Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

For any of you who have had surgery with dr. Aceves, do they feed you clear protein while your there after surgery?

Is it really that bad? I say a YouTube video and it's looks funky and when she pulled it out I almost died...

I talked to alma yesterday because the paperwork just stated to start the diet 7-14 days before surgery. I know that I am a long 29 days out from surgery but I was trying to mentally prepare myself for this pre-op diet. Well according to her, I only have to do a 7 day pre-op diet because my BMI is under 40. I just missed the mark because my bmi is 39.3, but hey, thats not 40 and now I don't have to start on the 8th of May!!!!! So excited...

I am going to be starting my preop diet on Monday. I have surgery on May 7th with Dr. Garcia in Tijuana. I am starving all the time and it gets worse the closer I get to my preop diet day. Did anyone feel like they had to eat everything they see or think of before their surgery. This is ridiculous and it is starting to make me extremely mad at myself. I am eating until I am miserable anything and everything. My husband thinks I have lost my mind lol. So someone tell me have I lost my mind or this normal for the pre vsg patient?

I was just wondering if anybody knew? I know I could contact them myself.. But I dont know if I want all those emails just yet.. I dont even have my passport yet, which is my first step soon.. All i know is- it says Kelly is, but he is not.. so who is with them? I can not help but notice the side advertisments for the $4500 cost which easier done than 8000- or more, with out un necessary risks.. =

For those who went to Dr. Aceves, do you fly to San Diego and get picked up their by the driver? If not, what airport do you fly into?

I had dr lopez,and several other drs on his team.with lots of nurses.they walked all over each other there was so many..barely any english is was frusterating and scary... I felt really uneasy there..and didn't get much home care and diet plans when I left... just a really big bill for meds...

I am at Hospital Florence. Minutes away from surgery with Dr. Kelly.

I got back 7 days ago from Piedras Negras Mexico where Dr. Alvarez did my surgery and he and his staff were awesome! Cost was 8750 this included 2 very nice hotels with continental breakfast, I took my best friend she didn't pay a dime! 1 hotel was Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Eagle Pass, TX and the other was Laquinta Inn and Suites in San Antonio the price included hospital stay, anesthesia and Dr. Fee! The only thing I and my bff had to pay for was plane ticket and passport plane ticket was 315 round trip with Delta and passport was 110! He and his staff were super! Home now and already down 7.8 lbs total since 10 day liquid diet down 16! They were awesome!

June 24th 2007 I checked into the Huacuz Surgical Center. After what I thought was extensive research and a lot of consideration over Mexican surgeons I chose Dr. Huacuz. Why Mexico? Well My insurance would not pay for the VSG, called it experimental and after considering the RNY I was just not comfortable with the procedure, especially the various complications associated with it. I was convinced the VSG was for me and was even willing to pay the 17K the LAPSF doctors were asking for. Problem was I would have to wait, I began to investigate Mexico at that point. Puerto Vallarta, too far, did not want to go alone. San Antonio, more flying, and I did not like the sc…

Hi Everyone, I made the choice to remove what I had written. I was tired of all the drama that was going on. There are too many more important things like supporting each other. Sometimes some people just can not Stop so I have ended this conversation. Thanks for the great support from many of you. Suzanne

Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Kelly since Trish is no longer working with him and since Omar is now his assistant? I have read so many great reviews about Trish and just wanted to know how things have changed since Omar has taken over. I am hopefully having surgery with Dr. Kelly in May.

Where exactly in the airport is the driver waiting? I live in SoCal and am driving down to San Diego to meet the driver at the airport to be driven to the Mexicali. They said he would be there with a sign with my name on it. Will he be near the arrivals? Should I just go where people who have arrived via plane come out? Or will he be by the baggage claim? Out near the curb? Silly question...I know I could just ask them but thought I would try here first!

Ok, so I am lurking around and try not to be a bug-a-boo about everything but I have another question. I work for the post office as a mail carrier, a very strenuous job. As I did before, I am planning to use Family medical leave. Has anyone had any experience with getting these forms filled out by your doctor? I want him to be thorough in filling them out but not really disclose what type of surgery I am having....

I am planning on having surgery with Dr. Kelly in May and just wondered how many days I should plan? I am hoping to arrive in San Diego on a Thursday around 12:40 p.m.. Surgery probably on Friday and two nights in the hospital. How many nights at the hotel is enough?

I was sleeved in Mexico in November. Since then I lost 11lbs on the liquid diet post surgery. Since then I am up 3 lbs and havent lost any weight. It is very frustrating. I know I can walk more as I only walk 2 miles 2days/week. I have worked with the nutritionist at the surgeons office and she feels I am eating fine and actually wanted me to add more food. I have tried eating more and then going back to a strict diet but that hasnt worked either. The surgeon wants to prescribe Metformin to see if that makes any difference, but from what I have read it doesnt really make a difference. I am considering getting a duodenam switch, which the sleeve is the first part of th…

I recently heard a story about an old friend of the family whom supposedly had WLS (don't know the kind) and she only lost 20 lb right after then gained it back... Just wondering how often something like that happens? I am pretty much set on getting SKINNY after I am sleeved with Dr. Garcia May 15 (yay!) and feel like this is my last hope. I would be absolutely devastated if it didn't work.

