Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

The night nurse at the int hospital in tijuana started my IV with one stick. I can't beleave it. It normily takes five or six stick. Boy is she good.

I won’t be able to eat like I used to eat. Hi Everyone, Believe it or not, this is one of the main explanations I hear from people as to why they don’t think they want to have weight loss surgery. Come on, that is how you got FAT and remained FAT—eating all that food. I never feel deprived at all—I promise you. I have a restrictions now of a “VSG aka Sleeve.” I am the first one who will tell you that the 1st month after WLS is the toughest months that you will ever have to do. That is the month that you have to reprogram your head(big job) to do and reprogram your stomach that it is OK to eat small amounts of food. It takes quite a while to learn how to eat small amoun…

Has anybody been there? Any input? I am considering it and would like feedback on your experience.

It seems like most people don't want you to make a healthy lifestyle change with their behavior geared towards sabotaging your diet. Why is that? "c'mon, one bite won't make a difference", "you better eat this while Ur able to", our when they get something and then proceed to eat out in front of you (which isn't that terrible) and tell you "Ur really missing out...here just try a nibble" It seems silly that someone who cares for you wouldn't give you the support u need to stay on track. I get this pretty often and it irks me. Sorry, I'm just venting and I know there is another forum for that but I feel like this one is the one I'm most comfortable with

Hi everyone! I just wanted to relay some information I just got. Like many of the users here I am tight for money, and I am planning on getting my surgery in December of this year or January 2013. I had narrowed my choices down to Dr. Kelly and Dr. Garcia. Now I have spoken with both coordinators, Omar with Dr. Kelly and Sandy from alighterme.com and I just wanted let everybody that is planning to have surgery in the future about what I have learned. Sandy from alighterme.com told me that the price can, and probably will fluctuate with time, and the procedure is 5,000 as of now. HOWEVER, Omar told me that the price that was quoted for me, which is 5,500, will be hon…

Has anyone had any recent experience with Dr. Armanza? I'm trying to get a picture for what I've gotten myself into. The $4,500 fee is very affordable for my family and I want to make sure I've made a good choice. I'd love to hear some stories from other people who have been to Mt. Zion and Dr. Armanza recently. On some boards I saw some awful experiences so I'm trying to decide if I should change docs.

I start my Low Carb High protein diet today !!!! Surgery is getting close and the nervousness is setting in :-/

Hi everyone, I just wanted to share that I just had surgery with dr. Ponce de leon in Tijuana Mexico one week ago today! I am doing awesome!!! no pain, no vomiting, no anything! I had no gas pains after surgery and no pain on my surgical site or drain (the only pain I had was my lower back because of a back injury I had years ago and the laying down did not helped it any!) I am working on putting my surgery as well as other pre-op and post-op videos on youtube (BeautyVGSJourney) this weekend (there are three of them there already) if anyone is interested in watching them. I went by myself and Trish was my coordinator and I could not be happier with my experience. F…

I'm going to have to move my date to the end of June due to airplane prices. Has anyone else had that problem. Coming from TN. Happy now that my husband wants to go so i won't be by myself ..with all the credit cards i have i have no frequent flyer miles. I have went on 7 day cruises cheaper. Do anyone know where to get a flight less than $500

So my sleeve was done may 15th in jerulasm hospital in Mexico, I had no issues until yesterday. Yesterday I had some veggies in my soup and some bread, even though it was soft I am in pain today. I took a tyonal 3 but still pain. I hope I didn't stretch my stomach. But in regard to the hospital and recovery house, it was small and at first scary but ok! Clean and very good doctors. I hope I can claim my sleeve on my taxes this year.

Hi All!! I am laying in the bed waiting my turn for surgery. My experience so far has been wonderful!!! The staff here and at the Marriott are incredible. Very helpful. Hospital is small but nice, rooms are clean and comfy. My mom was nervous about coming here but she is very pleased with everything. I will update once I am out of surgery! Say a prayer for me

i have to say this has been one hell of a journey for me. I def doubted myself. I vomited so much that i was so sore and couldnt get enough pain meds in me to stop the pain. The pain meds they give you are not strong so if you take meds like i do on a daily basis please stop them a month before surgery. that is my advice. Dr. Ponce and trish are amazing, One of Dr, Ponce partners i cannot say the same for. He told me to toughen up. LOL I do well with pain and cant figure out why i was in so much pain but assume it was from all the vomiting. Once the drain is out you are on the fast track to feeling better. Gas is horrible and so painful. Say a prayer that my pain eases…

