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I'm new in this and really looking into doing my sleeve in Mexico. Any and all suggestions, pros and cons would be greatly appreciated. I will be a self pay patient..

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Hi there,

I did not go to Mexico but you may get more responses (and more information) posting in the Mexico/Self pay forum.

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/114-self-pay-mexico-vertical-sleeve-surgery-new-forum/

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I considered Mexico for myself and just couldn't bring myself to going there for it. Most people on here have said the first week is rough and the idea of getting on a plane and flying home miserable didn't appeal to me at all! Many people have had good luck with MX, don't get me wrong, I'm impressed with them. It truly is a decision everyone has to make for themselves. Good luck with whatever you decide!

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Hi!

I went to Mexico. I went with dr. Alvarez and I loved it. I was so nervous and read all the blogs and every piece of information I could find. I was obsessed with knowing everything. It was a breeze. I highly recommend it! I had mine done with dr. Alvarez July 15th. I started at 267. Today I am 185. It has been the best decision I ever made. I read people sayin that and would thing whatever but trust me. You will not regret it. Check out dr. Alavarez. Very nice staff. Right over the border was important to me and you can practically see the US from there. ;) message me if you have any questions! ;)

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Hi! I went to Mexico. I went with dr. Alvarez and I loved it. I was so nervous and read all the blogs and every piece of information I could find. I was obsessed with knowing everything. It was a breeze. I highly recommend it! I had mine done with dr. Alvarez July 15th. I started at 267. Today I am 185. It has been the best decision I ever made. I read people sayin that and would thing whatever but trust me. You will not regret it. Check out dr. Alavarez. Very nice staff. Right over the border was important to me and you can practically see the US from there. ;) message me if you have any questions! ;)

Yup he's the best!

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Thanks everyone! I've about got my mind made up ... My family (mom mainly) on the other hand is not being so open to the whole Mexico idea :unsure: I'm not sure what it'll take to get her to come around to the idea or if she'll ever

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I went to Tijuana Mexico for my surgery, using Dr. Ismael Cabrera. My surgery and recovery, both, were/have been very smooth and I've had no problems. I had surgery September 25, 2013 and have lost 37 lbs. as of today... started at 263 lbs. It was a great experience and I never once felt unsafe. My sister, who is a cardiac nurse, was so impressed with the overall process, that she is now going back to TJ to have surgery herself! Good luck to you!

Edited by dkandsm

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I'm new in this and really looking into doing my sleeve in Mexico. Any and all suggestions' date=' pros and cons would be greatly appreciated. I will be a self pay patient..[/quote']

I

Hi chonda- I started researching the sleeve in February 2013 and I found out that my insurance won't cover it at all. There's no way I could afford the cost of the hospitals around here as a self pay and I have to be honest, at first when someone suggested Mexico I freaked out! But after doing research my decision came down to two doctors and out of the two of them I decided on Dr. Arielle Ortiz with the OCC. There are two people specifically here that I have been following on their progress. I recommend going to the self-pay in Mexico category and you will see many of the conversations there, and there is one of Dr. Arielle Ortiz. My surgery is scheduled for February 17, 2014.

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I had an amazing experience in TJ MX. I had dr. Ponce de leon, $5500 out the door. It was fantastic. I have had the best results.

ITs not scary or a weird thing to do, A Lot of people do it and I went alone.

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The reason why I would never consider it, you have no legal recourse if things go bad. However, many do based on price. Dr Alveraz seems to have a huge following and many You Tube success stories. I also feel sucess is increased with a great post op support group. I'm not talking about an on line group. I am still pre-op but attend the monthly support group where my proceedure will be done. I have learned so much and have had all my questions answered face to face with those that have been there and done that. At yesterdays support group we had a very good trainer that works with bariatric patients come in and talk about exercise for one hour. Than a group session for 1 hour. Great information. This support is available for life and its convient for me.

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Ariel Ortiz fan all the way. No regrets!

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I went to Mexico with my wife and we both got sleeved by Dr. Garcia. We loved it. Ready4Achange was amazing. I speak spanish and my first wife was from mexico so I had been to mexico many times and was not particularly scared. My "gringa" wife was scared witless but when we got to the hospital and met the people she was fine. Everything went very smooth.

I would absolutely go to mexico again, and we will likely go again for plastics if needed. I would only not recommend going to mexico if you have issues that may complicate your surgery (stomach problems, some serious illness, prior stomach surgeries ,etc). Remember, if you go, there is no follow up care besides you calling down there if you have an issue. That's the big "con" to mexico. But the cost and service are great.

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I'm doing my research right now and I think I'm going to go with Dr.Alvarez. That's about all I can say about it. In the past few months I've read so much, talked to patient coordinators, watched endless youtube videos (which to me have been soooo helpful and encouraging). If you look at youtube there are so many vlogs of people who have used the surgery well and not well. Arm yourself with information and go with your heart.

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