Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Hello there... I want to have the Sleeve surgery in the next month or so. Curious to know how much the self payers spent and the doctor who performed the surgery. My insurance will not cover. I prefer to stay in the states, but MX is an option. Thanks guys!

When going to Mexico, I know we were encouraged to bring cash for tipping. How much and in which currency? Or is it better just to use your card ?

I'd like some opinions on this because maybe I'm just being too rash. I want to have wls ASAP, however, I already know my insurance is going to make me jump through hoops to get it and it can take 6+ months and there isn't even a guarantee that I'll get approved afterwards. Part of me just really wants to lose some weight on my own, learn more about the post op diet of gastric bypass, gather more info then head down to Mexico to get the procedure. I've honestly paid more in personal trainers and fad diets then the costs I've seen to have the procedure done out of the states. Just want opinions but would you... A.) Go through insurance and hope for the best or B.) Do…

I am researching doctors to perform gastric sleeve on my daughter. I have narrowed it down to Dr. Illian and Dr. Maytorena. I need help making a decision between the two. Can those of you who have used either of these doctors give me some insight as to who I should choose? I don't know much about Dr. Maytorena's facility.

Hi guys! I had a mini gastric bypass with Dr. Illan in Tijuana on May 16th, 2017. I have officially lost 100 lbs! If anyone here is on the fence about Mexico, I say go for it! It was the best choice I've ever made. If you guys have any questions feel free to ask.

We're trying to research (and possibly work with) the top plastic surgeons in Mexico. I've found that our members are usually right on target when it comes to this kind of info. Which plastic surgeon in Mexico have you used or are looking to use, in the near future? Please provide all contact info for any plastics surgeon you're recommending.

Hello, I am trying to remain calm but as the day is fast approaching, fear is trying to creep up and I start thinking, what if something goes wrong. I know I shouldnt focus on the bad stuff, I'm trying not to. I am so nervous!!!!!

I went to Mexico Bariatric Hospital to have a Gastric Sleeve after a lapband 20 years ago, they put me under, went in, and did nothing!!! This was in October 2015. They lied and said it was done. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Newbie from US just starting research on gastric sleeve surgery. Mexico seems to be a very popular and affordable destination. Can those of you who had the procedure done there recommend a particular hospital, clinic, doctor, pre surgery, post surgery, etc? All recommendations are greatly appreciated both positive and negative.

Would like to know which hospitals gets glowing reviews from everyone and which ones maybe not so great. Have read that some are located in tiny strip malls and not the best to go for surgeries. Some others are regular hospitals with all the services offered if needed.......ER rooms, cardiac specialists, full services of everything all large hospitals offer. Some are clinics that specialize in only wt loss surgery. How do you choose?

Hello Everyone, Has anyone had either the SADI-S or SIPS Surgeries performed in Mexico? Is so, when, how did it go and who performed your surgery?

Hello my name is Kristina 32 from cincinnati ohio. Im ready to make a change in my life and i am looking for information about affordable self pay gastric sleeve surgery in the US Preferibly But open to information and education on locations outside of the US i.e. Mexico

I am a small town Iowa girl. The only people we tip around here are the waitress and the delivery driver. I have seen people mention tipping the valet on her. How much do you tip at a time? Is there anyone else I need to be prepared to tip? Do o tip anyone at the hotel? At the hospital? Help?

I'm basically booked with him and would like to have any feedback possible .

Here is a video, I LOVE Dr. Illan. I love the staff and the hospital and hotel. AMAZING EXPERIENCE! 5' 5" HW: 259 CW: 235 GOAL: Healthy and hard 140-ish?

I'm scheduled for my VSG in Tijuana on 5/22 and am trying to compile some necessary items to take with me in my hospital bag, and one of the things I'm having a hard time finding is the Gas X strips. It seems like many places are out of stock. I wonder if these are being discontinued? (I've heard varying reports on whether or not these work, so maybe that's why?) I'd rather have them than not have them though, so if anyone has any extras that they would be willing to sell me, let me know!

I live in Iowa. I am scheduled for surgery in December in Mexico. I have gotten an email with all the travel arrangement instructions. It's pretty specific so that's not an issue. I'm just overwhelmed by it all. I have only ever been on an airplane one time and I was 5 years old. This is just a lot of responsibility I guess. My husband is NOT supportive so I am going through this alone. It's a lot to take on alone plus all the life changes. Ugh. It's all happening so fast and it's kind of freaking me out. I really want this, I'm not backing out. I guess I just needed to vent. Anyone else have these kinds of feelings?

Had a lap band, it slipped so I had it removed last week. I’m leaning towards Mexico Bariatric Center for a sleeve...want to hear your thoughts! Good or bad experience, I want to hear it!! Thanks!