I'm on my way ... Feeling nervous and my stomach is queasy. Praying I've made the right decision and that today marks the beginning of my new healthier life. Precious hubby is beside me. I can do this! Please pray for me. Kathy

"HELLO,ONEDERLAND!!!! IT'S NICE TO BE BACK HERE WITH U, I PROMISE I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU AGAIN!!" LOL!! I WAS SLEEVED IN MEXICO ON THE 11TH AND AS OF TODAY I'M DOWN 9LBS. ONLY 9LBS ......BUT HELL YEAH!!!! 9LBS, BABY!! LOL!! BEST WISHES TO THOSE WHO ARE ON THEIR WAY TO BEING SLEEVED ALSO!!!

Francisco Gonzalez, M.D. Chief Bariatric Surgeon Doctor Gonzalez is a Board Certified medical doctor in Mexico. He is a renowned expert in minimally invasive weight reduction surgery. Doctor Gonzalez has been performing obesity reduction surgery for more than 20 years with great success. He is one of the first surgeons certified by INAMED (now ALLERGAN), the provider of the first LapBand approved in the U.S. by the FDA. With over 4,000 weight reduction surgical procedures, Dr. Gonzalez is among the world's most experienced surgeons in obesity surgery. This above is all true, yet he isnt on the little drop-down selection of Drs. Is it because he doesnt spend tons of …

We are on the plane and awaiting departure!!! It is definitely so real now!!! My stomach is in fits and i still can't understand how I can use the bathroom so much on an empty stomach.... I guess I am poo'ing out all these nerves lol. Sorry tmi without a warning... Pray for us please!

I'm having surgery in a few weeks and my mother is everything but supportive. I told her I was having surgery but never told her that I was having my procedure done in Mexico. She basically told me to go a head and kill myself. My cousin also added into the conversation to spice it up like a hype man. They have me really scared to go. Telling me that Mexican in the drug cartel kill americans for our passports. I'm very ignorant to world news. I don't even watch the local news because she there's nothing good on it. I haven't heard of this whole war between Mexicans and Americans. I told her to stop being negative but I'm scared now thinking that although many people have…

All the nerves have set in. I already miss my kids. Please pray all goes well and I'm home and healthy in a few days! Peace!

We leave in exactly 10 hours to fly out to San Diego. I am nothing but a ball of nerves right now. I have a few things that I need to get done before we leave out at 3 am, but I cant seem to get moving.... My stomach hurts... *TMI ALERT* but when I get nervous I get the beegee (aka bubble guppies aka bubble guts aka the sh**s)...and I know before we leave I will be paying several trips to the bathroom... Help me calm down... I know I want this surgery...have no issues with going to Mexico....so what is the matter with me?

It's at YouTube.com/shesstrangelynormal I was so very nervous and my magenta hair looks Burgundy...but I'm still sexy lol

So, I am paying half out of pocket and half through a loan I got approved for. Well today I called the loan place and the lady told me that the lender that approved me does not fund loans outside the USA anymore.... I was so pissed. She tells me she can still get me approved and she will call me back tomorrow. Like really, what the heck?? I asked her why she didn't call me and she said she has no excuse and apologized for being so busy.. I already am prepared and paid a $1000 deposit that's non refundable. Ugh why me ? I wanna cry

I'm definitely not crazy. Or maybe I am. I made a post earlier saying how exited I was BC I may get to be sleeved by BajaMed at the end of June instead of September and to keep fingers crossed everything goes well. And there were even comments on there. And now it's gone with the wind. Am I the only person this has happened to?

Does anybody know medications are given after the procedure and how long they have to be taken? I am breastfeeding right now, I plan on pumping and dumping in the hospital, just wondering if it will be ok to resume nursing when I get home. TIA!