I will be picked up from San Diego airport, taken to Tijuana Mexico & back. Plus I will also be getting my teeth whitened, which involves 2 trips to the dentist, which the driver will take me to. Was thinking $50. Is that enough? Too much? I really don't know & want to give the driver a nice tip!

I had surgery last Tuesday and now I have blisters around the incision site is this normal

Im hoping to schedule with him 6/7 in Juarez, anyone else going to be there? Also if you have had surgery at Star Medica, did you feel safe? My husband will be going with me, we will fly to El Paso & then go over. I like the idea of Star Medica since it looks newer, just worried about traveling to Juarez.. I originally had a lap band done 7/2007 by Dr Aceves & then removed 7/2010 in AZ, my insurance paid for the removal. I lost weight but had problems eating nutritious foods, gained most of my weight back. .. I feel like such a failure at times with my weight issues.. Any info would be helpful! Thanks

Hello everyone!!! I have been lurking for a bit and just trying to read up and absorb all the information that is here!!! I am happy to announce that tonight I will go home and pay my deposit with Dr. Garcia! I talked to alma today and she said that the two dates that I am considering are open.... So I will be going to Mexico the week before memorial day. I am a little nervous but it's not too bad since I have had another surgery in Mexico and feel confident that this experience will be just as wonderful as my first experience!!!! Sorry i am so ruse. My name is Kisha and i am a mother of 7 and have been denied two times by my insurance. They say that even though …

I posted this in the may sleevers forum and will here as well... .Going to dr. Ponce de leon in 18days.. .and so excited to begin my journey. I also made my first youtube video.. if you'd like to watch and give me any feedback *smiles* :0) Today i will already be getting in 70grams of Protein by drinking two slimfast's with protein... added in a scoop of the unflavored powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury protein and it tastes really good.. my 7 year old saw me making it and wanted some too so i gave her a little bit she loved it so much she said that's not fair you get alot …

Just an FYI, I got a receipt from Florence Hosp and turned it in for reimbursment. I got a check for $1800 today. If I had planned a little better I could have used the Flex acct to pay for the whole surgery.

My aunt thinks we should purchase a ticket for the way home, that allows us to change dates in case of of any complications. Although, in theory, it sounds reasonable, I have yet to see anyone to have to change their flight to a later date. That type of return ticket is almost double the cost. I just want to know what all you fine people think!

So I'm self pay and one friend said that getting a personal loan was cheaper with interest than the care credit anyone else out there finding the same thing my credit is great so I'm not worried about that just want to get the cheapest interest rate.

I am getting sleeved on May 10th in MX & wondering what I should take to wear on the way home? I was thinking originally a very loose pair of sweatpants. But thinking now as it is MX I will be baking hot??! Can I wear capri jeans or will that be too rough on my incisions? They are the only capris I have. Oh & don't own a sundress & hate the way I look in a dress right now so not really wanting to get one! So ideas please!

Today is post op day two. My belly seems so bloated. Not hurting though! Hoping this will go down soon. Besides the bloated belly...I don't feel like I had surgery. I can't quite choke down the antacid stuff they gave me.

Well, I have moved up my date to June 11th! Also, along with my aunt (whom I love and adore) my cousin (aunts daughter) is being sleeved as well! Im so blessed to have the love and support of my family, and to have them be my sleeve sisters and support means so much! Dr Kelly should give me a kickback for btinging in two extra people lol. Im so glad that they agree that Dr Kellys expertise is second to none! Im so excited to be in Tj when my sleeve buddly Delby is having her surgery. Cant wait!

As I relax at the Hotel Lucerna in Tijuana, I thought this might be a good time to talk about my journey with Dr. Kelly. Only two short weeks ago I decided to get the sleeve done in Mexico. Approximately 12 days ago I booked with Dr. Kelly, directly. Immediately that evening I received a personal call from Dr. Kelly, offering to answer any questions I had. I suspected I had an inguinal hernia based on the fact I had one 25 years ago, and I remember what it felt like. My insurance in the States would cover the hernia repair, but I figured I would see if I could get it done at the same time as the sleeve. I would take less time off from work, and only go under anesthe…

I am super frustrated right now, its been two weeks since I cancelled my surgery with Dr. Kelly and asked for my deposit back. I paid using the same bank that he uses so it was a quick transfer that took minutes, I asked for my money to be refunded the same way so it would be easiest and they told me they would work on it and would refund me. The only thing I have received from them to this day is headaches! Last Sunday, over a week after they said they would refund me, I emailed them and I have not yet received a reply! I know some other people had the same problem in the past when trying to get a refund from them (they posted here) but I should had listened!!!! Now …

