Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Has any one had the sleeve by Dr. Almanza and went throught successfully slimmer ? Thans in advance for any help you can give.

Hi Everyone, I have had these quotes for quite a while. I had many of them posted on my kitchen cabinets and refrigerator as I was on my weight loss journey. I can't take credit for any of them, but they all helped in one way or the other. My all time favorite is Quote # 21. Quote #1 Dare to soar - how successful you are is determined by your attitude. Quote #2 Have the courage to act on your dreams - leave behind you the internal forces that hold you back. Quote #3 The power of one - one thought, one action, one solution. Quote #4 Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back …

I arrived in Tijuana and settled in the hotel. Trish met me here when I arrived and brought me gatorade and jello. I filled out all the paper work and am now just searching the web. The last couple weeks have been hard on the pre-op diet, but I made it through and I am excited to finally be here after all these months of planning. There are 3 people being sleeved tomorrow. I have my own private room and bathroom and everything is clean. I am a little bored since I am here alone, but luckily I have skype so I can keep in contact with family/friends without having to pay an arm and leg. I don't think I will get much sleep tonight, but I am excited for this life change. Well…

Hi Everyone When I had WLS, I wanted the very best I could find. There are a lot of good doctors in Mexico, but I wanted the best. I also learned that in the USA I would not receive the quality of care I received from Dr. Aceves and his staff in Mexicali. I also wanted a hospital that met all my needs and had a low infection rate. Dr. Aceves and his staff and hospital met all these needs. My health and the rest of my life were the most important thing I was looking for. I had a very successful WLS and recovery and when I got home I had all the right tools I needed to become healthy and reach my goal. 14 months later I lost 105 pounds and have maintained my weight…

First I want to thank you all for posting your stories. I would have never decided to do this without hearing first hand accounts. I have lurked for months. Okay I have decided to go with Dr Kelly and want to schedule it for the 1st wk of Dec. Hubby gets back from an out of state trip the day before thanksgiving and I need him here to care for the kids. Now I have a question: if I schedule the surgery for a friday, I would get to San Diego on Thursday (coming from El Paso, TX) than likey. By when do you think I will be well enough to fly home?? YOu think Sunday I should be okay or have to wait until monday? I am not scared. I heal extremelly well. When I had my daugh…

Im just wondering what anyone has paid for a revision in Mexico.. My band was renoved over a year ago because I had difiiculty eating Proteins, meat, chicken, salad but could eat ice cream, candy etc.. I did lose weight but it was difficult with all the vomiting that kept happening when I tried to eat good food. Anyway i have gained back 30lbs..I see the low costs but am told it is at least a $1000 more because I had a band. I orig had may band done in 2007 by Dr Aceves. Am now thinking about Dr Kelly due to his cost is still lower & he does have good reviews.

I had my surgery on September 23 in Puerta Vallarta Mexico and haven't posted a real post-op summary yet. But A. I wanted to now and B. I love reading everyone's posts as they anticipate their surgery. I wish I could think of the magic words of comfort to let everyone know it will be okay.... to think of the words I would have liked to hear going in. I haven't thought of the words yet but these are my 5 week post-op thoughts... For all of us, who have been so resourceful as to recognize the possibility of weight loss surgery. And to educate ourselves enough to identify VSG as the most effective, and then on top of that to track down Mexico as they most affordabl…

Hi everyone, I’m veryexcited!!! I finally made up my mind, I’m getting SLEEVED AT MEXICALI,MEXICO!!! Couldn't find negatives!!! I have a good feeling about this. 10/21 A little nervous butveryyyyy excited!!! Tnx, everyone for your help and encouragement. Hope to show you my little black dress soon! Marian

My husband is more nervous than I about surgery. VERY skeptical, and believes positive testimonials are likely staffers and coordinators. If anyone who has had surgery with Dr. Kelly is willing to talk to my husband to calm his nerves and assure him that there are indeed, real people who have had genuinely positive experiences with Dr. Kelly it would be SOOO helpful for me. My surgery is 3 weeks away! Please send me a private message if so, he is actually quite easy ta

I am new to this thread and I plan to have Surgery with Dr Aceves November 22, 2011. I have so many fears about losing my stomach. What if I need it years down the road.This is not reversible and it scares me that I will forever alter my organs , unable to change them ever again. Is anyone else ever felt this as a concern? I feel so overwhelmed about this surgery. I no that I need it but, I am afraid Im gonna back out. Does anyone have any information that would suggest needing this part of our stomach years later? I need help. I dont wanna scare myself out of having this surgery. UGHHHHHH........

