Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I am trying to choose between Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Dr. Aceves? I am leaning toward Dr. Aceves because of his credentials and the fact that it seems his patients loose more of their excess weight than some of the others Dr's patients. But I am a bit nervous because his complication rate is a bit higher then Dr.Ortiz (Ortiz coordinator claims he has had 0 leaks or deaths with the VSG surgery) and Dr. Aceves lost a patient a few months ago. I just feel that I will be more successful with the weight loss with Aceves with what I have read and seen from his past patients but is it worth the risk with him having a higher complication rate, which is still less than 1%, but still f…

Yep, its been just 2 weeks today, that I had my surgery with the most AWESOME dr, Dr Illan Fraijo, and I am doing fabulous! I have however discovered that I am allergic to whey Protein and am switching to liquid egg whites that I ordered from a company called Egg Whites International. 25 grams of protein per scoop and you can mix it with anything. I am so excited about my new sleeved tummy, I am feeling great and when I got on the scales today, I am down 15 pounds since my surgery. YES, THAT'S 15 POUNDS IN 2 WEEKS! WHOOP! WHOOP! Thank you soooo much Dr Illan, Omar Acosta and the entire team at Baja Bariatrics! LOVE YOU GUYS!

Hello Friends, I am new here but have been "lurking" for about a year. Creepy huh? haha Have had weight issues my whole life and at 36 the battle with the bulge is getting the better of me. Decided after every diet and exercise program failing, that this is my last chance. My weight has not only caused me a great deal of angst (infertility) but also embarrassment ( held up a carnival ride and asked for seat extender on a plane) These of course are just a few highlights. Wanted to travel with my husband, but it now appears that plane tickets are exorbitant and we have a house full of pets that needs tending to, so I am going alone. ** Is anyone else going to Mexico o…

Hey everybodygbbhhh.

I keep meaning to write my own account of Dr. Illan and Baja Bariatrics in Tijuana (points and areas that others haven't necessarily covered, that is). I will probably come back and edit, but here is a quick subjective account just to get something online: I had a rough reservation with the very excellent Dr. Aceves for $8750 and a firmer reservation with Dr. Ilan for earlier this month. I promised myself that--with my own research--I would drop the booking with Dr. Illan and just go with Aceves if I could not honestly get comfortable with Illan (after researching him). Some of these things I learned beforehand (and some while I was in Mexico), but these are some poi…

Has any one had a single incision sleeve? It seems that it is a relatively new procedure but intriguing. I could wear my string bikini (jk) !!

I'm 36 years old, but didn't want to tell my parents about my plan to get sleeved. Well, yesterday I told them and not only were they cool about it, my mom offered to go to Mexico with me to support me! (My husband is going to stay home with our kids) my question is: will there be a time at OCC when they plop my giant butt on a scale in front of my mom? She's been skinny her whole life, so even though she knows I'm fat I really don't need the judgment of HOW fat.

Leaving NC Tuesday 12-3-2013 headed to TJ Sleeve same day with Dr Garcia at the Florence hospital Have been researching this for about a year !!! But starting to get nervous about it Ihelp

Traveling alone to Mexico. Has anyone else done this? My friend that was coming with me feb 17th is not able to come with me now. So I'm probably traveling alone to the OCC and dr. Ortiz. Would love to find a buddy goin there around the same time. Also, can anyone share their experience of traveling alone?

Are multi vitamin pills ok right after vsg? Tks W

Dr Garcia

Is coffee considered a clear liquid? Or am I going to be experiencing caffeine withdrawal as well as post-surgery pain?

I'm arriving in TJ on the 3rd and getting surgery on the 4th at the OCC with Dr Ariel Ortiz. I am staying at the Marriott. I am going alone so just wondering if anyone else will be there at that time too.

Hi Everyone, Just wondering when you all returned to work after getting sleeved.

I'm scheduled to have my gastric sleeve on January 6,2014 with Dr. Elias Ortiz at MI Hospital. I will be going alone and I'm really nervous about it.

Anyone that has had band to sleeve revision in Mexico, please tell me your choice of doctor, your experience, price & progress.

I had my surgery in the states but now my boyfriend wants it. I'm clueless when it comes to Mexico surgeons. I has heard good things about Dr Aceves, but learned last night he charges 8700$!! We could do it in the states for 3k more than that. So, please help guide me. I am clueless and want a good surgeon for my boyfriend in a nice hospital and nice hotel and everything included, within a reasonable price....6k max. Is that too much to ask for? Should I go a different route? Please help.

