Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Dehydration it no joke !!!! To all my pre- op sleeve it is so important to get fluids in. It's really hard in the beginning but try hard . Getting me a couple of IV bags and I get to go home

Soooo excited!!! (Yet groggy, lol) Everything was so quick and easy. I don't remember a thing. I was the second today to have my surgery. There were only 4 for the whole day. At around 10:30 AM I was given something to relax me, and at 3:30 I woke up already having been in my hospital room for hours. I was only under for 35 min. But I still needed my rest I guess. Then I had my cousin call my people (family, friends) for me and let them know I was ok. Then I went back to sleep till 6-6:30. Then I got up and walked down the hallway. Climbed back in bed, had my cousin and Jesus set up my extension cord, plugged in my iPhone and iPad and I'm good to go :-) I totally reco…

A few short minutes ago, I put dollars to the dream and made my deposit for VSG surgery on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 with Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana! Merry Christmas to me - ha ha!!! As I sit here and type this at 233 lbs, I am so ready to start the next chapter of my life. I can only hope my change will have a wonderful healthy impact on my kids and hubby.

I am having sleeve surgery January 29th in Juarez, Mexico, at the Star Medica Hospital. I didn't see this hospital listed in the list of hospitals to have surgery at. Has anyone had their surgery there? Did you have any complications? Either logistical, or medical? Was it safe?

To each and everyone! Amanda Rae

And here's to a fabulous new year ahead! I was just thinking as I ate my Christmas dinner, stuffing myself full as I can get, that next year will not be the same. Of course having some mixed feelings about that! But I'm ready. let the countdown to March 10th begin!!!

I am so ready go. I have started packing. My sleevie family, I cant think about Thanksgiving, my birthday, Christmas, New Years or anything else besides going to TJ in Feb. It is all I think about....I am so ready to go! I have been overweight all my life....and I see my daughter following the same steps. I just fwel if I can help myself I can help her.....I need this journey to begin, but I will remain patient ..... But God knows I ready ! Love you guys...

If anyone is planning on going to Cancun next year please let me know. Most of the posts are to surgeons in Tijuana but I hardly ever see Cancun. I am hoping to go in January or February I am in Florida so would rather fly closer than all the way to San Diego. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving

So after reading so many great things about Dr Garcia here.. I decided to inquire about having surgery with him, with a lighter me. The co-ordinator told me that Dr Garcia has had some fatalaties the last few months!! And suggested another surgeon. Thoughts anyone??

Ok so I had my surgery through the service * a lighter me* and with Dr F. Garcia on 10-25-12. Im just gonna recap through my days and my experience. Please no drama or bashing, this is my opinion and experience. Your milage will vary, that I can promise. August/September 2012, I started really searching this procedure. I like many of you have tried lots of diets and failed. I stalked this site and through the support here and research I made the plans to go ahead and have the sleeve. I contacted a lighterme and my coordinator was *janese*. I was quickly approved and within a few days sent my deposit. I contacted Janese early on several times prior to actually sending …

Guillermo Alvarez Anyone want to share their testimony? I'm pretty sure he's the only one I can afford but would love to hear from some of his patients. Side note: he's terribly good looking!

Deposit paid and flights booked! I am a go for Tijuana. Set for the 18th of February with Dr Garcia. I'm so excited!!! I started my journey as an insurance patient back May 2012 and after all the appointments, testing, 3month mandatory dr/nutritionist monitored diet and then 3 mos waiting on insurance to make a decision I finally decided to take control over my own health and not let someone else that I don't even know decide my fate! I feel such relief and no more stress waiting to find out if and when! Will I see anyone there???????

