Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

Looking in to Mexico for the sleeve. I want an accredited hospital and noticed Oasis Hospital is international joint accredited, but the site show Dr Cano and Dr Gonzalez. I thought Dr. Illan and Ponce were with Oasis? I am confused. I see very good things about Dr. Illan, but I want to make sure that I am in a top notch facility in case anything goes wrong( I have had 3 c-sections and one laparoscopic tubal). I also like the Obesity Control Center and Dr. Ortiz.....It's so hard with so many great reviews on several surgeons. I have to quit smoking and gather money before making my final decision. Also, How long is the expected time off work? I have 6 days left for 2…

OMG. It is almost time. I go in on the 29th... I have allowed myself to eat like absolute crap for the past 6 weeks and I learned that I am completely over food. I am ready but am getting super nervous. I am going on my own which was my choice but now...ugh. Someone talk me down. I am freaking out. o.O

For those who traveled to Mexico: Did you tip? Who did you tip? How much? Someone mentioned it to me yesterday and it was a lightbulb moment. I hadn't thought about that at all and definitely want to show appreciation! Thank you in advance!

Hi all, Sorry if this question has already been asked, I didn't see it in the forum. What was your final cost for surgery, airfare etc? I have been approved for the sleeve with Dr. Illan and am just waiting on my passport. I will be flying in from the central valley of California by way of Sacramento most likely. I know the website says the sleeve starts at $4600 but I want to be prepared for all the costs. I also want to give myself enough time to finance part of it if need be.

I'm so excited, my surgery date was set today for 7/3/17 with Dr. Illan! I'm sure some are thinking, seriously around a holiday? Well I personally can't think of a better way to celebrate Independence Day! A new day and a fresh start! I am also hopeful & excited to make some surgery buddies and share our progress. In 7 short weeks; although, in some ways it seems so far away, I will be recovering and on my way to the much smaller me. Woohoo!

What's the name of the restaurant that serves the infamous French Onion broth in TJ? Just preparing for our trip and wanted to make sure we cross this off the bucket list! TIA! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I am considering going with Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez. I live about 50 miles from Juarez so it would be very convenient. I have been using google fu and have not found any negative experiences concerning his surgical expertise. One woman complained about a hospital and it;s staff in Tijuana. The hospital he works out of in Juarez seems to be much improved. I would love for anyone to share any experiences you had with this physician. Thank you!

I have to give a shout out to the valets working for Bariactric Pal MX. Today Juan took us to a great seafood restaurant that served shrimp broth. Well I don't eat shellfish and he had no way of knowing that. I was really ok with it because I wasn't even hungry and I told him I would just get some broth at the hotel. Well a few hours later he calls me and says he is out and would pick me up some French onion broth from Caesars because he knew how much I liked it and he felt bad that i didn't like the shrimp broth. Now that is someone who truly cares about taking care of their patients. I have had such a great experience here and I want to let anyone know if they are …

Just wanted to post and say... I DID IT!!!! I am officially sleeved. It feels so surreal like my mind still hasn't registered that I'm here and it's done. Recovery is going AMAZING. No gas pain besides really slight discomfort in my shoulders (which feels better than the acid reflux. Slight discomfort in one area but it's manageable. The staff are amazing!!! I had a hiatal hernia (which I suspected but it hadn't been confirmed until the endoscopy was done yesterday so doctor repaired that while he did the sleeve. I woke easily from anesthesia and have been awake since. There are 4 of us here and out of the 3 of us who had surgery my recovery has been the easiest and faste…

I was set to get my surgery in June, then we found out that our house had termites and there went a good portion of my surgery fund! I was nervous mainly because I had already paid my $500 deposit to have the surgery. However, Bill was very understanding and quickly got my deposit refunded. I still hope to have surgery as soon as I can save the money back up, but I was very impressed with how this company handled my situation. They could easily have just taken my money and ran with it or told me that I had to make it work but they didn't. They are not out to get your money! From booking to having this unfortunate situation arise, I have had nothing but positive exper…

Hi everyone. I'm really wanting to have vgs with a single incision in Mexico because i do not have insurance here in the states. does anyone know of a doctor in mexico that performs this? What was your experience? Cost? Any qualifiers? Thanks!