I think I found a cool new product. Bariatric Advantage has just added a new Multi to their line. Includes 1000 mg B12. Iron Powerful nutrition in 3 capsules! Our newest encapsulated multi formula is the highest potency member of our multi family of products. Designed to meet the latest guidelines* just add Calcium and you are ready to go for the day. Contains a full 3000 IU Vitamin D3, 400 mg Magnesium, 45 mg Iron, and a unique phytonutrient blend to support good health. powder added to something ie applesauce. They seem not a bad price at $49/270 One only needs to add their calcium. If you are Canadian and at a loss, let me know I can hook you up with a supplier …

"The driver was great. The Marriott was great. My Dr. Valenzuela saw me for 60 seconds before surgery, preformed VSG, never saw her again. Mi doctor Hospital was not the greatest. Three times my bag went empty at night long enough to drain blood up the tubing, nurses blew my vein (baseball size lump on my hand) night nurses spoke no English. I couldn't wait to get back to the hotel ! I'm still here at the Mariott. Sipping and walking...looking forward to leaving for California in the morning!" Hi Italian Curves, Sorry to hear about your experience. I wonder if yours was an isolated experience or if others have gone thru the same thing? Keep us posted! W

I dont want to wait six months. Wouldn't six month worth of results be better. I'm bipolar. Stable but still. Not 40 bmi. Makes no sense to gain to lose. Psych eval..really? Two sleep studies as if I sleep differently? And after all that fight insurance and maybe approved? I want to Git er Done.

Staying at the Marriott. Is there a charge to receive calls from family in the US?

Hello! I'm torn...I am scheduled for Lap band on 11/7 I have a few friends who have had success with the lap band and a few friends wives who have had severe complications. I also have two friends who have done the sleeve and are having great success. I am in Houston and wondering if anyone has done self pay sleeve surgery...if so, how much did it cost and did your surgeon finance you?...I don't have good credit so care credit and all these other places will not give me credit and my insurance doesn't cover any wls procedures. I am currently going through true results for the lap band and they will face me in house with a down payment...I really want the sleeve but is the…

Soooo excited

So I've narrowed my search for a surgeon for my gastric Sleeve operation in Mexico to either Dr Elias Ortiz or Dr Illan Faijo. I need any and ALL info/experience good or bad to help me make my final decision. Thank you all very much in advance

Hello I am going to be sleeved in Mexico at the beginning of next year, I have to renew my passport first. My dilemma is choosing what hospital and dr to use. I understand there are so many choices and I do want to be wise with my funds, as I am paying from my savings. However, I do not want to overpay, not do I want to underpay if that means I will not get good results...I will certainly be going outside the US for this procedure as my health insurance will not cover it. My BMI is 42 and I am about 100 lbs overweight. At first I thought I would just be banded but it appears that many people who get banded later get surgery. A bit about me, I found out in June of…

Hey guys I had my vertical sleeve gastrectomy on July 1st and I've lost 105 pounds since then! The top left is the day before my surgery and the bottom right is the day of my birthday. (October 31st) Finally starting to see a difference! So proud of myself [ATTACH]37404[/ATTACH]

Now that my adventures in Sleeve Travel are over, and I'm home and rested I'd like to share my experience with you. I will do my best to stay on topic and give as many details and I can. LAX: I arrived in LA to visit some friends with my mom and have a mini-preop vaca. Being on a preop diet surrounded by people eating and drinking can make you a little grumpy. I will say though, it allowed me to locate the best Caesar salad within a 50 mile radius. That would be Bubba Gumps, btw, at City Walk in Universal Studios. San Diego: We went to San Diego a day early to try and sightsee and prolong the visit. By this time I was a bit short tempered. The anxiety and stress of wh…

I would really like an idea of what you all paid in total for your sleeve surgery in Mexico, and who the surgeon was and what was all included. Thank you!!!

This time next week I will be getting revision from band to sleeve!!!! Struggling with this pre-op diet. Getting nervous because I will be going alone, but looking forward to the next journey.

Update 10/25/13 I just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to respond to this question, both here and personally by private message. All of your input has been helpful. I have been able to research this further. It was a real event, but I have some concerns about the way it was presented to me. I certainly extend my condolences to the family and for the WLS community when a tragedy strikes. I feel satisfied that I am in safe hands and I can now move forward confidently. I will be staying with Dr. Aceves, and I'll be sure to update everyone following surgery! Hi everybody-- I am not trying to be a fear-monger. I simply value your sober and truthful feedb…

Got sleeved 48 hrs ago - now on 5th floor overlooking the pool at Hotel Lucerna. Have seen a couple folks who look like SLEEVERS & I want to say hello, but it'd just be too awkward if I were wrong !

At last year’s annual physical, I asked my primary care physician (PCP) if I would benefit from weight loss surgery. She said, “Yes, weight loss surgery would benefit you. But, not something as drastic as the by-pass due to absorption issues.” Great – that is all I needed to hear. Last summer, I completed the program at my local bariatric center – even though I met insurance criteria, I was immediately denied – both insurance appeals were denied – I got determined – started researching all options - then chose my surgeon in Mexico. (My BMI was 36 and I had a co-morbidity and met the insurance requirement for surgery, but was denied because my hypertension was contr…

I just had my VGS on Sept 25 2013. I had my surgery at the hospital Jerusalem with Dr Almanza. It was amazing. The whole staff is so nice and caring. They were so clean it was amazing. Even the shuttle drivers were well groomed and polite. I went all by myself and they made me feel right at home.