Ok so today, yes I finally put my $500 deposit in the mail to Dr Aceves. I will be San Diego bound on November 19th surgery in Mexicali on the 22nd. I am sooo close yall. I am sooo exciited. I went from fearing my stomach being removed to...I cant wait to do the damn thing. Thanks to everyone on this forum you guys have made my decision easier. I can wait to be in the sleeve club. YEAH!!! YEAH!!!!!

recieve this email due to an inquiry about jaime Ponce de leon. Here's the email The Package Includes $250 usd airfare credir All Medical Fees Pre Op testing 2 Nights at the Hospital (www.INTHospital.us) 1 night at our Recovery center What we can do to help you is the following on the top of our site we have a financing link www.drjaimeponcedeleon.com you can apply for financing and get an answer in 24 hours Total cost.......$4500 I love the price but does this surgeon have a good rep.

Did anybody went with him> how was the experience and facility (hospital), price, please I need to hear to decide..... Thank You

The closer I get to setting a date for surgery a big question is still not answered for me. Realisticly I need to make some plans in the event that problems arise post op. I do not have insurance. I do go to a local clinic hear in my town and my Dr. is quite old school. When I brought up the issue to him concerning having WLS he told me that was not realistic and passed over it. He was not willing to entertain the idea. As far as other options for basic medical care for me or my family it is very limited to this clinic. I have never had any issues, they have always provided us with great care. When I hear of peole saying they have medical issues or possible leaks I…

I understand that they just had surgery but sometimes weeks pass and no update. What could be the reason? any ideas

One of my fears is the fly back after surgery, I am going by myself, how was your experience, what do you need to have with you, how did you feel, what did you drink, any advice will be appreciate it.....

Going to Dr Ramos Kelly next week....I'm really hoping that I'll have some time to go shopping, as long as my recovery goes ok. Is there anywhere close to the Lucerne hotel that is safe to go? I'd also like to go to a pharmacy and I'm wondering if theres a pharamacy close to hotel too. Any tips on where to go and where to avoid?

What doctor are you going with?????

Did anyone use a binder or girdle after the sleeve? Was it advised by the surgeon, did it help, what brand/type did you use, and would you buy that type again? Thanks so much!!!

I am very curious if my health insurance would cover any complications as a result of having VSG and being self pay. Has anyone had any issues with this? I know I should call my insurance company, however, a part of me doesn't want to create a red flag either.

Well, I did it !! Went to Mexico to have my surgery. I no problems what so ever, luckily everything went smooth. The Jerusalem Hospital was clean and the staff was very nice. The recovery house was a bit crowded but it was a good experience. They take care of you really well. I have zero pain and the only pain meds I have taken since leaving Mexico was some Tylenol for headache. I met some new friends there and wish them the best in their new lives! Yeaaaa

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go...I have to say, tonight I"m pretty emotional about leaving my 2 young children. My husband is staying home to keep them in their normal routines (they're 2 and 5). It was really tough putting them to bed tonight. My shuttle picks me up at 4:30am. I will check in as my trip progresses

I arrived in Mexicali on Sunday afternoon, 10/2. I rode in with 2 other patients and we all visited and shared our stories. After our labs at the hospital, we were taken to the hotel and checked in about 4:30 pm. Since we were all really hungry, we met up in the hotel restaurant a few minutes later and had a really wonderful dinner. For a large plate of chile rellenos , Beans, rice, tortillas, chips and a margarita......my bill was $13.00! With a full tummy and a sleeping pill from Dr. Aceves, I had a very relaxing night at the hotel. Ernesto picked us up at 7:00 am, Monday morning and drove us back to the hospital. Since my surgery was the 2nd of the day, I was g…

I'm 10 days post op and thought I would feel better than I do by now. I feel like I have let others down who were planning on going to Mx by not posting my experience sooner. I have mixed feelings about the choice I made. Dr. Almanza was great. I can't say anything negative about him. My experience was very difficult. I had surgery on Saturday and everyone leaves the clinic except for 1 nurse until Monday. I was always in pain and sick and he couldn't keep the meds straight. He wouldn't answer the call buttons at all at night. We had to scream for help. If that didn't work we would have to get a guest to help us until we could get the nurse to come upstairs. Most of…

Hello, I'm schedule to be sleeved on 11/7 with Dr Rodriguez in Juarez. I'm going alone so I wonder who will went there on 11/7?? Cheers !!