Having surgery in a foreign country is a tough decision to make. Knowing what surgeon to chose, was even harder. After combing these forums and the internet, something kept drawing my eye to a particulara surgeon, the letters FACS behind his name. members of the American College of Surgeons are referred to as "Fellows." the letters FACS mean that the surgeon's education and and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with a high standards of the College. Out of 78,000 members, only 4000 are in other countries that is the United States. Doctor Ramos Kelly, is t…

Had my surgery Tuesday and it really wasn't that bad. The worst thing is my hand is really swollen from the IV and it hasn't gone down at all getting worried about that but all in all just adjusting to sipping and not taking a normal drink. I had two cups of chicken broth yesterday, I didn't really want them but I am trying to keep my strength up. I feel like I can sleep and sleep, trying to get out of that habit. Maybe it's normal not sure. All and all I can't wait for the weight to start dropping, this was the best decision I ever made.

I am scheduled for the sleeve May 24th! I am very excited and nervous! I was wondering if any one had Dr. Almanza for surgery, I hear really good things about him, but not much on this site! I am coming from Alaska so any advise is welcome

How did everyone feel on their plane ride home? I live in Florida so its like an 8 hour flight and im concerned about being sick or uncomfortable for soooo long! I was also thinking of going business for the bigger seats and additional leg room! Let me hear your experiences and suggestions, thanks.

I tell you I'm getting pretty nervous but anxious. I was wondering how to take the protein on the plane. Anyone have suggestions?

I am laying in hospital bed waiting for them to take me down. They said it would be at 12:30 but I guess they are late. Waiting is not my strong suite. I just want to get it over.

I finally got the guts to make my first youtube video, I kept putting it off because I did not want to see myself in camera. Let me know what you think!

Anyone here had surgery with Dr. Garcia and did you have to take protein powder with you. I'm leaving tomorrow and am confused as what to bring.

Hey everyone, For those of you who had surgery with dr. Ponce de leon, or are considering him or just plainly interested, I just came across this video, its pretty cool. http://www.globalnews.ca/video/weight+times/video.html?v=2191228745#video

Hi Everyone, When did we first start to disconnect from who we really are? When did we give the first piece of ourselves away? It just happens, sometimes so subtly that we don’t even notice that we are not the person that we really want to be. Ask yourself a few of these questions: Who am I? Am I living as the person I want to be? What have I really been doing with my life? Am I happy living the life I am living now? What brings me joy? What do I need to do to be at a healthy weight and for my body to feel healthy? When you compromise your dreams and your values for someone else’s, you give your power away. The more you have sacrificed you authenticity, th…

I don't have alot of time off from work.. i'm planning on going to have the surgery then coming back to work the next day.. is this unrealistic? I hope not... as i'm pushing my luck with time off for the surgery and my son's graduation in the same month.

Woohoo! June 1st here I come... Im scared shitless and excited at the same time!

I am being sleeved next Tuesday and yesterday I caught a severe chest cold. I don't want to take any medicine because of this upcoming surgery but I'm wondering if they will even do it if I don't get over it. I have waited do long all my tickets are bought this would be a set back if I can't go.

Because this is an elective process my short term will not cover it. Also, I only have saved a week as far as time off. Have any of you gone back to work after a week?

I'm in Memphis about to go to San Diego!! The journey begins!!!!! Butterflies in my stomach! Very excited! Talk to you at the border!!

Well the only good thing was that she spent 15 minutes on the phone with me last night, but bad news was it was full of crap!!! She told me she would never "go to a 3rd world country for surgery of any kind" and that "all the hospitals are dirty there, they don't have the same standards". She said that the areas are poor and not safe to go to. Then she was questioning me on Dr Kelly's credentials asking where he went to school (I said I believe it was Michigan). Did he practice in the States? If not why doesn't he practice here now? Does he have any malpractice cases against him? Oh & she doesn't like that "they just cut you up and dump you" as you need a…

Who knew this would be easier Than the first week of preop!! So hang in there all of you prep opers! I fly out tomorrow!! Yay!!

It has been a long journey to April 10th. I am getting so nervous and so excited. I am sure my mom is sick of me talking about it. I am getting sleeved by Dr. Garcia and staying at the Mariott if your down there and need support let me know.

I am ready to go!!! Tomorrow we fly from Louisiana to San Diego, then over the border we go!!!!!! I am looking forward to having surgery on Monday with Dr. Garcia. I also cannot wait to share my experiences with everyone. Sending good vibes to all of my next week sleeve buddies! :chillpill: :biggrinjester: Raja

I just thought about this & was a bit worried. Would post-operative care, if I went to my PCP be covered by insurance? Things like checking on the incisions & doing bloodwork? Either way it won't make a difference as I am doing this anyway! But just wondered if I would be covered.