Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

I am thinking about traveling alone. Suggestions?

I'm thinking about puting down my Deposit tomorrow with ready 4 a change. For a surgery date of jan 7th. Has anyone used this DR? And how was there Experience? Thanks for Sharing.

Hey guys, I looked on this page and others before choosing my doctor, so I figured I would share my experience now that I am done! I know it is a little bit long.....but it is everything I wish I would have known to ease my curiousity I went through Mexico Bariatric Center. Once I filled out the contact request I received an email from CHRISTY - who became my contact person the whole time. She was amazing! She was very friendly, stayed in contact with me frequently, stayed honest throughout, and made me feel like she was in it with me! I actually booked a surgery back in November....bought my ticket.....then chickened out. She did not try and persuade me at all! She …

The last few nights I wake up coughing and my thought burns. I am wondering is that normal ?

Was anyone else very irritable after surgey ???

Anyone eat tomato soup post op 1 week ??

I had surgery April 29th 2013 with Dr Garcia and his team. They make you feel welcomed & comfortable before surgery. When i arrived i met beautiful Ana!! She is the Secretary(new) She was very caring and was only suppose to do my admit/discharge papers but took the time out of her day to come and talk to me:) She would check on things that had nothing to do with her department! I met dr Garcia before my surgery. Very sweet and a little shy. Listened to me about being soo modest. thank god!! he drew the procedure on his tablet explaining everything. I met Dr Valasco who answered all my questions and spent lots of time in my room making sure I was ok. Hospital Oasis m…

Anyone going same time as me, June 18th surgery at Mi Doctor? If so I'm looking for sleeve buddies!

who all had Dr Fernando Garcia in Tijuana Mexico , and are you happy with your results please post good or bad. I had him 3 weeks ago but I am still hungry all the time

I'm very happy so ready for this.!!!

Does anyone know what pain mess are usually given? I had hydrocodone (sp?) once after oral surgery and I hated the way it made me feel. For some reason, I get really cranky and sort of hyper. Shrug.

Did anyone make the drive down to San Diego? My mom is coming with me and she is terrified to fly! We live probably about 6-7 hours away and would make the drive down the day before then stay in San Diego and meet the driver at the airport the next day. Did anyone else drive?

Good morning...what are products that you packed in ur suitcase or what did u really needed to take but didnt figure it out until after.

I am 5 days post op.I got sleeved april 15 in tijuana Mexico with Dr. Garcia at florence hospital. My first 3 Days were Horrible. I had servere nauesa an vomitting and felt like a elephant sittting on my chest. I had trouble getting my fluids in but by the 4 Day it got easier. but today I can get all my required fluids in and then some alittle concerned i dont want to stretch out my sleeve. Most of the staff was great at the hospital. Dr. Garcia and his team was very friendly. Melissa the onsite cooridator was great, answered all my questions. I felt safe at the hospital with my personal belongings being out. The night before discharge a dr from Dr. Garcia team ca…

**** warning stomach pic included*** Pre op, I did research for few months , went to 2 seminar state side and found out my insurance would not pay for gastric sleeve. They claimed it was experimental but they would cover RNY/DS/Banding. I said thanks but no thanks and looked to Mexico. Came across Dr Ilian and his coordinator Omar ( thanks GAmom ). I called Omar sent him my healthy questionnaire and traded question about time line ,payment etc. Scheduled same day surgery for a month out to allow delivery of my first baby. Got my cashier check $4000, no deposit required, round trip plane ticket delta ATL to san diego 269... such a steal Wednesday April 10th, grabb…

I'm down 11 more lbs since my surgery 10 days ago! 22 total including my preop diet, but I gained that in fluids after the surgery then lost 22 since the post op gain. I'm rambling. I've lost 11lbs in 10 days would be the short version. Yaaaay! I need to get a ticker but I had to tell someone!

