soonsleeved

Feel free to watch my video. It has photos of me before WLS, before plastic surgery, and afterwards. Good luck on your journey!
https://vimeo.com/108545064

Yay! You'll be joining us on the losers' bench very soon!

I didn't have to wait at all for my room at the Marriott either time (I checked out when I went for surgery and checked back in and got a different room the day after surgery). I wonder if it might have something to do with what time of day you arrive. Maybe if you get there early (before check OUT time), you have to wait for someone to check out and for them to get the room cleaned and ready for you?

I'll be there in a week!

I can hardly believe I am finally in the hospital all checked in. I'm so nervous- more so because I have no family with me and I feel very lonely right now. I live far from family and one of my friends was unable to be here with me. My other friend could not be here cuz she had to head back home to drive my boys back home, so I'm all alone????
On the bright side - I'm staying strong and waiting.

Please tell me your about you experience and the doctor. Pictures of incision to plz. I'm debating on Dr. Jaime ponce de leon or Fernando Garcia

August 10th in Mexico with Dr. Altamirano.

Thanks so much for sharing! Im scheduled for the 19th there and it really helps to hear all the details and see pictures.

Ok, finally back from Tijuana, I had my sleeve and it was fabulous, this is long feel free to check out now if you prefer.
I took off for TJ on Thursday, had a very pleasant and uneventful flight and as soon as I landed called the coordinator for my ride. I walked out and in less than five minutes the driver Angel pulled up with the van. He took my bags and we hopped in the medical lane and drove off towards Tijuana and the Marriott. The drive only takes about 20 minutes in good traffic and soon we were at the hotel.
The Marriott is beautiful and everyone is so helpful the only downside is that they are so busy. Even with reservations I waited for an hour for my room the first time. It's not bad but I was tired and just wanted a nap, finally I got a room and nap. That evening I went down for a bowl of broth that was surprisingly delicious. I watched a movie, fell back asleep, and got ready to leave in the morning.
I met all the people who were having surgery that day and we were carted off to Hospital CER. We waited for about fifteen minutes and then they called us one by one to our rooms and to change into our gowns and highly fashionable compression socks. The did an EKG, took some blood, and sent up an IV. They immediately started pumping us full of fluids, antibiotics, and gave us some anti-anxiety meds and after that it was a lot of waiting. Even though we got there early in the morning the first surgery wasn't scheduled until two in the afternoon. I was second in line for the surgery so even though we arrived early I just wanted to get on with it. All I wanted was to have the surgery, around three they came in told me I'd be next and asked me to sit in a wheelchair and took me down to the pre-op and recovery area. I was wheeled into the OR and then transferred to the table. I remember the anesthesiologist giving me the drugs and then I didn't wake up until I was done. I had to make sure someone called my mom because I came by myself. She wasn't waiting though she called the coordinator to check after the usual time frame had elapsed.
After that I went to back up to my room and took a nap, and when I woke up I felt well enough to take a walk and hang out. There was no pain and no gas. I forgot the one incredibly irritating thing is that the hospital is next to two night clubs and a cantina, it sounds like there's a party IN the room with you all night. Strangely only one side of the hospital can hear it, so if you're across the hall you're fine.
So for the next few days it was walking the halls in regular intervals with all of my other surgery buddies. The drain is super irritating and the next morning you get to take a shower and remove the compression stockings. Still covered in medical adhesive but it gets better by the day. They removed out drain and that felt terrible to me and then a leak test which is gross but not nearly as bad as I had expected.
We got to go to the hotel and I only had to wait for thirty minutes for my room although this one had no windows although that didn't bother me because at night it's pitch black and the others had to wait for several hours for their rooms. We ate broth together and then took off for naps. The next day we woke up and went site seeing and then eventually the time came for me to fly home! I'm home and trying to drink a ton of Water and wishing I could eat something even though I'm not really hungry at all.
Sorry for the long rambling post but here are some pictures to go with it!

I had Ortiz do my band-to-sleeve revision on 4/27/15. Very good experience from start to finish.

I had Almanza. I had no problems with him. I really kinda liked him. The staff was good. He hasn't been winning any popularity contests lately but I had a good experience.

I used Dr. Elias Ortiz with A Lighter Me. Price was $4600 all-inclusive. Could not have been any more impressed with the professionalism, expertise and compassion with this whole group. I liked having a US point of contacts and Sonya and Ronda kept me well informed and in the loop. As a business owner I am extra sensitive to customer service. I give ALM an A+. From the time I was picked up in San Diego to the time I was returned, my expperience was awesome. They used the Grand Hotel which has a new "medical floor" with special beds and bath fixtures, Place was stunningly gorgeous. The hospital experience was very qualified, clean and efficient. Doctors and nurses were so kind and committed. After we were released from the hospital, they kept us walking by taking us on a shopping trip which included the best "taco broth" and homemade ice cream I have ever had! Did some tourist shopping in a safe but colorful environment. I made friends with those having surgery at the same time and I will probably stay in touch with these folks a very long time!

My daughter is having her sleeve with Dr.Cabrera in late July.

I have a surgery date now  - September 11!! I didn't want to wait that long but had to with work scheudle !

Anyone traveling to Tijuana Mexico alone?
Anyone need a support person?
I am traveling alone......would love to connect with others we can be each other's support.
planning May /June

@@frumpy69 you did it once and you can do it again. Just the fact that u r here is an amazing step and just as everyone has stated,
go back to basics. Check in with us here and know you are among friends ????

I'm trying to figure this site out. Some one help, how do create a post? I need to some advise on choosing which procedure to go with my dr said I qualify for either or and its up to me. Ugh

Dr. Garcia on September 10th !

