Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

So, after day one of clear liquids and a 9 hour shift, I stopped by the bank and the guy in front of me in line robbed the place. I was the only other customer there and he yelled and pointed his "weapon" (hand in pocket holding gun or faking a gun) at me. Which lead to me being locked in the building almost 3 hours getting questioned by local forensics to the FBI. Aw, what a day 1. I cant wait to leave for TJ Wednesdsy.

hey need a little inspiration? listen to the winner or nashville star 2008 melissa lawson's song. its called what if it all goes right , shes a fellow sleever and its beautiful! on you tube shes also on facebook.

I posted before but am again.I will have a revision on March 22 with Dr.Aceves and I will be there until the 25th. Will anyone else be there at that time?

Why do we need to do them?

Which physician did you choose? How and why did you choose them? I'm not sure if this is an option for me...I worry because my insurance has an exclusion that specifically outlines they will not cover complications or after care from any non-emergent surgery performed outside the US. But I want to do plenty of research into my other options. My insurance is a self-funded "aetna" plan that is run by a third party administrator. That TPA was intentionally misleading about my requirements. And my worry is if I now jump through this set of hoops they are setting out, what happens when there is another set of hoops. And another. And another. Etc etc etc. So please …

What's it like? I mean I've seen it in movies and I went to pick up a friend from an airport when I was 14, but What do I do!!?? I know you can order plane tickets online. I believe even from an app? If I go to our smaller more local airport I'll be on a smaller American Airlines plane. Is this bad? (For some reason, smaller plane = not as good to me. Not sure why.) I'm nervous about the layover mostly. How do I make sure I don't miss my plane, having never been in the airport or experienced any of this before!? Anything else I should know? I plan on packing light so hopefully I can carry it on and not worry about baggage claim.

I know it's a long shot but just wondering if anyone has been able to get a medical withdrawl from their retirement plan... we have a 457 and cannot borrow but we can withdrawl for uncovered necessary medical expenses. Not sure if this would technically qualify. I'm still hoping insurance will cover it but I need a plan B (and C, D, E, etc, lol). I know I should ask our provider but I really don't want to unless it becomes necessary, KWIM? We would have to talk to my husband's employer and I am not ready to do that, lol. I'm hoping to hear other's experiences.

5 days! FIVE!! I'm so excited and ready to get this show on the road. Wrote short letters to my children and have my bags packed. Cashiers check and cash in my wallet, check. Gotta get the AT&T mx package and I think I'm ready!! I'm going to Tijuana to Hospital MI doctor, and will be sleeved by dr. Garcia. I feel very confident in my choice. . I have to wake up at 2:30 am to head out the door at 3:45. Gonna get to the airport around 4:45 and the plane leaves 2 hours later. I don't think I'll get much sleep thurs night. Lol i started my journey last April. I feel as though I've been trough a lot to get me to this point and being so close feels like a dream. I'm n…

All my bags are packed...I'm ready to go...I'm leaving on a jet plane ...who else is going ? So excited.

My surgery is March 8th. Saturday is the first day of my pre op diet. Alma told me to start Saturday cause she didnt want me losing too much weight before surgery (low bmi). Hmmmmmmmmm what should I eat tomorrow! What will you miss about food? Last of my favorite in N out burger maybe? Time to start a new life!

Does it have the VST app? Amanda Rae

Okay Amy I took your idea about the personal thread, what a great idea. Ok well I got my pedi today with a friend of mine and it really helped me to relax. I didn't get the neon color I had talked about because my friend has breast cancer that went with me so I got the breast cancer pink on my toes for her. Then we spent the rest of the day together and it was great until I got ready to leave. She is the strongest person I know and has been through so much in her life but when she hugged me good bye she started to cry and then I started to cry. I told her I would be fine and not to worry and that I would be back before here next Chemo treatment. That was the first emotion…

got my confirmation number from united airlines, leaving march 12 next week, what elese needs to be done to get on the darn plane?

Can anybody tell me if MI hospital and the Marriott has a blow dryer?

Going to Tj dr Garcia staying at Marriott....spouse wanting to know ideas for food and meals while we are down there for her... Heard bad stuff about meals at Marriott ? Any suggestions on what your support person did would be great thank you!!

Ok ladies I'm off to get my pedi to help relax me and to help pass the time.

I just woke yesterday with a cold and I fly out march 7 and get surgery the 8th. I'm hoping it'll be gone by then. Will they cancel the surgery? I already paid for the flight. I'm worried. Any suggestions?

I will be going to Dr. Umbach for my surgery. I would love to hear if anyone else has had him do their surgery and what their experience was.

I am looking into having surgery here in Oklahoma - maybe Weight Wise in Edmond - How long from start to surgery date. I have a BMI 36 - no major medical or sleep issues. Just overweight. With all of the testing and things does it tak a long time? Thanks

Things are moving slowly....still waiting my turn. IV was a problem...will do it in the OR. Will post when I can.

Well, I have been speaking with Alma at ready 4a change about having the sleeve with Dr. Garcia in Tiajuana. Dr. Garcia reviewed my forms and said I would be clear for surgery. This is scary! I've read and researched for a while now! Can any post any current info about Dr Garcia and their experiences, good or bad before I make a decision? Thanks!

