Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Just walked in the door from a week in Mexico and couldn't wait to weight myself. OMG OMG OMG... I'm soooooo excited I've lost 20 lbs. since starting Pre-Diet & I'm now 5 day Post-Op. Thank you Dr. Garcia, Hanna, Rosie, Samual Sr. & Samual Jr. This was the best gift I've ever given myself. Great experience!!!

I'm flying in 5/25 and leaving 5/29. Anyone else headed that way at the same time?

All the last minute worries have set in. I know I will be fine but can't help but think everything will go wrong and I won't make it home! Lol I'm going to miss my kids and worry myself sick until I'm in recovery! Ugh

Just booked my flight to San Diego! It all feels so real now! In 32 days Deb and I will be sleeved! OMG YAY!

So as most of you know, I had a loan fall through then I got approved, then that one fell through again!! All because I'm having it done in Mexico and they have all these requirements .... So I have to wait until September 1st, when I have all my money saved and pay it all cash. What a migraine I've been getting daily, and the tears I've cried . My eyes and face are burning ;(. Anyways , well that's my update, just had to vent away. Thanks guys !!!

I am headed to the airport my flight leaves at 6 this morning! Having surgery today, please keep me and everyone else getting their surgeries in your prayers! Looking forward to the loosers bench! Good luck and blessings Sharon and Krista!

It’s the Rule! Did you ever stop to think about all the rules and restrictions we face every day of our lives? We set rules at home, at work, in the car and even when we eat—well at least we try to set rules when we eat, but for many of us we didn’t and we got fat and can’t seem to lose the weight and keep it off! Your answer is Weight Loss Surgery. Most of the rules are written and obvious! Those are easy rules. The difficult rules are those we use to stifle our creativity and also remain fat and unhealthy. We pretend that we can’t do things we actually can do. Like lose the weight once we want to do it bad enough. There are many reasons why we should have WLS, and …

Hi Everyone, The thing I like about this board is that we all have our favorite doctor who did our "Sleeve" surgery. I know I have mine and I feel he is the best. But, if you asked other's they would say the very same thing. There are a lot of good doctors out there and a few not so good. Take your time educated yourself, ask a lot of questions and look at the doctors names that keep coming up as you ask your questions. I want you to feel safe and get a quality doctor who is very qualified. Ask about where you will be having the surgery and where you will do your recovery? Make sure you know all you can find out. Take the time to educate yourself about WLS. …

I am so excited to be in Tijuana getting sleeved tomorrow. I will keep everyone posted on my experience. I do have to say the Marriott is wonderful and the staff are very good. I could not ask for more. The broth is also amazing! So far so good! I will comment tomorrow after my surgery if I am able and let everyone know how it goes.

Was reading on the obesityhelp page where almanza left part of this lady's fundus? Or some of it and didn't get it all. Now she can eat more than most. That makes me worried. Can you guys help reassure me? Lol

Hola amigos! I am off on my journey to Mexico in 10 minutes!!!!! Excited & nervous at the same time. I will be sleeved today at around 2/2.30pm by Dr Kelly. Will post update/s when I can!!! Good luck to my sleeve sisters being sleeved today too! Keep me in your prayers everyone, I am nervous, thank you!

I leave next week for surgery wtih Dr. Ponce and thought about everything I think except phone coverage and internet so today I phoned my plan and sure enough if I use internet while over in MX I will incurr a ton of extra charges as well as .99 a minute for calls and .99 per text! Has anyone found a way around this? Im taking the laptop and hope to just email but I will still need to phone my kids daily. Think I may look into getting a pre paid phone from mexico just to call my family for those few days if its pretty cheap. Anyone have any suggestions or experience they would like to share?

So I got approved through a third party lender since my other loan fell through when they found out I was going to Mexico, and they don't fund to Mexico anymore. So I wanted to know from others how long they waited for the third party lender to get in touch with their doctors office. I'm freaking out and stressing each minute. The loan company I went through told me its not up to them since it's a third party and I have to wait until they contact my office. Somebody help me! Lol I'm going insane. And my surgery is in one month! Thanks in advance everyone

Ok so do any of you know if hospitals in mexico have a blood supply incase something goes wrong? Do the surgeons verify what blood type you are? Also, i know some surgeons in the states give blood thinner shots post op, does anyone know if the mexican surgeons do as well? What type of pain meds do they give you? can you drink the next day? I have so many questions still. Help! I have 8 days till surgery,.