My surgery is scheduled for Dec 19 at Bariatric Pal MX in Tijuana. I have never been to Mexico so I'm excited for the travel as well as the surgery. I'm going alone so I opted to stay the extra night for the extra day of healing before traveling. I'm wondering if it is likely I will feel up to sight seeing or not? My hotel is a 10 minute DRIVE from the ocean and I won't have a vehicle. That leaves me to think seeing the ocean is out. I'm bummed about that because I live in Iowa, farmland central. Those who went to Bariatric Pal, did you feel up to seeing anything outside the hospital/hotel and how did you get there?

I have a question for those who've already had surgery with Dr Illan at the new BariatricPal hospital location. My sister is going as my companion person and will not go out without me to get food-she is not adventurous and is a very anxious person. While we are still at the hospital, is there a way for her to get meals that doesn't involve her leaving with the driver?

Has anyone used a financing source to fund their surgery? Who did you go through? What did you look for to know it was safe? Thank you.

How long were you off work for the entire process, surgery and post op? Thank you

Had my sleeve done Monday the 6th by Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea at Hospital CER via Tijuana Bariatrics. Honestly, I was so nervous beforehand that I truly believed I made the wrong choice. However, after everything was said and done I believe it was a great choice. The hospital was cleanly (honestly, I don't know what I was expecting), but it was way above my expectations. I honestly haven't felt the urge to really explore Tijuana though. I don't really have the energy, lol. How long did it take everyone to be 100% and ready to return to work?

I'm at a point of taking another shot at Mexico and want to make sure that I'm not overlooking any good options. I went down to OCC in May of 2016 and left without a sleeve because when Dr Ortiz went in my stomach wasn't where it was supposed to be. I went home crushed and believing I had situs inversus then flogged off 40 lbs on my own (which I've gained back). Eventually I crawled out of my depressed hole far enough to start looking for a surgeon who has done any sort of weight loss surgery on situs inversus patients. This isn't a complaint about OCC- he erred on the side of caution and gave me a refund; the care was outstanding and I've sent lots of friends that way…

Is anyone else scheduled for October 30th with Dr. Illan? I'd love to have someone to chat with!

The support staff I'm working with pre-op keeps asking me if I have any questions. I have asked a few, but to be honest I don't have that many. What types of questions did you ask?

Looking for surgeon recommendations that will do BMI around 30-31 self pay in Texas.

Sorry

Hi All! I am scheduled to have gastric sleeve surgery next month with Dr. Corvala in Tijuana. Anyone have a personal experience with him and the Angeles Hospital? I'd love to chat with you

Everyone has been really helpful to me so far. I am close to pulling the trigger on going to Mexico over Christmas for The Sleeve!!! We will be flying out of Philadelphia and into San Diego, and I am looking for others familiar with Trans Con flights especially in regards to comfort. I have herniated disks in my neck and lower back, sciatica, and Fibromyalgia. Normally I don't even travel by car for more than an hour due to pain. However, as I am self pay for the procedure, and things are not working out with my nearby facility, this seems to be my best next option - especially as I can purchase Complication Insurance that will cover me after I return home for 6 months, t…

I thought once I got my loan to self pay for VGS that everything would just fall into place. Wrong. To begin with, my loan approval amount was just shy of my quoted cost at the nearby facility where I want to go - Reading Weight Center/Tower Health/Dr. Leon Katz. Also, the interest rate - insane. But nobody else was turning cartwheels to provide a loan, so I sucked it up and figured the end result would be worth it. Send several messages to surgeon's office to let them know definitely self-pay since my insurance excludes the surgery. Takes them forever to get back to me each time I reach out. They remind me my insurance will Not cover any complications related to thi…

I'll be taking pre-filled injections of blood thinners with me to Mexico. My hematologist prescribed them for me for this procedure because I'm allergic to lovenox and the injections I can take are rarely used and not widely available. Does anyone know if I'll need any sort of documentation to bring them with me? They'll of course have my name and info on them from the pharmacy, so I didn't think I'd need anything else. A friend of mine thinks I'll need a letter from my hematologist, but that seems excessive to me. I have a history of blood clots, so it's vital that I be allowed to take this medication with me. I thought I'd check here to see if anyone else has experience…

Has anyone had plastics with Dr. Duran? I am having a hard time finding reviews. Honest, candid experiences appreciated.

Has anyone here used him?

I was just wondering if anyone else is having trouble getting a response back from the people at BariatricPal TeamMX? I have done the online chat via their website as well as submitted the online questionnaire (twice) and was told that I should be recieving a reponse from someone shortly. It has been 2 weeks and as I am looking to get the surgery done in early April I would like to get a response. Has anyone else had this problem? My other option is Dr. Fernando Garcia Govea at Tijuana Bariatrics. Has anyone had any positive or negative experiences with him? Thanks!

I live in the US and have scheduled VSG in Mexico with Dr. Illan. Is there any kind of insurance policy I can purchase that would cover my medical expenses in the US should I have complications once I get home?

