there?

Hello all- I have done a search and most of what pops up are all dated from several years ago - can I please get some advice about Doctor's in Mexico? So many of them and I am getting all confused and scared to make a decision. I know there will be ups and downs . . . I have found nothing but good things about Dr. Ortiz with Mi in TJ (A Lighter me). I did find one bad thread where someone didn't complain about him or his facilities, but about her after care. Seems as though she traveled alone, and her patient rep was traveling and didn't communicate with the patient. Anyone else . . . please help me out - I would like to schedule for next month!!

Hi guys. I am sitting in bed right now at hospital nova 2nd day out. Was sleeved yesterday and boy do I have updates for you all. Little groggy and tired so I promise to tell you my story in two days when I return home. Have barium swallow test tomorrow and I get to shower. Pretty excited for that. Until then....

I just got my paperwork from Dr. Ortiz's office and it says if I end up needing either one of these, I have to pay an extra $500! What are the odds of me needing to do this? Did anyone else end up needing to have an endoscopy or barium swallow? Also, I could refuse the test right? I'd much rather come home & do it with my PCP and have my insurance cover it instead of paying $500 effing dollars!

About me: Female, 33, BMI between 27 and 30 my whole life, yo-yo dieting, slowly creeped to BMI of 35. My doctor and I talked about the sleeve, and as I have excellent insurance we got the ball rolling. Immediate denial. All I had to do was gain 50 pounds or so and pick up some sleep apnea or prediabetes and then they would. I'd been researching the sleeve for close to a year. I was disappointed and didn't want to pay out of pocket, so I said, "Never mind then! I can do this myself!" and began dieting and exercising hard for about 6 months, losing a total of.... 11 pounds. Defeated, I started researching self-pay and Mexico again. Earlier in 2013 I'd liked the traffic a…

What are your expectations for long term follow up care? My cousin had a bypass here in the states and is concerned that by going to Mexico for surgery, I won't get appropriate after care for my VSG. Now my PCP has asked me what my expectations from her are and I cannot really think if anything past checking my sutures. Am I missing something?

I have two weeks off and its do or die for me. (Excuse the choice of wording there) I fly out to San DIego tomorrow and I will be staying at a nice Hotel on Christmas day. Will watch cable, sip broth and rest in style! The 26th I will picked up for surgery with Dr. Ramos Kelly. I am so scared about waking up in an amount of pain I cannot manage!! After reading posts on here it seems to vary from person to person. My biggest fear is a clot. I have Asthma pretty bad and a deviated septum, so breathing through my nose is hard and Im scared about going under. I will update with details when the whole thing is over with. Did anyone else want to see the removed portion of th…

i am looking into being sleeved late march, i havent chose a doctor yet but i'm going toward dr kelly, ortiz, or garcia. How soon should i schedule my surgery and how much of a down payment do i need, also any information/ websites i can do so

i am looking into being sleeved late march, i havent chose a doctor yet but i'm going toward dr kelly, ortiz, or garcia. How soon should i schedule my surgery and how much of a down payment do i need, also any information/ websites i can do so

Scheduled for surgery in Jan with Dr. Cabrera! Did anyone else have him? Thoughts? Overall experience in MX? More importantly how did you feel while traveling home after surgery?

Just fyi for those searching, Dr. Ariel Ortiz was NEVER featured in Newsweek magazine as a top surgeon in America for 2011. It's all over his site and he did a Youtube video about it and it's not true. He was feartured as a top surgeon in Newsweek Showcase, an advertising site that has nothing to do with Newsweek Magazine. Basically you can pay to use them and then claim you were in "Newsweek." Ugghh! And he wasn't "featured" on Oprah. The show was on drastic steps parents are taking to help their teens lose weight. One of his patients - a 13-year old - was on Oprah to discuss having a lapband done in Mexico. US doctors won't touch a child that young. He was in the au…

Hello, I recently tried arranging aftercare with a local bariatric doc for after I have my vsg in Mexico. They flat out refuse to do any aftercare for anyone that had surgeries abroad. I have since heard this is common. My question is, what is everyone else doing for aftercare? My biggest concern is I'll get home and have a big complication. This could bankrupt me if insurance doesn't cover it!

Hello still searching for anyone who will be having surgery in Tijuana and staying at the Marriott hotel between January 16 - 21!! Is there anyone?? Pm me if you want good luck to all those who's surgeries are soon

Warning: the following post has TMI So, surgery is on Friday (!!!!!!!) with Dr Ortiz, and we are flying out in two days. But, wouldn't you know it, I started my period today. I'm very irregular and have no idea when it's ever gonna hit, and of course it comes today. So my periods go like this: so my heavy days are always days 3 and 4, which means surgery day. Anyone else have this issue? What do they do? I usually use tampons, but can I do that? Do I need to go buy pads? This seriously blows.