After having done over 2 years of research on bariatric surgery, and months worth on my surgeon options- I found myself very impressed with Dr. Ramos Kelly's qualifications and experience. I verified all the information on his work experience and education (this is essential, as anyone can claim a great professional track record on the internet!). My surgery went great, the staff at his hospital checked on me virtually every hour and were extremely detailed. Beyond all that, I felt cared about. Dr. Kelly visited me at the hotel with his wife and Sara (personal coordinator) early because I was doing great and wanted to take off a day early. I was happy to refer a good fr…

I think a lot if us, most of us, Mexi-Sleevers develop a kind of mild case of hero worship for our surgeons. It kind of makes sense. We are obese to morbidly obese. We are struggling to get affordable life saving surgery. And viola! There it is. Between 4k-10k. Life saving/changing surgery. We devote, typically although not exclusively, months of research and saving to get the surgery. We travel, sometimes thousands of mile, away from our comfort zones (home), to a country where our 1st language (more often than not) is not our medical teams 1st language. We do this alone or with a trusted Plus 1. More often than not our experiences exceed our expectations. …

I am so happy with my sleeve!! That is an understatement!!!! --Surgery with Dr. Garcia on 4/2 --starting weight preop 238.8 --surgery weight 228 --current weight 1 month out 204.6 --34.2lbs one month out plus preop --I'm mainly concentrating in low carb/high protein and liquids... Not so much on calories but still only eating 600-800per day per fitness pal......As far as exercise I have started the gym yesterday at one mile and light lifting will increase to 2 miles in a week and so on.....will go 3-4 times a week is goal.... My fiancé has now booked a date on July 23rd with Dr garcia for sleeve surgery!!! She is tired of yoyo dieting and over being scared as …

I've posted in here a few times to follow up on my VSG with Dr. Kelly and sing his praises, along with the whole experience I had. I am now at a BMI of 20.5, my labs came back great from my physical. I've unfortunately experienced some mysterious balance issues that seem to be related to alcohol or dehydration. Very long story short, after speaking from everyone from my PCP, ENTs, psychologists, VSG surgeons in the USA, therapists, other patients- NO ONE has been a wealth of knowledge or as understanding or compassionate as Laura. She knew everything about VSG, vitamin deficiencies, endocrine system, thyroid imbalances..the list goes on. She spent lots of time talkin…

I like to finish my plate, and I think this will be my best tool (other than my sleeve)

Here and in the hotel ... what an adventure . Samuel is super nice and fellow sleever Logan is a hoot

I keep reading about eating string cheese post op ??? When can we start stribg cheese?

I was looking into locally having the sleeve done here but my insurance won't pay. Been researching Mexico but am overwhelmed. I keep coming up with new fasilitators and doctors. Is there one website out there that lists all these companies, the doctors and their ratings etc? I've been reading all of these posts, most sound pretty good, but I'm kind of scared about the ones who are not talking. I was reading 1 post where it left off she was going in for surgery a few weeks ago and hasn't left another message. I feel like I'm going in circles trying to research. Thanks for any info you can offer, Cindy

I'm stoked and a little nervous, but excited to be on the road to feeling better physically and looking better! After I return home and get settled I will post a full account of my experience. Wish me luck!

I've been researching the lower cost doctors in Tijuana. I've come to a point where I don't know if I'm going to go with Fernando Garcia or Ismael Cabrera Garcia. Any thoughts?

Did you guys take cash with you into Mexico? Or use plastic? I have heart people talking about shopping at like Walmart and stuff...just curious... This is of course besides the cashiers check for surgery.

How long did it take for everyone to get their passports?

Hello Everyone, I've spent a few weeks poking around forums and websites. I'm interested in getting some additional information about Dr. Ramos Kelly. I've seen a few posts talking about different ways to book surgery with him. What is the best way? and how do I go about it? Thank you!!

Cant wait to see my after...lets share our before pics...CW 256 lbs...

http://wasabubblebutt.blogspot.com/2010/03/researching-mexican-or-us-sleeve.html I was meandering and found this link in an old post from 2011? Felt it would be a good idea to repost for those who are thinking of going to MX but not knowing where to start. There is some great information in here.

My doctor Lopez uses a size 32 Bougie. For those of you that has this 32 Bougie. What problems do you have. I have heard many comments on sizes of Bougie's.

Wondering who will be Sleeved Dr Garcia in May? I am scheduled for May 17th...

So I leave tomorrow for mexico and surgery is on Thursday, up until this morning I would say I have been very calm and not nervous at all. I think that may have changed I had racing heart thinking about it this morning... Honestly its not getting surgery that has me freaked its all the old tapes running in my head about what I wont be able to eat after. I know my health is way more important to me then letting food rule my life but I must admit I keep having to remind myself of that! I really dont want to be stressed going into it. Any advise on how you all kept calm and collected?