With my Doctor, he only requires one day of liquids the day before surgery. This was a huge relief for me as I have read so many posts about 1 and 2 week liquid diets pre op. But now that I may have to go to Mexico to have this surgery, can you tell me what diet the doctors there require? I am possibly using Dr Illan. But do most Mexico doctors require the same pre op diet and what is it exactly?

Help :z I have been researching surgeons and facilities for a while now and am going cross-eyed, lol. I think I have finally narrowed it down to these 3: Dr Alejandro Lopez-Ortega Dr Ramos Kelly Dr Ariel Ortiz (I also really liked what I read about Dr. Ismael Cabrera Garcia but he isn't ASMBS certified) I'm looking for ANY feedback, information or experience you have regarding any of the above surgeons or the facilities they use (positive or negative). I'm hoping to book the surgery for the first week of December, so I need to make a decision soon and am hoping your replies will help me Thank you very much!!!

I went the self pay route and had my sleeve done 10/14. I was told that with self pay I would pay approx 30% of the actual cost. Thought okay I will be able to swing the $12,000. Today I get a call from my husband who was in total shock, hospital bill came in at $27,000. That's without the surgeons or anesthesia bill I am not sure what to do, in total disbelief right now.

I already had my sleeve done in the states, but my boyfriend wants it

I am scheduled for surgery in 3 weeks, anyone used this team at INT Hospital lately? I haven't seen any posts on here recently, just looking for someone to share the good or bad! I'm getting a little nervous

Which gastric sleeve surgeons in Mexico are most recommend? Are there any independent unbiased sources out there?

Anyone going to be going to Mexicali Bariatric with Dr. Aceves between 1/21/2014 - 1/27/2014? I'm going for a band to sleeve revision. Flying in to San Diego from Vancouver Canada on the 21st, surgery on the 22nd, three nights in the hospital, and then opting for an additional two nights at the hotel. So excited!!! :-) Tim

Bags are packed, and hopefully my liver is shrunk Leaving at 4 am for what will probably be a ten hour drive from Northern California to the TJ Boarder. Adios amigos!

Hi therei am currently awaiting word from my insurance company to get the sleeve here in the United States. I am on the border with my BMI, 34.9,so I have a feeling I might be denied. No other factors to help out my plea unfortunately. So I am looking into Mexico as an alternative. Learning some great information here. I am down to two doctors. Dr illan and dr and sr alverez. I am leaning toward dr illan because of the cheaper price though. What are your thoughts between the two?

Just wondering if anyone has had Dr. Lopez Corvala perform their surgery, also, wondering how Hospital Angeles is? Thanks (p.s. I'm new here)

I know that there are a lot of posts about surgeons in Mexico, and even about Dr. Aceves, however I'm hoping to get in contact with anyone who had their surgery with Dr. Aceves of Mexicali Bariatric within the past year, and to ask what your thoughts are about the experience. I was banded back in 2009 and am going for a band to sleeve revision. I have done lots of research and believe that Dr. Aceves is the way to go for surgery in Mexico. I'm about to go ahead and book my surgery and flights, etc. But, I would LOVE to hear from anyone who has gone down their more recently to see if the standards are still the same, how they felt, etc. Also, if there is anyone who had the…

I am at such odds with myself. I am a self-pay and originally had plans to do the surgery in the USA. I even put a $500 deposit down at a place only an hour away from my home. Since that time I've gone through a very amicable divorce, major move, and giant income drop. I have zero support. I have no family and I am keeping this a secret from my friends (who all are skinny and would never support me in this). I've giving myself several months to get my feet back on solid ground and to make sure this is still the right decision for me in my current life. I am still debating wether to even move forward with the surgery or not. BUT...I absolutely cannot afford the $15,0…

How much have you lost since being sleeved by Dr. Garcia and in what timeframe are u losing?

Hi everyone, I'm new to the group. I live on the gold coast in Australia. A few of my friends have been sleeved and my sisters dad all with massive success. So I took my hubby along to an information night here and we decided that sleeving is probably my best and only option for permanent weightloss. We don't have insurance being that the Aussie health system in general is fantastic but this surgery is around $15,000- $19,000 aud. Anyway I am going to Egypt next Friday for 2 months with my children and my hubby suggested that I do it there (he's Egyptian) as I'd have a lot of post op support there from his family. I'm freaking out a bit as Egypt has both its current polit…

Will anyone be with dr. Aceves these days? Let me know!

Which doctors in Mexico use what we, in the US, would consider a hospital? I know that everything is vastly different, but I guess I am interested in facilities that would be an ideal place if something went wrong -ie icu, blood bank, other surgeons, an er?

Winding down in my hotel room now with the wife, and I'll sum a couple things up real quick so I can go enjoy my wine, dessert, and wine. 1. We met the most awesome people who traveled with us in the van (a man and his mother, and sisters). The drive is a little over an hour and Ernesto, Dr. Aceve's driver is really sweet (he has a little bit of a speech impediment) and really engages us in conversation and has excellent interpersonal skills! 2. The hotel is clean, small, and cozy (as cozy as a hospital can be. We had all our work done, Dr. Campos came in and talked to us as a group, and he is so awesome and extremely informative. The lady who's name I can't remember…