Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Don't leave us so soon after your sleeve. We get worried when you disappear!!! Amanda Rae

Fall into the savings with our bariatric price specials. If you have been thinking about having a bariatric procedure now is the time Dr. Ponce and his team are running a fall special book your procedure between september and November and you will receive a $300 credit toward the surgery price; you will also receive a gift basket, and a 30 day supply of Protein powder. Do not delay if you are considering Bariatric surgery and have questions call or email Trish we are happy to serve you and be a part of your weight loss journey I would be happy to get you her info if you need it. This is a great deal! Sarah

Has anyone had the surgery done with Dr.Almanza? What was your experience like? I'm booked for October 14th 2013.

I am going to TJ for surgery on Sept 19th....4 days!!! Is anyone else going to be there? Would love to have a sleeve buddy!! I am in Boise, Idaho, also looking for local people to pen pal with/meet up for support!!

I have been speaking with a gal named Regine Ison, ( she is in the Philippines, which I don't feel great about ) about the Gastric Sleeve. These doctors are : Dr. Arturo Cazarez , Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela , and Dr. Ishmael Caberera. They are having a summer special for two doctors at 4300. I have not seen anything on this site so far, are there any people who have used them ? Please let me know, thank you.

How does this work if you have your sleeve done in Mexico? I am considering Dr. Alvarez, but what if I run out of pain meds or have an emergency once I get back home?

I am new to this forum, and I have been looking in to going down to Mexicali to get the gastric sleeve procedure done by Alberto Aceves. Has anyone else gone to him for thid particular procedure? I have several questions regarding the process of getting something like this done in such a far away location. 1. Is it safe, is it clean?! 2. Do they do everything over the phone, or do you go down to meet with the surgeon some time before the actual procedure is done? 3. Can someone sum up what the whole experience is, from beginning to end?! I just filled out my online application and I cannot wait to hear back from them. I am so nervous, but so excited to be on my wa…

As some of you already know - my surgery date is October 5th in Tijuana with Dr Illan. I plan to start my pre op diet Sunday. Approximately 10-12 days ago I started experiencing some really unusual stuff. First and foremost, my appetite has gone, poof - outta there - disappeared. This is HIGHLY unusual - I am an emotional eater so you would think pre op stress - eat eat eat - but no, I get up in the morning, not hungry, lunch, not hungry and on and on. I cooked myself my fave meal (curry) I did not eat any of it - packed into a rubbermaid and in the fridge, simply not interested. I also have an unopened bag of Kit Kat chocolate in the fridge keeping the curry com…

Hi there, this is my first post. I am concerned that the only identification my husband has to get back into San Diego is his drivers licence and multiple bills with his name and California address. But his entire file full of important documents has gone missing. Getting his birth certificate from England will be rough. Getting his US military documents, also rough. 54 days Til surgery in Tijuana. For those who've come back through at San Diego border... Should we be concerned? Oh and we have our marriage license and I have my birth certificate and license and bills. What's the worst case scenario???

I haven't told any friends or family of my scheduled VSG on Nov 14th in Mexico. The only person that knows is my husband. How did your friends and family react to Surgery in Mexico?

There are lifting requirements so what does everyone use to travel home. A suitcase alone typically weighs 5 lbs. I am traveling alone. Having my surgery Friday. So excited

Scarless VSG surgery in Southern CA was $18K. I had too low of BMI for insurance to pay. HA HA, I was medically obese but just not obese enough. My surgery was an outpatient procedure. I had no drain, no staples at incision site, no morphine needed, no catheder like so many others report after surgery. Yikes for those of you who I read about where you are hospitalized for days. Included preop diet foods, 3 months of Dr followup appt. Included free weekly support groups including ongoing nutritional, psych and other general help for life. Excluded preop testing such as EKG, Upper GI and bloodwork. Normal insurance pays for my follow up visits at 6 months and 1 ye…

After how long after surgery are u not at risks for leaks and what r the symtoms of leaks

If you had your surgery performed at either one of these places, please voice your opinions. What did you like/dislike about it, were you satisfied with the care you received there?

