Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Is Ready4achange and Alighterme the same company?

Hello my name is Cari, and this is a little bit of my story. I was banded in 2006 in TJ Mexico. My sur weight was 313. In 12 months I was down to 150lbs and thrilled. I only ever had 1 fill about 8 months in. I was estacic. over the next 2 years I maintained my weight at 122lbs. going up or down 5lbs Water weight. I had gotten my life back!!!!! Life could not get any better........ BUT........... it could get worse!!!!!!! I started getting really tired. I could no longer eat. I thought ok some kind of stomach bug, then I started throwing up blood. I went to the ER in so much pain. They did an xray and said everything looked ok and sent me home. T…

Flying May 2nd and surgery May 3rd. May 3rd is also my birthday! Bonus I get to spend Cinco de Mayo in TJ!!! Im going to see Dr. Q

Just wondering if anyone else will be going to Dr. Fernando Garcia during the week of May 6 to May 11. My surgery is on May 6 at Florence Hospital. Just want to meet up with others having their's the same time to share experiences.

Personally I am flying from Ft Lauderdale to Mesa, AZ via SPIRIT and then driving to the border (Dr Aceves).. One good thing to know is that SPIRIT now has a FEW (4 to 6) business size seats in their economy class sections. How many depends on the model of plane. You have to pay more of course, but at least you eliminate the very real worry that you are going to be "pulled aside" and be asked to pay for two seats. Some of the other airlines are starting to offer this option also (you need to check with your airline). After post-op I intend to drive back with my wife and spend a few days looking at real estate around Prescott, AZ as a possible place to move. And then …

I'm concerned about aftercare and finding a Dr. In the states that will be willing to take me on as a patient for the long haul. Any suggestions?

What can you do for head aches? I get fairly back headaches about once a month for consecutive days and I was just told that Ibuprofen and aspirin are off the list after surgery... Im worried.

I had surgery (will type my whole experience later) Wednesday April 10th and got home April 13th. Yesterday morning I had hives all over my chest and parts of my back. I emailed Gaby at dr aceves office today to ask about it and dr campos said it might be from the surgical tape. I was thinking why did I breakout like 3 day slater? Anyone experience this problem?

I'm concerned about aftercare and finding a Dr. In the states that will be willing to take me on as a patient for the long haul. Any suggestions?

Was just wondering why people leave the country to have the VSG? I'm new to this . I live on New York State & have insurance. Is it because you are self pay???

Bought my plane tickets today ... Everything is a go for the 26 th of April . Anyone else going at that time ?

I will be flying in from West Palm Beach to Mesa AZ on May 26 and driving to the border. Not as nervous as I am excited. I want to lose 100lbs and I was NEVER going to achieve that by dieting. Is anyone else going to have surgery with Dr. Aceves at that time ?

Just in case it cost too much to do the surgery in the US, how long did it take to get your surgery date in Mexico? Say I was to call a doctor in Mexico tomorrow, would it be a month or several months from now to get a surgery date?

I'm having surgery this Friday with Dr. Illan at Florence Hospital. I'm traveling alone, and am hoping to connect with fellow sleevers.

This is my first post and first day I registered! I had surgery 3 weeks ago yesterday with dr. Ponce de leon at INT hospital in Tijuana. I feel great, his staff, the hospital staff and most of all my coordinator Trish was the best! These forums were a huge help in making my decision on the Doctor and helping me decide to go through with the surgery. I was on here a few months prior to my surgery and would just read everything but never joined until today.. My husband was totally against having surgery in MX and said NO as soon as I told him. Of course I kept doing research and in the end he didn't have a choice. He gave in and went with me, supported me and as soon as we …

I've been watching the videos of various doctors in Mexico. I've seen this on several different doctors videos and ads. On more than one occasion, I've notice that there were OR staff with their surgical mask over just their mouths and not over their noses. I even saw one where the surgeon was scrubbing his hands before surgery and didn't have the mask over his nose, just over his mouth. I thought the main reason medical people wear the masks are to reduce the risk of infection for the patient and then the risk to themselves. Am I just being overly sensitive to this or is this a real infection hazard? One doctor in particular has had great reviews, but then I read wh…

