"Henry"

I had a very successful sleeve surgery five years ago. I was so happy with the results. As I approached 40 I had a surprise pregnancy! As you can imagine this changed my body quite a bit. My child was born right at the cusp of the declaration of the pandemic and I have put on a lot of weight. No matter how I eat, no matter how little I’m eating, my body and hormones seem to want to hold onto the weight. At any rate, being a middle-age woman with a one year old means I need to take Care of my health, and I am seeking to get a revision from the sleeve to a mini gastric bypass. I’ll be paying cash and intending to have my surgery in Tijuana, although if you know someone great in Cancun which is much closer let me know!

I’m really overwhelmed attempting to research doctors and hospitals in Tijuana. A surprising majority have a very high rating on Google maps and reviews. I don’t really know where else to look. So I am asking for recommendations that might narrow down my search. I am especially interested in hearing from people who have had this revision from sleeve to mini gastric.

My goal is to have the surgery within the next 6 to 8 weeks so it’s really important I find somebody good. Please help!

look into BariatricPal MX..... Dr. Jalil Illan seems to have a great reputation.

The US studies are limited, but my understanding is that where the balloon has been used longer (ex: Europe and Australia), they have seen better results (probably just because they have more data points). I'm not even half way through my six months with Orbera and I have lost 33 pounds. I also know of two men who lost more in that same amount of time (one Orbera and one ReShape). As with most things, a lot of it depends on how much you put into it. It's not a cure, it's a tool. You still have to do a lot of work, counting calories and Protein, exercising, etc.. If you use it to assist you with behavioral modification, six months is more than enough time to establish healthy habits that can last you a lifetime. Best wishes!

The restricted calorie intake is only for the first couple of months until your stomach has healed, and you are eventually able to eat a normal diet, just in smaller amounts of food “per sitting”. However just because your stomach is much smaller, you can still pack a hefty number of calories by the end of the day and eventually GAIN weight post-op. You must think of the surgery as a tool and not a “cure all” answer to lifelong weight management. Please review the information in the link below, I am sure the info will help answer many of the “what do I / can I eat” questions, it did for me.
https://www.obesityaction.org/community/article-library/the-post-surgery-diet-for-bariatric-patients-what-to-expect/

Well after two back to back days to make sure the scale wasnt tricking my eyes, i am officially under my goal weight of 215, weighing in at 213 on the dot this morning. I know my weight loss journey is far from over, but to finally be under a number you use to think was a pipe dream has a good feel to it. Im very proud of myself and ready to continue to transform my body. TONE TONE TONE now. But im very excited for my future. I couldnt say that a year ago.

Hi Amnunez,
Dr. Illan no longer performs surgeries at Oasis of Hope.
He now performs all his surgeries at Hospital BC where he is the Medical Director.
The Gastric Sleeve package starts at $4900 USD, for a BMI of 48 or lower. There is an additional charge of $500.00 USD for hernia repair.
Please contact me if you would like more information.

Thank you!

Thanks for the information

If you have other problems (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea etc) it may help your case. Otherwise Medical Tourism is an easier path (self pay)
Good Luck ❤

I think you can go to Mexico for self pay bariatrics below the 35 BMI. I haven't heard of any in the states though. Just be aware that there is a reason that they have a minimum BMI. There is concern that you lose so much you could get close to underweight.

Not sure I was asleep but sent a picture of my Doc!

Just want to see if yall are getting my messages

Dr. Jalil Illan and Hospital BC!
He is a Master Surgeon and the hospital where he performs his surgeries is a Center of Excellence.
The packages are all-inclusive and the staff is English speaking
https://hospitalbc.com/
https://hospitalbc.typeform.com/to/sxuEx5

Hi NippitKT,
Dr. Jalil Illan is a great option. He is accredited by ACS, IFSO, ASMB, and SRC has accredited him as a Master Surgeon in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The hospital where he performs surgeries, Hospital BC, is also a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery by SRC.
Very few hospitals and surgeons in the US have this accreditation and even less in Mexico.
Here are the links where you can verify the accreditations:
ACS: https://www.facs.org/profile/56073599 IFSO: https://www.ifso.com/selim-jalil-illan-fraijo-4443/ ASMBS: https://asmbs.org/provider/jalil-illan-facs-e8YM/ SRC: http://www.surgicalreview.org/find-a-provider/specialties/
Please contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you for the information!

I agree. Please do your research and be wary of any practice in Mexico that charges less than $4600 USD.
Ask for certifications and accreditations for both the Surgeon and the Hospital. These are fairly easy to confirm online. Look for surgeon accreditations like FACS, ASMBS, SRC Surgeon of Excellence and SRC Master Surgeon in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
As for the Hospital. Make sure it is a FULL-Service Hospital and not a clinic or surgery center. Clinics and surgery centers are not equipped to handle serious complications. Their accreditations and certifications include SRC Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, as well as Local, State and Federal certifications.

Photos!

And I couldn't be happier! Lost all the weight I wanted to, lost a cpap, lost several chins, lost knee pain, gained confidence, gained a new wardrobe, changed my life! If any of you are struggling - trying to decide to do it, thinking it'll never work, thinking you can't, let me tell you, YOU CAN!!!!! I am rooting for you and am always happy to talk to ANYONE who might need encouragment. I'd post a pic if I knew how...maybe I can do it on the mobile app!!!

PS.....My horse is still fat!!!!!