When you went to Mexico for surgery, how did you organize your follow up care? I have an appointment scheduled with my PCP before I go to mexico to inform him of what I'm doing. As far as the follow up care, my local hospital has a bariatric program. Do I just get in contact with them after my surgery and tell them I would like to do my follow-up care there, such as the nutritionist appts, any testing, etc? What did you guys do? Thanks in advance!

My biggest fear about having this surgery is dying from a pulmonary embolism. When the thoughts of the possibility crosses my mind, I get angry at myself for not being able to lose weight without this drastic measure. Can anyone tell me if your doctor in Mexico gave heparin injections before surgery to reduce the risk? I have been reading on preventative measures such as lots of walking and fluids etc, compression stockings... I don't know why all of a sudden I am focusing on this one thing when all along I have been so excited and looking forward to this. I guess the fact that surgery risks include blood clots, flying does also... I am feeling alot of guilt at the POS…

Hi. This is the first time I am participating in a topic on this site. I just wanted to put my dilemma out there and see if I can get some advice. After being overweight for about 20 years, trying many different diets, like everyone else, I decided to do some research on WLS. After several months of looking into this and speaking with other WLS patients, I decided that the sleeve gastrectomy would be a great fit for me. After some more research, I decided on a bariatric group that I wanted to go with. I met with the surgeon last week. He spent about 45 minutes with me in his office discussing weight loss surgery. He also told me that since my BMI is 35 and I have …

I'm in Tijuana at the florence hospital waiting to go back for surgery. Curious to see if any of you are here, too...

Anyone else going at this time? Feb 3 Kelowna to San Diego Feb 8 San Diego to Kelowna

I'm nearly to goal and had a great experience with being sleeved by Dr Q in Tijuana last January. Now thinking about tightening things up a bit. Would love to hear from anyone who has done it.

My surgery is booked! I have been scheduled for a band to sleeve revision with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali on Janary 22nd, 2014. I'm very excited and very nervous as well. If there is anyone else on this forum who is scheduled (or already post-op) with Dr. A, would love to hear about your experiences as you go through them. I have opted for an extra-long stay, so I'll be in Mexicali Jan 21 to Jan 27th, if anyone else is scheduled for that week. Can't wait! Now, time to start working on the mental part of this...

I finally set my date. Two weeks from today. I am traveling alone. Anybody else traveling the 17th thru 22nd?

I had decided to have my surgery with Dr. Quionnes in February. Now I realize that he gives epidurals and you have a catheter. I'm not sure what to do know because I have gotten extremely sick (violently vomiting) after I have had an epidural. I also have lower back problems and my pcp said that this could aggravate my problem and make it worse. The catheter thing...well I just hate catheters, Anyway I need advice. I am ready to choose another doctor now and I don't know if I am making a big deal out of nothing or not. Should I just suck it up and deal with it? Do other doctors use epidurals and catheters? Please help!

Well I'm officially losing my marbles. Before the website changed to it's new look there was a great local support group for Kansas City. I have looked and not been able to find them. I did find a few totally out of date KC support groups but they had virtually no one on them and some of the newest posts were ancient. Where did you all go ? Anyway I have decided I REALLY need to meet up with people who have had the surgery so if there is a support group in Kansas City, please let me know !! Thanks !!

I have not been on this forum for a while, have been really busy getting ready for my surgery and now I'm here in beautiful Tijuana and it's done. I want to tell everyone how wonderful the whole team of Baja bariatrics have been to me. Florence hospital care was supreme, the facility is nice and the nurses here are so attentive and kind. The surgical team is superb and Omar Lliles Acosta who is the coordinator for Dr Illan makes sure of it. His number one priority is patient care and maintaining there record of zero complications. I came alone and he was there right by my side when I awoke. After the surgery when you are released from the hospital, he will take you to the…

Finally told my Mom, "Hey, I am leaving next weekend to have surgery in Tijuana." Oh my - did the fur fly. Some exerpts of the conversation: "You know you will have to have 'will power' after surgery to make the right food choices, why don't you just do that now? Going to Mexico is risky.....how exactly did you verify your surgeons credentials....what did she do wrong as a mother that I learned to be fat.......this is not a quick fix...........what does you husband think........your Dad turned grey when I told him.......I'm very worried and love you.....who is going with you.....who all knows about this.....the surgeons there just want your money like the insuranc…

I'm in the research phase... One place I have been contacted by is Be Lite Weight and recommended to Dr. Jose Rodriguez. Can anyone give input or share their story using him. Thank you!

Hi all, I am set gor April 9th with Dr.Ponce...I have heard good things from ppl who used him, looking for anyone who went within the last year. I am going thru wls4betterlife. Trish is my coordinator and has been great so far. Any info would be appreciated. Also any info on your experience at hospital INT regardless of the doc you used. Thanks everyone and have a great day!