Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I'm out folks. Dr. Kelly is awesome. Relaxing in my hospital bed. I'll post more later.

Has anyone been sleeved by Dr Ortiz in Tijuana? I'm looking to make a decision for my surgery and would appreciate any feedback, good or bad. Thanks!

What type of questions did you ask the Dr. the first time you meet in person with them?

I have been in communication with Tijuana Bariatrics and I am thinking about using them for my Gastric Sleeve surgery in December. The lady that I have been talking to is Alisha and she is so nice and easy to get a hold of. I have been looking online for reviews on Tijuana Bariatrics and Alisha but have not seen anything good or bad. I see a lot of great things about Dr. Fernando Garcia but nothing about Alisha. Can anyone tell me if they have used her?

Is there anyone else having surgery during this time frame? Trying to schedule a date and would like to be with others since I'm travelling by myself.

OK. I'm really nervous about the return flight home. I'm going alone, and am an ultimate planner. I have never had a laproscopic surgery and have no idea how I'll feel four days after its done. I only have one flight, nonstop from San Diego to Dallas. How far did you guys have to travel? How did you feel? I'm honestly more concerned about the getting home part than the surgery itself. Do you have a lot of pain being jostled on the plane?

32 days post op, really craving a ceasar salad...can I eat this??

I am headed to Tijuana on Tuesday. I booked directly with Dr Kelly and someone from his office will be picking Us up at the airport. So, do you tip the driver? Anyone else and how much? for example housecleaning staff, anyone that helps with bags, etc. I hate tipping...never know how much for anything other than eating out. :-)

1-day of surgery 234 2-2 months our 190 3-11 weeks out- 168 [ATTACH]15501[/ATTACH]

Please tell me how to make this gas go away please it's really bad I walk an walk but it's so bad... Surgery went good today only thing bothers me is this gas idk what to do guys please help.....

I will be going with my son to Tijuana on Aug 21st. Just curious if anyone else is having sugery around that time by Dr Kelly. My son is having surgery, I had bypass surgery 5 years ago and have been elated with my results. Thanks!

Oh my goodness! 4 weeks from today my husband and I will be flying to LA, spend the weekend enjoying California, then driving down to San Diego to meet up with the driver to take us to the Marriott in Tijuana! My surgery will be Monday morning on the 12th! I can't wait! It will be here before I know it! I just hope I do well on my pre op diet while we're enjoying the day at Universal Studios! ( yes, we're leaving the kids behind while we go play!! Haha)

Had surgery this morning, and he also fixed a Hiatial hernia I had. I came alone, and all time I have been comfortable with every step of the way. Just very minor discomforts, and very minimal nausea or gas pain. The staff here is very good.

Hello Everyone, Ive been a lurker on this forum for a few months and decided to come out of the dark! Lol I just started the process with alma at Ready4Achange and hope to be sleeved by Dr Garcia In November. A little about me, I'm 31, 5'5, and 180lbs. Im the "yoyo diet" queen and kinda over of it. Just looking at food makes me gain weight and lately, ive been looking quite a bit Last year I decided to have plastic surgery in Tijuana and had an amazing experience! And the thought of gaining any more weight (and ruining my surgery results) terrifies me. So, thats me in a nutshell. I look forward to learning from all.of u and sharing my postop story. By the way, if an…

I have a new MacBook Pro that I want to take with me to TJ, but my mom is really worried about it getting stolen at the hotel (I am going alone). I could take my old MacBook, but it weighs twice as much and the Skype on it sucks. Were any of you worried about your laptops at the hotel or hospital?

I'm meeting with my surgeon on the 11th, but I am exploring other options as well.. just in case. What do they require pre-op test wise? Labs, ekg, xrays? Do you go to your PCP for this? Or do they require nothing? Thanks in advance!

Inquiring minds want to know.

I've seen people posting about Skype/face timing/Netflix. Is there free Wifi at Florance hospital and/or Marriott hotel? I'm going solo in less than 2 weeks & wondering about communicating home.

Passport card is in. Airline tickets are booked. July 16th with Dr. Ramos-Kelly. Can't wait.