Everything sounds great, I also am considering going to Mexico for surgery. How far out do they schedule your surgery ? Who did you contact?

Are you having your surgery in Tijuana also? I think staying two additional days is better. You will be in better shape to go back. Good luck to you.

thank you for this.  I am pretty sure I am going with Dr.Garcia - when was your surgery? 

I wanted to share my journey for my surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Fernando Garcia.< /p>
As I was in the process of deciding if I was going to have the surgery or not, I had the opportunity to read a step by step story of someone who had a VSG. It helped me a lot to visualize the journey ahead. That had an important impact on my decision. I would have liked to read one on my specific surgeon and his team.
So I will try and do the same here for Dr. Garcia's future patients.
I would like to mention my first language is French…so please be indulgent while reading me.
First of all, everything went well!!! From the start until the end. Linda, the coordinator has been very helpful, patient and devoted in answering all my pre-op questions and believe me, there were a LOT!
Sunday: We arrived in San Diego. We were picked up by the chauffeur and went straight to the hotel in Tijuana. Crossing the border was nothing…We didn’t even stop for any questioning?!? It took about 20 to 30 minutes from the airport to the Hotel. When we arrived, we were welcomed by Sacha, a coordinator. She was very nice answering our questions and giving us instructions for the next morning, surgery day.
Here’s a little hint for the hotel. The room I was given was on the street side. It is very loud so we asked to be switched on the Golf side. There’s a 25$/day upgrade charge but the room is quite bigger and much calmer. So when we checked out the next morning to go to the hospital, I booked a room on the golf side for when we got back 2 days later.
Monday: We left for the hospital at about 7 am (there were 4 of us to go in the same day). When we arrived at the hospital, I was given a room, they drew some blood, did an EKG. During the pre-op phase, I had asked Linda (coordinator) to be the first to go in surgery….what a good move! I got to meet Dr Garcia before the surgery. He was very attentive to my questions and need. I got in surgery at about 1h30 p.m. Since I was pretty nervous, I was given medication until then.
After surgery, I was told to walk a lot. That’s what I did. As soon as I was conscious, I walked…and never got that shoulder pain people are talking about from the laparoscopy gas. My stomach was hurting a bit (spasms) but not that much. The worst that night was the nausea and a bit of vomiting…That’s it.
Tuesday: I walked, walked, walked. Began to drink and walked, walked, walked. Dr Garcia and the other doctors checked in on me. Dr Garcia’s team is very attentive. A lot of them also had the surgery so they know how we feel….
Wednesday: The 4 of us (patients who got in the same day), went out to get a radiology test for leaks. The liquid I had to drink for that was nasty…But hey, it’s not that bad.
We went back to the hospital, they took out my drain (a bit uncomfortable but not at all painful) and we were driven back to the hotel.
I felt pretty confident with the care I was given in the hospital. There were lots of doctors, nurses and a representative checking on us really often. Everybody spoke English, except the nurses. But still, we managed to communicate without any problems.
The hospital was cleaner than clean, the room was awesome with a great big shower. However, the bed for my husband was a bit uncomfortable …He needed a good Chiropractor session when we got home! Lol…
That day, when we got back to the hotel, our room was not ready so we went to eat a bite at the restaurant (I had broth of course) and afterwards, the room was ready. I was glad to be out of the hospital. Near the hotel, across the street is a small store when you can buy drinks, candy, chips and stuff to eat. My husband had their fajitas a few times for lunch or dinner. Also, there is a Wall Mart and a few other stores and restaurants nearby.
Thursday: A nurse came by to take off my stiches (staples). Everything went well.
Friday: We were supposed to go home that day but since the airfare was cheaper leaving on the Saturday (even paying for the additional hotel stay), we stayed a day longer. However, I could have traveled back home on Friday. Although I was weak, I was well enough to travel.
Passing through the US customs was also very easy without any complications.
So that’s it. If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to ask in the inbox or with a reply.

Hi everyone, I made up my mind and I"m been sleeved hopefully next month... i just cant make up my mind about the surgeon I want to use.... Dr. Ponce or Dr. Valenzuela.... and if I choose Dr. Ponce where should i go, he does surgery in a few places...
I need help any input is greatly appreciated!!!!!! Thank you!

I had my surgery June 21, 2015 in Puerto Vallarta Mexico with Dr. Juan Hidalgo and his Weight Loss Team. My experience was amazing from start to finish. Dr. Hidalgo is such a wonderful doctor. He genuinely cares about each and every patient.The nurses at hospital CMQ were outstanding. The care I received was top notch. Interacting with my co ordinator was also trouble free, because he answered any questions I had.
If you are thinking of having Vertical Sleeve surgery in Mexico I would highly recommend Dr. Juan Hidalgo and his Weight Loss Team. You will not be disappointed.

Today is my third day in Mexico with the Bariatric Pal team company. I had my surgery Thrusday afternoon and now I am enjoying my recovery in their beautiful recovery house II. Dr. Altamirano and David are amazing. I chose to have my surgery with Dr. Altamirano based on his knowledge and true personal caring about his patients. They have made the process very easy, I will reccommend them to everyone I know. I thought coming to another country to have a medical procedure would be scary but it is not. My surgery broke all their protocols that they have in place as I have many allergies but I never was at risk, not once. I felt totally safe and secure and they always make you feel welcome. I have been a nursing for over 11 years and though they do not have the most expensive equipment it works just fine and the hospital is currently being renovated to keep up with the times but it was totally worth it and if I ever need their services again I will chose Dr. Altimarano and Bariatric Pal every time. Oh by the way the surgeon is board certified, so no need to worry. Thanks everyone keep up the good work.