I am contemplating gastric sleeve surgery with Dr Almanza in the near future. I'd love to hear the good and bad with regard to him and his facility/care. I am trying to be as educated as I can and rely on your expertise. if you have suggestions for places I can look for information on this doctor I'd also be very grateful. Mexico is the only option for me. I am paying for the surgery myself. thank you

Hi sleevers. I was wondering if any of you used Medical Tourism Corporation to self pay with Dr. Umbach in Las Vegas, NV? I am very concerned about giving my medical info to this organization even though Dr. Umbach is all over their website, even with a YouTube video. Does anyone have info they can share with me? Thanks, Shannon

I was just wondering if anyone was going to see Dr. Garcia on or around May 7th. I am just wanting to know if I will see anyone I know there when I am there. I would love to have a sleeve buddy there! I am so excited but the time seems to be creeping by, its driving me crazy. I am seeing all these posts of everyone getting their surgeries and losing weight. I am so ready to be there too! Anyone up for surgery in May?

After almost of research. I finally booked my surgery with Dr. Almanza on June 6th. I am very excited to be starting a new chapter in my life. I have been overweight my entire life.. And I am so grateful to God for him giving me this opportunity! I want to send my prayers to all of you, I ask that He bless you in your quest to obtain that ultimate goal! If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom. Know they are welcome. I just feel so blessed to share this with my community. I have an overweight 10 year old daughter, who I am seeing deal with the same issues I dealt with as a child. I fugure that if I can can on track with the tool of the sleeve, I can help her. Because I…

You are braver than you believe,stronger than you seem,and smarter than you think.- A. A. Milne (Winnie-The-Pooh) You are so smart to be making this commitment to a healthier life, You are brave for traveling so far out of your comfort zone to make this change. And you are strong enough to come out of surgery with flying colors and take your 1st steps as the new you

Does anyone know how to look up Mexico doctors to see if they are Board certified, licensed, etc? Thanks!!

Here are 2 pics from our room! 1 is our view!

I just wanted to add my personal experience with the Tijuana, MX sleeve surgery. I had my sleeve done in Sept 2011 and had such a wonderful experience that I took my husband down to have it done in January 2012. Since then I just got back from taking my sister to have the surgery. Everyone of the experiences has been great. We stayed at Mi Doctor hospital and Dr Garcia did the surgery. From the time of the coordinator, which was alma with Ready 4 a Change til the time we got home we had no problems at all. Samuel will pick you up at the San Diego airport and transfer you to the hotel (5 star Marriott was ours) for one night. You are then shuttled to the hospital the…

Today I went to the bank to get my cashier's check!!! I finished packing my main bag and only have to pack my carry on bag. I wrote down everything for my S.O. to do while I am gone (although I am sure he wont do half of it)...so I wrote down the part that he isnt going to do and gave it to my oldest two children to do!!!! My surgery is in less than a week and I am ready to go!!!!! come on Monday!!!!

Anyone going June 30 with dr aceves? I made my decission Due to his high qualification and success. Thanks for all The info on this website.

We fly out tomorrow at 6! So many emotions but one us hunger. Day 3 of yogurt and water and I could hurt someone over a hamburger. Heck even a pc of fruit right about now!!

Hello everyone today is the day!! I'm at the hospital and surgery is at 9am!!! So stop by with your prayers!! Team Jesus

I finally had a moment to go through some of the YouTube channels. I was watching MsMook and in one of her videos she was getting an endoscopy. Ok so now I'm freaked out. Is this something that he does to all his patients or just ones that were there for a lap-band to sleeve revision? I know that he was given meds to numb her throat and medicine to relax her but I had a very bad experience when I was younger and now am just freaking out about the thought of having this done. Help me relax please Kisha

I leave on the morning of May 10th from Philly to fly to San Diego. Where I will be picked up by Dr Kelly's wife. I am a wee bit nervous (mainly as I am going alone), but about 80% excited! Confirmed all my details with Omar & he just told me I may want to bring some packets of chicken broth too, so will get some of those. It has all gone by so quickly. Hard to believe in 4 days I will be getting sleeved & starting a new life for myself! I will update when I can as I plan to take my laptop & will see if I can hook up to wi-fi at the hotel afterwards. Have my list to pack... yoga capris, heating pad, gas-x strips, new nightgown, chapstick, laptop, ro…

It's wondering if anybody has gotten a band-to-sleeve revision by dr. Fernando Garcia?? I'm getting my surgery on June 15!

If y'all didn't know...I'm so happy. You know from my previous posts it was obvious that I wasn't able to go with my 1st choice mexicosurgerysolutions due to $ reasons and last night had finally decided to go with Dr Garcia. Well, this morning my financing CAME THROUGH and I get to go with my 1st choice! I'm so glad the BajaMed group (they have the privilege of practicing in ANY of the hospitals there, unlike so many surgeons) is doing my surgery! I knew they were a little more than Garcia BC they use the newer stapling technology, and wanted them so so much. Right now I'm literally smiling so much my face hurts.