Hi everyone sorry for the late update just didn't feel like doing much but sleeping and walking in the hospital. I stayed at the INT hospital and loved it. all the nurses made me feel at home they all very kind. The facility was really clean and cozy. It is one floor you stay on.. i was in room 309 for those of you going. Got here at 7 and was in for surgery at 9pm I met with Dr. Leal the cardiologist and he did an ekg which checked out fine. They ran blood test to make sure everything was fine on that end too. Women be prepared to be have a breast out when getting this done.. it's quick and easy and dr. leal is very professional.. he asked me alot of questions ab…

I need to study for my finals, still have to left but I cannot stop thinking about my upcoming surgery Thursday! I wish I could just stop thinking about it and concentrate in this last two finals! Then all of this stress is making me want to eat! I thankfully do not have a long liquid diet (only three days) but I have not been watching what I am eating very much today and it was supposed to be my first day. I guess since I am lower BMI and I am not eating things that greatly increase liver size I don't worry as much, but I should be following directions and I am not! Which makes me want to eat more. I really need to figure out what I am going to do about this emotio…

The surgery went great but I am having some anxiety wondering what have I done! Anyone else feel like this after the surgery?

My flight home after surgery will be a little over 4 hrs and I'm very curious to know how some of you survived the flight. I know my gas will be out of control.

Now that I've finally knocked out my final I can focus on the fact that im outta here and off to Mx for my sleeve on Thursday!! I bet its not really gonna hit me till I get on the plane!!

I just wanted to point out to everyone - there is a newer post under the Success Stories thread about a patient of Dr. Kelly's from almost a year ago! I have been wanting to read more and more of the longer term success stories and I was so glad to find out she's a Dr. K patient! So for anybody who is nervous, read her thread! It's awesome!

anyone else???? I see alot of people are meeting up or planning to just say "hey" but no one seems to be arriving and/or leaving around my days (no matter the doctor). Did I pick a crappy week or what? j/k

Happy Friday everyone, I am scheduled for surgery Monday..whoohoo.. and I was told to buy liquacel to add to my liquids during the first week post op..has anyone else told this or to use something similar? Thanks!!

Well, I made it through surgery! I can't say it's been too easy...I'm in a pretty good deal of pain, but I haven't been walking quite as much as I should....it hurts. Every time I go to do my laps, I get the dry heaves, and boy does that hurt. Some of my new surgery buddies act as though they haven't had surgery at all, and are already out shopping...lucky them. I sure wish they used the really strong pain meds here, like they would in the US, and possibly more frequently. Does anyone have any advise to throw my way? I'm in need of a boost.

I have done a lot of research on both doctors but I am having a hard time picking one. Dr. Kelly was my first choice until I seen some adverse things about him on the internet. Can someone please tell me there experience with either doctor. I am looking to book the surgery in May?

Even though he is not my surgeon, I decided to buy his book, since it looked like it had lots of info for us sleevers. Anyone else have it? I will pass it to my aunt when im done

Let me start off by saying that my overall gastric sleeve experience with Dr. Garcia in Tijuana has been positive. I just wanted to post some of my personal experiences with this doctor, about the hospital, and about my surgery. I would be happy to answer any questions anyone has. I booked my package through alighterme.com/obesitysolutionsinternational.com. I paid about $5000.00 and worked with both Sandy and Linda. When I had questions or concerns it usually took a few hours for one of the coordinators to respond but they always got back to me within 24 hours. My package included transportation to/from the Marriott Tijuana, three nights hotel stay, two night Mi Doctor …

Saying my good bye's now i have too much to do when i get home and will probably not find time to get back on the forum. Please think of me tomorrow and say prayers for a safe trip and safe recovery.. excited to start my new life!!!!!!!!!! Take care everyone and i'll see you on the losers bench!!! Holly

A week from today is the big day! I chose to go with Dr. Ponce De Leon after hearing about the wonderful job he does and the care provided. Trish has been awesome to work with, and I will have a sleeve buddy, BeautyVSGJourney! I'm so, so excited, but so, so nervous. It will be worth it to be free from the back/joint pain (or at least reduced pain!) and what I am looking forward to the most is being able to ride my horses again. I bought a young horse a couple of years ago and have always had someone else ride him since I was too heavy (although I did ride a few times last spring and got left in the dirt resulting in a bruised kidney, but that's a story for another d…

Did any of those who used Dr. Garcia have a catherer for surgery????

