Hello. I am to new to this. Read through tons of posts. So helpful. I am self-pay and Mecico is my only option. Dr. Lopez at a light me seems affordable and reputable.

Any advise on him or his hospital?

Are there hidden costs?

How many nights do you spend in hospital?

What pre-op diet does he require.

Thank you in advance for your help!!!

Tampa, scroll down to the Mexico and Self-Pay forum and you will get a ton of answers to your questions! I did not use A Lighter Me but there are plenty who have. I believe you will spend 2 nights in the hospital post-op and 2 nights in a hotel post-op. That will give you enough time to recover and feel pretty good on your trip home.

As for your other questions, those who have used Dr. Lopez can give you more details, every dr is slightly different.

Welcome to your Mexico sleeve adventure!

I paid already but don't have the surgery til June 19. No hidden fees except I'll be tipping the driver and stuff. I'm in Florida. If you are in Tampa, let's go together

Thank you for suggestion about posting in Mexico

Getlownurse, where in Florida? Are you going to Dr.Lopez? How long does it take from when fill out paperwork to when you have a date set for surgery?

Yes, dr lopez at mi doctor in TJ. Im close to Gainesville. I knew my surgery wouldn't be for like two months when I booked it, however, I could have done it within a week or so. It's just a matter of when the doc has openings because the paperwork takes like no time at all. From what I understand, he stays pretty steady, but not so much so that he's completely booked constantly.

Oh and yes, two days in the hospital then two days in the hotel. I'm serious, if you can wait 33 days, it would be way cool to have someone to go with. I'm going alone, how about you? Also, this chick on YouTube has a bunch of videos of the process. Her YouTube name is bigcouz52. She has videos of the hospital inside and out and the hotel room, talking with the dr etc. it helped me feel good about going.

Hey, neighbors! Just saw where you guys are from and wanted to welcome you to the forums. I live in Newberry, just outside of Gainesville.

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Susan, how sweet! Thanks

You are welcome!

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Thank you both. I live in Tampa but drive to Jacksonville for work and drive thru Gainesville. I am going to get on the phone tomorrow and try to narrow down a doctor. 33 days may be very doable. I just have to figure out work oh and get my passport. Mine was lost. I remember going through a rush service last time. Let's keep in touch. What made you decide on Dr. Lopez?

You can get a passport expedited and I think it takes like two weeks??

My criteria for a doctor:

Needed Mexico since that is my price range

Wanted a doc with a lot of experience but doesn't do like ten surgeries a day

Like zero leak rate

in Tijuana because i wanted a very short drive to/from airport

In a hospital

I narrowed it down to three or four surgeons and after reading a million stories on this and other forums, plus watching YouTube videos, dr. Lopez just seemed the right choice for me. I feel really good about it.

Good luck to you!