Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Has anyone had surgery performed by Dr Manuel Garcia Garza in Monterrey, MX?

I am so ready except I totally forgot to ask about bringing an adaptor for my electronics with me, do I need one? I am heading to Tijuana, Mexico. thanks!

I'm on the aircraft on my way home from San Diego and want to write of my experience in Tijuana with BariatricPal, Team MX, florence Hospital and Dr Illan. My wife and I did a great deal of research in deciding, A) If I wanted to undergo the procedure and who we wanted to perform the surgery. After a year or so of investigations we decided on BariatricPal, (BP). One of the deciding factors was whenever we called the phone was answered immediately and by a real person who was well versed and knowledgable in the process and the procedure, Bill Yanez. Having made the decision we wanted to get it done smoothly and quickly, Bill worked with us to get the dates we wa…

I swear I have tried the search function but it isn't so good for me or I am a moron, anyway... any ideas on how long it takes to get back in the US from Tijuana, I do have my passport. Thanks in advance

I've looked at VSG in MX for a long time and Obesity Health seems to have a nice package for the money. I was wondering if anyone has used them? I talked to one patient who was very happy.

I've always understood it's not very safe to fly so close after major surgery. Risk of pulmonary embolism and blood clots. It sounds like your on your way home after about 4 or 5 days after surgery. How safe is that considered?

I last ate or drank Sunday at 8ish and had surgery around 8 last night. I'm literally in no pain and no nausea. I passed the leak test and now have all of these clear liquids in front of me. I've been sipping off and on for two hours and no pain or fullness. My stomach wants to eat itself. I already feel like I may be a failure. Ugh I had a VSG

I know there has been a lot of discussion around hospitals and surgeons; can you please share who you had complete your surgery, hospital and how you found them? I am helping a friend find a surgeon as his insurance will not cover it. I have had the surgery 2 years ago but was able to be covered by insurance so much less complicated.

So I was just informed by my contact at Dr. Ramos Kelly's office that the Hospital Angeles requires a cash payment or they change a 16% tax and charge a different exchange rate(17 instead of 18.5 per US $). Does this sound shady to anyone else?

Has any body used Dr Francisco Zavlza with Go Light bariatrics? also has anyone with the sleeve had to have their gallbladder removed?

I posted on the newbie post op forum as well. I started my 10 day liquid diet Friday and was losing. Yesterday I maxed out my water and protein and even did a light workout, I have since gained a pound. Any ideas? I only did 7 fats and under 500 calories, do you think I am not getting enough? My surgery is mext Monday the 21st and I really want to make this successful

Anyone else going to Mexico in August for surgery?

I am scheduling to get sleeved on 9/2. I'll be flying into San Diego that day, and out on the 6th. Anyone looking at scheduling out that far? I feel like I've talked to so many places and done so much research that I'm practically an expert Here's my question - I have a low BMI for this sort of procedure, and I'm concerned that with the pre-op diet, I could lose enough weight temporarily that on surgery day I wouldn't qualify. Has anyone been in a similar position? I don't want to gain just to lose, but I'm thinking it's a real possibility. Thoughts?

Hello all! As some of you know, my surgery is THIS MONDAY on the 7th. Up until now, I haven't really been worried or nervous. But now as the date creeps closer I'm freaking out and starting to panic. Worried that I haven't lost enough during preop (even though I wasn't told I absolutely had to lose anything), worried about possible complications, etc. I've been binge reading reviews from other people who have done surgery in Mexico, but it's not helping at all. Any words of encouragement would definitely be appreciated!

So I have done my research and decided I am okay with decision on having a sleeve done in Mexico. I contacted Dr. Illan team received approval the date I would like to have this done is currently open. My husband supports whatever I decide 100%. I have the finances but can't call and commit by submitting my down payment. I have wanted this for two years and now that nothing is stopping me I am stopping myself. Did anyone else struggle with making the commitment.

Has anyone had surgery with him before? I found him on the Bariatric Center of Excellence website, and he's one of 4 "surgeon of excellence" in Mexico. I was hoping to get some feedback. Thanks!

Hello, My name is Debra Steimen. It has taken me several months to recover from my mexico bariatric experience to talk on these forums. Now it is time. Please feel free to ask me any questions regarding my experience. If you don't ask you may fall victim to: Mexico Bariatric Center mexicobariatriccenter.com WeightLossMex.com SOURCiS, Inc., doing business as, Mexico Bariatric Center. Address: 705 E. Bidwell Suite 2-111 Folsom, CA Last April my lapband of 5 years slipped and needed removal. I was told that it would cost me $40.000 out of pocket to have it removed because my insurance did not cover the removal. Desperate, I contacted Christy at mexicobariatriccenter…

Anyone have surgery in Guadalajara?

