I am scheduled to get sleeved in April with Dr. Rodriguez through Beliteweight. I would like to hear from anyone with experience with them. Thanks

one more review just came in !!!

I had gastric sleeve surgery on 11/05/2014. I started ~ 280 lbs., I am now 215. I haven't tried hard to loose weight more than just what naturally came off due to the surgery. I seem to have plateaued now and if I am going to loose more I need to exercise more and watch my diet but 65 lbs. has made a lot of difference in my health and wellbeing.

My wife had the same surgery in 6/2012. She went from 260 to her current 115. She is radical about it, walks 6 miles a day and limits nutritional intake.

My wife is an RN, I've been an EMT for years. Their hospital in Juarez is clean, everyone is professional. My wife say's they are putting more effort into English speaking staff for the Americans from when she was there vs. when I went (she came with me).

The Docs speak good English, 50% of staff mediocre, 25 % no habla.... My wife and I both agree care was adequate/appropriate. Floor equipment is antiquated by US standards, but surgical equipment seemed current and up to date for their specialty procedures.

There are no frills, I'd just encourage you to get up and moving after sx.

Neither of us had any complications or infections. Normal recovery, after about a week I returned to work with no problem.

We flew in to El Paso, driver picked us up at the airport, got us over the border in and out with no problems.

Good luck.

I enjoy reading these reviews

This review is from last night!

Hi Rose,

I'm so sorry its taken me days to answer you. I work a crazy schedule and knew it would take me a few minutes to respond.

I would be happy to answer any questions you have about belite, surgery, the hospital, the border, and anything else you have questions with. I'm an open book, so if I don't cover something feel free to ask....even things that sound/seem gross....I also work in healthcare...so nothing is gross to me.

I guess I'll just kinda start at the beginning of my journey and go from there. I really did my research about Belite and going across the border from the beginning. My psychologist is actually who brought it up to me (she had a patient do it), I had been denied three times by my insurance to have it in the states, and I was devastated. I was honestly to the point of feeling like I was dying one way or another (life in general or on the operating table). I was scared to death....up until they were putting me on the operating table and sedating me.

I went through Belite and their financing program. I actually went by myself, because I have a child that I needed my parents to take care of. I went to Juarez so I flew to El Paso from San Antonio and there was a driver waiting for me at baggage, a very nice man. It took about an hour to get across the border, but it was around 3pm and school was getting out and lots of traffic. Once in Mexico we went straight to the hospital (Star Medica) (about 15 min or so). The hospital is secure and has a secure parking lot and guards at the entrance. The driver escorted me in and showed me where I needed to be...that parts a little confusing. When you walk in there are some glass doors towards the back wall on the left, if he had not taken me in I don't know if I would have known exactly where to go. So that was registration, the ladies there did not speak English very well so they called one of the doctors (the psychologist...Dr. Calderon I think...sorry). He spoke perfect English and got all the paperwork done with me, I paid the balance, he escorted me to have a chest Xray, then to my room, ordered me my last meal, and set up testing for the evening (EKG and blood work, ekg was an old ekg machine...or at least in my opinion, but worked fine and didn't scare me or anything, reminded me of school kinda). I was very anxious so he ordered me a Xanax for bed to sleep. I was scheduled for the next morning for surgery. Of course all night they wake you up and take vitals...just like normal in any hospital. They did tell me that I could leave the hospital that night as long as I checked in and out...there is a mall and movie theatre across the street, but there was no way I was leaving my secure surroundings to wonder around Mexico and I would not recommend it to anyone...even if you don't go alone.

The next morning a nurse came and brought me towels and soap and had me shower and she changed my bedding. Then I waited....for what seemed like forever for surgery. Anesthesiologist came and visited with me....she even prayed with me since I was scared. Then about 30 min later they took me to the operating room, where support hose were put on me and a bonnet over my hair. Then the Anesthesiologist was there again making sure I was ok and reassuring me she was there and with me. Then off to sleep I went. I faintly remember being in recovery....I mostly remember them saying my name....then I was in my room again.