Ive read canned broth is to consumed, but made a lot of broth and froze it. Excited, sorta scared. Dr Miles in Bham is the surgeon.

Hi everyone. I have lurked around this forum reading everything for a couple of years. I finally took the plunge and am signed up for surgery with Dr. Illian at the end of May. Can I ask who did you tell prior to your surgery? I find myself not wanting to tell anyone other than my husband. Maybe it is because I have struggled with my weight a 100 times. Maybe it is because I am afraid of being judged. Maybe it is because I don't want to hear other's opinons since my mind is made up. I don't know...who did you tell about your surgery and when did you tell them...or did you just keep it to yourself?

My sitter flaked on me. So I have a friend flying in from Chicago to go with me to Dr Ilan, but I'm thinking I may have to bring my toddler too for her to watch him and look after me in Mexico. Anyone heard of anything like this? Sent from my LG-K373 using BariatricPal mobile app

So I will be flying to San Diego for for my surgery in Mexico with multiple planes. Any suggestions on which seat would be best? I know most likely I will need a seatbelt extension. My stats are 5'5 and 315lbs, I have seen most seats are 17 wide and I think I am about 20-22 wide. I don't want to have to purchase another seat.

I am looking into getting a sleeve revised to a duodenal switch with Dr Ponce De Leon in Tijuana MX. I can only find 2 people that have used him for DS in the past and none are responding to me for updated opinions. Anyone here use him for a DS can you tell me if your experience was good? Any complications? How long before you went back to work? What kind of vitamins do you take? Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Is anybody getting a sleeve during May in Mexico? Mine is May 8 at ALM.

Hello I have been researching about Tijuana doctors nonstop. I have my mind on 2 for a VSG surgery. But I'm really concerned about scarring. My weight is 200 lbs BMI of 35. I don't think I will need a tummy tuck or any addional surgeries to remove skin because a lot of my weight is not primary in my stomach area. Anyone here can share their experience with scarring? Pictures 1 year post op? Thank you!!

I'm in Tijuana at the moment and found out that there's been another Patient Death at A Lighter Me (ALM) with Dr. Jose Luis Curiel Marchena . The patient death occurred about 3-4 weeks ago. I found out about this from my contact at the US Consulate here in Tijuana.

Today was my first day lifting weights.Did chest and tris at about 2/3 my old weight.Keep in mind I wasn't power lifting doing lighter weight with higher reps.It felt amazing.Ive been at the gym since dayb1 but only on a treadmill.My diet it mostly high protein with minimal carbs (oatmeal,fruit) I be ad a couple small bites of bread,pasta but I am still consuming yogurt and protein shakes.Peanut butter has been a huge help and I started eating turkey lunch meat with a small piece of string cheese.This new journey is amazing it feels great never being stuffed.I sleep all night,I used to wake up to Pee at least 4 times a night and i also don't snore anymore.My energy is way…

I'm currently interested in using Dr. Illan for my surgery, but it was pointed out to me that he is not listed on https://asmbs.org/patients/find-a-provider. Should I be concerned that he is not? I understand he is a weight loss surgeon and not a Bariatric surgeon, but when I look at his credentials it seems he has extensive training in Bariatric surgery, and I'm left confused. Any input is appreciated!

Anybody from Canada here who has gone to Mexico for surgery? How was your experience? How much did it cost? I thought there was a board here dedicated to this but I can't find it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Close to 6 mos researching.....Tijuana bound for Gastric Sleeve at OCC with Dr.Ariel Ortiz. So ready!!!

