Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

By this time next week, I will be in Mexico for my same day surgery. I am super excited and a bit nervous. I've gotten so much info from the forum in the past week, and so much support, I can honestly say I'm kind of ready! Waiting on my protein shakes and cute compression socks from UPS... they always deliver late in the day. Grrrrrr. I travel super light, all I expect to bring will fit in a backpack. And hopefully not bring too many souvenirs back home. Lol

Ok I'm going to be sitting down with my parents and asking them for the $$ really soon, there is a good chance they would let me borrow the money...but I'm afraid they are going to flip out when they hear it is in Mexico and then tell me no way... What would be the best thing to show them, to tell them....??????????????

Just landed and waiting on our ride. Surgery tomorrow with dr. Lopez for all three of us.

I'm leaving tomorrow for Mexico and unsure of how much to tip the driver and if I need to take a can anywhere, how much to tip them?

I am a week away from surgery, getting excited! My surgeon is Dr. Rodriguez, surgery day is May 23rd. No one knows except hubby. He works away, but is coming with me. We will meet in Dallas then fly out to San Diego. Questions, 1) will I be able to drive myself home from airport 5 days after surgery? 2) How long does it take for surgery sites to heal?. Btw airport is very small and is only 15 miles away from home. No traffic mostly rural roads. Thanks for your help

Hi people! Im in the forums for a while reading and learning about VSG....Im a Low BMI and I want to have and alternative way if my insurance doesn't want to cover my surgery....I would like to hear about a long term successful Mexican patients...or , how they deal with problems and follow ups with usa doctors!?? Thank you!

Found out today I have to wait 15 days from today to borrow from my 401k (that's how I'm paying for surgery) and that will not be until June 3rd or so and that's when I was hoping to go to Mexico. I cannot remember how long it takes to get the money in the mail from my 401k so I have decided to wait and try to go to Mexico June 10th. I also plan on using that money for my down payment so I hope I can get a surgery date that next week lol. I'm also working on my passport and hopefully that extra week wait will be long enough to get my passport.

I am two weeks post op after Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy performed by Drs. Cabrera and Valenzuela in Tijuana Mexico. I scheduled my proceedure through Mexico Bariatric Center and Christy was my coodinator. I have had absolutely no problems. All my questions were answered quickly and completely. When my plane to San Diego was delayed, arrangements were made for me. I had virtually no pain, no nausea, and no food intolerace as my diet has advanced. I felt great. I walked several miles the first day I was in the hotel after being discharged from the hospital. I was taken to the Tijuana Marriott after discharge from the hospital. The accomodations and the service were…

Hey everybody! So excited for the transformation. I fly out on June 7 (my birthday) for the operation on the 8th. I started my pre-op diet early so I could have a shot at lowering my BMI enough to save $500. So far down 13 lbs in 10 days. Need another 18 lbs in the 3+ weeks left. Anybody else going in at that time? Some questions... Protein drinks vs powders. Does it matter? I've been using Atkins and EAS ready to drink and both seem fine. Any suggestions on this? What should I bring with me? Gas-x? Chicken boullion? My wife wants to come but stay at the Marriott while I am in the hospital. Will it be easy for her to come and visit and are there fun t…

I thought I should introduce myself. I am a 47 DWF who is 5'5" and 247 lbs. I am a single working mama with an adult child and a 12 year old DD still at home. My daughter is active and outdoorsy. I would like to start being able to do the things she enjoys doing. I was just diagnosed with diabetes in November. Since then I have been ravenously hungry. This happened to my aunt when she was diagnosed and she just blew up. I am already 247 and I can ill afford to get fatter. I have been doing a ton of research, thinking and praying about this decision and have finally decided to do it. I chose Dr. Garcia because of the lack of drama surrounding him and the testimonials o…

The giant sucking sound of Mexican Medical Tourism By Dana Blankenhorn | April 30, 2010, 7:25 AM PDT 15 Comments more + While most headlines about Mexico involve immigration or drugs, there is another giant sucking sound coming from our south. That’s the sound of medical tourism dollars. (Shown is the Atlantic Health International Hospital in Mazatlan, from the Mexico Buyers Guide blog.) Last week the Institute of the Americas hosted a conference in La Jolla, near San Diego, about the topic. The Deloitte Center for Medical Solutions predicted a surge in Mexican medical tourism with the end of the recession. Many Americans already ge…