Hi everyone, Newbie here. I'm reading of people getting the VS (sleeved) in Mexico but did anyone get the DS also? My VDH will be getting sleeved and DS's in the US but I don't quite qualify for it here. I have a BMI of 34.7 (a gain of 2 lbs will get me to the minimum 35 BMI) but I don't have a comorbidity. I'm going to start working on an exception next week due to being dx'd pre-diabetic - I used to take Metformin for it but quit over a year ago - and hypothyroid/hashimoto's disease. If I can't get the exception, I'll go to Mexico. We've been in contact with Dr Acevede's office and have a quote for both procedures. Just wondering if anyone else with "low" BMI an…

I currently do not have any health insurance but am covered by my countys medical program (which allows for PCP care, ER visits and most hospital stays). I am concerned that once I have the surgery in Mexico IF I have any complications afterwards I may not receive care, or will have to foot a very large medical bill and being a college student money is tight. I am going to call and see what the county program covers BUT I am paranoid that if I call and ask such a specific questions about being covered after out of country surgery they will like note it in my file or some such thing. Is this crazy thinking? and if the county program won't cover any pre-op complicatio…

Hi Everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster. I finally felt ready to post about my gastric sleeve journey. I've been overweight my whole life and at 26 finally realized that I wasn't able to get the situation under control by myself. My sister had the RNY performed several years ago and although she lost a great deal of weight, she's also suffered a bunch from the malabsorptive aspects of her surgery. My sisters experience, along with my knowledge as a nurse of the negative outcomes of that procedure (and don't even get me started on the crapband) pretty much made up my mind that the sleeve was for me. I knew my insurance specifically excluded wls so I knew I w…

Has anyone used the company to schedule their surgery? Christi has been VERY attentive in responding to my initial email inquiry about possible scheduling surgery through them with Dr. Fernando Garcia. So far I am strongly leaning towards using them but was hoping to find someone who had used them before. Through reading threads on this forum I do know there was at leat one person who did, which is what had the, contacting them in the first place. Any thoughts? Thanks n advance for your help!

Paying It Forward: I had my VSG Dec 2010 & now bringing a friend (Jan 7 2013) for the procedure. Any suggestions on how to kill thwe downtime? Where did "the bringers" eat or shop? Is it safer than what it was?

I am thinking of booking January 25th with dr. F Garcia. Anyone else going at that time? I think I will be going alone so it would be great to meet others going at the same time. I'm so scared to actually put my deposit down though. It's scary to go to another country for surgery.

So I'm 6 days out from surgery, at home resting with my mom, the huz, and my 2 beauties, feeling (mostly) great. Still some pain, SOOOO hard to get in all my liquids, but looking forward to Friday when I can have anything that can go through a straw. (I'm looking at you, yogurt, lentil Soup and broccoli cheese soup with Protein powder!) The reason a lot of us don't write this week or two after surgery is because we're trying to get used to our new bodies. My challenges have been fluids, like I said, but also lingering surgery pain, mostly where my drain was, gas pains (yes they are evil), and utter exhaustion. Those combined are quite overwhelming. Also, I had surgery…

I am wondering if anyone has had the Nissan Fundaplication and then had it taken down to have the Sleeve done. I am scheduled for the sleeve in Mexico with Dr. Almanza and I have been reading the boards but nobody has mentioned this at all. I'm just wanting some kind of insight.

Hey!! So my surgery is on february 11th and I am really nervous... I will be 21 years old this wednesday and I feel like the only thing I can think about is the surgery.. I kind of stopped going out and seing my friends since I feel like I cannot continue a normal life the way I am right now... I feel like I dont fit in any environement and that the only waybI will fit in is when I get the surgery and start losing all this weight.. It is very strange.. Anybody has had this feeling? Also I know there has been a few post about things to take to Mexico but if anybody went there recently (with doctor garcia) can tell me what they wished they had brought.

Was anyone asked to wear these before and after surgery? If so where did you buy them.

Sooooooooo. What are everyone's expectations regarding surgery, facility, and care in Mexico? My expectations are modest but firm. I want an experienced, skilled, and knowledgable surgeon/staff. I want a clean room and a sterile OR with sterile equipment. I want relevant and operational medical equipment. It doesn't need to be cutting edge as long as it does its job which ensuring the medical safety of myself and other patients. My surgeon is Dr. Lopez/Osuna or Lopez/Ortiz if Dr.Osuna is not available. My destination is Mi Doctor Hospital in Tijuana, Mx. My coordinator is Ronda, a super nice lady, through A Lighter Me. Amanda Rae

This is my first time (I think) posting. Is anyone going to be sleeved by Dr. Ariel Ortiz next Monday-yikes!! December 17?? I'm going alone and as I "try" to rest my mind and sleep, I find myself combing through some posts. So far- I haven't been able to find a single sleeve sister or brother to share in this journey. I'll be arriving Monday a.m and returning on the 20th. Staying at the Marriott. Does anyone know if other hospitals put their patients up at the Marriott as well? Would love to know!

