Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I am getting sleeved on 11/4, and I have been reading a lot about people who have been suffering from vomiting amd diarreah since being sleeved.. sometimes for weeks or even months. Anyone been experiencing this? If so, what do your hometown dr.s think of you being sleeved in Mexico?

Looking for a buddy for TJ, Mexico. Dr. Valenzula, Midoctor. Anyone going to be there I get to the Marriot Monday the 21st, Surgery the 22nd...

Has anyone else used Dr. Ponce de Leon? I don't see a lot of information about him on this forum.

How are people handling the pre op diet or how have you handled it? First few days are seeming to be rough. I'm feeling a little hungry I think. Not exactly sure if it's hunger or habit????

While I was in Florence Hospital I was given a bag of fluid that didn't have MY name on it. Fortunately is was just regular 'fluids' and it was the girl across the hall from me that I have gotten to know very well. I noticed that she had more bags of fluids on her IV pole each day than I did. It was an antibiotic that I only got ONE time that I keep noticing in her IV. I asked to have my records checked to see how often I got it they said more than once. I Disagree! I only sabot in my pole one time. My mom is with me and she said the same thing. Now that we're back at the hotel I am required to take antibiotics in pill form. It was Cefalexin- within 30 minutes I blew up …

In Mexico now. My driver Abraham is picking me up at 2 this aft to go to the Mi Hospital for my surgery with Dr.Lopez. Given that I am fasting, today will be a long day. Wish me luck. I will include a long post about my entire experience in a few days.

Or am I gonna get stuck with a bill? My poor husband is so low tech, he won't even know how to use my i pad. Can he make local calls for free???

Was sleeved August 8 th by dr Garcia via ready4change I can't be more happy began my journey at 325 lbs now 262.8 , yes I did the research . I've been on the tread mill. And I'm lucky I didn't have any issues following surgery. Thank you to all of the people involved in my surgery from alma from ready4change to the hospital staff and the dr's ...oh and no I have no connection with this group other than they did my surgery Thanks again Pat williams

Just curious - is there a charge for wifi ? is it available in room ? and how good is it ? - it's going to be fairly important given the fact my phone likely won't work so it's my only source of communication and entertainment. Any info greatly appreciated

Thinking of using Dr. Elias Ortiz for sleeve surgery. Anyone used him?

My surgery is scheduled for October 17th with Dr. Ponce de Leon in Tijuana. As the time approaches I'm getting more and more nervous. Any tips and/or kind words are greatly appreciated.

Just wanted to share some of my NSV's I've discovered within my 5 weeks post op 1. I am not out of breath when I walk from parking garage to my office. I used to have to do that "fake" cough to try to get my breathing normal so everyone didn't think "Damn, she's out of shape!" 2. I had sleep apnea but now my hubby says I'm not snoring any longer! And my sleep is real sleep now! I feel like a full 6 hrs is more than I ever got sleeping longer before! this is a big deal to me! My sleep apnea doctor is on my FB page and is thrilled as well. 3. I actually park at the end of the parking lot when shopping or going to grocery store. NEVER before did I ever think to do…

Can someone who has been sleeved with Dr Garcia tell me what his preop and postop requirements/recommendations?

Can anyone tell mr about your experience with Dr Lopez , anyone talked to him at all?

I don't see as much feedback about Dr. Lopez? Are his sleeve sizes the same as Dr. Garcia? I see a lot of positive feedback about Dr. Garcia but I am leaning toward Puerto Vallarta location and he is not doing surgeries there right now. Also, what ways are you guys researching besides word of mouth on this forum. I have tried googling the doctors names and don't have much luck finding anything out except their own websites. I don't mind calling them to ask questions but I feel better if I can find information on them from independent 3rd party sources. Here is the states there are a lot of ways to find out how safe a doctor is, etc and since I am not familiar with Mex…

My surgeon hasn't even submitted my paperwork to the insurer yet because I have one more visit to go. But, just in case, I'm already thinking of Plan B 'cause a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do! Can anyone who has used Dr. Alvarez in Mexico give me their experience with his office? Thanks for any information you can provide!!

Has anyone used a self pay doc in Georgia? Or Alabama since its close? Would love to hear cost, what's included and if you are happy. Thanks!

It just occurred to me that despite many years of hearing about warnings to never drink the Water, eat the ice in Mexico... I haven't heard anybody talk about it on this forum? Is it that these hospitals and hotels that are designated for Medical Tourism have really good filtration systems? Or has anyone experienced any problems with say... The ice? I'm assuming the bottled water is fine.

