Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Can anyone tell me about your experience with them? Thank you!!!

Hi All, First of all, sorry for the long message. I'm new here--I've actually been lurking for about a week, but I just decided to join. I've been overweight all my life and I've been considering WLS off and on for years, but I just told my bf and my bff about it this week and they aren't being entirely supportive. My bf is supportive of me having the surgery, but he's against me going to Mexico to have it, although he won't (and can't) stop me from doing it. My bff is the person I asked to travel with me and she's not totally against it, but she is adamant that she won't travel to TJ because she thinks it's too dangerous, so she'll only go with me if I get it done in…

Hello my Name is Josey and my Doc is Alejandro Lopez i will be having my surgery in Tijuana on the 19th ov Nov I am so excited!!!

Hello all! I'm actually having my sleeve done in Boston. However, my mom is interested in surgery but does not meet the 35 BMI requirement to have it done here. Those of you going to Mexico is their any criteria to determine eligibility? Anyone with a lower BMI going to have surgery in Mexico?

Have an appt with my PCP next week to get any extra pre op testing done before my trip to Mexico. I know they do blood work and EKG there, but since my Dr knows my health history, he will know if I need anything further to get me prepared! Relieved that he will handle my post op appts as well

Super bummed today! I have to postpone my surgery indefinately due to unexpected expenses. Overwhelming unexpected expenses. Not to mention, worry and anxiety. I feel like I will be stuck in this unhealthy shell forever.... Amanda Rae

I'm getting ready to pay my deposit for my sleeve with Dr Fernando Garcia surgery date jan 7 2013. Has anyone that used Fernando Garcia and can tell me about his Hospital?

Hi everyone! My name is Michell. I am officially sch for my vertical sleeve on 12/12/12!!!!! Best date, best surgery EVER!! I am very new to this forum and would love to talk to others with an upcoming December surgery...

Just curious if anyone is having surgery the week of November 5-9 in TJ. I was supposed to have surgery today but had to reschedule for next Thursday the 8th

Hi, my name is Jean and I've been posting on this website for a few months. I've noticed how some people think that it can't be "that easy" or safe to go to Mexico and have this surgery. We must be "fakes" or "plants" by the surgeons. Yes, anyone can be anything on the internet. Not only did I do my research on this site, but I also researched on YOUTUBE. By doing that, I felt connected to others who have had the surgery. You can watch their progress from video to video. With that being said, I started documenting my weight loss journey on Youtube. If you are interested in following my story, please subscribe to my Youtube channel, VSGJean. Send me a message on youtube …

I'm here at the INT hospital waiting for surgery with Dr Ponce in a few hours. . Excuse the bad ipad typing. Sitting here in my gown and compression socks. Now the crisis of the moment is my veins. Had to try both hands before they got the iv in, not fun. Then bloodtest guy comes, leaves empty handed 20 mins later and i'm probably covered in bruises from all the failed attempts, he even tried in the little wrist veins ewwwwww. Anyways, other than that still fine, surgery is in 2-3 hours i think. I'll try to keep you updated!

Looking for a sleeve buddy for December 7 with Dr Lopez!

I have read on another thread that they believe that some of the people who are giving very positive reviews of Mexican surgeons and their procedures are in fact not "real" people at all but those marketing for that particular Dr. I am super nervous now, scheduled with dr Garcia. U guys are real people right?? Lol

Hello everyone! I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr Ortiz at the OCC on November 19....anyone else scheduled with Dr Ortiz that day or perhaps that week? I'm traveling with my Mom, but it'll be nice to have a surgery buddy as well. Sent from my iPhone using VST

December 7,2012 with DR LOPEZ!! The final straw came this week when I was cleaning my house and my back stared burning so BAD I could not even finish. Enough is enough!!!! My husband is supportive so that a big plus). I was nervous about going to Mexico , but I'm trusting god that he will watch over me .

I am being sleeved by Dr Lopez in Puerto Vallarta MX. My surgery date is Jan 17 2013. Looking for sleeve buddies.

