Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I'm going in October and would love to go with or talk to someone who is going in this time frame! My contact is kristi who is setting it all up. I believe that's her name. The doctor I've chosen is a lady, Doctor Valenzuela. If anyone can share anything to calm my nerves. Thank you,,,,Deborah.

How do we find our driver at the airport? Is there a good restaurant where both me and my support person can eat the day of arrival that is near the Marriott in TJ? Best things to do if you arrive in the morning the day before surgery an have loads of time to kill? Any problems bring food over the border? Name the one thing you wish you HAD brought? Name one thing you brought and didn't need? Best piece of advice?

So, I have my first NSV! I officially started my pre-op diet yesterday. I've really started my WL journey with the sleeve now. My surgery is on 8/31. I cleaned up the kitchen today, bought some groceries to see me through the pre-op and some of the post-op. I've also bathed the dogs so they can be clean at my friend's house while I'm away. I leave for the airport at 1:30pm on Friday. I'm excited. I also created my WL tracker. WOOT!

Just got sleeved yesterday - I think i read about the pain and nausea but *was not* prepared for that. The hospital was extremely accommodating though, giving me a ton of nausea meds and narcotics to ease the pain. Mostly, that stuff put me to sleep. I woke up this morning feeling a little better, but am still in vague pain near my drain. Drinking the three drinks they gave me has probably been the hardest thing to in my life, ha. I'm hoping this feels better by tomorrow, or by Monday when we leave to go home.

So I just got a call from my coordinator. My surgery is in Tijuana August 21st. Our airplane comes in really early so she was actually worried about me waiting too long for the driver. She decided to pick me up herself! I think it is amazing that they would be concerned about a client. My experience thus far is wonderful. I'm sure when it comes to surgery it won't be all wine and romance, but I'm ready to do the due diligence. I'm excited to get on with this next adventure in my life. Bring it!!!

Hi everyone! Ok so I have a surgery date of 9/12/13. I fly in on the 11th. I'm getting down to almost no time with this. I have been in close contact with Susan during all this, but until they pick up my deposit on Monday, I am just waiting. I know she has confirmation of deposit she will send me a bunch of stuff that includes all instructions. I am 5ft 3in and about 220. If anyone close tp me knows a little more than I do about this pre-op stuff and what all I will have to do, please be a doll and share. Thanks :-)

I had same day revision surgery from band to sleeve on 5/22 with Dr. Garcia and ready for a change. Day 1 When I woke up that morning I was ready to go. My husband loaded up the car and headed out. We dropped our daughter off at my parents house and headed to the airport. Once we landed in San Diego within minutes Samuel Jr.was calling to let me know he was waiting for us. R4AC has an older model mini van but it was very clean. Samuel showed us around a bit and we were at the hospital within 25 minutes. When I arrived at Florence hospital Samuel took all of our luggage in and waited with us until the receptionist was available to give me paper work to fill out. After I…

I'm having surgery tomorrow with Dr. Illan at florence Hospital, thought I would make my own thread so future potential patients can read about my experience here (hence the super long title, trying to cram the key words in there for future searches). I booked this though Susan (I think the company is Mysurgeryoptions.com? Please correct me if I'm wrong) and she was incredibly helpful (thanks Susan!!). It was an easy process for me, she did all the work. So far it's been great!! The flight from San Francisco to San Diego was flawless, and the driver was waiting for me at the airport holding a sign with my name on it (I thought that was really cool, I felt like a fanc…

Yes, yes... I know i just said October..but that was the soonest I could do the surgery due to my husband's work schedule. Is there anyone else scheduled far ahead like me? It would be nice to talk to others while waiting...such a looooong wait..I mean..not as bad compared to a 5 year wait out here in Canada when covered by Insurance. Someone talk to me before i lose my marbles!

My journey started in Nov 12 2012... When I started with my Pre-op diet. I was weighting 214 pounds... The day of The surgery I was 206 thanks God 9 months later I'm in 136 pounds... I almost reach my goal 130 pounds!!! So happy... Thanks To Dr. García and his team if you arr going to be sleeve with this amazing dr don't think twice you are in great hands!!!

