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 had Dr Almanza in TJ. The cost was $4750 plus airfare which ended up being $500 RT from DFW on Spirit Air. The clinic is indeed in a strip mall. I had no problems at all and liked Dr Almanza. The staff was friendly and professional. I actually came home the next day. The morning after surgery they took me for a leak test and then removed the drain. 2 hrs later I was at the airport waiting for my flight.

I paid a $500 deposit and had a cashiers check to pay the balance when I got there. While I was doing my paper work at the clinic I decided to buy an insurance policy for $300 that covered anything and everything for 6 months. If I had any problems during that time the insurance covers my travel expenses and any procedures I need related to the sleeve, the surgery etc. It doesn't look like I'll be needing the insurance. Everything is fine.

My surgery is May 3 in Tijuana - Mi Hospital with Dr. Cabrera and Valenzula. I am going through Medical Tourism Company. Thus far they have been very good at answering questions from me and my very skeptical husband. My flight is leaving from NC - Charlotte on May 2 and I am coming home on May 6 according to the patient coordinator. I too sat through some seminars through CMC and found out all the hoops you must go through. Even though my insurance covers it, I am still self paying in mexico because its cheaper and less hoops. Also I was pleased to find out that alot of the surgeons in Mexico are more experienced due to Mexico offering the surgery for a longer time. My hubby is a little freaked out that I am going alone but I have been assured I will be safely escorted from the airport to the hospital / hotel and back. And once I get there I should be with a group of people going through the same thing as me so I won't be alone..What I would like to know is what I HAVE to pack with me..I am only bringing a carry on so I would like an idea of essentials other than toothpaste..

Another question lol. How much was your airfare and what website did you go to get the best airfare price?

I booked on Southwest's site directly. Very reasonable. Like previously mentioned, try and book 3 or more weeks in advance. The closer it gets to your departure date, the higher the rates.

I booked my airfare via expedia.com..I was give specific times I needed to arrive and depart the San Diego airport so I couldn't get the cheapest ticket but still only $381 including all taxes..and my surgery is $4500..still less than $5000 over all.

The cost for my surgery with Dr. Lopez is 4900$ in October... I found airfare from here in Canada in Victoria BC to San Diego for 400$ through Air Canada

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

I chose Mexicobariatriccenter to coordinate for me. I had Dr's Valenzuela and Cabrerra.

I stayed in the hospital for two nights post surgery and then at the Marriott hotel for three nights. My package only included a two night hotel stay but I purchased an extra night just in case I wasn't feeling up to travel.

MiDoctor is where I went. It is a hospital. They have an ICU if needed. Patients have private rooms where they recover for two nights post surgery. It is not a clinic. It is not a FULL SERVICE hospital. Right now they pretty much cater to elective treatments.. If you are say, a cardiac patient, they're not going to do a heart transplant there.. you're not going to go there to be treated for an infectious disease.. It's a hospital, but they treat bariatric patients. There are four floors and two (soon to be 3 operating rooms) Go on Youtube and input Mi Doctor hospital and you can find videos where you can see that it is an actual small hospital and see what the rooms look like.

I can say that I had a fantastic experience. The surgeons were excellent and Christy with Mexico Bariatric Center has really been there for me. I actually just got an email from her checking in on me.

I will give one word of warning though.. If you are meek or not inclined to advocate for yourself and what you want, then you maybe should consider going with doctor where you'll have a bit more hand holding. I received great care at MiDoctor, BUT I was on top of everything.. I asked for my spirometer and started my breathing exercises on my own. I made sure I got my walking in.. I went to the nurse's station hourly and got drinks.. They are not proactive about bringing these things to you but they are happy to get you whatever you need.

I chose Mexicobariatriccenter to coordinate for me. I had Dr's Valenzuela and Cabrerra.

I stayed in the hospital for two nights post surgery and then at the Marriott hotel for three nights. My package only included a two night hotel stay but I purchased an extra night just in case I wasn't feeling up to travel.

MiDoctor is where I went. It is a hospital. They have an ICU if needed. Patients have private rooms where they recover for two nights post surgery. It is not a clinic. It is not a FULL SERVICE hospital. Right now they pretty much cater to elective treatments.. If you are say, a cardiac patient, they're not going to do a heart transplant there.. you're not going to go there to be treated for an infectious disease.. It's a hospital, but they treat bariatric patients. There are four floors and two (soon to be 3 operating rooms) Go on Youtube and input Mi Doctor hospital and you can find videos where you can see that it is an actual small hospital and see what the rooms look like.

