AngelEyesInNJ

Thanks for sharing, I love hearing the great news! How are you feeling? Do you have any pointers for me or anything that I should pack or leave behind? lol

Hi All, I know there are many people on the board trying to find an ex-US surgeon (I was one of those people). I must say I did feel a bit weird not having my blood work or test run prior to going to Mexico (my date is Nov 7th) so I went to my PCP and she ordered a slew of blood test, I had gotten my results and scripts for medicine/vitamins to take. With that being said I am going through Ready4Achange so I emailed alma my results along with my script to ask if it is ok that I take the medications and when should I stop taking them (if at all) before the surgery. She forwarded my question along to Dr.Garcia and his medical staff within a short time I had received feedback from one of the doctors and less than 12 hours later from Dr.Garcia. This just makes me feel so much more comfortable with my decision, just knowing that pre-op I am able to get answers in a timely fashion and from the Dr. himself just speaks in volumes to me as to how I will be treated after surgery. Just thought I would share!!! OMG I can't wait to be sleeved.. I am anxiously counting down the days!

Ahhh I know the exit, when I lived down near Fort Dix seaside was the go to place ...especially for hitting that White Castle on Rt37 on the way back home ( seaside was the excuse )hahaha I know that hospital well! My gyn is there... I drive almost 2 hours just to see him (sorry if TMI) I am actually self pay since my insurance excludes it from my plan so I am going to Mexico in Nov to have it done. I am calling it my surg-a-cation since I am flying out a day early to have some sister bonding time (she is flying out with me) and to knock seeing the sunset for real off of my bucket list. You know how it is here in jersey we see the beautiful sunrise and I have always wanted to see the sunset on the beach of the west coast When is your date?

I am in Bayonne now but I have lived all over Jersey lol, most of my life though was exit 117 in Union Beach. Where are you, if you don't mind my asking?

Thanks for posting this, I am with you 100% on your post , just reminded me of all the items i need to put on my list to pack!

That is exciting! I would love to have mine done sooner but since I was able to pick my date I guess I can't complain haha Time is going to fly by, I can't wait to join you on the losers bench:)

Awesome, I can't wait to hear how your doing!!!

Awesome!! Time is going to fly, I know how excited you are!!!

There isn't a way around it say like ER coverage? I know each company is different but I called up mine and asked what if I need to go to the ER would it be covered and I was told yes. *knock on wood I wont need it * Maybe that is something you could ask? I know this is frustrating.. I wish you the best of luck!

It is also excluded from mine, my employer said they would look into it but here I am with still no answer. I didn't let that stop me though I am going to Mexico to be sleeved by Dr.Garcia in Nov I did find something online while searching it may be helpful to provide to your employer. http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/lap-band-insurance.html#business_reasons

I am not sure of the tipping I was just going to bring smaller US bills and tip as I would here in the states. I also have been reading that you should just keep US cash and not get it converted.

I am going through Ready4AChange and in the packet I received from my coordinator Alma there was a document that listed a few financing providers.

Hi Sunshyn, I am arriving on Nov 7th

I haven't had my surgery yet but I am very comfortable with my choice in surgeon Dr.Garcia in Tijuana. I had done a lot of research as well as looked and read a lot of feedback. I am paying $4700, The price covers ground transport to and from San Diego, your pre-operative lab work, physical, pre-operative 1 hotel night, your hospital stay (2 nights ), post op x-ray, 2 nights of post op hotel and all post-op medications it includes everything except your airfare. I just gave my $500 deposit and the rest is due when I arrive. Dr.Garcia works out of MiDoctor, a full service hospital, with ICU, 800 number to call back the States for free, cafeteria for companion , high speed internet, in-house pharmacy www.hospitalmidoctor.com and Dr. Garcia has done over 4,000 procedures, great bariatric experience and excellent skills. Also there are 2 patient assistants to look after your needs at the hospital and hotel. There are many great doctors in Mexico, so just do your research and pick the one that you feel fits you best! Good luck on your choice You should also peek around in this forum on the board:(Self Pay Mexico) http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/114-self-pay-mexico-vertical-sleeve-surgery-new-forum/

Thank you for sharing, I will look into that.

Thank you and good luck to you as well! I am doing the same thing, trying to find Protein drinks also comparing notes on pre-op and post-op instructions. I know many people say that if you try Protein Drinks now you may not like them after surgery, that sucks but I think maybe if you are able to find sample packets or go somewhere that they will take the item back if you do not like it ( I think someone said GNC does this, I am not 100% sure though).

I will keep you and your family in my prayers No worries, things will get better

I understand where you are coming from, price was a factor for me as well but at the same time if I felt like I wasn't going to get the same service as I would with paying a higher priced doctor I would have never booked the surgery. In the end my life is worth more then money. Another thing to keep in mind, I am not sure if the break down is the same in Mexico as in the US, but for instance the one place I was talking to, the doctor gets paid $6500, anesthesiologist $2000 and the rest of the $5000 + dollars was just for the hospital. So regardless of where I would have opted to have the surgery for instance if I wanted to go to a center of excellence to get it done it was going to be at least $32000 for this particular doctor, but he was still only getting $6500. Based on what I had learned, that is why going to the doctor that cost more in Mexico or the one that was offering a special didn't matter. What did matter were the reviews from others that had actually gone to the doctors Hope this helps a little , at least to see where someone else was coming from.

Hello, I am in the same boat but I called my insurance company to ask if I have complications after surgery and need to go to the ER to have treatment will it be covered. She had me on hold for over 10 minutes but when she cam back she said if I goto the ER then anything done through there is covered. This may be something to ask your insurance company.

I know Dr.Garcia was running a special in August for $4700 I am not sure how much is regular price is. I am going through ready4achange (http://unbouncepages.com/drgarcia/), if you fill out the form you can request the pricing.

I know it is not an easy decision and I know it can be confusing but just continue to do your research and read experiences and follow your gut, just remember bottom line is everyone is human and i am sure that no matter the doctor they will do the best that they can and with the help of these forums speaking to patients helps a lot more then just reading reviews on the doctor's website. There are many great doctors out there so maybe it would be beneficial to write a list of what you are seeking and do as Amykins did to narrow it down. I wish you the best with your choice and can not wait to be with you on the losers bench!!

Thank you! I guess my answer would be No, since it doesn't look like Dr.Garcia was in FACS Are you still trying to make a decision? Nervous about going out of the country?

Awesome!! I am excited for you both I would love to hear your experiences when you get back, I will be headed out there on Nov 7th .

Hi, I was wondering what FACS is? How can you see if your doctor is listed? I am going to Dr. Garcia and I am 100% happy with my decision but still just curious. He has all of his credentials at the link below which is another reason that made me go with him. http://www.mexicoweightlosssurgery.com/dr_fernando_garcia.php

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it just lets me know I made the right decision. My sister is coming with me so I was curious do they have televisions at the hotel or hospital or should we pack a portable DVD player? Thanks and congratulations!!! I can't wait to join y'all on the losers bench!!