Hi everyone Okay, I have two wireless phones - one is Page Plus and the other is Tracfone. Does anyone have either of these and has successfully used them in Tijuana (or anywhere in Mexico for that matter) I called both of these carriers - Page Plus said NO not unless I can catch a Verizon signal (gee that helps) Tracfone was even more ridiculous and said NO - and went onto say that no tracfone will work outside the contiguous US - which is utter baloney folks as I have an Alaska Tracfone number which works just dandy in Alaska. So I did try the carriers first but their answers are less than helpful - would LOVE to hear from anyone with Tracfone - Page Plus or Ve…

Hi everyone! Can you weigh in on flying shortly after surgery? I'll be flying from Chicago to Oklahoma City for surgery so only a 2 hour flight. Will be 5 days after surgery. My doc already told me to walk every hour to help with clots and will be giving me a blood thinner. What I really want to hear though is YOUR story on flying. Was it miserable waiting to fly out? Awkward getting patted down by security? Any tips for me ? Sent from my iPhone using VST

I am so curious to know how you all came to the decision for surgery. I want to know, was it a single day ? a light bulb clicked on over your head ? a careless comment ? a photo ? or like me, the end of a long long journey. I'm going to be brutally honest with you. I always felt that wls was for everyone else, definitely not for me because I could lose weight on my own and to get surgery to lose weight was absolutely NUTS and truly it NEVER entered my head. So with this mindset the last 20 years have been an endless stream of different diets. pills, potions, contraptions, books, videos - well you get the idea. And the grand result is, I am almost back to my heaviest…

Whats my motivation!!! I am tired of being fat point blank period!!! I am tired of working out and getting frustrated when I only see 10-15 pounds and give up t gain 30 back..I have clothes with the tag on them when I lost 40lbs but I gained 40+ back... I want to cross my legs.. I want to look down and see my vag jay jay..lol.. Without having to hold my stomach... I want to look sexy in panties and bras.. I don't want to be ashamed of my body... I want to work and wind m damn hips during sex and not be tired after 5..lol.. Sent from my iPad using VST

Many years ago I lived in Australia and was madly trying to get a flight to England last minute for Christmas. This was pre-internet days - only flight I could get went via the States. I had a few days in LA so I booked myself on a shopping day trip to TJ So there I was in TJ in a department store buying one of my favorite perfumes. The sales girl spoke no English and to my shame I spoke no Spanish. As she wrapped my perfume she proceeded to speak a few sentences to me that seemed to end in a question with the word "Dynasty" - well I was clueless so I nodded and smiled. She turned around and walked away, then came back with this huge box containing a large dinne…

Do I need to bring anything to eat if I go to Florence/Marriott with Ready 4 a Change and Dr Garcia???

Hey, thought I would post this here in the Mexico forum because I'm looking specifically for Mexico-based docs for plastics. A friend of mine has lost a lot of weight and is looking for a good doc, especially for a tummy tuck/pannectomy type of plastics, has anyone here had plastics in Mexico with a surgeon you would 100% recommend?

Hey everyone Well good grief I seem to go from one drama to the next. I don't know if anyone has any ideas and advice but I'm all ears right now. I have been going through the citizenship process (I am a Brit by the way) and yesterday had my final test and interview and was approved to become a citizen and am now just waiting for my ceremony etc. BUT what I didn't realize was they told me yesterday that I could not leave the country without a US passport. At the time it didn't even sink in, but the penny just dropped that I am leaving the country in 2 weeks and five days !! for surgery in Mexico October 5th So I am wondering if a passport card is easier to get ? -…

As many of you know, I'm a travel agent. I really hated to ask for a seat belt extension and not being able to do much but sit on the beach. I was sleeved at the end of May and today am down 60 pounds. Well, at 55 pounds lost I went on a cruise. Any of you ever done this? You know all of the food that is served on board...and in ports of call. I was with my hubby and parents...all eaters. I think I did pretty well...seeing there were a million desserts etc on board. The first night was bad.....I had a small soft serve icecream cone, then later that evening had a virgin mudslide. Ugh!! My first time having "dumping"!!! needless to say I watched the rest of my trip. My …

Hey y'all! I just scheduled my VSG for November 14th with Dr. Garcia in Mexico. I was wondering, what you're looking forward to or if you've had the surgery what the best nsv you've had is?? I'm looking forward to having kiddos! That's the main reason for getting this done! I'm also looking forward to smaller clothes(right now I'm a 28 pant), I'm looking forward to being lighter than my husband hes 240lbs I'm 350 :-( ), running in my companies annual race for awareness 5k, buying cute panties/bras, having my husband pick me up(he does it now but I'm always afraid I'm going to crush him), the list goes on and on! :-)

I'm so excited we finally heard back from my Husbands work and he got the time off for my surgery! We leave November 13th and I'll be sleeved November 14th with Dr. Garcia in TJ. So now it's on....my husband is a huge planner....he has been trying to find a good packing list. What were some things you're glad that you took to Mexico with you? Or what do you wish you would have packed? Thanks everyone!