At least that's how I feel right now. I am on day 6 of my pre-op "warm up" diet. I am only supposed to do it for a week, but I started early because my BMI is borderline for 2 weeks, just cutting carbs and sugar. I suck at it. My hores are moaning and I am so PMSy and hungry. I've made some good decisions and done better than usual, but I am still eating too often and too large of portions of the "allowable" foods. This is why I'm in terrible shape to begin -- if I could diet and stick to it, I wouldn't need surgery daggumit. I start the REAL diet, two protein shakes and a light supper of chicken and salad, on Tuesday. I'm feeling out of control and hopeless about stickin…

Well, I had my surgery yesterday, and today I am sitting in my hospital room feeling really, really good. I'm actually surprised at how well I'm feeling right now (knock on wood). When I was still pre-op and researching as much as I could, I really appreciated the people who wrote about their experiences, especially those that went to my doctor. Knowing what to expect was SO helpful for me. So, I promised myself I would do the same thing. I'm only one day out from surgery, so I will continue to update, but I can tell you this much: What everyone says is true. The hospital is small, clean, modern and ALL the people are nice and helpful. Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos ea…

OMG - i FINALLY committed to a date. Going with Dr Illan October 5th. Right now (in daylight) I'm excited and cannot wait to start my new life BUT what happens at night ??? all my doubts (and downright terror) sets in and I find myself sitting upright in bed at 3am saying WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING !!!! Would love to meet up with anyone else going around this time !!

I am having the sleeve surgery with the self pay option because my BMI is too low for insurance to cover it. I am right at 30 BMI. Has anyone had the surgery who has a BMI of 30 or around there? If so, how quickly did you lose and what did you think of your results? I can't wait to get sleeved, and am scheduling my surgery date today for the next few weeks. Thanks in advance for your responses.

I'm scheduled to be sleeved on 1/9/2014.. yeaaaaa..... me.. super excited!!!

I had been putting off discussing my upcoming surgery in Mexico with my PCP. I had a feeling she wouldn't be supportive and I was right. Saw her today and told her I had researched this for over a year. My insurance does not pay for WLS. No way, no how. When I mentioned going to Mexico, she immediately looked at me like I had 2 heads and said, NO, I have seen too many complications, infections and so on. I don't want you going out of the country. Then she said keep working with your insurance. Got up and left the room. Didn't even discuss other options for weight loss, what my research had lead me to, anything. Good thing I am moving to a new city and this was m…

Anyone going with Dr. Aceves for Sept. 17??? I need company

So let me start by saying a few words as to why I'm writing this. I was recently sleeved by Dr. Garcia in Tijuana and I am very happy with my results -- so far. If you want to read moment by moment blows of someones happy surgery, this isn't the blog. I've read every blog here and a majority are dead on accurate. But there's a lot no one bothers to mention and I wish someone had. Also, I'm posting this from a made-up user ID.... I read the boards daily and respond frequently, but prefer to keep some elements of my issues private (as you'll read). Thanks!! First, Waiting! I appreciate in the U.S. were go-go-go people who are comfortable with our busy, full schedul…

How much did you lose and in what time frame

Garcia for Sept 9 getting ready started Pre op diet today..

Checked in at marriot today and surgery in morning... Everything has gone great so far. Any prayers are welcome tomorrow. Thanks

Very great experience!!!! Dr. Illan is top notch! Lucerna is gorgeous!!!!!

For those of you that are thinking about being sleeved in MX with Dr. Rodriguez, dont hesitate! I researched and chose Dr. Rod because of his ability to work with scar tissue after talking with some of his former patients that had a revision surgery. I had the Molina band for 17 years (had it removed here in the states since insurance was nice enough to cover it!!) so needless to say, my tummy had some scar tissue and i needed a surgeon that could handle this. Dr. Rod did with ease! Here is my detailed journey/experience... My husband and I arrived on Friday, 2/10/12 at 5-ish due to our plane being late. Sergio, the driver, met us at the doors of the airport and g…

Post the days you will be in Tj... At which hospital/hotel what days??

I am not scare about the surgery, I am afraid about traveling alone not because English, Spanish is my main language I guess just the though of going to cross the board by myself and stories about Tijuana aren't the best, any suggestion, please!!!!! Anybody that did it and can give some support and hopes :-)

So today we did some shopping for my daughters wedding in 2 weeks. I wanted to wait till the last minute to purchase clothes. Well, I've lost 45 pounds but seems my old clothes are really really loose, but new clothes are the same size I'm losing every place but my belly.....tops loose at shoulders but still need the girth around the belly. Anyway, we stopped at Red Lobster for lunch. Thought lunch would be good, much smaller portions. Got scallops and shrimp, broiled of course. I took 1 very tiny tiny tiny piece of my hubbies biscuit....I don't want to feel deprived of anything. Ate about half the shrimp and scallops, a bite of the roasted squash and was done. Took …

Hi everyone, I can't seem to find out from FACS and AMBS that Dr. Aceves is really certified. I was wondering if anyone has found out if he really is and I was wondering if I might be giving out the wrong name or something. Can anyone help me out with his actual full name please and thank you

Anyone here with experience with Dr. Ponce an his coordinators and hospital, etc.....can you share?and how much you paid? Ty!!