Did anybody get their haircut either before or after surgery? Don't know if I'll feel like it, but it needs cut and I thought it might be a good opportunity lol.

I desperately need to get this surgery done. I just bought a home and have no money in savings and a low low credit score (around 550). I dont have anyone that can cosign this loan. I work 50+ hours a week and am lost. Is there anyone that knows of a place that I can get a loan at. I am even willing to put my home up as collateral. Im at the end of my rope. I talked to Dr. Kelly and am good to go except for the money. What the heck do I do now?? Thanks anyone for taking the time to read this...

What does it boil down to? How in the world did you choose? I mean some are cheaper, but do I really want to go with cheap when it comes to surgery? I'd love any and all info you want to throw my way in regards to choosing a surgeon. I did speak with what I thought was Dr. Kellys coordinator, Sandy and she says they let him go. her words- "we won't work with a Dr. we wouldn't go to ourselves." OK??? O.o I guess I won't go to him. :/ So now there is Dr. Garcia. Dr. Alvarez is closest to home... not close, but closest- being right outside of tx and I'm in MO.

Hi Everyone, I was just curious if anyone has done the pre-op balloon exercises? Ive seen others talking about blowing up 30 (small) balloons a day everyday before surgery but im just curious of when you started im thinking some started a month prior to surgery and some started 2 weeks before surgery but the purpose is to strenghten the lungs for surgery so there is less complications so I def. plan on doing this im just not sure when I should start so if anyone has done this please let me know , Thank You

And I'm a "slow loser" who has had a couple of long stalls. Just wanted to give the pre-op something to think about! :)

I just got to thinking.. and my surgery is at 8:30pm.. what did you do right after surgery.. am i going to be up all night?? To be able to walk it off.. or did you sleep? Just wondering that way i will try to sleep in a little the day we fly out.. don't know if that will happen with all the excitement.. Also if you brought a small heating pad for your belly.. what kind did you get and where? Was it an electric one? That's the only thing i'm trying to figure out if i need to buy

Hi Everyone, I hope all of you that have recently had weight loss surgery are doing great. Just remember there are many of us out here that have been down the road ahead of you. We are here to support you and cheer you on. There were days when I first had weight loss surgery that I thought “oh my goodness” what have I done? That only lasted a brief moment. When the weight started to come off I knew that I had done the right thing. Each day just kept getting better and better. So please ask questions or just let us know how you are doing. There is NEVER A WRONG question. If you are sitting out there reading all these posts and never jump in and say anything and yo…

Hi, I am thinking of going to Mexico, because it is a lot cheeper, but I am kind of nervous doubt it and would like to hear from those who have went there. Thanks so much, Sarah

is on the bed and right now I am just throwing stuff in it. No organizing at all right now!!! I still have 19 days:21hours:24mins:09seconds before we leave, so there is definitely time. I have only put two loose fitting dresses and a few toiletries in there for now!!! Just super excited to say that it is finally May and that these days are going to go by so fast, I hope... I am actually shocked that I am just now pulling out the suitcase. I am usually packed and ready to go a month in advanced when it comes to travelling... :wub: anyway, I'm babbling!!! thanks for letting me babble!!

