I am just in the stage of looking into bariatric surgery. I want the sleeve because I understand that I will still be able to take Celebrex after surgery. I also have a friend whose son and daughter-in-law have had the sleeve and are very pleased. My insurance pays for some bariatric surgery but not the sleeve. I live in the Lee's Summit, MO area so I will have to travel some no matter where I choose to have surgery. ONe nice thing about being self-pay is that I can go anywhere. I'm very interested in hearing people's experiences, what they think of their doctor and also, how long did it take you to get scheduled for surgery. Any info appreciated. I look forward to learning a lot on this site. The seminars are helpful but I want to hear from those who have ecperienced it! Thanks. Jean

I was self pay and I had my surgery in Tijuana. My local bariatric center wanted 20K for self pay and there was no way I could swing that. I figured since I had to travel far anyway that relying on follow ups or a support system from the bariatric center were not something I'd be able to take advantage of, so why not look out of the country... My surgery was 4,500 including everything but airfare... The surgery was great no problems at all... I chose Dr. Cabrera for my surgery.. but if you have a bit more money to spare, you can get Dr. Alvarez or Aceves who both have excellent reputations internationally. (though honestly I couldn't be happier with the surgeon I chose) Check out some of Alvarez' videos on youtube at his station is endobariatric.. watch enough of his videos and you'll never even need a seminar.. (and he's easy on the eyes too so watching is videos is quite enjoyable)

I went to Tijuana as well. I paid 4,700 and am very pleased with the care I received. I chose Dr. Almanza. he was great and very capable. I had no problems before, during, or after surgery. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. There are plenty of other excellent surgeons in Tijuana and other parts of Mexico. You cannot beat the price. I was able to schedule my surgery 2 weeks from my initial call.

Wow. I think I need to look into the surgery in Mexico. I appreciate your responses. Did you get to come back home the same or next day.....or do you have to hang around a few days post op? Going to Mexico seems a little scary but your experiences sound very encouraging.

I actually went home the day after surgery. Most people stayed a day longer than I did but as soon as they saw that I was going home before them I noticed several trying to change their flights and leave early too:) I didn't have any problems from leaving early. I actually felt a whole lot better when I got back in my own bed in my own house. I was never scared in Tijuana. I went by myself. There were others in the same boat as me and it was like a little family unit from the time I got there. The hospital staff took me everywhere I needed to go, I got some shopping in the afternoon before surgery, and I felt completely safe the entire time.