Tomorrow is my 8 month "surgiversary". I am at my goal and have lost a total of 73 pounds. Dr. Fernando Garcia was my surgeon. I went from a 16-18 size jeans to a size 6.......yes, a size 6. I am smaller now than I was in college. This journey has not been easy. I will not lie. I only regretted it one time and that was probably about 6 weeks post op and I was staying nauseated. But before I knew it, nausea was gone, I had finally turned a corner and I could drink Water without being nauseated. Could not drink much of it, so don't worry if you can't now, you will most definitely be able to in the coming months post op. I feel life is somewhat normal again. By…

HELP! I have been reviewing surgeons and various facilities and now am a little confused. I have looked into A Lighter Me who works with Dr. Lopez and Dr. Garcia. I have been contacted by their coordinator Louise. I also looked at Dr. Almanza and have been contacted by Sandy and then Melissa. On the A Lighter Me website, Melissa is mentioned as a coordinator. Does Melissa work for both surgeons? Also, Almanza is listed as operating out of Jeruselum hospital (which is really a clinic) but Melissa contacted me and signed her email from Mt. Zion. When I checked Mt Zion's website, it is actually Jerusulem hospital. I have also seen past posts where Dr. Almanza operated Emmanu…

Since so many of you have asked me for Dr. Aceves' post-op diet as well as what to bring to the hospital -- I decided I'd post all the information here for you to refer too as needed. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. However, I think these lists do a pretty good job. REMINDERS: Do not eat on your arrival day. You may have a light Breakfast before you leave home but remember that your pre-op testing will be done the same day that you arrive to San Diego . You need to be fasting 6 hours before your tests, Water is OK to have. After the tests you may have something to eat. For those of you who are flying be sure to travel light as you d…

Is anyone on here gonna be at this hospital and having surgery on April 26th?

Anyone going around this time?

I'm worried about the clear liquid day prior to surgery and no liquids day of surgery. I suffer from hypoglycemia, and easily feel faint from it. anyone else experience this prior to surgery?Is there anything they can do to prevent it prior to surgery? I intend to talk with dr Garcia about it but was wondering if anyone had any input

I just found out that genetically I am at a serious increased risk for venous thromboembolism (aka blood clots). I understand that it is important to start walking early and often after the surgery to prevent this. Do any of the hospitals in Tijuana provide compression stockings and also use a device called SCD's (they are wrapped around your calves and squeezed and release with the assistance of air to help with blood flow)?

I will b heading to Mexico the first week of April to b sleeved by Dr Garcia! April 4-8th! Anyone else going around that time..looking for a buddy Sent from my iPhone using VST

Has anyone used this surgeon in Tijuana with Beliteweight? How was your experience? Would you recommend him?

Just curious which is more painful when recovering? Anyone?

what is better to pack?

I keep having reoccurring thoughts about having my sleeve in Mexico, then something going wrong- like my body rejecting my new stomach, bleeding to death, or my blood pressure bottoming out. is anyone else freaking out about stuff like this? I do already have anxiety issues, and having an elective surgery to remove the majority of my stomach has made my anxiety worse. I know that I want to do this, and need to do this. How did you calm your nerves?

Hi I'm traveling from Kissimmee fl to dr. Kelly n march anyone up for some group support ? I would love to know who is also planning for that week?

Came in mail yesterdY took three weeks

I was scheduled to leave at 5:15 this AM and missed my flight... I'm always early to the airport whenever I travel and this time i took my time...got there 20minutes before boarding. i'm so mad at myself! Why must i do this to myself?! Self Sabotage...I guess. I called Samuel (the driver) and he was very nice about it. He said i'll be the last one to pick up. I'm on my way to San Diego now. I should be there by 2:00pm...at this point no turning back. This is real and i've gotta do this!!

In my room at the Marriott. Not scary here at all. Samuel is super nice and talkative, speaks perfect English. I'm waiting on the on site coordinator to get here, she had a meeting. Surgery is tomorrow. I'm so excited and nervous. I'll keep you guys posted.

I'm having my surgery with Dr Garcia march 6th. Woohoo. I'm getting excited. I haven't seen a lot of detail on posts from same day travel/operation people. I have to get up at 3am EST to get to San Diego by 10am PST. Then shuttle to mi doctor followed by surgery. If any of the veterans that have done this can share some of their tips or experiences, I would be grateful. I'm picturing 3 hours on a plane next to someone with my stomach rumbling. I know it will be a long day and I wish it could be over already.

On my way to airport from Chicago to Be sleeved by Dr Garcia

So it's time. I am on my way to Mexico. I leave for the airport in an hour. I am so scared and I pray that I am doing the right thing. Keep me in your prayers everyone. I have 2 sons and a husband who love me so and want me back safe and sound less complications!!! I don't think I have ever done anything like this :-)

What is best to wear post op?

Has any one used Dr. Lopez? I am scheduled for Monday the 4th of March!!

15 days to go huray!

Surgery is one week from today and I'm excited to start this new chapter of life but anxious to get this waiting part over.

Anyone?? I am on Friday???

Mine is leaks and strictures.

I am having surgery on April 15th with dr oritz at occ. when do you get your stitches out? I am dreading the drain! I had one for another surgery I had and it was so uncomfortable coming out.

Anyone from the tri-state area that had surgery or is trying to go have surgery in a lighter me I'm highly skeptical about it like fit example of face book not even that much people give it likes. I don't know. Help!!!!

Good evening all. I'm new and would like to thank you all for sharing all your wonderful stories! I'm scheduled for surgery March 7 in TJ with Dr. Cabrera....I cry so much when reading all these posts cause I can't believe that may be me! Anyways, my passport was stolen and I reported it, but never replaced it. I'm being told conflicting stories about whether or not I can just use the birth certificate/ID combo....lemme know! Thanks

OK, first, I know I shouldn't be complaining as I don't have constipation and and I should be thankful. But, it is the little things that are annoying. Before surgery, I would wake up and go #1 and #2 like clock work. Then, I could get on the scale and know I would be my lightest. Now, I wake up go #1 and no way is #2 happening. But, then I eat and have to go immediately. I wonder why it takes eating to wake up my insides. I feel like I am getting jipped a 1/2 lb by not being my lighest. I know, shut up and be happy that I am not constipated. Mary