Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Has anyone used their flexible spending account to pay for surgery in Mexico? Any red tape or hoops to jump through? What surgeon did you use?? My account re-ups Jan. 1st and I'd like to use it for my surgery but so far my patient coordinator with Dr. Lopez hasn't got back with me about it. I hope she's researching it, and will get back with good news! Thanks!

My husband has been reading the forums so he can get on board with me having the sleeve in Mexico. He said he had seen nothing but positive things. He thinks it sounds to good to be true. Does anybody have any words of comfort I can give him or any advice so he will be comfortable with me having the surgery there

I am 3 days post op with dr Kelly and feel wonderful. The way he does the sleeve you don't need a drain because you don't leak. He staples, sews, and then tapes the stomach closed.

I am about to hit the send button to book my flights for Mex in December. Having surgery with Dr.Ponce and although I have been actively doing my research , I would like to be EXTRA confident and sure. So how do we verify their actual lisence and verify that they are an actual bariatric surgeon?

Plus 3 days liquid diet is enough...I'm really starting to feel down and my surgery is Oct 10 with Dr Garcia.*sigh* Sent from my ADR6400L using VST

Any Ohioans out there headed to Mexico for sleeve? Amanda Rae

I'll be in TJ, what is the best and most economical way to use cell phones in Mexico? Are you charged for roaming even if you don't answer your calls? and what about texting?

Well, I'm sitting at the airport waiting for my plane. Headed to San Diego, then Tijuana for surgery tomorrow with dr ponce!! Super excited!!

Hi All, As weird as this may sound, was your luggage ever searched when crossing the border? I am not looking to do anything illegal per say but just curious since I found a list of things you can bring in and amounts so I was just curious how strict they really are, for example are they really going to search my luggage and take a camera becuase I am only allowed to bring one in. I just do not want to do cause any problems Thanks in advance! -Gina

7 days post op… sharing experience (this is very long) I traveled 5/27…. (I was on liquids which did include protein shakes (so not clear liquids only) per OCC. I packed Atkins shakes in checked bag with no problem. Also took individual packet of Syntrax Nectar in carry on. It was easier to travel on liquids than I expected. Marriott Hotel was nice and restaurant was very accommodating to OCC patients. Just advise them you are OCC patient and they bring you broth and Popsicle (covered by OCC). The bottled water IN restaurant is not covered. Your chicken broth can be enhanced w/ pepper and lime for a little more flavor. The day of surgery, patients met to take shuttl…

Could someone tell me anything about Dr. Castaneda in Puerto Vallarta & Guadalajara? I'm stuck between him & Dr Joya in PV. My friend was recommending him but now she's backing out on it so I haven't made my decision yet.

Hi guys.. i havn't been on the boards in at least 2 months.. i'm stuck at that really really frustrating point... I want the surgery end of story.. It's so frustrating when your insurance doesn't cover it.. and i have no rich ppl in my life to ask to borrow... anyone in the same frustrating position? I think this might have actually made me gain weight lately.. i have a sense of not caring what goes in my mouth....I work so hard at two jobs and can't get the one thing that would change my life forever... I keep hoping to find some inspiration to suddently just do it on my own.. but the more i try that it has the opposite effect. Anyone find a good place to get some fin…

I just spoke to alma w/ready 4 a change and she was awsome...i'm hopeful to have my November date...yay! Just need my finances to come thru...help! Lovin the skin i'm in...

Had my surgery yesterday here in Tijuana Mexico. Dr Ponce Deleon is awesome!! The Doctors and nurses are all really good and quick to my bedside. Other than the gas pain I'm doing good, get to leave tomorrow

I have searched and have had no luck finding the phone number for INT. Help??

I heard Dr. Alberto Aceves and his staff are the best in wls. Is there anyone out there that has not had a great experience? I've been researching and looking everywhere for months now and can only find excellent comments...Should I go for it? I'd appreciate your response. Marian

What would you recommend I bring to Mexico?

Using funds in an FSA account to pay for sleeve in Mexico...does anyone know if this is legal and doable using funds b4 March 15 from this year, and $5,000 dollars in next years for surgery in January 2013, or February? Kind of excited about this possibility, but not putting the cart ahead of the horse just yet...lol

I just wanted to say that I absolutely can't wait until I can get the surgery done. It's a scary thought, but I'd rather take the risk than continue dealing with all the negative thoughts I have on a daily basis of myself. I just can't take it anymore. Every time I look in the mirror, I don't see myself staring back at me. I avoid pictures, I avoid going out and doing fun things with my friends because I don't feel like myself, and I don't feel good about myself. I have a feeling that even though the sleeve is only a tool, I will try my hardest to find myself again! I love this site and all the positive people on here. Just reading through different experiences helps me.

I plan on tipping the drivers and such, what amount is customary in your opinion? Do I tip everytime I'm Picked up and dropped off? Or when someone takes me into town? How much extra cash would you bring?

is anyone, or has anyone had the band to sleeve surgery with Dr Garcia? if so what were your band issues. was it completed in one surgery? I know that each person is different as far as scar tissue and etc. I am just curious to see if majority has to have two surgeries. I have startes the initial process of going to Dr Garcia. I am just waiting to see if insurance denies surgery and going from there.

My wife and I are both going to get our VSG done that day with them. How are the facilities there, how are the drs? I am more than alittle nervous..Thanks.

Hi! Its my first day on this...so hopefully i'm doing this right :S i want to know if anyones gone to surgery in monterrey, nuevo leon, mexico? If so, which dr did u see and what was the cost...i live in texas, right on the border with mexico so i wouldnt have to fly, its about a 2 1/2 hr drive there...any info is very much appreciated

Does anyone know if you send off your deposit and reserve a surgery date but lets say you didn't save up enough money by your surgery date, could you push your date back without losing the deposit you sent?