I've read repeatedly here that Trish answers everyone's emails almost immediately. I'm not experiencing the same. Now I know she's only human and she has a busy job, but I've gotten responses aprox 24 hours later, not prompt like others I'm not considering this a negative experience, but wondered if anyone DID have a negative experience with Trish/ponce. *********eta- I just now saw the thread about "all things Ponce de leon. " I'll go heck that out too.

Just checking to see if anyone has had any success with this group? I new at looking into self pay. I hate to stay in the US if I do self pay. HAVE* to stay... Not HATE. ooops

I am having surgery in Dec. W/ Dr. Ponce and although I feel like I have asked some good questions, I want to make sure I am not missing anything. Can you pls,share the questions you had for your Doc and/or coordinator? Thanks!!

I am debating on whether I truly need one.

So,I'm scheduled for Nov. 14th and received my consent forms today. There is mention that I'll need to have a current upper GI if I've had previous weight loss surgery. I had lapband in 2007 which was disclosed to the back in September when I scheduled the procedure. Now, I have 2 days to have a upper GI? Or, it states that I can have this performed on Mexico and pay the associated cost. I've only saved the amount for the procedure and didn't expect any additional cost while in Mexico. I'm freaking out.....I have 2 days to try and schedule this....and I'm a little irritated. All of this plus my surgery nerves are driving me crazy. Did anyone have this experience?

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Once you hit your goal weights is anyone going back to Mexico for nips and tucks? Has anyone already "been there, done that"? Amanda Rae

Ok just paid My deposit for Dr. Garcia surgery date January 7 so excited this is really going to happen

I am having my big day January 4 with Dr Ponce de leon. I WILL arrive home on the 7th safe and sound.

I am having surgery in MX and just relocated to South Jersey/Philly area. Does anyone know a PCP in this area that will see patients that had WLS in MX?

#1. Dresses without people saying "you dont have long now, boy or girl"

Anybody have trouble receiving an expedited passport on time. Need mine for the 23rd. How fast did yall receive yours after applying?

Soooo, since I have decided on weight loss surgery in March, I've probably gained an additional 15 pounds because I'm eating more now... I guess it's because I know that I'm not going to be able to eat like this anymore, so I'm packing on more weight. It's really depressing me... Had anyone else done this?

I just got my date this afternoon, July 17th with Dr garcia! Im super excited!! Im also a little freaked out because I have to go by myself. Hubby is staying home with the kids and all of the close people in my life are working or I have yet to tell them.. im being really picky on who I tell because people are so opinionated and don't take into consideration peoples feelings anymore, or we get the why cant you just diet and excersize... I did.. about 100 times and obviously its not working lol My friend had her sleeve done in January and she is so pleased.. now its my turn. I cant wait to buy a pair of jeans that is a single digit size! Any July buddies??

Love this forum and have learned SO much from everyone. Okay, I'm 50, 5'8", 200lbs. I've suffered from depression, back and neck pain, and have yo-yo dieted for 20+ years with tons of shame/failure, etc. I've done every diet and lost and gained what feels like a million times. So, I'm thinking of doing the self-pay and either going to Mexico or trying find someone here. My big question is what do you do if your physician doesn't support you? I'm seeing him Wednesday and plan to tell him I'm determined to go forward. Thank you for your help!

I had surgery on the 3rd with Dr. Lopez at MI Hospital, there were 3 of us. I am out, and at the hotel recovering. I feel surprisingly well! I have been pushing the liquids all day, and aside from vomiting my first day out (from not walking enough), I have had no issues, I did the blue swallow leak test, and the barium swallow, not complaints, and have only needed one pain pill so far today. We will see what tomorrow holds, but I am about 95% sure I am over the hump!

completely chicken out before that all important flight to Mexico? Did you have a fear of failure with this surgery? I'm vacillating between being excited and being too scared to get on the plane. My surgery is on Nov. 19th.