Just wondering if I might see anyone while Im there. I hear its nice to have a walking buddy lol

Long flight from Virginia. We arrived a day early at San Diego. I called Lora who seemed very sweet and was told Alina was picking us up. She was helping out as CeCe (Dr. Kellys wife) was at a sport competition with their son for a few days. Alina showed up, very nice and spoke very good english. The hospital wasnt going to be ready for a few hours, so Alina took us to grab a quick bite (broth for me)and gave us about a 4.5 hr tour of San Diego and TJ. Filling in history and telling us about the country. She's very pleasant and friendly. My mom and I really enjoyed the day. Arriving at Florence, everyone was friendly. It was clean, a bit dated as others have said, but ad…

2 People getting surgeries which one would work VSG or RNY? Husband: Age: 30 Weight: 360 Height: 6'1 Weight Goal: 220 (He is very broad.) All extra weight is in his stomach. Eating habits: Bored eating, quantity eater, Sometimes emotional eater but not as much as the other two. Current Health issues: -Severe sleep Apnea -Congestive Heart Failure with high Blood pressure -Stasis wounds which leads to also joint and nerve pain. -GERD Past health issues: -Adrenal gland removal (tumor) -Umbilical hernia in stomach. Thoughts on surgeries: Worried about get additional hernias with RNY. Does not want dumping syndrome. However, likes how RNY does weight loss. D…

I had surgery Friday and am at the marriott is anyone else here

Im going in april probably the 10th to get my sx(surgery) done with Dr.Illan at Mi Doctor hosp. Just seeing whos gonna be there, hopefully to meet some of you!!!!

So i have been sleeved and i feel great considering!!! I will start from the beginning and work my way to right now. So i started out on april 10th leaving with my mom heading to san diego. The security check point was crazy i barely made my flight luckely it was a bit delayed in leaving. We then got to tx airport and had to practically run to catch the connecting flight, but we got there just in time. When we finally got to san diego i called Omar to have the driver Arieli come to our zone to get us. We got over the border with no problems and in about 35-40 mins due to traffic. I got to the hospital about 7:30 to get checked in for my sx the next day. At about 7am the n…

Please be VERY careful when dealing with Mexico Bariatric Center. They have not been in business very long and their doctors are very new! I found out some very interesting information when I was at Mi Doctor having surgery with another surgeon. I found out that Mexico Bariatric Center is the former web, internet person for A Lighter Me. He stopped working with A Lighter Me a few short months ago and put up this new website. It's been very popular because this person took many websites, he took the Google advertising and even the Facebook of A Lighter Me. The coordinator, Christy used to be the bookkeeper for A Lighter Me. No one at that place has had weight los…

Hey all, Just wanted to share my progress. I am 1 month post op (technically 32 days) I had my surgery with Dr. Garcia at MiDoctor. As of today I have lost 22lbs (forever!) and feel great. The only issues I still have are minor incision pain (from the biggest one), I can only sip little bits of plain Water (I think I gulp too much air with it and gives me a big air bubble in my chest) and a gurggly stomach every night when I lay in bed. But those are such MINOR things that don’t faze me at all. I have no trouble getting all my Protein and liquid in daily, and am able to exercise for at least 30mins 6x a week. I got the greatest compliment the other day, I went and go…

I had planned on going to Dr (Don't want specifics) and there are many reasons I changed my mind. I researched and can only tell you the facts of what I found out and why I changed my mind. My experience was so great, I believe everyone deserves the treatment I received (best treatment in any hospital EVER). I researched other Dr's but these were the 2 I went back and forth with. I decided that close to the Border was easy in and easy out lol,a nd I was right:) Here is a list of why I changed my mind! #1 Its a small hospital and not a walk in clinic as Dr x has his place in a strip mall and I want to be in a actual hospital. #2 Dr x does 8-14 surgeries a day, My Dr do…

