Hi all, I'm from southern Alberta and just 4 wks out from VSG. Just wondering why so many are going to Mexico and paying soooo much when this procedure is done here for free?

Shastasmom, I understand, it's a rollarcoster ride, the ups and downs. I'm more worried about the pre-op diet than the surgery I think. Barngirl is going down this Saturday for surgery on Sunday with him, so watch for her posts as well. How exciting it will be in six months or a year to see how well we've all done, and to think how worth it it all was!

I think JawaGal42 is heading there for Sept 4 as well.

Edited August 18, 201412 yr by Cody's mom

Any and all advice from those coming back from Mexico would be greatly appreciated!

Edited August 18, 201412 yr by Cody's mom

I am in BC and waited about 18 months before getting my call in January to start the program at Garrat. I will be going for my first surgeon consult with dr. Sampath at the end of July. They have been very thorough and I have had everything from bloodwork to sleep apnea testing done. I just had my 2nd appt. With physical activity counsellor today and have had 3 nutritionist appointments so far. I feel that they are really making sure I am ready for this before I get this done. Looking forward to the day I get my surgery date!!

I went through the same process so ask me any questions. Dr Sampath did my surgery May 1, 2014. I am down 54 pounds. Excellent process at Garret and Richmond General Hospital

I don't feel anyone should explain why you went out of the country to have the surgery, we are here for support not judgement.

I had great medical care in the time frame that worked for me with dr joya. Enough said

I hope all those who had surgery this month are doing well and had a positive experience!! Welcome to the losers bench ladies

I am in BC and waited about 18 months before getting my call in January to start the program at Garrat. I will be going for my first surgeon consult with dr. Sampath at the end of July. They have been very thorough and I have had everything from bloodwork to sleep apnea testing done. I just had my 2nd appt. With physical activity counsellor today and have had 3 nutritionist appointments so far. I feel that they are really making sure I am ready for this before I get this done. Looking forward to the day I get my surgery date!!

How is everything going? Did you get your date yet?

What Dr in Mexico did your sleeve?

@@kizzyfit, Dr. E Ortiz and he was excellent, no pain and easy recovery!

Ive just booked my surgery at ALM for feb 25! im excited but im nervous lol not so much about the surgery,ive wanted to make the leap for long time and the forums helped me decide it was time ! Im terrifed because have never been on a plane or left canada and im going solo LOL so its a 3 in 1 trip. Im a bit in aww and i think ive googled myself to death on travelling and if i have done everything right.Do i need a travel card to stay in mexico if so where do i get one if i land in san diego?Is Anyone else getting surgery around then ? HELP!!!

@@kerioki, you don't need a travel card, or anything, just your passport. You will be picked up right at the airport and taken to the hotel in Tijuana. It's so much easier that you think it could possibly be. I recommend getting small bills ($1, $5, $10 US) to tip the driver, the luggage guy at the hotel etc.

Shopping was fun, I got my heartburn meds at costco (along with several bottles of Bailey's Irish cream). You'll also need small bills for shopping when they take you.

Don't pass up the ice cream when they take you, it was wonderful, I had it the day I was released from the hospital and the next day.

There's a Walmart walking distance to the hotel, go do a little shopping.

Really the entire process was so much easier than I thought it would be, I went alone, and had no problems, and it was nice to meet everyone that was there doing the same thing.

Good luck and enjoy!

I had my sleeve done in Toronto. Yes I paid a lot for it but the end result is astonishing. I was not going to wait the 5 yrs plus that they have in Edm. Personally if you are obese, anywhere from 50 pounds plus, this option should be available to you. Good luck to those going thru the surgery. It is a decision that you won't regret!!!

I don't feel anyone should explain why you went out of the country to have the surgery, we are here for support not judgement.

I had great medical care in the time frame that worked for me with dr joya. Enough said

please tell me about your experience with dr joya

I live in Edmonton. The reason I chose Mexico was that it took many years for me to finally make the decision to go with WLS. Once I decided - I wanted to do it soon. I didn't want to wait years for a surgeon that only has adequate reviews just to get WLS for free. I also didn't want to jump through all the hoops of trying everything else first... I have already done that. I have an education - I am not ignorant about health and nutrition. I know I have issues to deal with around food and body image, but it has nothing to do with lack of knowledge. I was in complete despair around my weight and relationship with food before I made this decision. Now I have hope. I need a kick start (WLS), a good therapist and a support system. My emotional and physical health are well worth the dollars. Also, I found the paying clinics in Canada less open and transparent. The mexican clinics are very open about everything. You want information, you get it.

Juba - you still on here? I'm in Alberta and haven't considered checking to see if I can get it done here. Haven't seen doc yet. If I can get 1/2 back on taxes maybe I'll do it in Mexico. The place I'm looking at is $13,600 for just me (no companion) but they are a highly rated hospital and has a Canadian connection (WLF). Let me know if you see this - thank!

Hey Tracy I went thru a lighter me feb 25/15 it was 4200 us with dr.curiel you just pay flights ! is was an awesome experience I made a lot of new friends I was 285 n I am now 138 n doing marvellous as are my sleeve sisters n brothers

Sorry this is keroki lol