Started this blog at the airport, created it from my phone, so sorry if it doesn't look super great lol. I wanted to keep a record of my journey - or I should say, my adventure - and this seemed like the best idea! http://ileftmystomachintijuana.blogspot.com

Hi everyone. Here I sit at the beautiful lucerna hotel in Tijuana mexico! I cannot say enough good things about Dr Kelly, his wife Cecy & Omar. Cecy picked me up from Sand Diego airport in a WLSC (weight loss surgery center) van, easy to get across the border. But first she took me on a little tour of downtown San Diego! Stopped to take my photo a couple of times which was nice. Beautiful area. Then across the border & stopped to get bloodwork & urine sample (so don't pee at the airport!). Easy to do. Then off to Oasis Hospital where I met Dr Kelly & Omar. Both speak fluent & very good English! Process went very quickly. Got undressed &…

Hi! I just joined this forum today! I have been reading for a little while and have found A LOT of great info here! I had a lap-band "installed" July 2008. I did ok for the first four months, went from 221 to 179. Then I got pregnant! :-O I didn't gain a WHOLE lot while pregnant, but gained none-the-less. Not too long after giving birth I started to get "stuck", and it had just gotten worse and worse. I have days now that I can't even drink Water , so now I am planning on getting a sleeve and this "crap-band" (sorry I saw that term on here, and it couldn't be any more perfect!) removed!! I'm 99% sure I will be having my surgery on 6/15/12! Prior to getting my lap-ba…

Hi everyone. I thought i would start a new blog, so can keep loved ones (and anyone on here too) updated on my story & progress! I was sleeved by Dr Kelly on 5/10 in Mexico & hope it helps some of you & puts your mind at ease! http://njsharonjourney.blogspot.mx/

I don't know it may be just me but now that its MY turn it doesn't feel like I its real. I'm a lil worried that I acted too hasty in wanting the sleeve, wondering if I could have just buckled down and lost the weight on my own, & no more good ol large portions. Lol!! I guess I'm just nervous now that everything has fallen into place for me to be able to actually be here. I had so many valid reasons for pushing so hard to make this happen, I need to switch back to that mind frame. Asking for prayers and well wishes!!

I want to start by saying my experience was a roller coaster of emotion for me. My husband and I drove to San Diego and parked our car at the border station parking (very nice place with 24 hr surveillance and cheap). I had all this time to starve and watch my husband eat as well as see all the billboards with food on them. I had to remind myself this was not going to keep me from eating just slow down the amount to a healthy level. Samual Sr. (he is very nice) picked us up and took us to the Marriott (which is amazing I might add). He checked us in and we had a great night sleep before the next day surgery. All the surgery girls met in the lobby that morning about 9:30 …

Getting ready to to to the airport! I can't believe I'm on my way! Just 2 days to my surgery....I'm nervous and super excited! Hubby's going to cry when he drops me at the airport (I just know it!). He's so sweet! I'll check in again from San Diego. Wish me luck!

My coordinator with Dr. Garcia. She is the best. I swear I feel like I am bugging the mess out of her but she nevers gives off that vibe. I email her and she replies within the hour with all the answers to my many questions. I know that my experience with Dr. Garcia will be great because has one of the best coordinators working with him!!!! 7 days before we leave!!!! Can't wait

I am scheduled with Dr Ortiz for 5/28. I've told family & close friends only and just started thinking I should probably tell "work"/boss? Did u guys tell ur boss? Were their any ramifications from medical plan if you went outside for medical procedure?

So.... I wrote my first blog. More of a "help me, I'm drowning" venting session, really. But y'all can read it and make fun of any grammatical errors I may have. (I need to utilize spell check more often)... Anyway, thought I'd give myself kudos and brag about my 1st sleever blog.......

ticker.... its down to single digits. When I first put it up it was at 1 month, 2 weeks, and 1 day!!!! OMG its really real. I start my pre-op diet tomorrow and that really set in today when I went to the store to buy some things for dinner.... man where did the time go!!!! Guess I am going to be making a few more youtube videos between tonight and tomorrow..... OMG>>>> I AM SO EXCITED..... AND.... NERVOUS.... but mostly EXCITED