Looks like it's going to be Mexico after all. Need help with details!

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,145]

Quite right Amanda.. I had no comorbidities or health issues other than being big and fat. I think you were really smart to take your cardiac condition into account when selecting a doctor/facility.

Thank you. It worked out for the best. Along with cardiac issues I have sleep apnea.

[smsgrl2009 30]

mine is taking place via medicaltourismco..paid 500 down and transferring 4000 more prior to surgery. flight was 381.00 so a total of 4881...i have spent 200 getting Protein Powder, Vitamins, sugar free stuff...etc..so all in all about 5K..

[prettynpink 110]

Hi, I went through Ready 4 a Change with Dr. Fernando Garcia. The cost was $4,700 with a $500 deposit. I flew American which was $472

(I booked late) I would suggest bringing an extra $50-$100 in small bills for tipping, or shopping. Personally, I didn't feel much like shopping. Good luck to you. If I can help you further PM me or comment.

[KatInFL 216]

Well I had a seminar I attended today at a hospital in NC. It did not go well. The price looks to be for self pay 20,000 or so. Also they want 100 dollars to join some personal trainer at a campus where students are physical trainers. That part is required. Also they said I need to do a lot of tests before I can have surgery. It's not worth all the money and waiting. I want to go to Mexico!

I need details on where to go in Mexico. First do I need a passport. I'm looking into getting a passport card, just hope I can find my birth certificate. Also how long was everyone in Mexico for? I wouldn't mind getting there the day before surgery, then staying of course that day, but how long after surgery until I can leave?

Second - do I need any letters from my doctor? I hope not because I don't have a current doctor. I only see my obgyn and go to urgent care if I'm sick.

Third - where did you fly too? It seems most of you flew within the states, then a van met you and drove you across the border. If I go, I plan on going by myself. My husband told me today my money, my decision. I was shocked! Now I'm scared lol! I really want to do this and save money, but am I risking my life?

I chose Dr. Illan (I adore him and his patient coordinator!) in Tijuana. Surgery was done at florence. I arrived in San Diego by noon and had surgery the same day. No deposit necessary, I just brought a cashier's check payable to the doctor with me. The only paperwork that had to be completed was an initial health questionnaire after I contacted the doctor for more information. The website is www.bajabariatrics.com

I stayed for an extra day in Tijuana, as it made my plane tickets a little less expensive. The doctor requests you stay for 4 days. I had surgery on Thursday, was in the hospital until Saturday, and could have left on Monday but chose to stay until Tuesday.

I used my driver's license and birth certificate to cross the border from Mexico back to the US with no issues and it took me maybe 45 minutes from the time I left the hotel to arriving to the San Diego airport.

Price can vary according to specials, BMI, hospital, etc but I paid less than $5,000 including two plane tickets from Florida to San Diego.

~Kat

[sherri3388 36]

Please check into Obesity Control Center and Dr Ortiz, it's worth the extra money for your peace of mind.

[SerendipityHappens 1,594]

Hey Navyma,

Mexico Bariatric Center is running a special for sleeve surgery in Tijuana with Drs. Cabrera and Valenzuela for $4,500! Includes 5 nights (1 pre-op hotel, 2 hospital, 2 post-op hotel) and patient coordinator, driver, pre-op, post-op tests, etc.

Message me if you're interested! I'll send you the information.

Kelli

Hi Kelli we spoke on the phone I think once when I was looking for Christy. You're both absolutely delightful to work with... you should put that you're with MBC in your signature.. that way everyone will know up front that you are working for them. Sometimes coordinators and companies come on here and masquerade as patients so it would be a good idea to put your details are in your signature so that everyone will know that you have an interest in MBC.< /p>

[kputman09 39]

I too chose Dr Illan in Tijuana on March 28th. He is amazing and so is Omar!! I had a high bmi so paid $4500 with no deposit. My husband and I flew spirit out of dfw round trip was about $600 bc we upgraded to the big front seats for comfort! We landed in San Diego about 10:00am and I had surgery that afternoon. I was treated fantastic and so was my husband. Florence Hospital is beautiful! Only a few nurses didnt speak English which was fine, Omar was there everyday to take my husband to Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I was released Saturday with no drain and felt good. Omar took us every where we needed and wanted to go. We got care packages at the hotel full of drinks, Jello, bandages and medicine. In total I enjoyed my experience in Mexico and would 100% do it again! In fact I want to go back next summer to visit!!

[KelliAnn1 1]

Hi Kelli we spoke on the phone I think once when I was looking for Christy. You're both absolutely delightful to work with... you should put that you're with MBC in your signature.. that way everyone will know up front that you are working for them. Sometimes coordinators and companies come on here and masquerade as patients so it would be a good idea to put your details are in your signature so that everyone will know that you have an interest in MBC.< /p>

I'd probaby recognize your real name...I doubt we have "serendipityHappens" in our database! LOL

I'll check into the "signature" angle...I haven't been on here but once before and I'm still trying to figure it all out! I'll all about "being up front"

Kelli

Mexico Bariatric Center

[Michele in NY 13]

I am going to MI Doctor in Tijuana Mexico in October 8th. My doctor is Dr. Lopez.

I fly into San Diego(Yes you need a passport) and you meet Abraham who shuttles you through the boarder into Mexico. He drives you to the Marriott hotel, where you stay for the night. The next morning Abraham drives you to Mi Doctor Hospital, you have surgery in the morning or the afternoon..You then recover in a private room, nurses and doctors are great at checking on you and Eduardo is available for all your medical questions/needs. Then, after you go through the leak tests and your cleared to leave the hospital..you go with your drain still in , back to the Mariott...and its another 2 days there, and ive heard you can go sightseeing with others with Abraham..and the last day, Abraham drives you back over the boarder so you can catch your flight at the airport.

You pay your 500$ deposit, pick your date, fill out your medical questionaire and send it to the patient co-ordinator( I have Janese, she is awesome!) and then the rest is due upon arrival.

Dont worry about your doctor and letters , they send you back with all the info regarding your surgery and tests..but make sure you have someone who can check up on you post op a month from surgery, to make sure your all good.

A Lighter Me right? didn't you love Eduardo?!?!?!? I've said it since I first talking to them, I absolutly think they're the best company out there! If you're checking out options, I would highly suggest you check out A Lighter Me. I'm almost sure they told me they've been doing businss in TJ for over 10 years. Congrats on your surgery!!!!

[Roxanne Hughes 10]

Alvarez is 8700 1000 deposit fly to.san antonio get picked up one night is hotel in eagle pass the across border in am surgery then hospital two day released back to san antonio

Did you have the sleeve yet. My favorite Mexico doc is Alvarez. I really want to go to him. I have insurance and they won't pay for Mexico. I think he is really good from my research.

[superstartover 101]

yes roxanne i five weeks post op today

[Roxanne Hughes 10]

yes roxanne i five weeks post op today

Did you like him.....he seems soooo nice and knowledgeable about the sleeve. Was it a good experience? How much have you lost? I like dr Alvarez because he does the staples and sutures. That just makes good sense to me.

[lotti 154]

You can ask me questions.

[superstartover 101]

roxanne hes a nice guy very efficient check ed on me twice a day and the other doc twice a day nurses and jessica a lot more. the last day me and the other patients were just all three sitting in his office chatting he is experienced and honestly i remember nothing after my getting on.gurney in my room i woke up back in my room in my bed. the hospital is old and dated and i just wanted to knock it out and go home to my family. i slept off and on the first day and walked the second day and surfed the net. no drain no preop diet due to low bmi

[superstartover 101]

the third day we got grape juice chatted and went home i would like to go back to.see the city