Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Hello Everyone. So it looks like I may have to wait for 1.5 years before my surgery with my local surgeon. I have heard some good things about Dr. Alvarez from you guys in Mexico. For those who went to Mexico, how much did it cost surgery and all? Niki

For any of you that have had surgery in Mexico, if you had sleep apnea did your surgeon take any extra precautions? Sent from my iPad using VST

I have my sleeve done in monterrey mexico on the eighth! doctor javier delagarza did my surgery! he was so professional and a little hospital was great! I paid a total of 7500 dollars for the entire procedure from post up all the way to the hospital stay! upon completion of my sleeve I did not even required to use of drains! and I actually got to go home a day early! I'm walking around with no problems have already driven! since thursday I have lost a total of 12 pounds!

I have had an excellent experience with Dr Kelly and his team. Excellent hospital too. I had disconfort the first night...all the gas, not the incisions. Walking helped a lot, plus the pain meds I got. I have minimal pain today, I'm sipping Water and ice chips, walking and barely any head hunger. I'm so glad I chose Dr Ramos Kelly! And thank you for all the encouragement and information I have received from all of you.

Hi All, I've searched but haven't found anything related to my question. I feel at a loss with regard to what to take to Mexico. I am planning on taking Gas-X strips, but is there anything else? Do I need clothes while in the hospital? (Ok, probably not.) I'm just looking for ideas or tips on what I might need that I haven't considered. Thanks.

Has anyone been sleeved by Dr. Ortiz? My surgery is scheduled for August 1. Im going to him because his facility is a center of excellence. I was going to ho with dr. Aceves originally but his office does not call or email back. I dint like that. Also, if you have surgery in mexico, when you go back to the states to have your labs done, etc, will your insurance cover it? Or if i have complications will they treat me? Should I tell my PCP? She would not refer me here in the US because my bMI is 38. Her and my therapist are against mexico. But i want to be able to tell some kind of health professional you knw? In case theres an emergent issue.

So my surgery is not until December but I am getting really scared. Right now I'm pretty sure I'm going alone, but the catch is I have never been outside of the country. Leaving the country isn't the scary part for me, its the flight to San Diego!!! I've never even been inside of an airport let alone a plane! Could someone with goid pointers puuh- leaseee give me some pointers/ tips for me traveling by myself? I know I could've googled this, but I trust you guys :3

Hi all. Can any one share there experience with Dr. Ponse de Leon?

So, I have been on the pre op diet for 11 days, and have done pretty well. I've lost 13 pounds in those days, and I cheated once by eating a few bites of pizza. I felt so guilty that ive been to the letter since. Now, with the 3day clear liquids, I guess its just broth tea & jello? Im an hour from any gnc stores, so isopure is out of the picture. Does anyone have any tips to get through these last days?

Did anyone just use US dollars instead of getting pesos? A friend of mine just went to visit and said the she didn't exchange her money because a lot of places take dollars.

I am just beyond sick with trying to figure out who to go to in Mexico. I have liked everything I have read about certain doctors but I am also only approved for $6700 in financing and have to pay the rest out of pocket. How did you select your doctor and what was your COMPLETE experience like? Honesty only please!

Anyone knows any bloodless surgery hosiptals in Mexico. I am suppose to have surgery July 3 but now I am not so sure. All of these months I was told NJ BCBS covers the surgery. Now no one sure. I wont know anything until Monday. I am trying to do research just in case. I really don't want to move my date if I have to self pay. I waited 6 months. I am out of school soon and I can't take days off in September.

Because I have had some issues with heartburn, I requested that Dr Kelly scope me before surgery to make sure everything is healthy and OK for surgery. We are planning to do it first, and then go to surgery if everything is OK. Has anyone else been scoped? Does it leave you with a sore throat?

I heard from Linda 2 days ago and emailed her right back, she responded very quickly. Then yesterday AM emailed her a few more questions and have not heard from her yet. Anyone else have trouble getting a hold of her or is there a better way to get answers to my questions?

Seriously - I thought I was already excited...but I feel like a 2 yr old about to wet her pants, lol!! I can not wait for the journey to begin, I a starting a new blog about digging deep to become the ME that God created me to be. Emotionally, physically and spiritually....as we know this is NOT just a physical journey!! Hope to meet someone from here, so let me hear ya if you will be there too!

Only a week away from surgery, and the nerves are setting in! I just went to get the cahiers check, and seeing all that money transferred to a piece of paper with Dr Kelly's name on it, has me in a swirl of emotions, from pure excitement to fear and worry. Ack!! Down almost ten pounds on my pre op one week in! So glad about that! Cant wait to meet my sleeve sisters and be on the losers bench!

Did anyone have a problem getting their disability insurance to cover their time off work after surgery in MX?