I have just started my research on revision surgery in Mexico! My head is spinning I'm looking to revise a failed RnY of 14years. I think I've decided on RnY to DS now to find a surgeon and start things on it's way! Any info on a good surgeon for revision would be so appreciated!!!

Hello and thank you all in advance for any advice you may be able to give. I have been overweight most of my adult life and I come from a family that suffers from obesity, diabetes and hypertension. I currently have a bmi of 34 and although I do not suffer from hypertension or diabetes I have very flat feet and find that I am having trouble walking. I am in constant pain from my knees and I feel this is a wake up call to finally make a drastic change. I've tried every method known to man to lose weight and while I can lose about 10-15 pounds I never seem to get to my ultimate goal without gaining the weight back. Due to cost and budget I am looking to go to Mexico fo…

I’m new here so forgive me if this has been asked and answered already. Looking at the cost nation wide and MX as well. Going to be talking to my husband for the third year in a row about surgery and need cost in different states. If you could tell me your cost, where you had your surgery and what type you had done. I’m really interested in the Oasis Hospital in MX.

I'm looking into booking Dr. Cabrera at Mexico Bariatric Center and while everything looks good I just wanted some other opinions on him. Would you recommend? Also the only picture I've seen of the hospital doesn't look that great, did you like the hospital? I was a little put off because I was told he didn't need anything from my doctor here like blood work or anything but I don't know if that's normal since I'm young and relatively healthy. Any experiences with him and Mexico Bariatric Center would be appreciated!

I’ve heard through the grapevine that BP is doing plastics now. How do I get more info. I’m just about ready to take the plunge!

At BariatricPal, we are committed that our patients receive the most comprehensive and complete care for Pre-op and Post-Op follow-Up care. All of our Bariatric surgeon partners have to follow BariatricPal's strict patient care and follow-up guidelines. We have these guidelines in place to ensure your safe and professional medical care. It is our guarantee that you will receive personal care from your surgeon as well as all medical protocols required to assure your weight loss surgery and recovery before you return to the US or Canada. Upon reinspection of the facilities and medical protocols with Dr. Mario Almanza and Hospital de La Mujer y el Nino we are not able …

Does anyone have experience with Be Lite Weight Loss? They're a scheduling service that have an in house Psychiatrist and Nutritionist who will write the necessary documentation, and will do all the work to get you approved for surgery through your insurance.

Hi there! I have scheduled my surgery for October 19th with Dr. Illan. Even though it's a quarter of the amount cheaper than what it would be here in Utah, my husband and I still want to save up the whole amount before we get there to not acquire any debt. I'm so excited but October seems so far away and I seem to be slightly creeping up on the scale. I know I need to take more control of it now and get into habits that I will have for the rest of my life. But it's hard to know where to start and as bad as it is I put it in my head that it's in October, I have time, even though I'm sure it's going to come faster than I expect. Any advice from you pro-slee…

Has anyone flew in to a different location besides San Diego? It’s actually cheaper to fly to Los Angeles from Mississippi. My surgery isn’t until March 2018 at Mexico Bariatric Center.

I've been dancing around gastric surgery for ten years and after two separate insurance companies having it excluded from their plans, I decided to take the plunge into self pay. I'm scheduling my surgery this coming Friday, and if all goes as we hope, it will be in early October with Dr Illan. . My husband is staying home with our 17 month old, so I'll be coming and getting the surgery done alone. We thought about all three of us coming, but weren't sure how well that would go down with our kid. To make it easier on me, I'm just bringing everything in a carry-on bag. I know I don't need alot, but I was wondering if there was anything you wish you had brought, but d…

Warning - reports of meth in 7up at resorts in Mexico - specifically Mexicali. Also bad alcohol as well. Just a precaution if any patients have family members traveling with them to take caution. This is not a hoax, report was on Drudge Report.

I am approved for gastric sleeve by both Dr. Corvala and Dr. Illan. I'm having trouble deciding between the two and looking for positives and negatives for both surgeons. The decision to move forward with this surgery has been a long process and I'm looking for a team that can offer support, as I'm nervous about traveling to Tijuana for surgery.

Hello All! Anxious to hear all I can about having surgery in Mexico. I have been researching weight loss surgery for months and having it done in Mexico specifically for weeks.I can't seem to find how and when surgeons get your pre op health info. I have had a few minor surgeries here in US and even simple ones such as D & C and gall bladder removed the pre op work was pretty extensive. Does your surgeon in Mexico ask for any medical records or labs from your regular Dr here? Do they wait until you have paid a deposit, you fly there and the day before surgery do bloodwork, EKG, are you scoped? I am 62 and type 2 diabetic. I also have conce…

I paid my deposit with Dr Illian for November and Ive had a few links sent to me by concerned family etc... that there advising no travel to areas in Mexico and Tijuana is on the list due to an to uprise in Violence w gangs shooting in the streets . How was your experience? I'm getting stressed out