Hi! I just looked into and filled out the form for BariatricPal MX and got the email for approval! Eek! I am so excited but I was curious how much was the deposit you had to put down to hold your date and how do you pay? Credit card over the phone or once you get there? I know I need to call them for all this but my husband is really nervous about me going out of country for this surgery so I was trying to see how everyone else did it and show him that it's a great place and safe:) Thanks everyone in adjacent for advice and I wish everyone a ton of lucky in this crazy amazing journey!!! Xo

Has anyone that's gone to Mexico for Bariatric surgery had any issues with your security office traveling out of the country for medical reasons? We have to fill out a pre travel form detailing flights, contacts with foreign nationals, hotels, etc and then do a debrief when we return. The form is simple enough, but I'm wondering what other folks have experienced with a government job and medical tourism. Thanks! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Im at the airport now, sitting at my gate waiting to board. I'm excited and mentally freaking out all at the same time. I have a long day of travel ahead of me and then procedure today as well. Wish me luck!

Hi everyone, is anyone going to be at the Mexicali Bariatric Center on the 29th? It would be nice to have someone to talk with while there for the 5days?

Anyone use her? I am a bit concerned that it seems like after surgery no one has any way to contact her. She has great results and seems wonderful. Ready 4a Change tells people that they do not need follow up care after the sleeve (?) and that seems a bit off. It is also an additional $300 for 6 months of follow up with Dr. Luna. $300 is fairly inexpensive but it seems like other groups offer this for free. I would prefer to book with her directly like her husband Dr. Lopez but I am not sure if this is an option.

Did anyone get their gall bladder removed at time of WLS in Mexico? I'll be self pay and have been considering getting both done at the same time. Any complications?

I'm looking into having sleeve surgery done in Mexico (since WLS specifically is excluded from my company policy, the only option I have is to pay cash for it). Patients who went through the same, what was the approximate time line from contacting the clinic, to scheduling the surgery and eventually going back to work? Thank goodness I do have sick days I can use for this! I have a 10-day vacation booked starting October 1 and as long as I'm able to be in the 'pureed foods stage', I know I'll be ok. My partner thinks I should wait till after the vacation, but honestly, now that I made the decision that I need help, I want to get this process started sooner rather tha…

Two of us have connected, so I thought I would reach out to see if anyone is booked for surgery on July 6th with Dr. Illan.

Hi everyone! My insurance excludes Bariatric surgery, and I am researching self pay options in Mexico. My mom got sleeved this past September, and when I mentioned the possibility of going to Mexico for surgery she was hesitant. Her insurance covered her surgery here, so all she knows is the process she went through because her insurance forced her to jump through a million hoops. My question to you is, did you have a PCP and/or nutritionist that you worked with Pre- and Post-Op? Thanks!

I just put down my deposit for July 4th! I will be going alone, is there anyone else that will be there at the same time? Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

For those who had surgery in Mexico, did you arrive a day prior to surgery or the day of surgery, how many days were you in the hospital, how many days in a hotel and on what day did you fly back home? Did anyone stay extra days in San Diego before flying back? Thanks!

Finished day 1 of liquids. I survived! Actually it really wasn't that bad. 3 premier shakes and what felt like a fresh lake of water. I'm not crazy, I know this was only day 1 and it's going to get harder as the days progress. I'm most concerned about this weekend, to much time, I need to stay busy. During the week I am typically crazy busy at work and the evenings go by fast. I just need to get through this weekend and I feel/hope that the next week I will be ok. The end of the month is a crazy week at work for me. Saturday 7/1 I figure I'll run errands and pack because I get out of dodge and fly in to San Diego Sunday morning. I figure a 4 hour flight and sp…

So I've read a few stories of people who have a hernia repair paid for by insurance, but pay cash for the sleeve. The overall price seems to be drastically reduced vs the full self pay price. Dr's around here (SC) have never heard of this. What's the norm? Any experience on finding someone who does this? Can you share your experience? I'm approved for Mexico, but figured this is worth a quick investigation. Thanks! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

We are proud to announce that Dr. Illan has been accepted as an international member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)! We are so proud of him. Stay tuned for some really exciting updates on BariatricPal MX coming shortly.

So right now I have both Dr. Illan and Dr. Ortiz at OCC on my short list for vsg surgery. I wanted to see if anyone wanted to share their experiences on the post op diet instructions/support provided by each. What did the instructions look like? Was it clear... easy to follow?

What is everyone using to track/calculate their food intake? myFitnessPall used to have the nutritional chart for free but now you have to upgrade to the premium to get that I believe. Does anyone have tips on good free apps for this?