I know I am ready for this, but I am so scared. Flying to San Diego at 4am, then having surgery with Dr. Almanza Thursday. I can't stop thinking about my kids and what will they do if something goes wrong. Please pray for me. Thank you. JC

Hi Everyone, I know how difficult it is to have weight loss surgery. We have tried so many diets and failed or lost the weight to only gain it back again and again. I was reading an article a few days ago on ObesityHelp.com and they said over 800 people die every day because of obesity. Come on love yourself enough to know that having WLS is YOUR answer to becoming healthy and making a life style change that is going to save your own life. I am living proof that it works. I highly recommend having the sleeve--I lost 105 pounds. I love my doctor who is Dr. Aceves and he was the best for me. When picking a doctor take your time to check him out ask people 100's of …

I fly out in the morning to san diego then over the border for pre op preperations. Dr. Aceves will be a lil richer after Saturday morning! Damnnn this whole experience scares the hell out of me and im not looking forward to that first of liquid hell! Oh well gotta suck it up!

My dear aunt that some of you have heard me speak of in the past, has given me a great little tip& I wanted to pass it on! Get a small pkg of SF jello (I bought the store brand/50cents) and mix it up according to directions and drink while its warm! Its 20cals and 4gr protien! It works great for in between meals to calm those pre op grumbles in your tummy! I know jello is on most of our pre op diets and it is more like a sweet treat. I found that eating the jello in the classic form wasnt as satisfying. Give this a try, and keep it in mind, for post op, by drinking half and refrigerating the rest for a classic treat later. I had heard of adding protien to jello, but i…

First, I'd like to say that I'm glad to be back from my hiatus. I started my 2wk (by choice) pre op diet and had some serious detox going on about 2 days in. I am already down 5 pounds and doing well on my diet. I'm excited and anxious to finally be on my ten day countdown! Cant wait to meet Dr Kelly & his phenomenal staff! How are all of my sleeve sisters doing?

Hi Everyone, I am in San Diego as of yesterday and I'm getting ready to head to mexicali in about 30 minutes and surgery will be tmrw morning :-) I will update you all as soon I can btw San Diego is BEAUTIFUL !!!!!

I did it! I am booked for VSG on July 2. I fly out July 1 and will return July 6! I am so freaking excited. I can't believe it. I was going to have it done in the US and after extensive research I decided MX was the way to go and I will keep that extra 10k I was going to pay to have it done here. thank you very much.

Since those of us here are self pay and won't have the same insurance coverage as others, I think it's important to be well educated about all aspects of our chosen procedure. One thing I came across is the increased rate of kidney stones post-op, so I got to looking around and found some more info on it. I rec. reading this: http://bariatricsurgeryblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/bariatric-surgery-and-kidney-stones.html It has some tips on how to avoid it. I see many people on these boards simply not taking care of themselves post op, not eating correctly, not drinking enough Water, not taking in enough calories - you can't do this to yourself! I know it's tough in that…

I just posted my response to the lady who told me I was taking the easy way out. that diet and exercise was what I needed. www.youtube.com/shesstrangelynormal

So I'm doing a little research for my mother on getting surgery in Mexico and have contacted both Dr. Kelly and Dr. Ponce De Leon for info and pricing. What I recieved was the excact same informational letter and medical form. The heading and doctors names had been changed and the font, but other than that they were word for word. I just find this a little off putting. Do all of these doctors work together or something??? I just figured if they did and were in the same practice they would be contacted in the same manner and be on the same website. I am lucky enough to be able to have my insurance pay for my surgery which I get to have just across town. I just want to make…

Decided not to go the insurance route because their surgery date would interfere with my heavy college curriculum next semester (my last semester yay!). I've been speaking with Omar and he's done an awesome job so far. I haven't had many questions because most of them have already been answered either on this board or through my own research. Anyone else going around then?

I attended the WLS seminar yesterday. I think I may be the only one that was there that was self pay. The seminar was very informative but was geared more for those with insurance. As a self payor, I am hoping to go to my first consultation (on 6/11/12) and get the ball rolling and have surgery by mid July. Is this realistic? I do have some comorbid issues like sleep apnea and reflux. Also joint pain due to my weight. What has been Your experience as a self pay? I don't have insurance to cover WLS but am sort of glad so I don't have to jump through all of the hoops.

I have been in contact with a few of the agencies and have narrowed it down to Dr. Almanza (Tijuana) and Dr. Castenda (Puerto Vallarta). I would like to hear some pros and cons. I will be going alone and both have offered June dates. Thanks for your help! Gail

Anyone else gonna be in Tijuana for surgery on July 19

I'll be sleved by Dr Kelly on June 7. I'm a bit confused about what I can eat and how much. I did start liquids only yesterday. I'm having Atkins Shakes and Cream of whatever soups. How much can I have? My last 3 pre-op days are clear liquids...that's very straight forward. Although I have not posted before, I have been reading about your experiences long enough to help me decide to go ahead with my sleeve and Dr Kelly. Thank you all

Posted my new vlog today. It's www.YouTube.com/shesstrangelynormal....I'm makeup-free so try not to vomit

Hi Everyone! I wanted to find out if, being self-pay here in the US, does it include EVERYTHING - hospital or? There are extra fees included? Or is it different elsewhere? I am trying to get some financing and at first i called the doc, the lady said 300 up front and it will be divy up with the cost of the surgery when financed/ Another questions will the office help one out with financing?I was pressed for time and i didn't have a chance to find out. any feedback greatly appreciated.