Has anyone had a bad exp with this doc

I have been researching WLS in Mexico and would like some updated information on Dr. Guillermo Alvarez. Everything I've found on this website seems to be a little dated. My second choice would be Dr. Aceves and there seems to a lot of info here on him. Thanks in advance for your help.

So i've posted about falling off the wagon issues over the past month... and I feel like these "lasts" have taken over control... Before booking the surgery I had been reading about others struggling with the food funerals and I remember clearly saying I have no need or want for that, I don't want to de-rail my success, I want to continue my good habits until I have the surgery... Somehow between that and 2 weeks later, I've somehow done the complete opposite I still run 5km/3miles 4 times a week, (ok who am i trying to kid, it's like 2.9miles/4.59 km) but I'm getting there, I'm close, the program says I completed 5km but i'm just a bit off on the treadmill, I bet yo…

Hi Y'all, I was traveling and been out of touch on this site. But I am back I am paying my deposit tonight for the Sleeve by Dr. Ortiz. I was going to go with Dr. Garcia who I think is awesome as well. I changed my mind after talking with my good friend who had the sleeve done by Dr. Ortizi and many family member's as well. There are so many great choices out there and feel this is right for me. FEB 13th is the new date, Whew this is becoming real! Hope everyone is doing well during this awful week. Tami

Wondering what peoples opinions are about Dr Joya? Booking for a surgery date of Jan 9 coming from Canada was curious of peoples experiences.

Okay so... as we all know from my last few posts I have fallen off the diet wagon since booking my surgery date last month, but I have still been keeping to my work out routine which consists of running 4 times a week (plus whatever I do with the kids I teach twice a week in gym- not a lot since they are lazy but I'm working on physical fitness with them). I moved my surgery date up from March to Jan 21st... I am excited but I think right now more scared, and nervous! If I have fallen off the diet wagon now, what makes me think I can keep to the much more strict routine and diet post op? I'm just second guessing myself right now... did anyone else feel this way?

IVE PAYED MY DEPOSIT AND BOUGHT PLANE TICKETS NO CHANGING MY MIND NOW

Hi anyone who can help!! I have to report in first thing in the morning for my new sleeve. I'm in pain! I woke up this morning & head is pounding. I have always taken Motrin on the rare occasions i had a headache in the past. I started getting a headache on Friday & called & left e-mail for my coordinator re: headaches & taking Motrin. But no return call. I threw caution to the wind & had tylenol... Which hasn't helped. I am hydrated. Does anyone know if I can take Motrin? I don't want to have any complications. But I can't get comfortable enough to even pack!!

So I am paying my deposit tomorrow to Ready4achange, Dr. Garcia and purchasing my airfare. I am so scared I'm making a mistake I have a 4 month old baby, a 14 yr old son and a husband who adores me fat or thin. I'm so worried that something will happen to me then what will my boys do? I guess if I was having it here I would feel better, but complications could happen anywhere. It just worries me because I had the band for 6 yrs and I don't know how much scar tissue I have and it seems revisions have a higher likely hood for leaks. Then I'm scared about flying what if I get a blood clot or the altitude messes with my stomach. Plus I'm gonna be alone and that sucks. I'm so…

We have developed somewhat of friendships on this site. Please let us pray for the familes with tragic loss in this senseless school shooting.

