melissa25

I was down in Mexico with ALM and had the surgery on 02/09/15, it was a wonderful experience and thought Dr. Ortiz and his team were awesome. I had the best time even though it was for surgery I would love to enjoy the experience again. I also had a friend who went to the same doctor months before me and she also had a great experience. She is a registered nurse so she really vetted him out and did a tour of the facility to ensure she would be safe. I think with any surgery there are risks involved and I felt really comfortable with ALM and Dr. Ortiz. 
 
Thanks! 

$4200 with Dr Elias Ortiz. The BEST medical care I could have received.

Day 2 of liquid diet. 2 days to go for surgery. I'm so hangry! I'm hungry, angry that I'm hungry, and I have a head cold that is making me whiny. I want a sammich. I'm very excited though. We have an early flight tomorrow so my companion and I will stay at a hotel tonight and prevent the long drive at an ungodly hour tomorrow. Here we go!
Seriously, someone get me a sandwich!

I am having my surgery done at Mi hospital in Tijuana. It is fully serviced hospital... as earlier described. It is no different than other surgical centers in the US. I am not choosing the hospital, but the doctor and in my search, Dr Elias Ortiz, performs the surgery I want. He not only staples but over sews the staple line. He and his staff have been more than up front with expectations and risks. I understand that the hospital may not have all the bells and whistles of a major medical center in the States. Further, his reviews on this site and others come across as genuine and positive. I have yet to read a negative review on him. I will gladly update on the results of my surgery and add first hand comments to the care I receive at the hospital. I wish you all the best in making your decision to pursue a healthier you.

I am using Dr Elias Ortiz. I am scheduled for March 2. I have been a nurse for 27 working in the ICU. I have read the reviews and Dr Ortiz's qualifications. I am very confident that I am making the right choice. Good luck in your search.. and good luck with your surgery!

I went to mexico and had surgery in october. Fantastic experience and would recommend it to anyone.

Hello Everyone,
I live in TJ. So let me give the truth about the Water in Mexico.
Please, please stick to BOTTLED WATER!!! Do not ever drink Water from the tap.
The Hospitals we work with will provide you purified water and ice chips, nothing to worry about there.
Allways request bottled water at the hotels and any restaurants you visit and make sure that the bottles are sealed. Our recovery houses have water coolers and we alway use purified bottled water.
If you have any questions regarding your upcoming visit to Mexico, you are welcomed to contact me.
Happy New Year!!!

Hey there! I am also concerned about this. Mostly I am worried that a layover with plane switch will be too much. My only solution is to find a non-stop flight. The pillow is a good idea! Also I am going to request a seat belt extender. Good luck!
-Angie-

I am scheduled with Dr Jesus Martin Lopez on June 15th in Tijuana

I first made sure my policy covered bariatric surgery. After that I immediately made an appointment with my doctor to start the ball rolling. ????

I knew people around me that had the surgery, I picked their brain for every piece of info. I went online to find a facility who does weight loss surgery & then called my insurance to get info on it bejng covered.
It's a 50/50 chance your insurance will cover it. Check your enrollment guide & then call them. The member services line is always there to help. Then once they say it's covered get tge the name, date, time & reference # from the representative you spoke with. Keep records of that info. Oh! If you go into a new year & have that open enrollment which usually is every Oct or Nov, please make sure that it's still covered & document.
Then call the facility get the info on any procedure the do for weight loss. If anything you can go on their website & will have demonstrations.
You will have a seminar required to go to which is the best source of info for you. They give everyone time to ask the surgeon that day all the questions you can think of.
I went to 5 seminars before I found the surgeon perfect for me. Mine is awesome. He listens, is helpful, wants me to succeed in the weight loss.
Oh, family not with you on this journey...Their loss, message anytime. I love helping people. Besides that you need a network of people through this process.
Good luck, hope to continue seeing you on here. I'm Melissa also. ????

I had my surgery with Raul Mederos in Hialeah hospital. BTW it's the only hospital in the state with 5 stars in bariatrics!!! I'm on disability and have both Medicare and share of cost Medicaid. I had surgery 4 weeks ago and I honestly feel like he is the reason why I feel so good. He's amazing and gentle. A really great guy. I tried Dr. Rabaza initially out of baptist but he was not my cup of tea!! Good luck and let me know if you need anything!!!!

Any recommendations for doctors in Miami Florida that take Medicaid ?

I avoid public places so i wont embarrass my self by not being able to fit in a chair and the stares i get from people

I've done some research.. I have a 3 year old and well let's say I won't have or haven't had a bikini body in a whileeee . So no I'm not expecting that ... I have really high blood pressure . It runs in my family .. My cousin suffers from obesity.. I've been looking into several options for about a year now . Just looking into options.

No kidding, I'm the only one who thought I wasn't nuts for doing this. Now they are all saving their pennies to get it done.

Also talk to your primary physician. Are you having any obesity related issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, etc? Insurance may not cover wls unless you have exhibited obesity related issues especially at only 20 years old. Ask your dr what he/she thinks of you having wls surgery, because you will need him/her in your corner to do it. Do you have a family history of obesity, diabetes, etc? My family is the poster child of obesity and heart disease.
Research research research. I can't stress that enough. You need to research the different types of surgery, the short term and long term risks involved, what the day to day life is for post surgery patients both in losing mode and maintenance mode. Are you good about taking daily pills every single day? After surgery, Vitamins are not optional and are essential to keeping you healthy. This is a tool, not a solution. You can gain weight even after sleeved if you don't continue to follow the eating plan and make good choices. Drinking is almost prohibited due to how quickly alcohol enters the bloodstream post surgery. Losing weight rapidly will increase the likelihood of loose skin, even at your age. You can't expect to have a bikini body just because you lost weight.
Basically, this is a serious decision you need to make and before you do so, you need to take the time to do your research.

Well thank goodness that you are what I call "a woman fully growed" and able to make your own healthcare decisions. This is for you. They don't have to suffer in your body. Just think, it won't be long before you will be saying "I told you so".