Learningtotwinkle

OK, I tried the Protein powder pancakes today and it was good!
1 scoop flavored Protein Powder (I used Syntrax Matrix Milk Chocolate)
2 eggs
1/4 cup blueberries
Blend until smooth. Cook on medium heat. I made two cakes (two servings). It fills you up. They were a little thin but they puff up with cooking. Be careful not to burn them. The second one I filled with 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese and 2 tablespoons of my berry Syrup (recipe below) and rolled it up.
One pancake per MFP:
Calories: 141 Protein: 18 Carbs: 4 Fat: 6 Fiber: 1 Sugar: 3 Berry Syrup
1 cup frozen mixed berries (or any single berry is fine)
1 cup Water
Sweetener to taste (I use liquid stevia drops).
In a saucepan, bring the berries and Water to a boil until reduced. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Add the sweeteneer (start with 1 tsp sugar equivalent) a little at a time until it is sweet enough to your liking. Store in the refrigerator up to a week. Makes 8 servings.
Per serving per MFP:
Calories: 9 Protein: 0 Carbs: 2 Fat: 0 Fiber: 0 Sugar: 1

I will for sure let you know how it goes, not sure about the price difference, I booked in April and I got in on a special of $5200 I am using a coordinator so maybe that's why.

I am scheduled with Dr Ponce next week I used Trish as my coordinator she has been great to work with, I had to fill out paper work that went over my medical history, I am not required 6 months of pre op anything I am pretty sure if want surgery in June with him you will get in. As far as cost I was quoted $5500 but if your bmi is over 50 its an extra $500 and that includes everything(hospital,hotel, transport to and from San Diego)

...when you read about someone who chose to have their surgery performed in Mexcio and unfortunately had complications, please try not to leave condescending comments about how you would never chose to go to a foreign country to have surgery or how you value your life too much to put the cost of surgery before your health, etc, etc. We are all trying to get to the same place with our health and have a common goal but just because we chose a different path than you does not lessen how we feel about ourselves, our families and so on. Alot of us who opted to go to Mexico did not have the option to use health insurance or were rejected by some of the same companies you used for your surgery.
Not trying to cause drama at all and I'm trying to make sure I do not come across as trying to start something but I just had to put it out there.
*Sleevers Unite*

Probably half the stuff I eat is from TJ's . . . frozen shrimp, jumbo scallops, and turkey meatballs are my favorite from their frozen meats. Frozen veggies: artichoke hearts, grilled asparagus, brussels sprouts, mixed cauliflower & romanesco. Favorite sauces/condiments include garlic aioli mustard and garlic marinara sauce (great with those turkey meatballs!). Their shredded Swiss & Gruyere cheese blend is awesome. They have the best prices on Babybel cheeses in town by far. Their turkey Jerky, turkey bacon, and turkey hot dogs are staples! The chicken jalapeno sausage is excellent. If you use egg whites, they have the best prices on those little cartons of egg whites. Refried black Beans and fat free refried pinto beans are terrific. Love the half-salt canned tuna and the smoked sardines. I have the fully cooked organic sirloin for Breakfast almost every morning, and use the chicken strips for lunch -- today I had the grilled chil lime chicken breast strips. So much sleeve friendly food there! I do stay away from their fresh produce (for the most part -- avocados are an exception) because they sell in big portions and I just can't eat much of it before it goes bad, as I live alone.
Also, if you have a dog, their dog biscuits get the stamp of approval from both my dog and my neighbor's dog.

Hey there I am going down mid may, we are driving from Utah
Down there, do you have anyone going with you?

Hi there,I will be driving down mid may from Utah to have surgery with Dr Ponce Dr Leon if you book this month with his coordinator Trish its $5200. I hope that helps

I had my surgery thru Mexico Bariatric Center, everything the same as described by ITALIAN CURVES except I chose dr. Ponce de leon. I met Dr. Valenzuela while I was there and I've heard nothing but good things about her. I liked Dr. Ponce though because he is much more experienced, and I wanted someone who would keep me under anesthesia for the least amount of time, and that could handle anything that came up. They found a hiatal hernia during surgery that they repaired also, at no extra charge. The experience was excellent, and I have recovered well and am very happy with my choice.

I had my surgery done by dr Ponce oct 10th last year he did a wonderful job and the staff was great could not ask for a better experience. Weighed 451 lbs day before surgery now down to 246 lbs 205 lbs down. You will not regret your decision to have surgery or using him.