Just wondering if anyone that lives close to Mexicali could help me out? I would like to know how much you guys paid. Fees from start to end. I just had some horrible experience with my medical group. I am so close to finishing my six months and they just threw another six months in my face. They want me to drive 45 miles one way to a weight loss class. Once a week for six months!!! Have they lost there mind?! Just would like some prices so I can get my wallet ready. Sorry, Im so upset right now. Thank you all for your help.

Here I am in MX and got my sleeve yesterday. Can't believe I did but I did! Im so excited to be on the path to healthier happier and slimmer me! There are other ladies here's and everyone is very supportive. I just keep thinking what we will all look like in a year trimmed now there say a prayer for us all that

Me and my mom are leaving the recovery house tomorrow around 5pm back to Florida. We feel great and ready to get home. We are glad we chose Dr. Almanza for our gastric sleeves.I will keep you posted over the next few weeks!! =)

Can anybody recommend good places to eat without worrying about getting sick?

Does anyone have their date set for October 10th or 11th? I am arriving on the 10th and will have surgery on the 11th!

It's Tuesday night and in just a few days I'll be flying to MX alone. My emotions are all over the place. Like most I am a freaked out and excited and overwhelmed. It's so hard to focus on work or anything else. My kids are young and I didn't see the need to worry them and tell them before I go. So on top of everything else, I feel terrible about telling lies about where I'm going. I'm the worse at it. My boyfriend had been pretty supportive until the last few days when it became real for him and I think he's freaked out too. He keeps saying I don't know what I would do without you. Which is sweet and nerve tracking at the same time. I'm excited to start this n…

first off~ you guys are amazing, brave and an inspiration! Please let me know ANYTHING you can about Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta, I am scheduled for December 2011

OK! I booked my surgery for Oct 11 with Dr. Aceves. I decided to go with him bc of all the amazing reviews I have heard and all the research I have done. I was feeling so stoked and ready, and now.....I AM FREAKING TERRIFIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not bc of anything to do with Mexico, or going alone, or the money or anything logistical like that...just bc of the surgery itself. I am in my mid-thirties and have never had ANY SURGERY BEFORE! I HAVE NEVER EVEN BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL! I do know however, that if I dont do this, I will eventually spend alot of time in a hospital bc of my horrible eating habits over the last 25 years. My luck is gonna run out. That is something i te…

My sister was going with me but is now backing out. Her husband and kids are scared for her to go and she is scared too. I told her she didn't need to go if she is scared. I am not scared and feel I will be fine. Am I the crazy one?? lol My husband says he will go but hate to waste extra money when I am not scared to go alone. Just curious how many went alone or will be going alone? Thanks

Surgery was Thursda in Juarez with Dr. Rodriguez. There were 3 of us having surgery together, and three support people. (family members) The trip there went off without a hitch. Everything went as planned. I was very nervous. Got to the hospital, and we took turns taking X Rays and doing ekg's. I was the 2nd one to have the surgery, I was very frightned. The staff and the Dr's took time to make sure I felt at ease. Surgery went off without a hitch as well. Came too, very sore and groggy. As soon as I got to my room I had to go potty, walked myself, with a little help from Hubby, to the bathroom and then back to bed. By the end of the day Thursday, I was chewi…

Can anybody tell me why they call it "mups" ? Is it the same as the nexium capsules ?

Hi. Well the big day is Monday10-2-11. I was so confident, but when I went to the grocery store to get the foods for level 2 I started to panic about scheduling and fitting everything in. It now seems so overwelming!! Did anyone make a chart and/or diary. If so how did you set it up? Any feed back and prayers would be greatly appreciated.

