Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I am still researching doctors in Mexico. I self pay and my only option. Cancan would be the most ideal but everyone on here seem to like the Doctors in Tijuana. I am tring to see if I should go alone. My mom said she would go but I hate to put her through this. Is alone okay??? What ate the added expenses if I Did bring someone.

The closer I get to my surgery date the more nervous I become. I'm hope I can stick to the Pre-Op diet!

Eating my *lovely* broth while hubby eats southern comfort food. Getting ready to meet up with Rosy for our trip to the border.

Can't believe tomorrow's the day I leave for Cancun to have my surgery! My hands are shaking as I type this message, but I really am excited! I know there hasn't been much posted here about Dr. Perez and surgery in Cancun, so I will be sure to fill everyone in on how it goes! Cheers to a healthier lifestyle!

Hello, I am new. My name is Trina and I am trying to choose between self-pay stateside (longer wait, perhaps will never be able to save enough or finance after the divorce), or the unknown of Mexico. I have tentatively booked a date with Dr. Garcia at florence (Oasis of Hope) hospital for August 27. I haven't "sealed the deal" yet because I can't find a follow-up surgeon in Ohio who will see me if anything goes wrong, and worse, I will have to fight with United Healthcare to get anything related to the surgery covered. Does anyone know what the self-pay option costs in Ohio? I would prefer Dr. Needleman at Ohio State, because he came as a referral from a good friend. Ho…

I am scheduled for my sleeve on June 21 with Dr. Ortiz at OCC. What I am most nervous about at this point is flying home. I live in Denver, CO and the flight from San Diego is about 2.5 hours... I'd appreciate hearing "flight stories" from anyone who is willing to share. Did you feel sick/nauseous? How was the seat belt? Did it irritate your incisions at all? How about sitting on the plane and/or in the airport for that long? What medications did you take or were you allowed to take before flying home?

Nervous, excited, anxious...all the above! Leaving tomorrow at the butt crack of dawn for San Antonio and then onto Mexico to begin my journey with Dr. Alvarez and his team. Any last minute words of advice or wisdom?

I got a copy of the surgery and watch the whole thing. Really weird watching my own inside. I am glad I have this....did anybody else watched their's and how did u feel about it.

Traveling to TJ for my surgery this weekend. I am wondering what the best cell phone options are. Should my traveling companion and I just use our US cell phones (T-Mobile) or will we get horrible roaming charges? Mostly we will be communicating with each other and the staff in TJ. Are there pay as you go phones (TRAC phones or similar) that would be a good option? Any thoughts or experiences?

This is so scary! May have to copy and paste the link to read but basically the American mother was riding on a bus with her family to go to a funeral in Mexico when they stopped them at the checkpoint and found drugs under her seat. They claim its not theirs but she's being held in a Mexico prison. http://foxnewsinsider.com/2013/05/28/american-mom-yanira-maldonado-jailed-mexico-drug-charges

Is anyone else headed down on or around July 1st? I'm having my surgery done at mi doctor with dr Alejandro Lopez. Who else is gonna be down there!

I will start by saying I know cigarettes are bad for you in general, and regarding this surgery they will greatly slow the recovery process. With that said, I have smoked for 20 years. Through all of my research on this surgery for some reason I never considered I would have to quit. I enjoy my food, obviously too much, my glasses of wine and my cigarettes. I now and giving up the food, wine and smoking too, all at the same time??? My pre op diet starts on one week and I'm starting to freak out. I know this is all for the greater good.... Is anyone else having or had similar issues??

Starting to get really nervous. Was doing good.....still on liquid diet but my nerves makes me want to eat .....gnawing on popsicles Will be at Florence in TJ Thursday with Dr Kelly. Anyone else going to be there this weekend?

I cannot afford my airline ticket right now. I'm going to be sleeved on June 10th and cannot buy my ticket until the week before. When I checked airlines a month ago it was around 500. Now price are 650 or more. I'm so afraid of what the price will be a week from now! Wish I had the money to purchase now.

I'm off to the airport! Heading to see Dr. Ponce de Leon in Mexico!! My new life begins in a few hours!!!

Anyone qualify for partial financing with Dr Garcia that had less than stellar credit? Im going to apply through the offered financing companies tomorrow. Any bad experiences with the financing or any helpful info? Much appreciated:-)

I finally decided on Dr. Garcia at Florence hospital. I've debated for months between him and Dr. Aceves but I need the extra money towards bills etc. so I am going with Garcia. I am going on the 10th by myself and I'm hoping to find some people on here going at the same time.

I'm off to the airport! Heading to see Dr. Ponce de Leon in Mexico!! My new life begins in a few hours!!!

Does San Diego have a currency exchange booth? Did anyone purchase a MX trac phone during their stay. I'm not paying the inflates rates from AT&T. Thanks.