I have decided I'm willing to go to Mexico for the gastric sleeve surgery. i've done all my research and I honestly just cannot afford it in the US anywhere! So...WHERE do you start?! How do you find a doctor or facility? Any tips would be greatly appreciated, I'd love to have this done before October, maybe in September, so I need to start doing my research. How did you pick yours? Any recommendations? Thanks SOO much in advance! This group has been so helpful for me

I payed my deposit two months ago... Seems like a year ago. So excited to get this done! I have 30 days left. Driving 9 hours to Mexico on Halloween day, surgery at Mi Doctor on November first! HOW MANY DAYS TIL YOUR SURGERY???

Hello All, Hope everyone is doing well. I have a quick question for those of us who have already had their VSG surgery. Is there a minimum B.M.I requirement? I ask because my surgery is self-pay with Dr. Illan on Nov 4th and I am currently dieting and losing weight (getting a head start). I have lost 15 lbs and have a BMI of 41.2 and I read somewhere you need a minimum of 40. Is this correct? What was your BMI pre-surgery? Please and thank you for all replies, God bless you. Rosana

Sorry to have been a lurker on here -- I've never participated in a forum mostly on iPad before... I keep thinking I'll get to a desktop and do the courteous thing and post and respond, but I'm seldom at a desktop ! Sorry about that! I am an older (50 year old) mom to 3 kids under 12 who has become obese the last five years and stayed that way despite very regular, concerted exercise the last 18 months. I have many high BP readings, high-ish cholesterol, sometimes high-ish blood sugar. I feel like a ticking time bomb of bad health and I need to do what it takes to get healthy now (BMI has bounced around 31-33.5 the last three years despite a lot of effort on my part)…

Just coming to the end of my first preop liquid diet day. Who knew Chicken broth could taste so great !! - but my tummy is yelling FEED ME you B******ch - This gets better right ?? right !!!!

What's the fastest way to do it???

I'm down about 65 pounds now I did find out my insurance will pay for skin removal, although they did not pay for surgery. The rule is 100 pounds off for 6 months and 3" below your girly parts. They say you need to show you had infections etc. I saw my doc yesterday, just to get something documented. I did ask him for some medicated powder...wanted that documented also. Does anyone have anything to add that i should or should not be doing for insurance purposes? thanks Cindy

Ok, so I'm officially admitted to Mi Doctor. Sitting on my bed, in my room right now! Waiting for the nurse to come do my EKG! !!! So excited I might explode! HAHA! Anyways....just got my blood pressure taken. And ever since I got to MX I've been dealing with Nissi......ATTN: EVERYONE ASK FOR THIS GIRL! SHE IS UH-FRIGGIN-MAZINGGGGGG! Girl gets it done I tell ya! And she's quick as heck! Not to mention she runs the place and people here like a boss!!!! She'll do everything and MORE in her power to make sure you feel uber comfortable....or fall head over heals in love with her, and leave your spouse/partner.....one of the two ! - Nurse just walked in. Ok, back, just got…

I will be having surgery Oct 4 th.

Anyone know if the Marriott offered free wireless Internet? What about Mi Doctor Hospital ?

I scheduled my surgery for November 4th with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali! I am SO excited but so nervous.. I was actually more nervous about not being able to get the 3 weeks off work! Is there anyone that will be traveling to Mexicali to see Dr. Aceves at this time? I feel very confident about the choice of my surgeon. I have have done so much research on him, and my wife has spent countless hours up at night researching everything she can about Dr. Aceves, Almater Hospital, and Mexicali. I have not told my Mom yet.. at first I thought it would be best not to, but if anything ever happened there at least she would know where I was. My wife will be traveling with me... THE…

Just curious - is there a charge for wifi ? is it available in room ? and how good is it ? - it's going to be fairly important given the fact my phone likely won't work so it's my only source of communication and entertainment. Any info greatly appreciated

So I originally started looking into the surgeons in Mexico because of price. However, I could jump through hoops and get 60% paid after my deductible and end up close to the same price. But I have found that none of the top local surgeons have the experience of the popular Mexican Docs. Even Dr Elias Ortiz, who is fairly new, has performed more sleeve surgeries than most. It seems like the US docs are still caught up with lap band. I'm going to Mexico for surgery on Nov.13th and I am more confident BC of this.... hope I'm right!

Hey all September buddies...i am arriving at Tj Mariott on the 10th of september and having surgery with Dr. ORTIZ at mi doctor....anyone else?