To start my countdown to a May 28 date with Dr Aceves. I did something today I know I will NEVER be able to do again, and I will miss it (although I only do it a couple times a year). That being ALL U CAN EAT BABYBACK RIB night at my local BQ joint. I can cross the 5* Vegas buffets off my future also. It just wouldn't be economic to pay that much and eat so little. The ribs were GREAT, fall off the bone and juicy. But alas, I know I need to "get my weight under MY control" (less 100lbs is my goal) and getting "sleeved" is part of a PLAN to live healthier and LONGER. I just hope I don't get hit by a Mexican bus when I cross back over the border. In truth, the reason…

I've been reading and obsessing over these forums trying to find the right doctor in Mexico, but I'm having a hard time finding anyone that has had their surgery in Mexico and has reached or is close to their goal weight.

This thread is absolutely NOT about any particular surgeon. I see many patients saying that so and so Dr operates at multiple hospitals (3-6) like it is a badge of accomplishment. Here in the states the top surgeons operate at one, maybe two hospitals. To me jumping around to 5 different hospitals shows instability. Why wouldn't you just pick one since you are comfortable with your surgical team, or maybe two if you want to give clients an option? This question has been driving me nuts. Please no mention of specific surgeons.

There is just so much information out there.I thought maybe starting a list....Please put the Doctor, city, the hospital, the hotel, days at hospital and days at hotel and the company you used.... I'm hoping this list will help us newbies in getting information in one place. Then we can all do our research on each. I keep reading and seeing more and more.....Thanks, I hope this list will help many people. Cindy

Ok so i really want to go to dr Aceves. For those of you who have gone to him how did you pay...i heard they do inhouse financing is that true? If so can you tell me about it.

Which airline did you use? How much aprox.? From East Coast US.... Thanksssss!

I have a BMI of 35 with no comorbidities, doubt my insurance will cover the surgery so I'm exploring self pay options. I'm interested in gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Aceves and was wondering how the process of getting a surgery date goes. I've been to his website and saw there are medical questionaires that can be submitted. Do you fill those out and submit them to find out if you are a candidate? Did anyone have to send over medical records from your PCP?

Hello, so i booked my flight, downpayment made and schedules surgery june 6th..same day i am flying down.. I had the money so it took me 1 day to decide on this..whew now im wondering did i move too fast..i feel good about though...:-)

Starting weight 268, surgery weight 250 started size tight 24. Current weight 182. 5'4". NSV...size 14 not women's store. First real purchase! (Not from second hand store or hand me down) Total weight gone today...85 pounds. I did not lose it, I let it go and I don't want it back ever again. 32 pounds away from my first goal of 150!

I'm post op just over 48 hrs. I feel fantastic!! The first 24 hrs were rough. My throat hurt and I was throwing up a lot, and the gas in my stomach wasn't moving much even with walking, I was starting to wonder what I had done, than 36 hrs rolled around and I started burping and farting and they gave us water and apple juice. Oh man it felt great!! I also drank some watered down Gatorade and that perked me up!! Dr Garcia and Dr Luna are an incredible team!! I have never been so well taken care of in my life! I'm currently back in the hotel after spending the last 2 days in Florence Hospital, my staples are out along with my drain. I drank an entire bowl of broth in about …

I'm scheduled for June 10th w/ Dr. Ramos-Kelly. Anyone else heading out that day?

Well the day is almost here. One more day and i will be off to mexico for my life changing procedure. I am exciting but nervous. Praying that all will go well.

I've decided to have my gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico and I'm really excited. I've been saving up for surgery for almost two years now and I think this will be life-changing for me. I've been reading through hundreds of posts the last few weeks and have done outside research as well. I'm price sensitive but I won't save a few dollars and have my sleeve surgery done in a strip mall clinic (like Alamanza and Jerusalem Hospital) or use a surgeon that doesn't have a lot of experience (like Garcia and Lopez.) My life is definitely very valuable to me and I'm not willing to risk it! I've created my master gastric sleeve surgeon list and I'm thinking about using one…

just wondering if u felt Safe in tijuana? Especially if u went out shopping:) Flying out Sunday. Surgery with dr Garcia April 29th

Going to Dr. Aceves solo this summer (June-ish) and wanted to know who else is going! (May be to early to ask but I'm excited)! Anyone else going solo that wants to meet up? What should I look out for? Preparation?

My aunt agreed to loan/gift me the money for my surgery! Now it's all about filling out the paper work and making the plans! I've been waiting four years for this surgery and all of a sudden it's here...I don't really know how to feel lol so I keep bursting into tears at random inopportune times! Lol My only fear is that I'll have it done and I won't even lose any weight....