Yep, that's right, me the big worrier, the chicken has just booked her flights !! - no going back now !! Also, finally got up the gumption to go see my PSP and tell him about my upcoming trip to Mexico for surgery and received an awesome response, he was totally on board, in fact he had also traveled to Mexico recently to research surgery for his own heart condition so he was extremely receptive. Surprisingly, considering my abject terror at times, I felt great booking the flights and maybe I'm turning a corner here and getting more comfortable with this choice after all - hope so ...

Okay guys please give me some feedback at what I am doing wrong! I had surgery just over a month ago and do not regret it at all!! However I have been dealing with some tummy issues! I am now lactose intolerant which sucks big time so I am now staying away from dairy but am still getting sick to my stomach!! I get daily stomach pains and sorry for the info here but bad diarrhea... I have also thrown up twice from the stomach pain! I am still on soft foods, I eat slow and don't drink with my meals.... Has anyone else had these same problems and if so how did u deal with them??? Thanks for any insight

Trying to plan. Is protein shakes and broth all you have for liquid stage? Am I missing anything else that is nutritious? Thanks!

So I was trying to choose between Dr. Ponce de Leon or Dr. Kelly and after speaking to Dr. Kelly I had pretty much decided to go with him... then I got a call from Laurie Wolf who said that they are running a special in August/September for only 4600 for VSG with Dr. Ponce!! is this for real? All the prices I've seen so far were 5500 for VSG by either doctor... I have 4300 now so I could much more easily come up with another couple hundred rather than 900 LOL The package includes "everything but airfare" so 2 nights in hospital, 1 in hotel Lucerne or Hacienda del Rio.. also includes getting picked up at San Diego airport... Has anyone used this lady? she was very inf…

A girlfriend and I are planning on going for our sleeves in the beginning if Dec at OCC. anyone else planning on then? Also, is there anything for our companions to do while we are there?

Is anyone scheduled for October 17 at Jerusalem Hospital in Tiajuana??

Well, I am back home from my trip to Mexico. I am going to try and give an honest review of my experience there and my thoughts about Having the Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana. I Arrived and called the coordinator about being picked up at the airport. I was picked up by the driver in a large black Cadillac Limo. Isn't that the way to go....Fancy. No wet bar, however. Joking. He took me directly to the clinic to do my EKG and get blood work. My first impressions, yes this is Tijuana, yes this is a strip mall with a porno shop and office max, and yes it is small. These are things I knew going in. Following the clinic I was told my pre surgery instructions my pick up time and ta…

Sept 12th for me...getting nervous but very excited!

Did you really have to bring your own gauze bandages, bactine and paper tape? Did you have to bring soap and washcloths for Mi Doctor Hospital? Or do we even get to shower at the hospital? Should we bring our own bottled Water? I hear the Marriott only gives 2 bottles a day. What else are you really glad you brought? Anything you would have left at home? Thanks in advance :-)

I am booked to get the revision sleeve on Sept 9 with Dr Fernando Garcia ! Pumped! On Pre op diet now getting headaches .. Can anyone give me some tips

I am so excited. I am Finally scheduled to have the sleeve! I have been on this board for months and I am finally pulling the trigger! I am so excited. Scared of course. I am Going to Mexico by myself and I am okay with that. Anyone else going on that day?

I had surgery March 28th in TJ with Dr Illan and the wonderful Omar! I have lost 87lbs and couldn't be happier still have about 80 to go. I loved my experience with BajaBariatrics and look forward to going back next summer just to visit!

Thought we could do a roll call for upcoming 2013 surgeries at MiDoctor Hospital in TJ. I figured it could help us link up while we are in TJ. I am with Dr. Garcia on 1/22 and will arrive at the Marriott on 1/21. I'm going through Ready 4 a Change. Also if any past patients want to chime in, I'm sure we'd all love to hear about your progress! Lauren Age: 29 HT: 5'4 CW: 221 GW: 140

Still haven't found Sleeve buddy. My date is October 5th with Dr Illan Tijuana. I didn't think it would bother me going alone but as time is drawing nearer I'm really feeling shaky. Still back and forth from excitement to real fear. If I'm honest there are moments I could cancel this at any moment but then something stops me.