Has anyone gone back to Mexico after WLS? My passport has me before losing the weight. I asked a TSA and she said it would be fine but didnt look at it. To change the picture you have to pay another $120! Oh well I hope they let me back in!

Hey guys! I am from Montreal, Quebec and I am doing my surgery in February 2013. I haven't decided my date yet because I was hoping to maybe find a Buddy since I would be going alone. I am 20 years old and I am 5'5'' and my weight is 277 Lbs. I will be doing my surgery in Mexico, Tijuana with doctor Garcias. So if anyone is interested in being my buddy and going together that would be very awesome.

Has any one that seen Dr. Fernando Garcia Get there hiatal hernia Fixed and if so was There any additional charges?

... laid in bed constantly wondering and worrying about the decision to have WLS and adding to it leaving the country to do it... wishing your brain would SHUT UP and let you sleep? Amanda Rae

i finally got my date,nov12th. now i,m nervous. does anyone know of a reasonable price hotel near the airport in san diego?

Hello everyone! I am less than a week away from my surgery date and I can't shake one lingering worry about the Water. I know they give bottled water for us to drink while there....but what I don't get is: won't taking a shower allow our incisions to be open & exposed to the germs (bacteria?) in the water to creep in?? Can someone explain?? Thanks! Harmoni

If so, please let me know. Since I cancelled my last surgery due to being scared sh*tless (sorry, LOL) Anyway, if anyone is planning on going to Cancun, please let me know I really need a change (an improvement rather) but mentally has totally hindered this entire process. A friend of mine said she can go with me in March but really don't want to wait that long so am hopeful to be able to go in December. I turn 43 in December so I would like to make my birthday one where I take back my life. I know a lot of people go to Tijuana but since I am in Florida, Cancun is a lot closer. Thanks

Ok, I'm a about to pay my deposit!! I'm just sitting here pondering on if I REALLY want to go through with this and imagining just how different my life will be once I do... It's a huge decision. I hope and pray that I'm doing what's best for me...

I am scared almost to the point of panic regarding general anesthesia. Terrified I will never wake up. Amanda Rae

I just booked my flight anyone else going on this day?

I've been lurking for some time now, and I haven't seen Dr. Kelly being mentioned as often as a few months back...what gives?

So hello all. Surgery in Mexico in two Weeks. I did tell my coworkers about it and they were supportive but they are expressing their concernes about traveling alone to Mexico. I keep saying I will be fine and don't worry but now its freaking me out..also one coworker says that I could totally do it on my own and I don't weigh that much..blah blah and it made me feel like a quiter and this is really the first time i'm wondering if this is the right thing to do...I lost weight doing insanity for a few months and then quit because I have hip problems but coworkers noticed I lost weight so that's why she said I can do it. God! I'm Confused. I am about 90 to 95 lbs overw…

Those of you who have done this, could you give me and estimate of how much you spent all together including flight and hotel ?

Do you find it easier to drink Water from a straw or is that a No No. Cause of extra air? Just trying to find out everything I can to be as successful as I can Thanks

I have been a Lurker for a while and decided to come out. I am finally taking the step and doing this. I have the same story that my insurance said No way so I found other options. After many nights of thought and conversation I have choose Dr Ponce de leon and knocking thus outta the park..I am doing it the first week of January . Just waiting to hear from Trish on the actual date. I asked for first week I would do it sooner but I need the ta, break being self employed I hope to comment and post often and become a part of this Fab group

I'm trying to drop about 50 lbs preop to lower my BMI which lowers my risk and my price. I finally found a Greek yogurt I like. Dannon Light and Fit. 12g of Protein and 80 calories. I think I will rely on it postoperative to ensure I get my protein, once my sleeve can handle it. Amanda Rae

Is anyone having surgery with Dr. Lopez or Garcia in March 2013? I'm going to be there March 10th- 15th. I would love to talk with others that are going to be there as well- or considering surgery around this time!