So, I've been trying to convince my family that having surgery in Mexico is fine despite all of their efforts for me to not go. Then a lady that works with my stepfather went to Mexico, had the Lapband and is in the hospital here in the US with major complications. They aren't expecting her to make it. So now my family is freaking out on me even more about going down there. I'm not sure who her surgeon was, but I'm trying to find out. But still, complications can arise regardless here in the states or Mexico! Last night my mom just looked at me shaking her head and said "Well, no Mexico surgery." I just stared at her and told her that I was still doing it. It's my life an…

Has anyone had surgery in Reynosa with Dr. Cantu? How did it go? I am supposed to go in May. I'm a little apprehensive. Im excited at the same time.

I am scheduled for surgery in Cancun in June. I am still undecided about telling my current Primary Care Physician that I am having the surgery. I haven't been entirely happy with her and I have been thinking of returning to another doctor I used to see, but they are 20 miles away. I'm not sure that the current PCP will approve of Mexico, which would be another reason to switch. From those of you who have had the surgery, I would like to know what type of aftercare the PCP will need to provide. I would also like to hear any tips or experiences others have had with their PCP and their decision to have the surgery in Mexico. Is it advisable to consult with a PCP before the …

Surgery was 3 days ago, feel great, last day here will fly out tonite . be on the look out for full detailed write up.....wait for it I am down 10lbs !!!!!! I will post a pic of my record setting stomach, I think the biggest seen in mexico .

Those of you that are post-op PLEASE keep us informed as to how you all are doing be it bad or good...I know once you all have the surgery things change but it really means a lot to us that haven't been sleeved... STAY WITH US....lol

my flight leaves at 6am tomorrow and I have no idea what to pack! I have the gas-x strips that i have read about and some comfy pj pants to wear home (i know i wont care what I look like). I am going to tijuana with dr. garcia for surgery 4/11... any advice would help!

Hi. I'm self-pay surg and all the preop testing this is going to cost me 22k+. Starting to think I should have just gone to Mexico. Not just because of $$ but inconvenience of coordinating all my preop stuff with do many different doctors. Is it more one-stop shopping in Mexico? Do you have do preop testing in states and bring it with you/send ahead to your Mexican surgeon. Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this...

4/16 I'm ready!!

So, today I got on an airplane and came to San Diego where I was picked up by Abraham with alighterme, and driven across the boarder to Tijuanna and settled into the Marriott. I will be first or second tomorrow, will be picked up at 6:45 am to go to the hospital. My surgeon is Dr. Lopez and Dr. Ortiz who work with MiDoctor Hospital. So far I am thrilled and of course nervous too! Abraham was super nice, a little bit of a scary driver, but we made it in one piece The Marriott is nice, the room is spacious. I just got back to the room from soaking in the hot tub for awhile, and man did that feel nice after 9 hours of travel time!!! Ready to hit the sack now, I will update …

Is anyone having surgery monday the 15th at Florence hospital with Dr. Garcia? Just wondering?

I have decided I want to get the gastric sleeve procedure sometime in the spring and I am looking at surgeons. Dr. Huacuz was recommended to me. Anyone have any feedback on him? Thanks.

Well, I'm at the airport, leaving at 10:15 and heading to San Diego to be sleeved today with Dr. Garcia. So nervous/excited, etc! Prayers are appreciated!

Day 1: My best friend, C, ended up traveling with me to Mexico, as a last minute scheduling snafu prevented my boyfriend from being there. I had been pretty certain I could do it alone, but she insisted on coming with me and on the trip to San Diego from the East Coast I was very glad she had. We arrived in San Diego at 1215 local time and before we even got off the plane, I had a phone call from my coordinator telling me where the driver was and what to look out for. C and I had both opted to carry on our luggage. After flying and going through airports for 8 hours, I was very glad that we had since as soon as we got off the plane, we were mostly done with crowds an…

I am leaving April 16 to INT Hospital in TJ. I will be staying at the lucerna after the sx. Anyone going my way. I would love to actually know someone there!

