I am just beginning this journey but I was wondering, for those who have been down this path, how long does it take to apply, get financing (self-pay), set a date for surgery, and have surgery from start to finish? I know this is difficult because of the possible delays along the way but I am just trying to get an idea. Thank you.

I had my surgery three weeks after I decided to have a VSG and contacted Dr. Aceves' office. Didn't need financing so that was not a factor for me.

I think I started reading the boards early June, started researching doctors, decided on Dr. Aceves and made the appointment and was sleeved July 13, 2011!! I did partically finance through the people Dr. Aceve's office recommended. I had been approved by another company but they had wanted me to over night papers to Mexico, then have them faxed back and that seemed to much trouble. Plus they had like a 400.00 extra fee to process them in Mexico. The loan company that Aceves used just required me to fill everything out and send to them. Nothing had to go to Mexico first. I think the company was med loan.com. Good luck! Cathi

I think I started reading the boards early June, started researching doctors, decided on Dr. Aceves and made the appointment and was sleeved July 13, 2011!! I did partically finance through the people Dr. Aceve's office recommended. I had been approved by another company but they had wanted me to over night papers to Mexico, then have them faxed back and that seemed to much trouble. Plus they had like a 400.00 extra fee to process them in Mexico. The loan company that Aceves used just required me to fill everything out and send to them. Nothing had to go to Mexico first. I think the company was med loan.com. Good luck! Cathi

PS I could have gone sooner but had to wait for passports! Those take 4-6 weeks. Cathi

PS I could have gone sooner but had to wait for passports! Those take 4-6 weeks. Cathi

Just an fyi...you can get back into the US without your passport. You just need the paper showing that you paid and applied for the passport and a drivers license. My passport came just in time but there were two other ladies in the car with us that didn't have theirs and we all got through just fine.