I feel like crap. I think I would rather have hunger pangs then the overeating pain in the chest. UGH!!!

Hi Everyone! I've been reading one of the posts about complications and then went to the "complication" forum and of course that gets your mind racing. I am having the bad to sleeve revision surgery in about 14 days (I know my band is not eroded, because I just had all the rests last month at a hospital here in the states) but the stories are scary. Does anyone have a "complication" story to share with the rest of us??? Clots, leaks, etc.???? Thanks!

Hi everyone! I am getting sleeves by Dr. Ponce De Leon at INT on sept. 9 in Tijuana! Love reading about everyone's experiences and feelings! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

OK, so here's the question... I keep reading about all the gas they pump us full of during the surgery. Now... that gas has got to come out somehow. I'm going to be flying home 3 days post op. Trapped in a seat, probably surrounded by others for 3 hours. How embarrassing is this trip going to be? Is it gonna be noisy, foul smelling, or both? Just wondering if I need to put a bag over my head when I board the plane. Will Gas-X work? Should I sip water during the flight? I just want to know what I can expect. Thanks

I was recently scheduled for Aug 3 with Dr. Elias Ortiz for my surgery. I was supposed to go in March and when the timing fell through, didn't spend as much time on the boards. When I was on here a lot before, I used to see suggestions of things to bring to the hospital. I don't know if I just am not looking in the right spots, or what. Can you guys give me some suggestions? I would greatly appreciate it!

I am reeling and drained having just read the complications thread for the past three hours. I needed to see the worst that could happen. It's different reading a list of possible complications and hearing a real story from the person who experienced it, of course. I saw a list in the other thread of member names and complications, followed by location for the surgery. Mexico was duly represented. Has anyone sleeved by Garcia inquired about his complication rate? Leaks? Strictures? Embolism? Also, wondering what happens if there is a leak and it is found in Tijuana. Will they transport from florence to a larger hospital? In Mexico or San Francisco? Anyone been there…

I will be heading down on the 4th for surgery on the 5th with Dr. Fernando Garcia through Ready4achange...anyone else going to be down there, or at least at the Marriott? I am coming alone, I believe, which gives me a little apprehension, so I would love to be in touch with anyone else who will be down there at the same time.

I have this strong desire to get rid of all my big girl clothes. ..lol does or did anyone else have this urge before surgery?

I am so happy that this has been a loser summer . Even though I am far from my goal I am losing and feel great . This is a shout out to Dr Garcia and his WHOLE team . Love that group

Now that it's been confirmed that insurance will not be paying for my surgery....can anyone who has used Dr Ariel Ortiz tell me what their process was like?

I am headed to Eagle Pass, TX in July and then on to see Dr. Alvarez in Mexico for my sleeve surgery!! I have researched several Dr's for over a year before making my decision to go with Dr. Alvarez, however he was my first choice!! Would love to hear from anyone that has been to the same Dr. I am looking to loose over 150 lbs! I'm 5' 8" tall and 340 lbs! I'm so ready to begin my wonderful new journey.

8 Days Postop Dear Vertical Sleeve Friends, I wanted to do my part in giving back to you, to let you know how my Mexico Sleeve Surgery experience went. I so appreciated reading all your posts that I feel I needed to do the same!! After months of checking out as much information as possible, my daughter and I headed to Mexico on May 16th. We both had our Sleeve done together. We flew down separately and met at the San Diego Airport. My daughter arrived about an hour and a half before me. The driver (with Ready4aChange) Samuel was there to greet her. While waiting for my flight to arrive he showed her around the SD area, drove around a large park much like Central…

Anyone having surgery with Dr. Garcia on August 23rd with Dr. Garcia? I will be in TJ on August 22nd! Would love to have a sleeve buddy ????

I'm getting tired of eating dairy products for the protein. I'm 6 weeks out now and getting bored with the food choices, although I only eat 4 oz at a time. I've been on Amazon looking for cookbooks and seems all of the books reviews say they aren't high protein low carb. Anyone have a cook book they really like? Or should I be looking for Atkins or South Beach books? thanks

What is the pricing for Dr. Garcia? Also what are the airports people are using besides San Diego?

