VDH

That's great to hear!!! Has anyone had any experience with Dr. Ortiz? ! OCC I believe. His name came up during some of my research and people seemed to have a lot of good comments to say about him.

3 minutes ago, DebSmiles said:

I had surgery on 1/13/17 with Dr. Illan, so almost 6 weeks out. It was an amazing experience and no complications. I've lost 24 pounds so far and enjoying food in a different way. I was lucky because I experienced very little pain or gas. It was a breeze. I was at the beach 2 days after being released from the hospital. I followed all the instructions and took the medicine given afterward. Best thing I ever did for myself

Thank you so much for your response! It really helps!

Has anyone had any complications once surgery was done?

4 minutes ago, shannybananny71 said:

I will be able to give you my input after my surgery in a couple weeks. Like you, I have no other issues. My BMI is 41. With each diet success and failure, it has been more difficult to start over again. I successfully lost 70 lbs several years ago but over the years have gained back about 40 lbs of that. My weight would go up and down about 20 lbs. I need help so I started looking into WLS. Once I made my decision, I found out that my insurance didn't cover it. I know a few people who have had the surgery in MX so started looking into it.

I have chosen Dr. Illan based on his reputation, credentials and recommendation from a friend. Most of my family and friends freaked out but I told them that I am an intelligent person and did my homework. Now they are supportive. My adult sons were upset and told me that I don't need to lose weight. Haha! My dad is having the hardest time with it but that's because he thinks I have some underlying mental trauma that causes me to overeat, not just that I love food and use it for comfort.

If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be having surgery in Tijuana, I would have laughed. Now, here I am, less than two weeks to go before the big day. Good luck in making your decision! I will come back on here and after my surgery and give an update.

Thank you so much! And you sound so much like me! The hard part for me isn't necessarily losing the weight (after I find the motivation), it's keeping it off. I carry my weight pretty well, but I can see that my weight is getting out of hand. Each year I tell myself, "it's only 5 pounds, or it's only 10 pounds", but those pounds add up to 20 and 30 eventually.

My husband would rather me not do it, but is supportive of whatever I decide. Please let update us when you return from your surgery. Wishing you the best of luck.

Hello!

I am new to this forum and have recently considered going to Mexico for the gastric sleeve surgery. My current BMI is in between 36-37. I have no other issues other than a high BMI. I scheduled an appointment here in the states, but the doctor wouldn't even see me because I did "not qualify". I have struggled with weight my entire life, but it seems to be getting harder the older I get. I would like to control it before it gets out of control.

My main concern is traveling to another country to get this procedure done. It scares me to think of it even in the states. But I know if I continue to gain weight, my body will slowly break down. I already have knee issues and slight arthritis in my hip. I am about 5'7, 232 pounds. Through brief research, I've come to the conclusion that Dr. Illan may be the way to go. Can anyone give me their experience traveling, fear, etc. I would love to hear others journey's! Thanks!!!