Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Hello wonderful sleevers! I am scheduled for my sleeve with Dr. J. Ortiz this Friday. Super excited. In my medical history questionnaire, I listed my 2 previous back surgeries. While perusing this AWESOME forum, I came across a post of someone who had surgery in Mexico and got a spinal block for post-op pain. This is supposedly administer after you're under anesthesia. My question is this: is a spinal block normal procedure for sleeves in Mexico? I've contacted my coordinator, but I thought I'd check here as well. I'm concerned because I have 2 titanium screws in place of my L4-L5 disc. I've researched a little and found that the spinal block is usually administered b…

Got into the airport and Samuel (R4C) was there to meet me in a nice clean ford Arostar. I was his only pickup. He gave me some history and little facts as we drove to hotel. Rosie the coordinator met me at the hotel and helped me check in and get to my room where she went over everything with me. Had some broth and its not bad at all!! Gonna head to Walmart and explore. So far, great experience. Marriott shuttle will escort to the hospital in the morning More to come......

Hi I'm a newbie here :-) Not quite sure how this works. But I was wondering who is planning to have surgery with Dr. Alberto Aceves? And if anyone will be there around Dec. 4th? Faith in Christ can move mountains <3

Hi everyone! Sorry for the delay. I hate using my phone to type long paragraphs and I have been busy since getting home. I am alive, and doing very well!! When I arrived at the airport, my driver Samuel, had already called me to let me know he had arrived. He picked me up in a very clear and nice Ford Aerostar van. I was his only pickup. As we drove, he told me all about TJ and pointed things out. The ride was about 20 min to the Marriott. Arrived and Rosie (the R4C coordinator for the hotel) was there waiting for me and she checked me in, accompanied me to my room and helped me get settled. She told me that i would get a call in my room in a few hours to let me know wh…

God to bless your coming and your going, and may your surgery be uneventful and blessed. All will be well!

Hi Ya'll sleevers and soon to be sleevers. I wanted to post something that maybe we can all relate to and maybe laugh a little or cry...lol!! 1 - What is something that you are NEVER going to miss before being sleeved ? (if you already are sleeved then think back) 2- What is something that you are SUPER excited about after being sleeved? -------- 1- I am never going to miss my underwear that keeps "rolling/falling down" or trying to pull them up while walking....NOT CUTE 2- Besides getting to a healthy BMI and all the greatness with that it would be WEARING A Black SEQUIN dress BABY!! t Love to hear YOURS!!

i am going to Dr. Garcia in Jan., and Iam very nervous. How ever I want to get the surgery done like yesterday.

I am a bit nervous to broach the topic of WLS in mexico with my PCP. How did you guys do it? Did you tell them beforehand? or wait until after surgery? can they decline to care for you?

Let me go on the record saying that I believe WW is the best and most realistic program out there. I had previously lost tons of weight on WW and felt great. Thanx to Mirena and other issues I gained it all back with interest. Now I need surgical help to get healthy, and most importantly STAY that way. That being said I am currently doing the WW program again to safely lower my BMI for my surgery. I am happy to report I lost 1.4 lbs the 1st week and 7.6 lbs this week. I am chipping away at my BMI bit by bit! Amanda Rae

All I keep thinking about is ordering food!! I'm so hungry and sick of fluids. I ate Greek yogurt today. I know I shouldn't have, but I'm seriously hungry. My cousin already lectured me on why I can't eat. I know I can't, I'm just sooooooo hungry! I'm missing my best friend food like crazy. I had a wonderful experience in Mexico. My Dr. Was great! The hospital, staff, etc. I wasn't even hungry for 4 days. Now that I'm home, it's so hard. I have tried to pray the cravings away, but this is quite a fight. Please tell me I'm not alone in feeling this way. I know a bunch of us just got sleeved, how are you guys dealing with it?