Ok, So here goes.... how long did it take to get a surgery date from first contact with surgeon? Roughly?

A doctor that will treat you post op? My pcp wants to drop me if I go through with the surgery.. what did you do? Anyone else have this problem?

What did you guys pack for the clear liquid diet 24 hours before surgery? I have the sample pack of the nectars that I think qualify as a clear liquid since they are juice but wanted other ideas in case these are not considered a clear liquid. I fly in the day before surgery to do preop testing so I'm worried about the 7 hour flight there with only broth and water.

Hi! I am new to the VSG community. I have been thinking about a lap band for 10+ years, but my sister informed me the sleeve procedure about a month ago. So I have decided to actually pursue the single incision sleeve procedure and I need to do my due diligence and ask if anyone that has had the sleeve procedure done, do they have any regrets about it? If so, what are they? Has anyone had the single incision procedure done? Likes/dislikes about it? Like most of you guys, I will have to go to Mexico in order to afford the surgery (completely excluded from my policy from work and I couldn't find another policy on Healthcare.gov that didn't exclude it)! I…

I'm wondering if anyone else has dealt with surges of emotions since surgery? My VSG was in late March and I feel like my emotions have been really up and down for the last 2 weeks. I have a really short temper sometimes and that's not like me at all. I spoke to my doctor here at home and she put my back on my antidepressants (I'd been off for a year). Am I alone in this phenomenon? Thanks.

Does anyone have experience buying medical tourism insurance that covers not only complications while abroad but also complications that arise upon return? The only insurance company I'm aware of that offers it is Four Corners, and it's their International Travel Medical Insurance plan. You can renew it for up to 3 years post-op. It's pricey, between $500-$700 depending on how long you want coverage for (45 days to one year). Anyway, I'm just trying to determine whether my regular insurance company will cover issues like strictures or late occurring staple leaks or if It will become a bankrupting medical issue and thus should buy the insurance.

March 21st is my scheduled date for the sleeve. Looking for any, and all input, and reviews or personal experiences. Thank you!

Anyone else going to be there during this time? I am going alone so im certain im going to be nervous!

I have been wanting to do this for so long! And am booked for March 16th with Dr. Illan! I am hoping someone on here will be going around the same time as me! Feeling nervous and excited. [emoji4]

Has anyone had the sleeve done with Dr. Jalil Illan frajio? Can you recommend him?

Unfortunately, my husband can't get time off to accompany me to Mexico for my surgery (thanks, Army). Has anyone else gone through the surgery process on their own? How did that work out? Do you think I can get through it fine or is it better to have another person there?

Hello, all. I'm hoping that someone here has some insight/experience having a duodenal switch done with Tijuana Bariatrics / Dr. Fernando Garcia. I am scheduled to have this done in late July with him and I am honestly a little nervous.

I want to feel like I am doing *something* to adjust to my new lifestyle in May. I have a relatively low BMI so my preop diet doesn't begin until 48 hours out. Do you think doing a liquid diet 2 meals a day is a good idea or pointless right now? Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Trying to have the surgery done in Tijuana and looking for information on how everything went and your progress also who was your doctor?

I will be getting sleeved in Tijuana on April 10, just wondering if anyone else will be making the trek to Mexico around that time?

Hey guys I'm about 5 weeks out from surgery and I'm trying to get things prepared. My flight is just over 6 hours (3 hours from San Diego to Seattle with a 40 min layover and then a 2 1/2 flight from Seattle to Alaska). Do I need to arrange a wheelchair to get me around the airport? I don't want one if I don't need it and want to walk as much as I can but I don't know what to expect after surgery (I'll be flying home post op day 3). Also should I bring single serve protein packets to sip on the flights? If so how many would you recommend bringing? I should probably get some protein in that 6 hours but I don't know if I should just bring one packet for the entire flight a…