My name is Cindy. I am going to be 55 in August. I have battled weight all of my life. I have to do something as I can't live the rest of my life gaining weight. I've done all the fad diets, weight watchers and have lost weight but can't keep it off. I have probably lost and gained over 1000 pounds in my life time. My insurance won't cover the surgery. Self pay around here is about $22,000. My daughter had the bypass a few years ago. I went to meetings and have watched her so i know what I am up against. I have told my 2 kids and they were skeptical at first, but my one daughter is getting married the end of August and wants to help me pick out a dress I have been rese…

Is anyone else getting a procedure then or have had Dr Rodriguez perform the sleeve on them? I am going through BeLiteWeight with Jessica and very happy with her excellent and immediate and helpful communication.

Has anyone NOT received any follow up care in the U.S after surgery? Is following the MX doctors' post op instructions enough? I'm trying to schedule in early June and my primary doc is just not on board whenever I discuss WLS with her. I've discussed this with her over my last 2 annual checkups, and the conversations always go back to her telling me that people sometimes gain the weight back, and wanting to refer me to a nutritionist, or suggesting Weight Watchers. Been there, done that. Now I'm afraid that if I have the surgery and return home, I'm on my own, and this is my reason for not scheduling yet. I have struggled for so long with the ups and down of my weight / …

I am scheduled to have my sleeve surgery by Dr ACEVES on May 28. I would love to here from any who will be there at that time ? I am not as nervous as I am excited. I know I need to get this surgery. I am 57, still in good health, but 100lbs overweight. Getting this surgery is simply a smart move on my part to live the rest of my life. I am also excited because I am going to combine my surgery trip with a real estate "scouting trip" in northern AZ Prescott / Flagstaff. Given the major questions concerning our health care system ? I think positioning oneself within a half day drive of the "border" for "elective" type medical / dental care is simply a smart …

Hello was anyone able to enjoy the warm sun in mexico after surgery?? I am actually staying 4 days at the Marriott in Tijuana..

Sooo i wanted to start weening my way towards the liquid diet..and as of monday i replaced my breakfast with a protein shake..today was day 2..im so gassy...i had one scoop if whey protein with 12 oz of sugar free almond milk..how will i be able to cope with all the protein shakes i have to drink..helppp

After following my wife on her journey, I have decided to become a sleever myself! July 23rd, dr Garcia at Florence. I am really excited. My wife has done so well and I am looking at it As a lifestyle change for both of us! Now we can both eat the same the rest of our lives! Not to mention being so much healthier and not overweight! July can't come soon enough!

Well, tomorrow is one month since my surgery, and I figure it's time I get my review up on here! Sorry for the delay, I had surgery during Spring Break, and I work as an Instructional Coach in a public elementary school south of Seattle, WA. I'm in charge of all our assessments, mentoring teachers, assisting the principal, etc, and spring is crazy busy! I was never a heavy child, but was 'skinny-fat.' You could easily see how fat I would become by watching my family eat dinner together as I was growing up, and by self-medicating myself with food when both my parents passed away in their 50's. My first year teaching I was 200 pounds, and by the time I had my first child,…

seriously about to snap, can not believe this, I am officially 1 month post-op tomorrow and have been stalled for two weeks now! I can't get it started again no matter what I try and it is driving me crazy! Any advise anyone? Anyone experiance something similar? I know the 3rd week stall is common, but the 3rd and 4th????? when will it start again!!! I am seriously on day 13 of the stall and so early it is really depressing. HELP!

I received this text message yesterday from someone who is supposed to support me and care about me. But instead, all I ever hear is this negativity from everyone in my life. It's so disheartening...

Every day i wonder and day dream of how i would look if i lost enough weight to weigh under 200..even in my teen years i was 210-215..now im 256...not a real big weight gain after 20 years and 2 kids. Does any else think of the same thing?

Just got home yesterday from a great experience with Dr. Lopez and A Lighter Me. While I was there and now at home, my stomach sort of feels like it rolls and it hurts a little. Did anyone else feel this? Just curious.

I am checking, and a big difference in the price? why? I know Dr. Aceves has many years of experience and surgeries, but is very expensive, plus airlines tickets....What about experiences? stories? opinions? Come on, help us the "newbies"!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have my gastric sleeve scheduled for May 21 with Dr. Garcia at Florence Hospital in Tijuina. I have a lot of questions? I am in the medical field and I have several family members who are in the medical field. So they are scared and I am also scared! Does anyone know if they check after the surgery for leakages?