This seems weird the more I think about it. I had an uneventful surgery with Dr. Garcia May 21st. I'm already home and feeling just fine. Not getting in my proteins, but almost all my fluids. So I only have four incisions... Three little ones straight across and my drain. I thought I would have five? I remember the nurses looking for another one while changing the bandages. Even my post op doc looked for the extra one. Maybe I'm worried over nothing because I have too much time? Lol

I am leaning more towards choosing Garcia as my doctor since he is cheaper and I can really use the extra money towards something else. I was hoping to find more people on here that used Dr. Garcia at florence hospital because that's where I want to go. Not Mi hospital. I've read lots of people experiences in that one.

Woohoooo so excited..Dr Garcia June 6th..im saying good bye to all my foods because i start my liquid diet May 28th... Anyone else having surgery that day or maybe a day before or after??

Holy {~%^>?'! My surgery on the 31st isalmost here. Pre-op diet is goung ok, day two and no caffeine has been the worst part. Anyone else going to Dr. Alvarez this week or any other surgeries this week? Would love to have some buddies in the same timeframe.

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I'm having my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Ponce De Leon on June 10th. I need to find a doctor in or around the Houston or Austin TX areas for post op care. I've called a few and they don't like to provide care if they didn't do the surgery themselves. :'( Please Help.

Hi everybody!!! I'm home and doing well. I planned on posted from Mexico but forgot my iPad on the charging dock (smh). Anyway, I wanted to share my experience here because I learned soooo much here from others..... I wanna do my part. Sorry if this is too long.. I had surgery on May 17th in PVR with Dr. Jose Castaneda and I couldn't be happier. I arrived in PVR on May 16th and was picked up by a CMQ Premiere hospital rep (Jackie, super sweet lady). I checked in to a clean, bright, and friendly new hospital with a room that was more look a suite. From that moment on, every 3 to 4 hours a nurse would enter to check on me...........And bring in my last meal at 8pm. Lol …

First of all it sucks typing on an iPhone. Second this may be really long. Well after missing my flight I was able to get everything adjusted by one day. So the next morning I was two hours early for the flight lol. Flight was uneventful but it was a cool 63 degrees when I arrived, I am used to 100 or more. Samuel was waiting for me around the corner and pulled up shortly in a very discreet white mini van. He's super friendly and we chatted the whole way. He pointed out a few interesting things and soon we were crossing the border. Not scary at all. A little run down and dirty but not scary. When we pulled up its not a huge hospital. More like a medical annex. Very moder…

Time is getting really close. I will have "sleeve" surgery by Dr ACEVES on May 28. I will be checking in for pre-op on May 27. Is anyone else scheduled for this time window ? I need some "buddies" to aimlessly wander the hospitals halls with. Hopefully our wives will be able to find something to do ? I hear there is a shopping mall close by. There should be good deals on silver jewelry and bottles of Kaluha. I know I will wake up sore, but I hope I am a rapid healer. The tentative check-out is May 30 and I need to drive NE towards Prescott AZ (approx. 6-7 hrs). I think "cross border medicine" is going to be a major part of "affordable" health care ? and moving …

I will arriving in Mexicali on May 26 (sunday) early afternoon. We are driving over from Mesa AZ (approx. 4.5 hrs) and "walk across" the border. Then we will grab a cab to Hotel Lucerna. Not sure how much energy we will have that evening ? But I am open to suggestions ?? I will be traveling with my wife (a OR nurse from The Philippines) so no "donkey shows" or "bars" LOL Monday (May 27) is pre-op (1pm) but even before that we have a tour of www.tridipanel.com.mx That evening I hear it is tradition to go out for a last meal with my fellow sleevers ( Dr Aceves has 3 cases scheduled ) So things will be busy busy. The actual surgery (sleeve) on May 28 by Dr ACEVES…

Going down Sunday 5/26 for surgery Monday with Dr. Garcia at Florence. My son will be going with me, and I am wondering what there is for him to do while at the hospital? I know he is there to support me, but I also know he will be bored! I have read there is a mall within walking distance of the Marriott, but what did your accompanying guests do while you were in the hospital?

It's really going to happen. Wow.

Flew in this morning to San Diego ( the small and extremely tight squeeze further on airplane further helps me know I. Am making correct decision). Was picked up right on time by our excellent driver set up through Be Light Weight and he got us safely to our Hotel. Explored a little and went for some authentic Mexican food at the cantina 3 blocks from hotel. Just love hotel and Tijuana....thinking about a swim tonight . Get picked up tomorrow in morning to head to INT for surgery and the testing. My girlfriend who came along to support me is getting a full facelift on Wed morning at INT as well.

Travelled to Tijuana alone. Being sleeved tomorrow. Bored senseless. Anyone else here?

I'm flying New Zealand to Mexico ... I like anything girly and pink so was not satisfied w ugly medical compression socks for my journey. I go these from runningskirts.com ... They have green, pink & white ... About $30 USD Enjoy ????

