becksnky

I am a Nurse Practitioner. I have researched over a year for surgeons both USA and Mexico as I am self pay. My insurance will not cover WLS. If I had insurance that would pay, I would have surgery in the states without a doubt. Just for the follow up care and to be close to home for that reason alone. With that said, my research has lead me to agree with Amy regarding Dr. Alvarez, the previous poster. I am also considering Dr. Illan for my own surgery for cost reasons. Have not heard anything negative about either of these surgeons. Good luck.

When something like this happens, it would be nice to know the name of the physician. I have searched and can't find. Went on the gastricsleeve.com website and can't find. Just adds to anxiety. I lurk on here everyday. I don't know how you all find all this info out.

If you are willing to go to Mexico, there is a special now with Dr. Illan for $4500. Covers everything except your airfare. You should read the self pay, Mexico board. Lots of great reviews and people really do very well. Just something to consider. Good luck.

my PCP wasn't happy about me going to Mexico I told him to get over it , but I've been at pt of his for yrs, I believe I can give him some good information on tx in Mexico .

I have been following your posts. How are you doing? I know you used Dr. Garcia. I am planning to use Dr. Illan.

I had been putting off discussing my upcoming surgery in Mexico with my PCP. I had a feeling she wouldn't be supportive and I was right. Saw her today and told her I had researched this for over a year. My insurance does not pay for WLS. No way, no how. When I mentioned going to Mexico, she immediately looked at me like I had 2 heads and said, NO, I have seen too many complications, infections and so on. I don't want you going out of the country. Then she said keep working with your insurance. Got up and left the room. Didn't even discuss other options for weight loss, what my research had lead me to, anything. Good thing I am moving to a new city and this was my last appointment with her. I need someone a little more patient oriented.

I am an OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner. Waiting to be sleeved when my schedule will allow. Hopefully around Christmas.

I have been told that you only need birth certificate and drivers license to cross over to Tijuana. Is this true? Anyone recently done this?

Thanks for all your input!

This is a what I was looking for in a post. I am scheduled for surgery on Aug 15 and starting a new job on 9/3. I work as a nurse practitioner. My first few weeks should be light work. I am very nervous about this, this will be 2 1/2 weeks post op. I should have the flexibility to drink, sip, eat as I need. I will be with another NP for orientation for 4 weeks. Any thoughts?

Help! I haven't been working but was job searching. I am scheduled for surgery Aug 15 and just offered a job! The latest I can start is September 3. Will it be possible? I work as a nurse practitioner and will be working 4 days a week, no lifting but will be training the first 4 weeks. First few days will be slow. I am freaking out about this. I know once I start a new job, it will be awhile before I have time off for surgery. Thanks.

Yes, it does happen. People changing their mind, even as they are IN the hospital about to have the surgery. Looking around the hospital, talking to the surgeon, and knowing 'it doesn't feel quite right'. I had emailed several members here and begged them to talk to me on the phone, to give me some reassurance that I was doing the right thing, to have some sort of hand holding. No-one followed through, no one was interested in talking to me in person. The ONLY person who agreed to talk to me (a prolific poster on a different forum) warned me not to trust reviews, and to be very careful....She talked about paid reviews, coordinators posing as past patients, hidden complication rates. I spoke to Dr Aceves as I was sitting in one of his patient's rooms, and he told me of complications some of his patients had suffered and I realized none of those stories had made it to the boards or to any of the forums I participate in. It made me realize that maybe there was some truth to the story that many reviews here are paid reviews....that the reality is not nearly as rosy as the fabulous success stories this forum is littered with.

And so I came home today...sleeveless. A fruitless trip to Mexicali that did not pan out as expected or as planned. I did get to meet Dr Aceves, Dr Campos, and his team. I got a tour of the hospital, and got to stay in Hotel Lucerna. I met some of Dr Aceves' patients who all seemed to be recovering as planned. I salute them and their bravery. I salute Dr Aceves for his brutal honesty and integrity. I could see the pride he has for his hospital in his eyes, hear it in his voice.

As for me? I am broke, disappointed, and confused.

Trust is important. I have absolutely no clue how this Medical Tourism business can be regulated better, how trust can be built, how complication rates can be better and more reliably conveyed.

It certainly is not for the faint at heart.

This sounds like a nightmare and as I am scheduled to have surgery in Mexico soon, not a story I really wanted to hear from a fellow forum member. Really scary and makes you wonder what is real and not. I am already nervous as is. I feel for you and hope you can find your way to have the sleeve if this is still your dream. Good luck.

What other Protein Shakes can you use if you are having problems with lactose intolerance or getting the bloating and gassy feeling?

1-214-556-3524. She had just called me yesterday from a previous inquiry I had made.

What hospitals do Dr. Lopez and Valenzuela work out of?

You look beautiful. Great job!

I will b there the 12th with dr. Illan and will not leave until the 16th. Maybe we will run into each other. We will b at the lucerna as well.

Are you going alone or do you have a companion? Is your date set for sure, have your airfare?

I am scheduled with Dr. Illan on August 15th at florence and then will be at the Lucerna. Would like to find a sleeve buddy. Anyone going during that time?

I am 56 and scheduled to have surgery on August 15. I will turn 57 on August 30. I am worried about the wrinkles and saggy skin too. Already have saggy skin from up and down weight over the years I guess plastic surgery will be in my future. I am scared but I have thought about this for years.

I started the Atkins shakes and felt very bloated and gassy. Definitely need something different. Must be the dairy as it does contain milk Protein.< /p>

I have had the same thoughts and many people tell me the same thing. My BMI is 38. I have considered WLS for a very long time, dieted since I was a teen and now I am 56 years old. I feel like all of my adult life has been controlled in one way or another by my weight. So many challenges. Trying to find the right clothes to hide my fat, fitting into seats, always feeling self conscious, and lets not even talk about dating and men. I now have developed joint problems which doesn't allow me do enjoy my grandchildren, diabetes and sleep apnea. What I am saying is, I don't know your age but weight issues WILL CATCH UP WITH you. Do something now while you have a chance. In my mind, that little voice saying "you're not that big, you can do it on your own, etc" is fear, denial or avoidance of the issue. At least is was for me. I am scheduled for surgery on August 15th. I wish I had had the chance to do this at a younger age.

Congratulations, you look great!

I am having surgery next week. Just a question, Since you can't drink that much, how long does it take to drink a shake? And to keep it cold? doesn't the ice melt and it get yucky? Is there any Proteins that you can drink in the clear liquid stage?

I am having surgery with Dr. Illan on July 25. There is a Facebook Page with many of his patients listed there. Many great reviews. Go to Baja Bariatrics and click to Facebook and join. You can read the reviews, etc. I have done vast research and he seems to be well educated, experienced and current.

I will be checking in July 24 for surgery on July 25 with Dr. Illan.

Yikes! I am getting ready to have surgery. Pretty scary stuff. But good to know.