Just seeing if anyone will be having a sleeve done in May? I am so excited about Dr. Illan and BariatricPal MX! I saw a friend yesterday for the first time since she had surgery in October. Wow! She liked phenomenal!!! I can't wait to get started! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

First and foremost, wanted to say a huge congrats to all who have made the decision to get surgery. There's a misconception that it is the "easy way out" and given the research I've needed to do in order to even get this far, I know it is no where NEAR easy. So congrats to y'all. A little bit about me: I've been struggling with my weight ever since I was in high school but most significantly since I entered college. Of course there's the "freshman 15" but I gained about 35 pounds that year alone. Two years later my boyfriend of four years past away and that set me on a depression that lead to even more weight gain. I've been unhappy with myself and completely lost self co…

Anyone scheduled in June? Mine will be at the OCC in Tijuana with Dr. Ariel Ortiz on June 14th.

Yup! i have been obsessed with these discussion forums...excited...june 6 cannot come fast enough....i think i'm trying to overly prepare and i need to go sit down some where and relax....trying to get together with each of my close friends for one last hoorah!!!! before the eating and drinking come to a halt....i'm excited about the change to come...i'm excited to discover the new me... getting out and living my life instead of being embarrassed to be seen.... i have full faith in god and i pray he will keep his hands around me and guide me during this whole process...

I'd like to hear an explanation why these doctors like Illan etc are not among those listed at this official link. Maybe there is a reason but I don't read Spanish very well. http://www.cmcoem.org.mx/cirujanos-con-certificacion-vigente-del-cmcoem-2/

I have wanted to do gastric bypass for so long now. I started the process here in the US, but am considering a different country because of the drastic cost difference. I am considering doing sleeve instead of RNY. It's overwhelming trying to find the right dr. I want to make good choice. I'm also very nervous how it all works. Do I pay ahead of time? Do I even use American money in Mexico? Is flight included? How long does it take until you get to have your surgery? Any info would be much appreciated! Thanks!

This is my first post. I will try not to write a book. If this is in the wrong forum I apologize. I have been researching the gastric sleeve surgery for a while now. At my last doctor appointment in December, with my endocrinologist, he suggested that it could be an option for me because I have uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. To be honest I dismissed it right away because I was embarrassed that I would even qualify for weight loss surgery. At that time I weighed 248 BMI 36.5 and my A!C was 11.2. Since then I have been doing my best to eat low carb and get my diabetes under control. I also have hashimotos thyroid and this makes losing weight even harder. I have manage…

I'm looking for a plan B, in case my insurance denies me. Can anyone tell me the process for having the procedure done in Mexico? I'm assuming I won't have to jump through the hoops that I have to jump through for insurance, but what does the process look like? How long does it take once you've made the decision? Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

It's very possible I may be going alone. Is it realistic? When you check out from the hotel and are going to the hospital to have surgery, did you have the hotel store your luggage? Trying to figure out what I would do with my phone and anything I wanted in the hospital while I recover. Thanks

Hi everyone! Newbie here. Been researching WLS in Mexico. I like what I've seen so far from Dr Illan. I have two questions: Were there any unexpected costs? We would be driving to Mexico so we would not need taxi/uber. How was your pain controlled? I read about a physician who wanted $1k extra for a pain pump and wouldn't give any narcotics (even while inpatient) to control post-op pain Thanks in advance for your replies!!

I'm here in tiquana....3rd dpo...everyone was wonderful to my mother and I....the most amazing hospital staff ever...way better than the states....never had service like this before...I would recommend dr illan to anyone!!!

Would love to hear from anyone with experience with either or. Thanks in advance.

How did you decide on a surgeon in Mexico? I went to the site to verify certifications and a lot of doctors I see reviews on and whose website says they are board certified are not even on the list of Mexican board certified surgeons. Only one of my top 3 were actually board certified in bariatric surgery. There are 88 bariatric board certified surgeons in Mexico and I only recognized maybe 4 names on that list from reading reviews and watching youtube. So I was curious what made you choose the surgeon you chose? I am still undecided but have strong contender.

Hello all, I have just started researching having this done in Mexico since my insurance has an exclusion clause that will not pay for WLS. I pretty much have my mind made up that I am going to do it, and have my choice down to 2 doctors. My question is this.....I have a high BMI (over 65), has anyone ever gotten to Mexico and not been able to have the surgery? What would be the criteria for them denying you? Would you get a refund? Are there any tests I could get my doctor to do here to insure this wouldn't happen to me? I'm just deathly afraid of committing to this, and flying there and being turned away. I'm not sure my heart or my psyche could take it

I haven't been able to find a lot of reviews about them Sent from my SM-N910T3 using the BariatricPal App

Omg. Now that I pulled the trigger to get sleeved the wait is killing me! may 29th feels like light years away...lol. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app