I had a MGB at Hospital BC 3 weeks ago. Everything went fine. I paid $140 RT airfare, $5900 for surgery ($4600 for sleeve) I stayed in hospital all week and even had a tour of Tijuana. I did have to pay $65 for blood thinners injections to take home but that's not too bad. They picked me up from airport and brought me back to the airport. If I would've had a companion, he/she would've stayed in the same room as me bcuz they have an extra bed in there for guests. I'm thinking about using them for plastic surgery once the weight loss is done making me look fantastic. Lol

I agree. Please do your research and be wary of any practice in Mexico that charges less than $4600 USD.
Ask for certifications and accreditations for both the Surgeon and the Hospital. These are fairly easy to confirm online. Look for surgeon accreditations like FACS, ASMBS, SRC Surgeon of Excellence and SRC Master Surgeon in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
As for the Hospital. Make sure it is a FULL-Service Hospital and not a clinic or surgery center. Clinics and surgery centers are not equipped to handle serious complications. Their accreditations and certifications include SRC Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, as well as Local, State and Federal certifications.

I just wanted to share about my experience in Mexico.
I arrived at the San Diego airport on 1/16/2019 and I was scared to death. A very nice young man named Robert picked us up as soon as we got our luggage and was very polite and encouraging on the way to the hospital which starting calming me down.
We arrived at the hospital and they were ready for us. The Valet (which is the person that takes care of my husband all week) unloaded our luggage and took us to register. After I filled out the paperwork we were shown to my room. All of my preop testing started (blood work, vitals, EKG) and my IV got hooked up. Everyone was so nice and accommodating. My nerves were finally starting to calm as they explained the processes throughout the day to me. They brought me "dinner" and my husband ordered off of the menu which he said the food was good all week. ($8 for dinner and $5 for Breakfast. He asked for a Coca-Cola and the Valet actually went to the store and bought.
I was the first surgery in the morning 1/17/2019. It went great. They kept my husband informed. I slept off and on most of the day but was in no pain and got up and walked every time I was awake. This day I could only chew icechips and spit the Water out. They don't want you to drink anything until you have another "leak" test.
Friday 1/18/2019 consisted of my leak test which was fine. Then they brought me a tray of juices and broth. I mostly sipped Water and a little juice as I was very bloated from the gas during surgery. I walked as much as I could in between Netflix (the tv has an Amazon Firestick). Later in the day, the Nutritionist brought me a care package that had a bunch of drinks and samples from the BariatricPal Store. She went over the post-op diet and what to expect. She gave me a folder with detailed instructions and a Bariatric Help Book. I was given all of the meds that I would have to take at home with an instruction sheet, Multivitamins, pain meds, Maalox, antibiotics and shots that I have to give in my stomach every night for 7 nights to prevent clotting. I have to admit the shot the first night scared me to death but the needle is so small that I didn't even feel it.
Saturday 1/19/2019 morning our tour guides arrived and I was discharged from the hospital. They took us to our hotel. (Real Inn) and they checked us in and escorted us to our rooms. At 11am we met in the lobby and went on a guided tour of Tijuana. It was a lot of walking but it was needed. They took us to Caesar's restaurant which was nice. We were seated immediately and the companions ordered off of the menu and the "Sleevers" ordered Soup. The Soups were strained so we just had the broth but OMG it was the best French Onion broth I have ever had. I couldn't eat it all and ate very slow but it was amazing. We went shopping along the strip and bought souvenirs. After our tour we went back to the hotel in which I pretty much passed out.
Sunday 1/20/2019, our flight was at 10:30am so the driver had to pick us up at 6:30am in order to cross the border and give us time to go through TSA. This process when flawlessly. We had a 4 1/2 hour nonstop flight home and I paid for comfort seats in the front row. This enabled me to stand up every hour and go to the bathroom to prevent blood clots. The flight wore me out and I pretty much went to sleep as soon as I got home.
Since I got home, I have learned that very small sips are better because I am 8 days post op and although I have had no pain, Gas-X has been my friend. Yesterday was the first day I was actually able to get all of my recommended amount of liquids down just because I feel every time it hits my stomach. Each day gets better and better.
I know this is a long post but I wanted to share my experience in Mexico to help anyone that might be scared or hesitant. The nurses, doctors and all of the support staff were very nice. The care was amazing compared to the hospitals in my home town. The only suggestion I would have is to make sure you either speak Spanish or have a translation app on your phone because it is helpful with the nurses and that way you don't have to have the Valet translate every time. They speak English but very limited.
I would highly recommend BariatricPalMx!!!!!

Scary Larry situation Alex, so glad to know BatiatricPalMx is not one of " those type" places. You and Dr Illian have worked hard being on the "up and up", Thank You for providing us such a Resource.😝

In this article I interview Alex Brecher founder of BariatricPal Hospital MXabout the safety of weight loss surgery in Mexico.
http://www.mybariatriclife.org/bariatricpal-hospital-mx-qa-safe-bariatric-surgery/

Hello UpandAtom,
I recommend that you also join our Facebook Support Groups. There you can get feedback for hundreds of patients that have already had surgery with Dr. Altamirano in Tijuana.
BariatricPal Surgery Deals Group
Dr. Carlos Altamirano Support Group
If you have any question you are welcome to contact me.

I just got back from Mexico on Saturday. It was a fantastic experience. No complaints, couldn't have been easier. I used Dr Ponce de Leon

Have him read through this thread and other posts on these forums. There are HUNDREDS upon hundreds of personal accounts of positive experiences with surgery in Mexico. As previously stated in this post, I have been to Mexico for surgery twice and both times I had great experiences and received excellent care.