I am researching where I want to do the gastric sleeve since I am self pay. I have had a couple doctors quote me anywhere between 11k and 15k here in Florida and a couple of quotes from Mexico that the ad says 5k but people end up paying way more, close to 10k. My husband said for only a couple thousand difference, he rather me have it here in Fl for 11k. How much was your surgery in mexico?? Thank you

I know I've seen it before but can't find the post now. Did anyone go to MX without their passport, and used the application and their Drivers license? My passport won't be back in time for the trip but coordinator said it is ok to use the passport application with receipt of payment and my driver's license. Did anyone else do that? and have any trouble?

There have been 2 posts in the last couple of days of stealing from the recovery house and now an armed robbery. Please, I understand the need for selfpay. I am a selfpay. But there are other and safer places to go to than the recovery house from Dr. Almanza. I will copy the post from the gastricsleeve.com forum below. Firsts: Sleeve, Mexico, Getting robbed at gunpoint I had my surgery Aug 27 with Dr. Almanza... Wonderful experience with the staff. Especially Osiel, the night nurse, really wonderful... no English though, which was fun for me to practice. We all moved to the Recovery House Sunday around noon. I hadn't even slept two hours before I tu…

would love to hear from anyone going to Dr. Aceves around the Oct 7th. Can private message me if you'd rather. Thanks!

I signed on here a month or more ago and then got nervous about this because I have already had a gastric bypass about 18-20 years ago and my weight is almost back up to where I began. Someone who responded to my posting kind of scared me into putting off a re-do of my surgery but I just can't get this out of my mind and I want to try to see if the lap band can work for me. In visiting the Jerusalem Hospital website one of the testimonials there was from a woman in Meridian Idaho named Suz. She indicated that she was a former bypass patient and had just undergone the lap band surgery at the Jerusalem clinic. As I am living in Idaho myself and I will be in the Boise a…

Does anyone have a hotel in San Diego to recommend that is decent but not too expensive?

Hello my name is Laura and I just had surgery with Dr Kelly on Sept. 2. I can only speak for myself, but I had the most wonderful experience. I mean I actually felt better after surgery than I did before surgery, they removed a lot of scar tissues from a previous surgery. I had no pain what so ever. Slight discomfort, but that was expected. I was ready to get up and walk 30 mins. after surgery, but they made me wait two hours so the anthesia could wear off. They pick you up at the airport, take you to the hospital, when it's all over they take you back to the airport. I never once felt like I was in any danger and they all were so nice and helpful. I now comp…

What is the discomfort level coming back from Mexico after surgery? I will be coming back from Mexicali on Sunday. There is a 2 hour drive followed by a 3-hour flight from San Diego and then I will retrieve my car from airport parking and drive 30 minutes home. I will be traveling alone and have not come across anything that would make me think there is any problem with this plan. My only concern is possible pain and discomfort. Thanks in advance for your insight and suggestions.

Hey everyone, I am 8 days post op, and on a clear liquid diet for 2 more days, then full liquids for 10 and then 10 on mushies.... Anyways I was just hospitalized for pneumonia and pancreatis (means I am experiencing a fair amount of abdominal pain). I got home yesterday but I am having trouble being able to intake enough liquid, and especially cant seem to tolerate my Protein drinks. I know I wont have any issues once I can start purees but will lack of protein for the first 20 days have any really negative effects on me? Thanks for any help

I've decided on Dr. Aceves and currently narrowing down the date and suddenly have become very nervous about the first few weeks after surgery. Would be great to fear from any and all Aceves patients what were your first few weeks like? I'd like to hear the good, the bad and the ugly Just trying to prepare myself. THANKS!

I will be the third sleeve of the day! So excited, only a little bit nervous. So far all the good things I heard have definately coming true. Everyone is so nice and they are so thorough! I will update you all on how I feel after the surgery, or tomorrow morning depending on how zonked out I am.

Has anyone used Dr Ponce de Leon at the Jerusalem Hospital? If so, did you like him?

Hello, Is anyone seeing Dr. Jaime Ponce de Leon October 14-17? If so, let me know and we can be Tijuana Sleeve Buddies I am so excited, I can't wait !!