Hi all, new here. I am 34, mother of 4, and from Kansas. I am scheduled for the week of Thanksgiving in Mexico with Dr. Ariel Ortiz. My insurance has a complete exclusion from weight loss anything. I am a public health nurse and it is really difficult to advise people how to be healthy when I'm not myself. I am really excited about having this TOOL that will help me to make better decisions when it comes to food, and hopefully the activity will follow. My oldest daughter is a senior this year. At my current weight I am never in pictures and when I am, I'm so embarrassed of how I look. So one of my motivators is that I can take pictures with my daughter at her graduatio…

What influenced you the most on the surgeon you chose?

I was sleeved 11/23. I cannot say enough good things about the surgical team and the anesthesiologist. The floor nursing left Something to be desired. Most were good. Some were very poor and spoke zero English. There was always one on shift who could communicate with you. All in all, I would do it again. Dr Rodriguez has years of experience. I would recommend the surgical team to anyone.

Does anyone have a Mexico checklist they would want to share? I am making mine now and would love to see yours I am looking for anything, before, during after.

So needless to say, I am very happy with my decision to move my surgery date up. One reason why? I am tired of being called names at work... Today I was called a "f**king fat b***h" and a "cow" I'm a teacher so clearly can't say anything back in return, and it just starts to get to you when you're called these things on a regular basis, and sometimes daily. (I work in a maximum security facility for youth girls, aged 12-18.. sometimes 21 depending on pending youth charges) Hopefully post op she'll called me a skinny b***h, I think I could handle that better! How many more hours until my surgery!?!?

Was wondering if anyone previously military whom receive monthly benefits have had surgery done in Mexico. Additionally, if so did the Va support you or no?

What can you tell me about him? Besides that he's BEAUTIFUL!? And what about the obesity control center, is that a clinic or a hospital? All things, please!

Hi - Has anyone used Dr. Ariel Ortiz? Any feedback would be great! Thank you, Tami

I was originally scheduled for March 4th but couldn't wrap my brain around waiting that long and continuing to be off my wagon that long... so I paid a bit of extra money to switch my flight... well more like $300... but once I hit March 4th and see how much success I've already had (hopefully in the past 6 weeks) I'm hoping the extra $300 would be worth it... Wondering if there is anyone else scheduled with Dr Joya that week!? Hoping for a sleeve buddy!

I got my passport delivered today got it in less than three days. Trust me I paid for them to expedite it, so it can be done as i leave on the 9th for Dr. Aceves. So now that I have it and the cashiers check I am so chickening out. My sister had her sleeve done about three weeks ago and she said if she were me she prob would not do it. So I am thinking to myself am I taking the easy way out? My BMI is sitting at 30 but for me to be 185 and 5"6 I am not comfortable with that. I wear size 17 must be my hips I don't know but it's not what I want to be I want to be a 9/10 I'm very comfortable there. I had a full hysterectomy and the weight is just packing on i do have high bp…

Just got out of surgery, and everything went great! No surgery pain, but some uncomfortable gas. Already walked around the floor holding onto my sweet hubby. So happy!! Thanks for all the prayers and support everyone. Good luck to all this weeks sleevers!!!

Getting last minute stuff together and enjoying a family day. Can't believe it all starts tomorrow!!! 2nd day of liquids going great! No cheating I will def post updates on hotel, check in, etc!! Wish me luck

I could use some advice... I am set for my VSG with Dr. Kelly in TJ on Feb 2nd. My insurance plan does not cover WLS and even if it did (the insurance company has guidlines if it's allowed on your plan), the hoops to jump through will cost us more out of pocket than if we go with the self pay option. So, innocently cruising this site, I've come across the complication stories and other threads in the other forums which list "insurance not covering complications" as a big reason they won't consider this option which feels like a miracle to me. I thought I'd done my homework, but now I'm waffling... I touched base with my PCP and they're cool to monitor me, I even read…

It seems to me, that some surgeons patients lose slower than other surgeons. Is this my imagination? I'm aware that everyone loses at different paces and that it a lot of it depends on compliance etc, but it really seems like this one drs patients lose faster than the other. I posted this here because its 2 Mexico surgeons that I'm researching, that I've noticed this about.