Woo-Hoo! Just got off the phone with Omar from Dr. Kelly's office. Everything is ready and good to go! He has informed me that I will have 4 sleeve buddies getting sleeved the same day! That is such wonderful news since I am traveling alone from Michigan. Any others out there meeting me in San Diego for the trip across the border on April 22 nd? Looking forward to meeting some sleeve buddies!! ~ Michele

Hi Everyone, Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. If you are sitting out there trying to make up your mind about having weight loss surgery, this is the time to make that commitment. This is the time of year that I “use” to go on that famous diet that was going to make be fabulous for summer--LOL. I fought that battle for more years than I care to tell you. I could lose most of the weight, but would always gain it back. You know that vicious cycle of lose it gain it back. I bet you are sitting there shaking your head right now because you know exactly what I am saying. Do not give another day of your life away being fat please do something to change…

Hi everyone! My name is Krista, I'm new to the board. I am from the east coast of Canada where the wait time for surgery is 10+ years, so I have made the decision to have surgery in Mexico. I have narrowed it down to two surgeons, Dr. Kelly or Dr. Ponce DeLeon. Both seem very qualified and well respected. I have been keeping up on various message boards, and it sounds as though Dr. Kelly is handling patients himself rather than using a coordinator. I filled out the contact form on his website asking for information, and received an automated reply from A Lighter Me instead of Dr. Kelly. Is he still working with them? He isn't listed as one of the surgeons on their…

I just got to thinking.. and my surgery is at 8:30pm.. what did you do right after surgery.. am i going to be up all night?? To be able to walk it off.. or did you sleep? Just wondering that way i will try to sleep in a little the day we fly out.. don't know if that will happen with all the excitement.. Also if you brought a small heating pad for your belly.. what kind did you get and where? Was it an electric one? That's the only thing i'm trying to figure out if i need to buy

I'm working on financing for the VSG which I will get answer by 5-11. I'm still deciding on doctors, but I'm liking Dr. Kelly the best so far. Besides the cost of the surgery & flight, what else OOP do you have to pay for in Mexico. Food? Medicine? Hotel extras? Teeth Whitening? I'd like to get an idea how much cash to bring with me. I'm so excited. I've thought about doing this so long that if I would have done it 4 years ago when I starting considering it I would have been skinny by now, lol.

As wondering the cost of meals for my spouse and broth... Etc. Trying to get an idea of what extra money I need to have for my trip. It's getting close and all the anxiety is setting in. Lol

I'd love to hear from anyone who used dr Ortiz in Tijuana. How was ur experience?

So I've been doing my research and have decided on Mexico. In order to get the funds I am basically having to beg my boss to amend the 401k plan to include financial hardship. He hasnt given me his decision yet ????. Anyway, I work for a small office where everyone knows each others business. I'm ok with people know what I'm doing. After all, my being fat isn't a secret. Anyway, the problem I am having is I work for oral surgeons who both think going to Mexico is crazy!!! AND I'm afraid he won't do the amendment because of this! What I do with my body isn't their decision! Grrrrrrr. So frustrated!

I'm trying to book my flight and need to know how long it takes to get back across the border and to the airport?? Would a 11:45am flight be too early? My contact person at alighterme just gives me "that will be fine". I would like a little more information than that, so I am not worried about missing my flight.

I applied for my Passport On March 17th... just getting a passport card...and got a letter two weeks ago stating i didn't put in a form they needed ( i had a passport before but lost it) I swear i did i checked the paperwork like 3 times over before sending it in. My husband got his card in the mail about two weeks ago. So i checked their passport status page and all it says is your passport is being processed.. call here for more info if you are travelling within the next 14 days and havn't received your passport. So i call there and guess what they tell me? They have received my application and are processing it. I asked if there was anyways to find out when they w…

I was sleeved last Thursday Feb 16 in Tijuana Mexico by Dr fernando Garcia and his awesome team..There are not enough adjectives to describe my expirience Dr Garcia his assisstant Dr. Velazco and anethesiologist Dr. Cabrerra are the finest team of doctors I have ever been placed with. I was very reluctant on going to Mexico(as I have a quite extenstive medical history) and now I don't want to go to doctors here in the US. The nurses were very kind, compassionate and competent I never had to wait longer than 5 minutes for anything..They even give you an internist to follow you during your stay whom gives you a thouragh exam I cannot remember her name but she was very sweet…

Did any of you take a couple of bottles of isopure with you? What kind of isopure do you like? My nut recommends it, and I was wondering if it was available in TJ or if you brought it with. What else did you take? Im planning on some bullion cubes for the flight home. We only have a 90 min flight. Please give me your suggestions. Thanks