I started At 540 pounds , i have lost 230 pounds and the weight is still coming off. I had the VSG 15 months ago. It is possible to lose large portions of weight

To whom it may concern:
Surgery is scary. Leaving the country can be scary. Leaving the country to have surgery?Terrifying.
Coordinators:
We don't need bogus reviews, paid reviews, vague reports of tragedy, and referral kickbacks out there amongst us muddying the waters. We need you to answer our questions... Honestly. We need you to hold our hands in spirit and in person whenever possible. We need you to represent your company and the surgeons who contract through said company with integrity and dignity. If you struggle defining those words or relating to them I suggest a career change.
Medical Tourists:
We need some solidarity. We are all, or have been, in the same boat. For whatever reason surgery at home isn't happening. We've made the bold decision to reclaim control over our obesity and we've kicked it up a notch.
All VST members:
We come from all walks of life. Various roads and life experiences have brought us all to this point. WLS. Many of us, if not all if us, have been criticized or teased regarding our weight issues. Many have felt "less than" because we are "more than". Why on earth are we attacking each other? What are we gaining from it?
Take a long look in the mirror. Tell yourself you are going to try and be the best *you* that you can be. And then... Live it. Own it.
“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Oh, and one more thing! *susan* and laura-ven, you guys need to stop with the jokes! This is a very serious thing for me and quite upsetting, so PLEASE act like the veterans you are suppose to be and cut the crap, cause I ain't laughing!

My coordinator Cindy told me about Premire Protein (chocolate) and it's soo good that I feel like l am cheating. 30 grams of protein in each drink.

Having a drain is a very important precaution that I'm glad my surgeon uses. It measures internal bleeding and other issues. I didn't even know I had one until I got up to pee and walk. No discomfort what so ever.
You can't shop for level of pain and discomfort. I had a totally paid free recovery, but that doesn't mean the next patient did. Sometimes its a hit or miss.
Good luck

I bought thru Southwest.com and only paid $98 each way flying from Salt Lake City to San Diego. I'm pretty sure there isn't any other airport they use, because your driver will pick you up and drive you across the border. Completely safe!!

If this is Gods honest truth... This is unethical in any country and since you're warning mostly Americans it's only right to expose his identity and let people decide on their own. Who gives a rats ass about whether he'll get mad...

It's not cheap because of quality it's cheap because of the difference in cost of living compared to here. Most people in MX can not afford this surgery in there country because it's comparable to their cost of living. Just like here.. Most can't afford it because it's comparable to the cost of living here. EXPENSIVE. Also, it will make you feel better to know that the MX surgeon have a vast more amount of experience with bariatric surgery than the surgeons here in the states. My daughter has insurance coverage here, but prefers to have hers done with Dr Ponce because of his experience, professionalism, and great mannerism. My other daughter is also going down there because we have full confidence in his abilities.

My insurance doesn't cover the sleeve surgery here in CT. I am at a loss with what I should do. My friend recently had the weight loss surgery and introduced me to this site. I have been doing research on getting surgery in Mexico.
It seems everyone has a good experience getting surgery with Dr. Ponce and that is who i am looking into.
I just have concerns about have surgery in Mexico. I seems a little sketchy because it is so cheap.
Any Suggestions?

Umm... Does not sound fun to say the least. But I will say that you would need to get out of the car every hour to walk about ten minutes.
I would also suggest that if you are going to do it,
To break it up into 2 days!
But I don't know... I think you should just consider flying.

Just to add to your confusion, check out this thread
http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/55174-all-things-dr-ponce-de-leon/

sorry it took me so long to get back on here i have been laying low for the last few days since being home. My experience went well im home and feeling better everyday. The hospital staff were great and everything was very clean over all a good experience! The one thing I will say though... I cant remember who you said you were using as a coordinator but having Trish there was priceless !!! She helps with any communicating that you need done, she gets you anything you need she takes you out and she even on more then one occasion brought my boyfriend dinner. You really cant believe how much it makes a difference to have your coordinator there! Plus the hotel has a deal with them and she makes sure you are well taken care of!

I had my first follow up with Dr. Ponce today. I'm down 31lbs, My surgery was on March 21st. Trish made the visit so smooth and her and Dr Ponce are awesome!

This is my first post and first day I registered! I had surgery 3 weeks ago yesterday with dr. Ponce de leon at INT hospital in Tijuana. I feel great, his staff, the hospital staff and most of all my coordinator Trish was the best! These forums were a huge help in making my decision on the Doctor and helping me decide to go through with the surgery. I was on here a few months prior to my surgery and would just read everything but never joined until today.. My husband was totally against having surgery in MX and said NO as soon as I told him. Of course I kept doing research and in the end he didn't have a choice. He gave in and went with me, supported me and as soon as we got there he was at ease when we met Trish and the doctors.. We live in San Diego, the driver picked us up on the USA side, went straight to the hospital and started my preop..
Thank you all for telling your stories and sharing everything! Im 20 lbs down which is actually 3 weeks and a few days since I had to start my prep diet a week before my surgery date on March 21st.. I actually didn't start it until 3 or 4 days prior but the pre op diet was the worse, my diet now is easy verses that.
Again, thank everyone for sharing, this site was so helpful before surgery and still is!

Thank you so so so much you have eased my fears I have the same one about the bathroom to so I have just been thinking I will use it before I board and then hold it until I land should I need to go but yes slowing down on the liquid a while before hand would be smart to I hadn't thought of that. Thanks SO MUCH! I just want to get there and get home with as less eyes on me as possible, I wish I had a harry potter invisible cape hahaha