Hi All I just wanted to report that I went back to Mexicali for my 3 month check-up with Dr Aceves/ Campos. My wife and I flew in to San Diego and rented a car (it costs an extra $35 a day for Mexico insurance) and drove all the way to the hospital parking garage without incedent. We eve went pharmaceutical shopping for a relative and went further in and ate lunch while in Mexicali. We felt safe at all times and would not hesitate to go back if I needed to. As far as my check-up goes....My upper GI showed that I am eating too fast as my esophagus was enlarged. I was told that I am not eating too much, just too fast, and that my esophagus was acting as a reservoir unti…

Hi Everyone, I would like to know what are a few typical days of eating looks like after your are healed from your surgery. And I know alcohol should be limited after your goal. Can anyone tell be about their experiences with this too? Thank you for your help. Tami

Has anybody been to this hospital, and if so can you Share your experience please. I have a Surgery date of January 7 in this Hospital.

I wonder, why don't I hear more about dr. Ponce de leon? I know he taught drs like Kelly, Almanza and Garcia, which is awesome! He also sleeved Almanza, as I understand it. I have a very smart friend who used to be active here. She says she's very happy and that she wouldn't go to anyone other than Dr. Ponce dr Leon. I've seen videos of him at work and of the actual inside view of surgery and I'm very impressed. I've talked to a couple members here who've gone to him and are happy.

I emailed dr. Garcia and asked of he'd give me a copy of my procedure. He said he would. Just thought id pass that along.

Heading to Mexico tomorrow for Tuesday surgery! I can't believe it is finally here. Pre-Op diet has gone well....I've already lost 6 pounds! It makes me question myself a bit, thinking why can't I lose this weight without surgery? Anyone else experienced this? I'm just so ready to be healthy and normal weight again. Not willing to sacrifice any more time to obesity and all it brings. I'm really thankful to everyone on this board for sharing their stories and struggles- it makes mine easier. Send me happy thoughts, positive vibes, good karma, and prayers for my surgery day and new life!

Hi, I'm scheduled for surgery on Monday with Dr. Alvarez. I'm wicked psyched, but so addicted to food! I was supposed to start my liquid diet yesterday. I made it through half the day, then stuffed my face the other half. Today I've done ok, just coffee and chicken broth, but I'm so hungry. My cravings are going off like crazy. Has anyone else started their pre-op diet yet? How are you managing? Any tips or advice would be so welcomed. Btw, I see a food addiction specialists for the first time tomorrow at noon. But I'm seriously worried I'll cave and get food today. Anyways thanks in advance for your help :-) Faith in Christ can move mountains <3

Is SOOO yummy!!! Taking little baggies with me in case the hotel's isn't so great. I highly recommend! And it has 20g of Protein. First day of clear liquid pre-op going good!!

Hi, I arrived yesterday morning at 7:00 at Mi Doctor. Met ADNKEL30 and she was just walking around like nothing. I had to ask her if she had surgery? Yes she had the day before. All did all of my pre op testing. I meet with Dr. Garcia around noon. He told me about the procedure and answered all of my questions. I then meet the anethesiolgist (sp) He answer all of my questions and told me all what to expect, I was wheeled into the ER, and next thing I knew I was back in my room. I felt a little pain which was knocked out quickly with some pain meds. I went back to sleep and about midnight I was up walking. This morning, no pain,just soreness were the drain is at and my re…

I have been researching and calling around and I think I have it narrowed down to two surgeons, but leaning more towards Dr. Garcia. Any reviews on him? Would live to hear about experiences. I sent a long list of questions and everyone was answered and I have been very pleased so far, but before I pay the deposit I wanted to see what experiences people have had. Thanks!

Anyone get sleeved in MX and have follow ups in Houston? One of my incisions have opened about a half inch wide and a fourth inch deep. My pcp won't look at it and advised me to go to ER. I don't want to pay to go the ER if I don't have to!