Hubby cant go and we have a 2 yr old that he will stay with at home. But he really didn't want me to go alone. We were thinking at least my 13 yr old could be around in case of emergency where he could call or get help if I needed it? Like if I am in the hotel alone and something happens

How many people went to Mexico alone and had the procedure? How did it go, how was you experience? I'm going alone in 3 weeks and hope it goes well... What about phone calls? I know I can email but would really like to call... Thanks!!

Feeling okay. Dr. Gracia's team has been great so far. Everyone is so nice. I felt gas pains the first evening. Walked the halls and asked for a stronger pain med which came in shot form. It was good!!! Woke up yesterday feeling okay. I was able to keep all the fluids down

I think I saw a few posts here and there regarding this. It's just that I am booked with these doctors but am staying at some local hotel instead. Was wondering if this was the case with everyone or it was just me. Also....I'm a bit confused about who this Dr. Garcia is exactly? Because loads of people call my surgeon Dr. Cabrera/Garcia too......so when I see Dr. Garcia I get confused lol.

Now that I've made the decision to do the sleeve (self-pay), how do I decide which surgeon and which location? Cancun would be a quick flight for me from Houston -- and somehow sounds more secure than Juarez & Tiajuana... Do you know and RECOMMEND a surgeon in Cancun? I have to watch my budget, but I don't want to risk getting a poorly-trained surgeon. Websites can look fine, but I'd love to hear the real truth from YOU! Help!

I'm here, waiting to have surgery with Dr. Cabrera. I'm so freakin' nervous and scared. I'm wondering what I got myself into. I'm sure that's normal, huh? Yikes!

Looking for a buddy that is going to Mexico Bariatric Center, my date is 10/22/13. Anyone else? I'm getting it done with Dr. Valenzula...

Hi y'all! I'm trying to get my ducks in a row for surgery in TJ with Dr. Garcia, and am hoping to have it done either October 25th or 26th. I need to confirm dates with Alma, but it looks like that is the best window of time to take a few weeks off work. The hubby said he would go when I first decided to have surgery, but is now being a bit of an a**hat and so it looks like I'll be going solo. Would sure like to meet some sleeve buddies to share this journey with me! :-)

Just booked my flight for my 11/4 appointment with Dr. Aceves.. I'm nervous but SO EXCITED! Any suggestions of what I should bring with me (aside from the obvious toiletries and a book/laptop/cellphone). Give me your suggestions!

Boarding flight. Excited. Nervous. Want to get past the surgery part and climb the next mountain

So far so good!!! Samuel picked me up- very friendly. Speaks great English Marriott is very nice. Way nicer than I expected. They bend over backwards for you. Hotel is nice. Room is nice. The chicken broth was great. Popsicles not so much. Best part was meeting Jeanie and her mom. I have been talking to her about 2 weeks now and we are having surgery same day. I am here alone and her and her mom took me in and we hit it off right away. Feeled blessed to have met them.

Who's going to be in TJ on Monday?? My surgery is Monday with Dr. Garcia at florence

Being sleeved by Dr. Garcia at Florence hospital tomorrow. Everyone here at the Marriott has been great. Samuel the driver was very nice, Irene the coordinator is a pleasure to speak with and the staff here at the hotel are very helpful. Anxious for tomorrow to be over!

What to bring? Calling cell phone service AT&T to get on international package. Gas strips Neosporin Eye mask Tread sox They have Internet? Does everyone bring a suitcase. I am traveling alone and worry about the lifting restrictions after surgery

Hi all!! Just arrived at florence and I'm all settled in. Just waiting for surgery. Wifi works great and I can even catch a Tmobile signal from the US both here and at the hospital so no roaming for me!! My friend who has Verizon and another girl with ATT can't get service from their carriers so they're roaming. The hotel is GORGEOUS and the hospital is very nice too!! The rooms are dated but nothing concerning!! I'm totally at peace with my decision to come here!! The pre surgical tests were very quick too, no waiting around for a bunch of different people. So far.... Fabulous!!!

As any one been to Mexicali to Dr. Aceves

Every time I read a positive result or see result pictures I complete one more step! Beginning of last week I requested the time off of work. Then Friday I requested my date to be held. Then tonight I put the request for my 401k loan. Ok, so next goal is to send my form and deposit in. Then buy my plane ticket. Then start buying necessities for the trip. Im getting there, just slow! One negative story makes me nervous and stops me for a day or two. Then I just get remotivated thinking of how my life COULD change for the better!

Are we aloud to gave coffee during this time?