Does he use those leg pumps on your calves to prevent blood clots? Does he give you blood thinner? I'm concerned about getting a clot when asleep and all I saw in the paperwork was instructions to move your feet around. Thanks.

Has anyone been sleeved in Cancun? I am thinking it might be easier to fly into Cancun, and advice on surgeons, coordinators, prices etc would be wonderful!

Has anyone used this service medical financing.com off of Dr. Aceves website??

Hi all! I'm packing for my big adventure to Mexico and just had a quick question. Can I pack my Unjury protein powder in my luggage to take with me? Will it make it through US airport security and then back through customs when I return? A girl has gotta have something to eat/drink while she's gone....

my youtube name is "shesstrangelynormal" and I have a few pre-op videos up so far and I'll be documenting what surgery is rally like in Mexico

I arrived at the San Diego airport by myself and was picked up by Cece, who was dropping off another patient. She drove me by the San Diego harbor to take pics before we headed to Tj. We crossed the border quickly and headed to florence Hospital. As soon as I got there, Omar and Dr. Kelly were outside and greeted me. I got to meet Sherry & Thomas who were on their was for the swallow tests then hotel. I was quickly checked in then shown to my room. I was given a gown to change into then weighed, measured, x-rayed, EKG'd, IV'ed in my right hand, then asked questions about my health. When it came time for surgery, I got to move on 4 different beds. They strap …

Hi Everybody, I know this might sound silly, but.... I have my Revision surgery (lapband removal & vertical sleeve) scheduled for Monday, Sept 10, 2012. I will be flying into San Diego on Sunday, Sept 9th early afternoon and departing on Saturday, Sept 15th early afternoon. The surgery center will be picking me up at the airport and driving me down to Tijuana for my surgery and then a 5 day stay at the Marriott Hotel. I couldn't ask for a better surgeon or center and I implicitly trust my doctor (Dr. Ortiz) and surgery center (OCC) ....but, I have been feeling anxious about being alone for my surgery and then 5 days at the hotel by myself. A good friend of mine…

Hey there....sleeved by aceves on Monday. He gave me pantozol granules to take daily for acid reduction. But how the heck do you take it? I've tried putting in like an oz of water, then an oz of apply juice but those suckers don't seem to dissolve...they just sit there at the bottom of the glass mocking me, lol. I emailed Nina and she said to put in a half glass of water...but a half glass for those tiny granules, which will take me a bit to get down, seems nutters. Anyone figure it out? I may just switch to Prilosec. Thoughts?!

Watching Mexican drug wars... Glad I went to tijuana!

I'm going , anyone else ?

Hi there! I'm scheduled with Dr. Aceves in mexico on May 21. A couple years ago I had a breast reduction in the US and was able to apply for (and get) short-term disability benefits since I was going to be out of work over one week (I was going to be out for two). I called MetLife today (who handles disability for the company I work for) and they said it shouldn't matter if my Dr is in Mexico, so long as they can call and verify I'm having surgery. Curious if anyone has been successful applying. It would mean I wouldn't have to use vacation time, and hopefully that I could do that for two weeks so I feel good going back. Anyone have experience?

Man o man has it been a rough first day and night. Lets see where do I start. Monday night seem to go by so slow. Of course we woke up at 4 in the morning thinking it was later than it was (we are on a three hour time difference). But when it was time, we all gathered in the lobby and made our to the hospital. The drive didnt seem like it took that long but that could have been because we were all talking alot. The hospital is small but very clean. I love the smell of the cleaning solution they use. We were taken to the admissions and quickly wisked away to have our labs done. After we were done, we came back upstairs and I started filling out my paperwork a…

got my date for july 19 to "get my sleeve on"...which is sorta like getting my groove on but with a less embarrassing outcome... anywho, it is with Francisco Gonzalez, a member of the BajaMed Group and I'm super happy... and If y'all watched my 2nd vlog and I looked dumb, well, I'm sorry

Hi guys, my husband and I are heading to Tijuana sunday for my surgery and will be staying at the Marriott. Does anyone know if you can call home from there or should I get an international calling card? We are leaving our daughter with family and will want to call daily while we are away. Thanks!!

when my panties started rolling down. I swear this is no joke. Life was never the same again.lol

hey guys I posted my vlog about food funerals and answered some emails if y'all wanna watch www.youtube.com/shesstrangelynormal