Tim H.

I was told a birth certificate and ID were fine. I am a nervous planner so I expedited my passport and it came in time. My sister was going with me and did not have enough time. We were assured over and over it was fine.
Coming back into the states was perfectly fine. I was afraid that because i had mine that the guard would make a big deal about her not having hers, Nope. They didn't even glance twice. Its nothing new to them. Especially for the medical vans that shuttle back and forth everyday.
Having your passport is ideal. But if your coordinator says its okay, then i would trust them. They do this everyday.

Thanks for posting, deltadawn

Well its 6hours till my surgury and I'm so scared but excited to start this new chapter

Good luck!

That's good news. I hope to get mine by the end of the week.

Hey Everyone!
Just a little update since I have arrived...
Samuel Sr. picked my mother and I up from the airport. He was not waiting for me in the loading/ unloading dock since my plane had arrived early. I called him, no answer but he immediately called me back and was their to pick us up in less than 3 minutes. He was very polite and welcoming. He was picking up another individual that was having surgery (please keep your phone on until you get picked up) and tried to call her, but no answer. So while driving around the airport he would get out and ask random people if they were waiting on him. And of course people were looking at him like a weirdo and then moving from their spots that they originally was standing in...quite funny.
After finally finding them, we ended up at the border in less than 25 minutes. Sam Sr. was the only one that had gotten out. He showed the guy some paperwork, explained our visit, opened the trunk and was heading for the Marriott in less than 5 minutes.
Once in Mexico, it took probably less than 8 minutes to get to the hotel. Sam Sr. unloaded our bags and the bellman loaded our bags to bring them into the hotel. Sam Sr. accompanied my mother and I in to make sure our reservation was in and that we were able to check in with no problem. The other couple took off to check in by themselves (her husband had been sleeved maybe 5 months ago). Check in went smooth. You do have to provide and debit or cc for incidentals. They also provided me with to passcodes to access the internet ( I did not have to request or pay for another one.) Received my room and was heading up ( the other couple were still checking in.) Fyi...if the person that you are going with are a smoker or you all want a room that you can smoke on...you can request that.
One of the bellman explained the layout of the hotel, how to use the elevator and turning the lights on in the room, showed us where the restaurant was and bar area and the time that everything closes. He brought our belongings up after the other couple checked in.
The hotel is very nice...it's a Marriott so I did not expect any less. I travel a lot and stay at many hotels. The bed is not soft soft when you think of how it is when you stay at a nice hotel in the US, it is a firm soft. It was comfortable to sleep but I prefer the US soft. Other countries prefer firm beds.
On to amenities..
The room does come with a refrigerator (which is locked), you must call to request it to be unlocked. You can also request for a microwave and they will bring one to your room. It is good because your companion can buy food and warm up. coffee and tea, flat screen tv (has a few english channels, also MOD), and bath and body works aromatherapy products.
My mom was anxious to get out of the hotel so she went walking to stores around and Walmart. I waited for my on-site contact Rosie to meet me at the hotel. She arrived about 30 minutes after checking in. She answered any questions that I had, gave me paperwork to fill out and bring to the hotel with me, gave me the receptionist name at the hotel on the 3rd floor and told me that she did not speak much english, and the time to be in the lobby to catch the hotel shuttle to the hospital, which is less than 5 minutes away.
My mom ate at the restaurant in the hotel. Great, attentive staff is all I can say! One of the hotel managers were there keeping us entertained and telling us different stories. My mom got 2 free margaritas and the meal comes with a 15% discount...just mention the organization that you are with.
Tips:
I did tip with US currency. I gave Sam $5, my bellman $3, and our server at the restaurant $5.
I have surgery today, so I will update you all later.

My surgery date is March 20 with Dr. Garcia. My husband has to stay with our kiddos so have a friend who is hoping to come with me.

Sleeved Feb. 15 with de. Garcia!!!! Super excited!

Diamondeyed, I'm getting sleeved on the 16th and flying in the the 15th. I'll probably run into you there!

I was sleeved by Dr. Fernando Garcia 1/17/13. I used Ready4Achange. Dr. Fernando Garcia and his staff are great!

February 21st with Dr. Fernando Garcia in TJ!

I can pretty much echo everything that's been said.
I got my passport card at the county clerk's office. It cost $55.
I brought a passport photo (taken at Walgreens for $10.99) and my birth certificate with me.
I had to pay by check; they wouldn't accept cash.
Tomorrow will be two weeks since I applied. I'm hoping I get it back within the next couple weeks.
You'll also have to fill out an application that asks you things like your parents' date/location of birth, etc.

Hi. After being denied by my insurance company (Health Choice) because I'm not diabetic, I've decided to self-pay and have my sleeve surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Garcia on March 18th. It's kind of like a roller coaster ride. One minute I'm excited, the next I'm nervous. One minute I'm confident with my decision, the next I'm ready to back out.
My biggest concern is about complications and aftercare upon returning to Oklahoma. I live in the southeastern part of the state - about 2 hours from Oklahoma City and 2 hours from Tulsa. Maybe 3 hours from Dallas.
Could anyone recommend a doctor for aftercare? Has anyone found a doctor who will take patients who've had their surgery in Mexico? Did you just see a Primary Care Physician? Or did you do your aftercare with someone who specializes in bariatrics?
Has anyone had experience with Health Choice insurance? Will they pay for any complications?
Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Best of luck to you, whatwillB. Dr. Garcia will also be my surgeon in March, so I'm looking forward to your updates!

I'm also getting sleeved by Dr. Garcia on March 6 maybe we will see each other there.

3/18 with Dr. Garcia

March 18th with Dr. Garcia

And yeah, if my mom was a nurse, I'd INSIST that she go too!

Right now I'm not planning on staying an extra night in San Diego, although if that changes, I'll be sure to let you know.

Amanda, are you having yours done with Dr. Garcia?
I just paid my $500 deposit with him today for the 18th of March. I'm going through Ready for a Change.