My surgery is on Monday, August 19th!!! I can't believe the time is here already!! Did anyone have problems using US dollars in Mexico and should I convert my money to Pesos. I planning to take some small denominations, I don't want to bring home a lot of pesos. So, was there any problems using US dollars at restaurants, hotels, or cab fare?

Is it possible to schedule surgery, directly with the Dr. without having to use these coordinators. If so which Dr.'s will do this.

Anyone else going to be there? I am flying in the 19th. I was suppose to be having surgery the 30th but moved it up because of work. Please reply if you are going to be in TJ that time. Thanks,

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 …

I'm going to have my sleeve first week in October. Anyone else going then. I'd love to journey this with someone. I'm freaking out already.

I was wondering is anyone having their surgery on September 30 I will be there and alone looking to see if anyone else will be in tj at this time. Let me know thanks

Hello All, Some of you know, that after sending in my labs prior to going to Mexico I was cleared even though my blood count was 10.2. The day of surgery my surgeon did not preform the sleeve on me because my blood count was not the minimum of 12. I feel like doctors should put the care of their patient before anything else. My concern is that I paid extra for rooms, paid all the drivers to and from the hospital, like I would if I was talking a cab and paid my driver to cross the boarder to take me to the airport. This was supposed to be all included. My question is has anyone else been rejected and if so, did you get a refund?? I was told I was going to get a refund, b…

I am from Alberta and looking into booking surgery in Mexico but will admit it scares me a little... ok A LOT! I have a friend who used Dr. Aceves so this naturally makes me feel better however he is double the price of Dr. Louisiana Valensuela! Please share stories if you have used either, good or bad I really appreciate it

I am hearing good things about dr verbonnen ... Has anyone used him in Mexico for the sleeve?

Hi everyone, Do I need to bring ext. Cord with me for my heating pad? Thanks!

I would love to read any comments from those who went to TJ Mexico for sleeve...l go Sept.17th and just a little nervous!

So I've booked a date with dr Fernando Garcia in Mexico a little scared I need to be back to work on the 5 day latest the 6 anyone know how recovery works? Am I rushing it? Anyone returned to work that fast? Any feed back on this dr,? Sorry to many questions I'm going crazy!!

Has anyone ever used US travellers checks at the Grand Hotel? and if so how long ago?

Just wondering if anyone can share there experience..how is he as a surgeon? Whats he like?

I have an intense fear of complications from having this surgery. At times I feel certain that its what I want to do, but then I will read a surgery gone wrong story and think that will be me. Here lately I have been keeping myself up at night wondering if I am making the right decision, worrying about all the things that could go wrong. Is it really a gamble? Forgive me, I'm just petrified and almost have myself talked into trying another diet for the 100th time and not having the surgery. What did you do to calm your nerves? How did you get over the anxiety of possibly having a complication or even death?

To whom it may concern: Surgery is scary. Leaving the country can be scary. Leaving the country to have surgery?Terrifying. Coordinators: We don't need bogus reviews, paid reviews, vague reports of tragedy, and referral kickbacks out there amongst us muddying the waters. We need you to answer our questions... Honestly. We need you to hold our hands in spirit and in person whenever possible. We need you to represent your company and the surgeons who contract through said company with integrity and dignity. If you struggle defining those words or relating to them I suggest a career change. Medical Tourists: We need some solidarity. We are all, or have been, in th…

I think it's time to jump. I'm going to book Dr. Garcia on 8/31. I'll fly out after work on Friday, and be back home Tuesday. Hopefully, I'll feel up to going back to work on Wednesday (I just sit at my desk all day). Total cost with Airfare will be less than $5100. I've heard only positive things about most of the Drs. so I'm sure any decision would be a good one.

Four weeks out today. I have been eating soft foods for the last week. Besides cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, what are good protein foods to eat? I did eat half a chicken thigh one night...and tuna...But I really need a change. What do you eat?

It's 9:37pm my time and she is answering all my questions; I'm so happy! I can book Dr. Garcia for Saturday 8/31, work half a day on Friday 8/30, and be back at home that Tuesday! I'm excited!

Tomorrow is my one year anniversary.....August 2, 2012.....my 40th birthday! I am so happy to say that 365 days later I am maintaining my weight loss of 60 lbs, which I lost after 6 months. I am a size 4/6 and run about 40 miles a week and am planning a 15 mile run tomorrow for my 41st bday and my one year anniversary. This was the best decision I could have ever made. Dr. Garcia is wonderful and I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat if I needed to. For those questioning the surgery, the location or the doctor know that you are making the right decision! To think last year at this time my husband and I were sitting in the Marriott Tijuana waiting for the big d…

I have a BMI of 31 im post menapausal and have regained 50 pds yet again....im done...Ive made the choice niw its about finding a very experienced DR at a great price

hello, does anyone know how much the taxi from hotel grand to mi doctor is?