I know it will vary from doc to doc, but on average how far ahead do sleevers need to schedule for surgery? I am just getting a little nervous because I have three weeks off in August for surgery and but still waiting on on my tax return.

I've seen several people say they're coordinators, and are less than two months post-op. How does one become a coordinator? What's the incentive/ pay for talking to potential clients? For booking people? I'm not interested (at least atm- never say never lol) in being a coordinator, but just confused at what happens and wondering if it's all on the up and up. I don't mean to offend anyone. I've just never seen a business that uses so many recent clients to gather more business for their service provider, and I'm wondering how knowledgeable coordinators that are six weeks post-op can be, to be advising potential sleevers about their journeys.

I am now 4 days post-op and feeling great!! My experience with Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea was wonderful. From the moment I first arrived florence/oasis hospital I was greeted by a very nice receptionist who checked me in. I then was greeted by Dr. Luna who assured me everything would be ok.. From there a very sweet nurse took me to get blood work done, my chest xrays and off to my room... I was very lucky to only be poked once in order to get my IV going... I have deep rolling veins so its usually a battle. I was given some meds for my nerves and before I know it was being greeted by all the doctors The first Dr I saw again was Dr Luna... He will go out of his way to m…

So I know I'm just rambling but May 20th is right around the corner. It's funny how I'm not afraid of the surgery, not afraid of going to TJ, not afraid of the complications. I'm afraid of how my mom will react to me spending so much money, while I won't lend her any more. I literally pulled myself up from nothing after my divorce, and I'm always giving her money to help out of a bind. I'm afraid of how my co workers will react, because they have slammed everyone who chose to have a surgery. Just yesterday they were talking about a guy that no one recognized. Then when they actually realized who he was they confronted him! Told him he looked disgusting and he cheated a…

I have surgery scheduled for June 6th. Just booked my flights. So excited! Anyone else have a surgery date of June 6th?

Until my surgery..i am counting down...:-)

I was originally going with Dr. Almanza in Tijuana but there are just too many controversial issues being talked about and I cant stand the idea of having surgery in a clinic in a strip mall. I changed to Dr. Garcia because I have not ready one bad thing about him! Also, he performs surgery in a hospital instead of the clinic. I cant wait for July 3rd!!!

I am scheduled to have surgery on July 3rd with Dr. Garcia in Tijuana and am so super excited!!! I am going alone and was wondering if anyone else will be there the same time as me... looking for a sleeve buddy!

Gonna pay my deposit today after my check clears!!! Then I get my date!!!!! Yay so excited!

I am not sure if this is where I am to introduce myself but here goes....Surgery Date: May 27th Gastric Sleeve Reynosa, Mexico Dr. Felipe Cantu $6,900 plus cost of EGD Hello all! First I'd like to say thank you all for posting your journey for all to read. The stories and posts have been so helpful in me making my decision to have this surgery. I am a 37 year old female. Married...3 wonderful girls. I taught in the classroom for many years and now work part time(4 days a week) as a facilitator at a local high school. Spending time with my children and family makes my heart beat everyday! They are the JOY of my life!!! My weight loss story started on May 9,…

By that I mean while I am recovering (Dr Aceves / Almeter Hospital) can I get a shave / haircut in the hospital ? Maybe that means walking down to the lobby area ? or just outside ? Likewise, can I get a manicure / pedicure ? I figure I am going to have some recovery time where there won't be much to do ? So I figure I might as well take advantage of the lower costs for service in Mexicali ? Plus, for a guy getting a hot towel straight razor shave is pure luxury ! You feel "re-born". Also what about a "tat" ? I figure I would get the date, plus maybe a sketch of a scapel blade over my belly button saying VSG. Any other "sinful" suggestions I can do while I am rec…

Dr. Jalil Illan and his team at Florence/Oasis of Hope Hospital is absolutely the only way to go for bariatric surgery in TJ.....hands down the best experience from beginning to end - I am 2 weeks post-op and down 15 pounds - I was comfortable and felt like family the ENTIRE time - I was in constant contact during the pre-op portion of my journey and all the way through to my first step back in San Ysidro - and they have checked on me several times since my surgery as well (what American doctor does that??) I felt safe and secure and now am on a pathway to a healthier life ahead of me - Dr. Illan was so assuring and kind - I am a very talkative and inquisitive person a…

The surgeon I plan on going with doesn't do Single Incision. I'm curious as to how the scars will look. Is anyone willing to post pics? Thanks!