Co-ordinators playing musical surgeons is getting really frustrating and depressing. At first I contacted A Lighter Me to go with Dr Garcia.. didn't have a good experience. Do not want to use ALM. Then I was leaning on Dr Lopez and was considering PV.. so I went through his "official" website which is actually MBC. They reply promoting other surgeons.. I reply that I'm only interested in receiving info on Dr Lopez and they don't even reply back. Ready4achange seems a bit more professional but now they also don't book with Dr. Lopez. It seems like everyone has been switched around the last month or two. If anyone knows a co-ordinator other than these 3, please let me know.…

Today I find myself not wanting to set any upcoming goals until I have surgery. I have already put gauze, tape, deodorant in my bag so far......Also been reading gastricsleeve.com blogs lot of great information there. Just so ready for the losers bench!

Hello all, I'm just wondering how much cash I should take for tipping, etc?

74 days until I start my forever journey. Thank you all for posting about your journeys with Dr. Garcia. It has helped me more than you'll ever know. Did anyone do anything before hand to prepare? Diet?

Have any of the Canadians here looked in to having the surgery in Canada? If so, what was the estimated wait times? I'm assuming the Canadians going to Mexico are mostly because of the long wait times.

Just gotta say... All this A Lighter Me and Ready for a Change coordinator drama is very off putting. It makes it hard for those of us who are putting our money, and more importantly, our lives in the hands of these surgeons to make the right decision, and trust in it. Dr. Garcia. Dr. Kelly. Dr. Lopez. What is true? What is crap? I think I may go back to my original choice. Dr. Ponce. There doesn't seem to be a drama factor and he is well reviewed by people on here. Amanda Rae

please any one who had sugery in Mexico ( sleeve) with an exelent doctor??? please any one out there??? Sent from my iPhone using VST

I am waiting to go to surgery, this place is very comfortable and all the staff is great.I got here yesterday afternoon with no issues at all feeling very relaxed right now. Will update soon.

Due to one of the referrals from Dr, I applied for financial assistance through medicalfinancing.com, and waiting for response early this week....but I am very nervous and concerned as I've read some not so good reviews about them in last couple hours! They already charged me to apply, $14.00. I haven't seen this before only when applying to apartments, not loans...I hope this ends up being a blessing to me, and not something else! If anyone has dealt with these people I sure would appreciate any and all of your inputs.

I was a self pay here in Texas. I paid the doctor, hospital and anesthesia separate. The hospital was $9250 for 1-3 days. Based on that wouldn't you want to stay the whole three days?

I read alot about complications on this forum in general, but mostly from those with Dr's in the US. Has anyone whose done their sleeve in MX had leaks, complications, etc? Not saying the good old USA isn't up to par, but I find it a bit odd that most of those are not from the one place that everyone freaks out about. I am pro-Mexico, can you tell? lol I would love to hear both sides about MX and not just the good, from those who have actually had it there!! I am not talking about experiences with coordinators, etc. Just complications. Thanks!!

Anyone going to TJ to be sleeved jan 3? Would love to have a sleeve buddy since I'm going by myself?

I got a email from them but not sure if anyone has heard about them.....please let me know...thanks

Hi everyone, I have a question for all the sleevers who have already been sleeved in MX. What kind of pain med or name of the med that was sent home with u..???? Just a question my husband brought up and would luv ur responses. I'm scheduled for Feb. 4 with Dr. Lopez in TJ. Thanks!!!!

I am looking into having my surgery done with Ready 4 a Change in Tijuana. I am only about 2 hrs from the San Diego airport by car. So obviously I wouldn't be flying, however I would rather drive to San Diego and have the driver pick me up from there then drive into Mexico myself. Has or is anyone else doing this? I was thinking I would have to park my car at the airports overnight lots. Also I my mother is going with me, and I worry about her safety and comfort. I've read alot about how patients are treated during surgery but any input on how your support person was treated? She will be staying at the hotel during my hospital stay, I'm hoping she will still have th…