Surgery date: May 28th! yay! sw:290 gw:150

Hello! I'm looking for some advice. I've decided to go ahead with the surgery in MX and I'd like to do it as soon as I can. I thought I decided on a date in mid-July, but there's an opening in my schedule for the weekend of May 31st and that works for Dr Ponce too 1. Is it too soon? 2. I have vacation booked with my family for two weeks beginning June 6th. Will the recovery screw up my vacation? I'm a pretty tough cookie and I think I can handle it, but I welcome any honest feedback. My motivation for getting it done quickly is that I'm the type of person that once I want to do something, I accomplish it quickly ( except for the gazillion diets I've been on!). Al…

I'm so excited/nervous I haven't slept in two days! So I just got off work, and getting ready to head to the airport. In just a few hours I'll be in TJ. I drank so much water trying to stay ahead of hydration and hopefully getting a painless IV. I'll update as I can and hopefully everything goes smoothly.

Hey everyone! Just wanted to give a quick update on my progress. Hopefully the picture I attached works, if not it can be seen on my profile. I had surgery on 1/22/2013 with Dr. Garcia at MiDoctor Hospital. My post op recovery has been amazing and my overall experience just fantastic! I have lost 62 lbs as of Mothers Day and I only have 20 to go until I hit my goal weight of 138! On surgery day I weighed 219.8 and today I weighed 158.4. I track every single thing that goes into my mouth on MyFitnessPal and highly recommend that every surgery patient use a similar program as well. I've also lost 37 inches total...most from my stomach! I hope everyone is doing we…

I am scheduled for July and I am just not going to get in a plane... I have a fear of flying, I think most of the fear is because of the horror stories told by an overweight friend but I have never flown either so we decided to drive.. I'm just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on my 14+ hour trip back home after surgery... It's a long ride for someone who just had major surgery, has anyone else had a long trip back home or am I one of the oddballs...lol

Flew in this morning to San Diego ( the small and extremely tight squeeze further on airplane further helps me know I. Am making correct decision). Was picked up right on time by our excellent driver set up through Be Light Weight and he got us safely to our Hotel. Explored a little and went for some authentic Mexican food at the cantina 3 blocks from hotel. Just love hotel and Tijuana....thinking about a swim tonight . Get picked up tomorrow in morning to head to INT for surgery and the testing. My girlfriend who came along to support me is getting a full facelift on Wed morning at INT as well.

Flew in this morning to San Diego ( the small and extremely tight squeeze further on airplane further helps me know I. Am making correct decision). Was picked up right on time by our excellent driver set up through Be Light Weight and he got us safely to our Hotel. Explored a little and went for some authentic Mexican food at the cantina 3 blocks from hotel. Just love hotel and Tijuana....thinking about a swim tonight . Get picked up tomorrow in morning to head to INT for surgery and the testing. My girlfriend who came along to support me is getting a full facelift on Wed morning at INT as well.

Flew in this morning to San Diego ( the small and extremely tight squeeze further on airplane further helps me know I. Am making correct decision). Was picked up right on time by our excellent driver set up through Be Light Weight and he got us safely to our Hotel. Explored a little and went for some authentic Mexican food at the cantina 3 blocks from hotel. Just love hotel and Tijuana....thinking about a swim tonight . Get picked up tomorrow in morning to head to INT for surgery and the testing. My girlfriend who came along to support me is getting a full facelift on Wed morning at INT as well.

Arrived in TJ safely... Never felt like I was in danger! Samuel picked us up right on time, and was very nice. We arrived at the Marriott, to wonderful service and warm smiling faces! Everyone here is so nice and quick to get you whatever you need! I will post after my surgery my whole experience with Dr Garcia. Would appreciate some prayers! A little nervous!!!

My sleeve is sch. for June 5th. Has anyone been to Juarez, MX or going?

I am soon to do a band to sleeve revision with Dr. Garcia. I also am ready to change my local PCP - so I was looking for Denver folks who have a good PCP that has supported you through the process and helped with aftercare. Any leads?

Made up my mind to get the sleeve. Very excited. I am self-pay and can only afford Mexico. Was thinking about Dr.Lopez. The price was good. Anyone go to him? Any hidden Costs? How many days in hospital? Amount of time from when you turn in paper work to when you have surgery? Thanks for help. Ready to get this done

I think I had an allergic reaction to the tape they used in the hospital. Below is a picture of what I am dealing with currently. Are there any nuses here who could recommend something? I have been taking Benadryl but it doesn't appear to be clearing up. Had surgery May 13 (last Monday) and this has been there since. Nurses did not comment on it at all and never saw Dr. Kelly again to show him. Sorry for the graphic photo.

Just wondering....Does anyone know of someone being turned down for surgery once they are in Mexico? I was reading the contract the coordinator sent and it says that they are not responsible for airfare if you are turned down once in Mexico. I was a little concerned if that is an issue very often. I think I probably am just anxious and don't want anything to go wrong.

Ive tipped the driver, but do i tip my coordinator? Ive only seen him twice in the two days ive been here.

Need some advice on flying....I have never flown and I am scared at the idea of flying but I'm also scared of being to big for the plane seat? Can anyone my size give me some advice on this?? Thanks!!