I can say that I had a fantastic experience. The surgeons were excellent and Christy with Mexico Bariatric Center has really been there for me. I actually just got an email from her checking in on me.

I will give one word of warning though.. If you are meek or not inclined to advocate for yourself and what you want, then you maybe should consider going with doctor where you'll have a bit more hand holding. I received great care at MiDoctor, BUT I was on top of everything.. I asked for my spirometer and started my breathing exercises on my own. I made sure I got my walking in.. I went to the nurse's station hourly and got drinks.. They are not proactive about bringing these things to you but they are happy to get you whatever you need.

How much did everything cost you?

How much did everything cost you?

$4,500 plus $80.00 for an extra night at the hotel plus $400.00 round trip boston-sandiego-boston. Plus about $50.00 for tipping expenses (driver, housekeeping etc)

The $4,500 included ground transportation to and from the airport-hospital-hotel, all surgery costs and hotel. I chose to pay for an extra night at the hotel, but I felt so great it really wasn't necessary after all.

Prices have gone up since then... I think they're currently $4,700?

I chose Mexicobariatriccenter to coordinate for me. I had Dr's Valenzuela and Cabrerra.

I stayed in the hospital for two nights post surgery and then at the Marriott hotel for three nights. My package only included a two night hotel stay but I purchased an extra night just in case I wasn't feeling up to travel.

MiDoctor is where I went. It is a hospital. They have an ICU if needed. Patients have private rooms where they recover for two nights post surgery. It is not a clinic. It is not a FULL SERVICE hospital. Right now they pretty much cater to elective treatments.. If you are say' date=' a cardiac patient, they're not going to do a heart transplant there.. you're not going to go there to be treated for an infectious disease.. It's a hospital, but they treat bariatric patients. There are four floors and two (soon to be 3 operating rooms) Go on Youtube and input Mi Doctor hospital and you can find videos where you can see that it is an actual small hospital and see what the rooms look like.

I can say that I had a fantastic experience. The surgeons were excellent and Christy with Mexico Bariatric Center has really been there for me. I actually just got an email from her checking in on me.

I will give one word of warning though.. If you are meek or not inclined to advocate for yourself and what you want, then you maybe should consider going with doctor where you'll have a bit more hand holding. I received great care at MiDoctor, BUT I was on top of everything.. I asked for my spirometer and started my breathing exercises on my own. I made sure I got my walking in.. I went to the nurse's station hourly and got drinks.. They are not proactive about bringing these things to you but they are happy to get you whatever you need.[/quote']

I agree that your description of Mi Doctor is more apropos than mine. The correct words escaped me.... Buuuuuuuut.... Idk if I'd say that just the meek or those who cannot advocate for themselves need hand holding and may want to look elsewhere. If you're high risk. Have special medical circumstances you may not want your recovery to be in a hotel. A full service/full time hospital recovery may be needed. That wouldn't necessarily mean you're meek or you're a pushover (summarizing). You just require more care for medical reasons and/or peace of mind.

To the best of my knowledge Dr. Aceves and Dr. Alvarez are the only two that offer that. That I know of.

Also how much did the it cost from the moment you sent them your deposit to the day you came home? I need to know how much money to borrow.

I agree that your description of Mi Doctor is more apropos than mine. The correct words escaped me.... Buuuuuuuut.... Idk if I'd say that just the meek or those who cannot advocate for themselves need hand holding and may want to look elsewhere. If you're high risk. Have special medical circumstances you may not want your recovery to be in a hotel. A full service/full time hospital recovery may be needed. That wouldn't necessarily mean you're meek or you're a pushover (summarizing). You just require more care for medical reasons and/or peace of mind.

To the best of my knowledge Dr. Aceves and Dr. Alvarez are the only two that offer that. That I know of.

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.

Also how much did the it cost from the moment you sent them your deposit to the day you came home? I need to know how much money to borrow.

I used Dr. Aceves. His total last I saw was $8750. $500 deposit. The balance due when you arrive.

It includes everything but airfare and your "last meal" the night b4 surgery.

Check out Dr Ilian @ florence hospital $4000, 2 day at hospital, 2 at 4 star hotel , no drain, no deposit, no waiting period , no red tape no fat camp, no BS . super nice Dr, Omar his coordinator takes care of u send me Pm if u need more info . I paid 267 round trip atlanta to san diego !!!! what I know . I am down 17 lbs in 8 days

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.