Hello, I need some help. I am looking into getting a band to sleeve revision. I really wanted to go to Mexico and get this done but unfortunately my dad, who is going to help me finance this adventure, will help me if I go to Mexico. I pleaded and pleaded my case that is was just as safe but he wouldn't listen, Over protective dads, even when the kids are all grown up..lol. Well anyways, I am looking for an affordable self pay revision surgeon. I am not meaning a cheap surgeon just someone who is reasonably affordable. I live in Utah and it is super expensive here. The lowest I can find is $18,000 and the highest is 22,000. I know that there has to be a slightly …

My first post, woohoo. I have my surgery width Dr Illan on August 21st, super excited. Just curious if anyone has lost any inches in their calves? I am going to have trouble buying new pants/jeans if my calves don't go down a bit. I walk for exercise right now and plan to keep that up, I will also gradually add back in my weight/strength training. Appreciate any answers. thanks!

I do not qualify for GS because I don't have a major co-morbidity but do have a BMI of 36. I am desperate for help so am looking at Mexico as an option. How long does it take to have surgery scheduled? Do they have as many hoops to jump through as in the states? Is it a faster process in Mexico? Thank you for any insight you can provide.

Has anybody had gastric sleeve in Tijuana Mexico? If so how was your experience? My surgery is in March. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using the BariatricPal App

Hi I'm considering having surgery I'm Mexico I've been considering and researching for two years and I'm finally ready to go to the next step. I found a clinic called a slimmer me.clinic the surgeon has just begun doing surgeries and the prices are very cheap, I just signed up with this app and was just wondering if anyone has heard of this clinic or the surgeon his name is Dr. Luis Enrique Montaño Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my hear set on Dr. Corvala who is an excellent surgeon. However, my only concern is that the process does not seem to be very hands on. I don't even think I am supposed to be able to talk to him until the day of surgery. Anyways not too much information has been provided for me regarding the process and I am the type of person that would need a lot of support through this process. I just need to know from other people that Dr. Illan is just as qualified because all the pre op, during and after care seems like just what I need. I have just not been able to find as much information regarding his credentials. Also, why are some bariatric surgeons more expensive than ot…

I'll try and keep this from turning into a novel. I think I just need some encouragement. Last year I was going through the process to be approved for the VSG with BCBS. I ended up being laid off and losing my coverage and my new coverage doesn't cover bariatric procedures at all. So... off to Tijuana I go!! First, I'm a single mom of a toddler with little support. I would be looking at going to Tijuana by myself and telling nearly no one I was going or what I was going for. Has anyone gone down and made it back home safely alone? How will the surgery effect me being able to parent? I know rough stuff is out of the question, but being able to get in and out…

We are extremely proud and super excited to announce our exclusive strategic alliance with Oasis Hospital! It was created specifically to only serve international Medical Tourism patients and is the first private hospital of its kind in Tijuana. They are fully ready to provide our American, Canadian and International patients with a comfortable and welcoming environment. The facilities are comparable to or even beyond the standards of most US hospitals. 7 Reasons to Choose Oasis Hospital: Brand New Bariatric wing. Rooms that are fully equipped like you would expect in a hospital but furnished like a quality hotel (with Roku and Netflix on your own TV). New Ope…

Hi There, I am getting sleeved in Mexico on April 10, and I was wondering if there was anything special that any of you would suggest that I pack? Someone here mentioned Gas-X strips to help with the gas bubbles, has anyone had any success with that? All answers are appreciated. Thanks!

Hi guys. I recently posted about wanting surgery local here in Dallas, but here recently have been researching Gastric Sleeve in Juarez with Dr Rodriguez at Star Medical Hospital. He looks like a great doctor and I have already called and sent in my medical information. It's much cheaper in MX..which is what sent me that route. Has anyone been a patient of Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez or other doctors there? Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App

I see no flights arriving in San Diego from Florida in the am hours ! Anybody have any flight referrals??? Thinking of walking there! Lol