Oct 10th and on the paper work I received it says ill need to follow a pre op diet 7-14 days prior how do I know if I need to do 7 or 14 days? I'm 5'2/255lbs if that helps any.. Sent from my ADR6400L using VST

I am so excited I can't wait and I am not sure if I am going to be able to sleep tonight. I am going alone, and that is how I want it. Just peace and quiet and recovery! Anyone else going to be in Juarez this week?

I am going to TJ to revision from lapband to VS in TJ Mexico with Dr Filipe. Anyone going in October

hi everyone!!! I just got home from being sleeved on Friday September 14th by dr. Ponce de leon in TJ. I had a great time with my mom there and am doing great!!! here's the link to my shutterfly site I made just for this adventure.. there's lots of pics of our trip and the hospital!! http://wlsherewego.shutterfly.com/pictures

Trying to narrow it down, so please share any info you can...the good, the bad, and the ugly.....

I decided that I would be more comfortable in the hospital, so I switched from Almanza and am going with Lopez (who I believe works with Garcia). Anyone have surgery with him? I haven't seen any reports one way or the other.

All went well. Had some pain and gas pain last night but feeling much better today

Is anyone thinking about scheduling surgery with Dr. Ortiz around March 2013?

Surgery for 3/11/13 with Dr. Ponce de Leon. I want to lose some weight to lower BMI for risk reduction and cost. Any suggestions?

I see that Dr. Garcia has gotten very popular around this site I've heard so many positive things so far, and he's got a very reasonable price. I'm wondering if anyone has had any negative experience with him at all? Just weighing all of my options on the surgeons is all. thanks! If I could come up with the money, I will probably go with Dr. Alvarez because he's over here by me in Tx, and I've heard great things about him. But if I can't get a loan, I may have to decide on a less expensive surgeon and I'm definitely considering Garcia!

Good morning, I am a brand new newbie and a self payer going to Mexico. I have it narrowed down to two surgeons. Anyone out there have an experiences to share to help me decide. Unfortunatly this will be a lonely experience for me as my support group does not support my decision. Looking to sleeve in March while on Spring Break from college. I am a full time wife, mother, employee, and student!!! Amanda Rae

7 weeks out from surgery with Dr Garcia. I feel GREAT and have my energy back ten-fold!

So excited! I finally made a decision and booked with dr ponce on sept 27th. I figured I better book it soon before I chickened out! Lol! This is something I have been wanting/needing to do for a long time. I've done tons of research and really feel like this is the right thing for me. Now if I can just convince my friends and family that think I'm crazy!!! ????

I'm so excited I can't stand it!! LOL my mom and I are making the 2 hour drive to San Diego tonight and staying in a hotel room there tonight... getting picked up at the border parking tomorrow morning for surgery! It seemed like this day would never get here and it finally has!!

I am looking into financing in Mexico for.Dr Garcia through a lighter me and I was wondering how long it took to hear back approval and if anyone is willing to share what kind of credit they r looking for...my credit is fair but not great

What was the deciding factor for your Dr. choice???

I started my pre-op diet today since I was able to move up my surgery date from December to October 6th. I'm starting a little early becaue I'm hoping to lose 15 lbs to get my BMI under 50 and save $500. I notice most other patients were able to have Protein drinks but on the Pre-Op diet sheet I received from Omar, I didn't see them listed. I emailed him just now but was hoping to get some feedback from you all in case he doesn't get back to me before tomorrow. Thank you!

Any feedback on this particular surgeon? Doing research n his name came up but don't see a lot of information posted. Any information greatly appreciated.

Would you only go to a Dr. That was in the FACS? I've noticed that those are the more expensive doctors, but they have excellent credentials.

I am being sleeved Sept 18th with Dr. Almanza and was wondering if anyone else will be there the same time.

All I can say is woooohooo I'm so excited, 26 days until I'm in Mexico (Dr Garcia) surgery on 10/09. Can't believe it's just around the corner, time is flying by, I never thought they day would come! Ready to start my new journey to a new me!!! Just thought I would share my excitement :-)

do you need to take all cash? would a pre paid visa card be a good idea??

Hi all, I've already been sleeved (June 1st), which was covered by my insurance 100% and was done here in the states, but now my best friend wants to get it done but will be self pay since she has no insurance. Anyway, apparently the gentleman (for Dr. Garcia in Mex) she has been speaking to regarding the loan says that she was approved for 3700. He also says that she can be approved for 5000 but she would need to get a consultation from a Dr here in the states stating THAT Dr would be doing the surgery, they (the ppl in Mexico) would then submit that ppwrk to get the loan approved. ? Meaning the loan wouldn't get approved if it was for a Dr. in Mexico? Does this sound r…

My surgery is on the 10th in Mexico with Dr. Garcia. Pre-op has gone very well 9 pound weight loss in 7 days. I am very ready to go but as expected excited but also nervous. I wonder how I will feel, how I will do with the weight loss, will I be nauseous on the plane ride home, will I feel awful or great. Flying out to San Diego on Sunday so one more day at home to get ready and go!!

Hi everyone!! Was needing some input, I'm applying for my passport this coming Wednesday and my surgery is set for September 26th, gives me 3 wks! My friend who has been to Mexico many times says I'll be fine crossing back into USA with just a birth certificate and drivers lic, what are your experiences or thoughts? Please and thank you!!

I'm going to Mexico on September first to get sleeved by Dr. Almanza. Just wondering if anyone else will be there that day too!