After months of debating, finally booked Dr. Garcia on July 24th, same day surgery. The cost of the plane ticket was so high & finding a babysitter for that long, my husband is unable to go with me. I've read lots of posts of others going solo & having no issues, so I'm not worried. My hubby is on the other hand. Anyone else going to be there at the same time?

Well after over a year thinking about it and researching I decided on getting the Vertical Sleeve Surgery. Self pay is my only option and after reading for forums for the last 6 month, for me, Dr. Garcia is my choice of Doctors after reading all the great reviews of his work. I sent my paper work in to Alma, Ready4achange a few weeks ago... does anyone know how long it takes to get reveiwed, then after that, to finally get scheduled Thanks Everyone

Looks like I am going to mexico as a support person yay !!!

Having surgery Aug 5 at Florence , any information would be great

Trying to research CANCUN doctors, prices, etc. and coming up with very little information. Can those sleeved in Cancun share doctor information, cost and whether you would recommend them again?

I'm scheduled to be sleeved Tuesday May 22, 2013 with Dr.Rodriguez.... Has anyone had him as a surgeon? I'm super nervous!!!

I will be Having same day surgery July 23 at Florence with Dr.Garcia... Anyone else going to be there then? My wife had hers done about 3 months ago at mi hospital with Garcia and is doing amazing. She will be coming with me as well. She had met a few people that were going to be there at the same time as her on here so thought I would try too!!

I'm supposed to get my staples out today, but I'm slightly apprehensive. Is it painful when they take them out? Do they use a local anesthetic? They look gruesome and look like they are going to be painful to remove. Thanks!

Tomorrow's my surgery day with Dr. Ponce! It's come so fast and I'm so looking forward to it. Anyone at INT Hospital or Hotel Lucerna this week?

Where do you guys mainly get your support after surgery in Mexico? I worry about not having the surgery here and not having the best support back home. I'm not close with my PCP. I go rarely only when I'm sick...

Hi! I am leaving for Mexico next Saturday, the 25th. My surgery is scheduled for the 27th. I am wondering what are things to pack (must haves). For people that had the surgery, maybe you should tell us things you had and things you wish you would have had. I am especially wondering about sleepwear. What is most comfortable or easiest (lose PJ's or gown) since apparently we will be doing alot of walking the halls. What is worn in the OR? Just a hospital gown?

It's possible that I may need to travel to Tijuana alone for my sleeve surgery. Should safety be a concern and do I need someone there after surgery to help me? Thanks!

I lied. I took his flirting with me in TJ to mean more then it was. From these posts you can see how easy it could happen - woman are now saying he tried it with them because he "touched their arm" or "said they were beautiful" I don't want people to second guess the care they received. I know he flirts w everyone but I read it as more than it was and got it in my head that he liked me. I think We did have a connection and at a time where I was most vulnerable. I took this too far and it's spiralled out of control - i only wanted speculation and for him to know I was mad, not everyone! I didn't want his name out there. But costing his career is too much , he is as I HAV…

Soooo, I'm reading more and more that Dr. Ramos Kelly is using a Hospital Nova more and more over florence Oasis. I am wondering if anyone can give me a review of their "Nova Experience" since it looks like a couple of folks I know have dates coming up may get switched (they're not on the boards). Everything from hospital aesthetics, nurses, equipment, situation for companions, do they have a website? Thanks!

From my recent trip to TJ, I wanted to warn woman of the danger that lurks there. No, it's not gangs or drug cartels or murderers ... It's handsome young drs who can sense your vulnerability and low self esteem from a mile away. I'm not sure if the rules are different in Mexico or sleeping with patients is just "frowned upon" but either way after the excitement wears off for him, instead of feeling happy & confident in your smaller body, you're left feeling used and foolish. I'm not saying dont let them in your hotel room to check your wounds and remove your staples, but just know when they stay till 1am they know where the back stairs are to sneak out so the hotel s…

Just met Dr Luna and boy he is sure nice