I hope to lose 100lbs, so I assume I will have some "left-over" skin to get rid of. What is the male version of a full "make-over" ? and what is the cost ? I know there is another surgeon (plastic) at the SAME hospital Dr ACEVES uses that specializes in "make-overs". What are the experiences of some of the guys ? What types of surgeries have you had done ? What was the time-frame and what was the cost ?

Why did Gov Christie choose a lap-band ? http://www.today.com/health/chris-christies-weight-loss-procedure-doesnt-always-work-6C9823879 Mostly I think it was the "politically correct" choice. Remember "sleeves" are NOT widely available in the USA, and generally are NOT covered under insurance. Saying that, I am sure Gov Christie would NOT have any problem coming up with the cash to have a sleeve done in the USA. So WHY did Gov Christie pick the lap-band ? My guess will be he will have a lot of quick initial success, but the inherent problems of the "band" will eventually cause him to "stall" and re-gain the weight. Trying to "trick" the stomach just doesn't w…

My family is not very supportive. They all say you dont need surgery just diet and a good workout plan.....ENOUGH! I have done that for years im ready for a tool that will aid me to reach my long term goals.....Im just hurt that they are not encouraging me....so looks like i will be going alone when i set a date....although im sure my mom will go anyway...was you family supportive??

Today is the day. I'm excited to lose the weight and actually be able to keep it off. I'm also a little nervous and I'm starving since I haven't had anything but liquid for three days. Wish me luck and look for my "story." I'll tell all once I feel like sitting down and writing it all out.

I rhymed but used bad grammar lol. Finally got around to it: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/78280-tijuana-vsg-dr-kelly-and-me/

Was anyone else very irritable after surgey ???

Ummm introductions are so awkward I've been lurking around for ages, reading every single post. All the good, wonderful, positive experiences. All of the awful, horrible, complications. All of the snarky nasty comments. And I've still decided to go through with this. I thought I was ready last year but I chickened out. Not because of the surgery itself, but how people reacted to another friend who had the surgery. I went to a seminar and was told if I gained 20lbs more they would do it. I was given phentermine but I would have to come back every two weeks for refills. The exact opposite of what I wanted or needed. So here goes: I'm from south Texas I've paid m…

How long will it be before Gov Christie joins us "sleevesters" in Mexico ? Of course HIS insurance (or political donations)will undoubtablly cover a "band revision" at any of the TOP medical centers in NJ. Of course that assumes the lap band will NOT work (which is often the case)? The "failure" of such a high profile patient will do serious harm to the entire option of having ANY type of weight loss surgery. Personally. I would be VERY interested in the reasons WHY Gov Christie (in consult with both his State physician and his personal doctor) selected the lap band as the best option for HIM ? IMHO he "wimped out". The sleeve just makes KISS sense. The surgeon do…

Will write longer post later. But made it and back in Canada Whoo hoo

I 13 hours left untill I officially join,you on,the sleeve.side!!!!!! I am ready to sit on the losers bench! I am having my sleeve done in TJ Mexico with Dr. Quinones same.day. I am so excited. I will be at the airport in 4 hours, my flight leaves in 5&1/2 hours. I land in Sandeigo at10:35, drive to TJ, get labs done, and preop, the its sleeve time at.1:30. My time has arrived amd im so eccited!!!!

Ok, so I was thinking should I ask the Dr for a note to be out of work an extra week or two just in case I feel like hell? Would an employer be likely to say they don't accept a Dr's note from a Dr in another country? Especially since it was not an emergency or otherwise required procedure? I don't want to ask my boss because I don't want to put the idea in her head to not accept the note. I'm having surgery on a one week vacation and I can't get an extension. I fully expect to be fine to return to work and my boss & supervisor ( but no one else) know I am having surgery. Hopefully this is needless worrying, I'm not really even worried, just trying to cover al…

I am just beginning my research. I will be self pay, and so am probably not going to get to have my surgery until January of 2014. I am wondering if anyone has had their surgery in Cancun and if so, if you could share with me a little of your experience and what doctor you had, where the surgery was performed, etc. We were thinking of going a few days early and having a mini vacation, with the surgery on the tail end of the trip.