I am having a lap band to sleeve revision. In 2004 Dr. Ortiz placed my lapband and I lost 80 lbs. Then in 2010 my appendix ruptured and I became septic and they had to remeove my band. :-( 2 months later I was in a car accident and injured my back causing me to become immobile. Over the last 2 years I have gained back 75 lbs. I now weigh 225, and am in constant pain in my back and feet. I am really hoping getting the weight off again will ease the pain and allow me to begin exercising again. Since I have been through a surgery with OCC before and also because I have 3 kids at home, I will be traveling alone.

I can't believe in 2 days I will be having my surgery. I've heard a couple people mention getting extra acid pills and pain relievers at the pharmacy across the street. How much would I need, how much did it cost. Trying to see how much I might spend, meals for hubby, meds, tips for driver.

As anyone taken a medical hardship withdraw from 401k to pay for surgery in Mexico? I have paperwork from my surgeon in America saying I need surgery. But if insurance won't pay, I have 401k and was just wondering if they have requirements on where you can have surgery.

And it's done. Deposit down surgery set flight bought. Tijuana here I come. So nervous. Surgery date is Feb 8 with Dr. Fernando Garcia at MI Hospital, I need a buddy, anyone, anyone, anyone :-)

Hi. I am 'heading back to 'cali' (Mexicali, that is) this week for my sleeve with Dr. Aceves. Looking for VST'ers to meet up and walk the halls (as we recover). I was thinking we should sing Feliz Navidad to the awesome staff as some point. Any co-conspirators? Seriously, no singing required but if you are down there while I am, give me a shout out so we can meet face to face (and admire each other's fancy PJ's).

Hi! I made it out of surgery. Mine was at 6pm, after waiting in the hospital ALLL FRIGGIN DAY!!!!! But so far that's my only complaint. I feel like I did about 400 sit-ups where my stomach is, but other than being week and a tiny bit of pain from the surgery and gas, I have no complaints. Will post more later when I'm not groggy from the anesthesia. But PHEW!! I made it to the other side!!

I might be moving my surgery date up from March to January after all. I have a few things to figure out before I can make the final decision, but I really want to get it done sooner. Wish me luck!

I stumbled across this webpage today. I especially like the head hunger Vs. Real hunger page. Check it out http://kimbensen.com/tips Sarah

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go... My best friend's here, we catch a plane for San Diego tomorrow afternoon. Got a call from Abraham at A Lighter Me tonight to confirm my flight for tomorrow, surgery on Friday. Now there's no turning back!! Thank you all for your helpful words and support. I will keep you posted as much as I can. I feel like I'm going on some kind of space travel. You guys on the other side seem so far away in a different world, and yet I'll be there myself in just a few days. Here goes nothin'!!!

Going this Friday to get my sleeve and wondered if the US service for AT&T and Sprint wireless was consistent at the Marriott and at Hospital MI Doctor. My best friend and I both have iPhones. Can anyone speak to this situation?

will having this procedure done in mx or just the procedure itself be an issue in trying to get insurance later on? I have cobra insurance now and it will run out in march. We tried to get insurance on our own, but we were told they couldn't guarantee approval due to me having the lap band (which is now out). Just curious if anyone knows ???

Is there anyone either going to Dr Ponce de leon or will be at int hospital on Jan 4 I am heading into this alone due to the fact my husband has to care for kids. Just hoping to get know someone. Thanks Sarah

I have been home on medicine for about 5 days and now have a yeast infection ? Has this medicine cause anyone else to experience this???

Just booked my flight to SanDiego. I'll be flying out of Boston on March 12 for my March 13th Surgery date. I just can't stop smiling now. Clicking the "buy now" for the tickets just made this all finally start to feel real. I don't know how I'll contain my excitement for the next three months!

I want to have vertical sleeve surgery and am attempting to decide between Alverez and Aceves. I was initially leaning toward Aceves, but due to proximity and am really leaning toward Alvarez. I was a little concerned that Alvarez only has you in the hospital for 2 days and does not use a drain. Has anyone went to Alvarez and can you share your experience.

Just back from getting Sleeved in Mexicali............. Have lived in SoCal forever and gone to TJ a hundred times............but just the small part of Mexicali I saw impressed me. It appeared very business oriented but a little colonial. Maybe it was the medication