I just recently started researching going to Mexico to get a Sleeve Gastrectomy. I don't have any insurance and will probably use my income tax from next year to pay for the surgery. My family is saying that I'm insane for even considering going to Mexico for the surgery. I've read other reviews and I'm feeling more confident about it, even though I haven't contacted them to get the ball rolling. I'm worried about a few things and would like some input from others that have had the surgery, or is anticipating getting the surgery. Thanks!

I had an incredible experience with Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Mexico... he is not the cheapest but you will still save THOUSANDS versus having it in the US. His website is www.obesitycontrolcenter.com

I had my surgery on April 16th and it has changed my life!!! My mother went with me and we were both very well taken care of. Everything from his center to the hotel, etc..... A+++ experience... It was my first surgery EVER and I had hardly any pain, no gas, no nausea, nada! I flew in on a Sunday, my surgery was Monday and I was out laying by the pool on Tuesday and shopping on Wednesday. Of course everyone is different but I didn't have one a singe complaint. Plus, my mother is a retired nurse and she was very impressed as well!

Just make sure you do your research on the different surgeons in Mexico. Don't always go for the cheapest price. Just my advice....

Best of Luck!!! If you need more information I will gladly share!!

Not asking your income, but to all you self pay folks, make sure you keep all receipts for gas, mileage, hotels, airfare, and procedure, meds etc... to file on your taxes for the year of your surgery. Well as long as your total medical expenses are 7% of your AGI or 10% of your gross if your surgery is next year.

I had an incredible experience with Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Mexico... he is not the cheapest but you will still save THOUSANDS versus having it in the US. His website is www.obesitycontrolcenter.com

I had my surgery on April 16th and it has changed my life!!! My mother went with me and we were both very well taken care of. Everything from his center to the hotel' date=' etc..... A+++ experience... It was my first surgery EVER and I had hardly any pain, no gas, no nausea, nada! I flew in on a Sunday, my surgery was Monday and I was out laying by the pool on Tuesday and shopping on Wednesday. Of course everyone is different but I didn't have one a singe complaint. Plus, my mother is a retired nurse and she was very impressed as well!

Just make sure you do your research on the different surgeons in Mexico. Don't always go for the cheapest price. Just my advice.... <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Best of Luck!!! If you need more information I will gladly share!! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Thank you so much! I will check out the website now!

Unfortunately..... I can't write my surgery off on my taxes..... Less than 10% of my income..... If you know of another way please let me know! Thanks!

I was a huge skeptic about Mexico. It seemed crazy. But I researched, talked to surgeons, read the boards, asked questions - and ended up so comfortable that, when it turned out insurance might cover me in the US after all, I high tailed it to Mexico anyway. Dr. Aceves, and incredibly pleased - but everyone seems to pretty much love their Mexican surgeons so you have lots of great options. Honestly, they're so used to people just reaching out for info, I would just try shooting off a few emails with the questions you want to get answered as a start. My blog (link in signature) has a tab at the top with the questions I emailed if it's helpful. Best of luck!

I haven't gone in yet and was told by another that had gone to Mexico..go with your gut. I had to be conscious of the bottom line due to exhausted finances. But I spoke with people, spoke with the doctors offices, emailed, asked questions and blogged. Then one day it just clicked and I had made my choice. I have never had any surgery before and I'm tackling this on my own and I feel at ease. I also read a couple of blogs posted for the doctor I chose where the blogger gave a blow-by-blow account of their experience from arriving to surgery and returning. While everybody has different levels of pain, gas, etc. nobody complained about the surgeon, staff, hospital/hotel, etc. How often do you hear that in the US? And the level of service they give surpasses the US. Just do your research and follow your gut.

I would not hesitate to go to Mexico for surgery. I am also a self-pay patient. I decided to stay in Illinois and pay the much higher price simply because of the availability of family members. But I have frequently used health services abroad to save money and have been very pleased. I have read frequent positive reviews of surgeons in Mexico. I would suggest taking someone with you for the surgery - for support during recovery. I wish you great success in your weight-loss journey (I am on the same journey and will have my surgery in the US in October or November).

I went and it was a great experience. I used Dr. Garcia and would not change a thing. I was so pleased with the service, price and care I received. It is not what everyone makes it out to be. There are plenty of reputable surgeons and minimal complications because they perform more surgeries than US doctors. Tell your friends and families you are going to research your decison thoroughly and will make an informed and safe decision that is best for you.

I was self pay & went to dr mark pleatman in Bloomfield hills michigan paid $11,350 with credit card. 1) it's in the us 2) awesome experience

I was self pay & went to dr mark pleatman in Bloomfield hills michigan paid 11' date='350 with credit card. 1) it's in the us 2) awesome experience[/quote']

I was self pay & went to Dr Kelly in Tijuana Mexico paid $5500 with cash. 1) it's in Mexico 2) awesome experience

:-)

I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Never in my life was I treated with such respect from a Doctor let alone surgeon.

I would encourage anyone who was thinking about this to not put it off any longer My only regret was not doing this sooner!