I am here in the hospital all hooked up and ready to go. Wish me luck!!!!

..... the day I fly out to start my Mexicali/Dr. Aceves surgical adventure has arrived! My stomach is filled with butterflies that can't wait to be set free... and after surgery I bet they will be landing in an emesis basin. I am so excited and scared at the same ... and now I just want to get this party started! MzMeka... can't wait to meet you! Amanda Rae... thank you so much for sharing your journey... I don't feel like I am heading into the unknown. :wub: To everyone that shared information and support about Dr. Aceves and his team and just information on the Vertical Gastric Sleeve procedure... Thank You! Over and out... Darcy

It has been awhile that ive been on here...just trying to keep busy and it sure has been cuz now its down to the nitty-gritty. I leave on the 10th to head to mx...going from ftmyers fl to san diego being pu by omar or the driver not sure which one yet but i get sx done the next day at 2. Im sooooo excited im ready but physically i can tell my body is getting nervous....i cant seem to get to sleep at night and im a good sleeper..lol. I ready to be on the losers bench. I will be going to florence oasis to have my sx done by Dr.Illan he is soooooo sweet and Omar is amazing he has been there from the beginning and has kept up w me on everything!!!! Thanks Omar w out u i would…

I fly out April 16 to Tijuana. That is the day before my 27 birthday. I had a stroke last year in august and decided it was time to live. I want children with my new husband and I want to live long enouhh to see my stepson graduate. I am scared. I am going alone because we can't afford for my husband to go. I am technically going with a group but I don't know anyone. My Dr is Dr. Jaime ponce de leon at the INT hospital. I don't know much about him. I did so much research but I still feel I'm lacking. My doctors here in Houston are all for it but there are a lot of negative feelings from family about mexico. I can't afford it here and I have to do something. Wish me luc…

Going April 12. Dr Lopez. Any tips for hospital?? Is area safe? Parents are joining me. They are 65. Wanted to come for support. Hubby is taking time off when I return. Can they go out around the hospital?

Hello, I'm booked in for the spider technique (through the belly button) with dr Garcia May 11. Just wondering as its fairly new if anyone else has had this done w him? I have heard before a few people saying they'd had it done (w great results) but can't remember if they were specifically from surgery w him. Thank you

I switched my surgery dates and will now go to Florence instead of Mi. alma says its very nice and better equipped with ICU and etc I'm not worried as I trust dr Garcia and alma, as they have been great thus far. Just curious about Florence hospital and if anyone's went and their thoughts.

Sleeved in MX Florence Hospital with Dr. Garcia In February 2013 I started looking into vertical sleeve surgery. I lurked and read other peoples experiences. I contacted pretty much all the companies and got replys from all. I chose Ready4achange because I liked how Alma explained things and how she was not pushy and always answered my questions promptly. I originally contacted her about Dr Perez so I would not have such a long flight but after researching the other Dr. Garcia in Tijuana. I knew he was the one. So I got all my paperwork and made my deposit and set a date. A week before surgery I got an email saying I could change from MI Doctor to Florence if I wanted to…

Going to mi dr on Friday. Any tips on what to take?

My surgery is scheduled on May 10. I have became addictive to this website. I am so glad that people are sharing their experience: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. When I first seen the Forum for "Mexico Vertical Sleeve Surgery (NEW FORUM!)" I said to myself, "These people are crazy going over to Mexico for surgery." Then I was curious/nosy and clicked on the link and became infatuated with the stories that I was reading. I had schedule a consultation to see a doctor about Lipo (appointment is today) and said to myself, "Why pay all that money for a quick fix when I can spend my money on a life-time change?" So here I am. I gave my deposit and set my date; I just wa…

I moved my date up by one day so that I can have same day surgery, mostly because the pre-op diets are killing me! I'm more than a bit concerned about what my difficulty in sticking to the pre-op diets mean for me post-op. Any tips, tricks, or words of encouragement would be appreciated. Thanks.