Hi all. For those who want to stay in the US and have to pay out of pocket. I just had my vsg 9/11/13. I did a ton if research and called lots of doctors. I decided on Dr.Hunter at Virginia Mason. Best decision ever. For me, MX was out. Too far, and difficult to find a doctor to do my follow up care. I paid $16000.00 Which when you factor flights,hotels, and the benefit of being near home, kids, hubby. 16k was a good deal. It covers 2 days in hospital, which I used and 3 months of follow up. Virginia Mason was amazing. Let me tell you, when you are prepping for surgery, I was so thankful to be in a hospital. I was very nervous! The surgeon and his team checked on m…

Hi - (I posted this on OH as well) I've been researching WLS and the sleeve for quite a while. I even had a date, but canceled after the recent death(s) and feeling like I wanted and needed additional food (irony) for thought and consideration. My current insurance does not cover WLS, but my insurance will be changing in November and they will likely cover a large portion of the WLS - but my out-of-pocket costs will still be more or similar to the amount MX WLS would cost (including airfare, etc.). I'm interested to know... If you were approved in USA, why/how did you choose Mexico? If you are a health care professional, why/how did you choose Mexico? Wh…

So, sorry if this is a repeat question but I keep looking & haven't found it yet.... I've made the decision to go to Mexico for surgery (90% sure) - not sure with whom, but that's for another time. Has anyone gone alone? I realize that it's always better to have someone with you but I just don't have anyone that I can take. I have two young kids and no other family really and my husband needs to stay behind with them. I guess I want to hear from other people who were by themselves: - Was it okay alone? - What do I need to take? I'm wondering about luggage bc I will have to lift it when I fly home. If I pack bare minimum, it won't be heavy, but then what if …

Anyone At Florence hospital and staying at Marriott im arriving tomorrow afternoon via SD

I'm having surgery on friday at Florence Hospital. I'm going alone and I have a question about my valuables while I'm in surgery. I'm obviously going to have my passport and a little cash and a creidt card with me. What do you do with these things while your out of your room? I'm starting to worry about the stupid littlle things now but it's stressing me out. I figured I could lock them in my suitcase but anyone would walk off with my luggage. Any one else go alone with an answer for me? PLEASE?

Thinking about using Dr Garcia please tell me your thoughts

I'm considering surgery with Dr. Ponce and was wondering how people pay for surgery? My friend went to Dr. Ponce and I think she got bank financing. What would be a good option for someone whose credit is not that great? I took a hit to my credit after being unemployed for over a year. I've been employed full time for 2 years now but I worry if I can qualify for financing on my own, I don't have a co-signer. In insight would be greatly helpful. Thank you!

Friday night, we flew from SC to San Diego, CA. We spent that night, all day Saturday and the next night in San Diego. Sunday, we were dropped off at the airport. We were told we would have about an hours wait, but Ernesto got there in 15 minutes! Ernesto is a sweetie, but it was difficult for me to understand him as I don't speak Spanish and he has a slight speech impediment. This is the point where I started getting nervous. We were driving straight to the hospital, with Ernesto talking about the sights, etc. He and my DH talked -- I was too nervous to join in. When we got to the hospital, I met my surgery sister there (she was having a band) and we got …

There is a good chance Medical Tourism may be in my future for nips and tucks. I plan to reach out to my WLS for advisement but I plan to research on my own as well. I'm a bit of a planner so I'm researching now. I came across a very alarming article from this past July about a facility that performs both WLS and plastic surgery. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/die-cheap-plastic-surgery-article-1.1395106

Okay, I'm scheduled with Dr Illan October 5th (haven't found another person going near my date so not looking like I'll have a buddy right now) Of course I think about it all the time but it's still kind of felt like it was in the future. I started to book my flights and realized it was all too real and now I am soiling my pants in fear !! - what the heck am I doing guys ?? - what if I HATE it after it's done and I want my old stomach back but it's too late ? - this panic is temporary, it hits me about every second or third day, but please, tell me I'm not mad for doing this.

I am setting here in Tijuana Mexico scared to death. What is wrong with me that I can't lose weight on my own? This seems just crazy! I cannot believe it has come to the point of me flying (my biggest fear in life) to another country and letting them cut my stomach out (needles are my 2nd fear). Why can I not just do this on my own? This is honestly the scariest thing I have ever done. On the other hand everything has gone great so far. Our plane was early, our driver was there waiting, he pointed out sites in San Diego snd Tijuana, and the hotel is great. The only thing I would change is I wish I had taken a later flight. I landed at 10am, got to the hotel …