I slept on and off and tried to walk as much as possible like they recommend. There was some pain...I could tell when I was getting close to another dose of pain meds. I also had nausea (but I get nausea with anesthesia...I get nausea anyways). So they gave me meds for that to. So heres where it might get nasty, but with me you get the good, the bad, and the ugly. I did get sick at one point and threw up a huge blood clot...not gonna lie it hurt and looked nasty, but afterwards I actually felt better. So continued with the walking, sleeping, walking, sleeping....until they brought me ice chips...then sucked on them some (your mouth is so dry). Of course again you have constant attention with vitals and meds and IV fluids. The staff was awesome, I had a great nurse named Ruben that prayed with me and let me cry when I hurt (I jokingly called him my mom). I can honestly say I was treated better there than I have ever been treated in the states at a hospital (with the exception of when I gave birth). I can also honestly say the hospital was so much cleaner than hospitals in the states (I have worked in several here and do now). Some of the nurses spoke broken English (they give you a sheet to translate and point, but I never had to use it). There was always a doctor and nurse that spoke perfect English though, so if I called for a nurse and they couldn't understand me someone was there with in minutes that could. Mostly its the housekeeping staff that didn't speak English (they would just say "trash" and take out the trash) and the nurses that take your vitals and help you bathe.

So night two was a little rough...I could only lay on one side because you have a drain in and the drain is uncomfortable. Once the drain was out the next day I was pretty much pain free except for when I tried to "eat" (broth, jello, tea, ice). Again nurse helps you shower and bathe. So you also have the "leak" test on day three. NASTY! Doctor takes you to a fluoroscopy machine and you drink contrast and they check for leaks...I gagged...no joke. Its not like barium if you have ever had that...its a thin liquid like water...but tastes like crap! You only have to get a little down, then they let you rinse your mouth.

After that your done...you keep your walking up and then your ready to go home. I did have a different driver on the way back (he was waiting for me at registration, who was so sweet, he was like a tour guide on the way back pointing out historical sites and even offered to stop and let me shop if I wanted to. It did not take long at all to get back across the border. They did ask for my passport, why I was there, and I declared my medication and they opened my bag and looked at it and that was it.

I honestly feel that this has saved my life and I have no regrets. It is in no way easy or a magic solution. You will have pain, you will cry, you will have struggles, but I promise its all worth it. You will be so bored with protein shakes and soups at the beginning, just know it gets better and you will feel so much better!! I never went back to caffeine and that was my drug of choice and I feel so much better. I'm allergic to aspartame so I don't put that in my body and I feel great. I also don't have the health problems I did 165 pounds ago!! Its amazing!

My surgery date was October 4th, 2012. So my stats are: Started at 324 (I did prediet for 3 weeks), went into hospital at 302, and I'm at 158. So down 166 pounds total. I'm 5'10" and my personal goal was 180, but I kept loosing and its been great. I have stabilized at this point and I really have no desire to loose anymore (I'm a tall German gal). Was a size 26 and down to a Medium/Large & 8/10.

Oh let me give you some advise while I'm writing this novel...ha! Take Gas-X strips with you....they really help...I used them while in the hospital and for about two months after. They also are great for after that nasty leak test cause they are minty. Take as little as possible. I took a nightgown, a change of clothes, several panties, and toiletries. I took my computer and a book and I didn't end up looking at either. I watched TV and slept...honestly I wasn't bored. They do have English stations. I made a friend there that was having surgery the same day and we still talk...so look for the others pushing their IV pole around and walking...helps time go by faster when you have someone to walk with and to lean on once your home.

Once your home....your not gonna poop like normal....you don't eat anymore...but it will eventually happen. Watch for signs of dehydration (at first you can only take tiny little sips and its very hard to get your water in). I did end up having two IV's for fluid in the first month. That's the only complication I had. It gets to where you can take bigger sips. Chew, chew, chew...chew til its nasty almost. Follow the rules and you will do fine. You may find things that don't agree with you...like I have to eat moist meat...or have gravy on it. Your body lets you know pretty fast whats not gonna work...but it will eventually. My taste has totally changed, things I used to like do not taste good anymore and honestly its for the best....its things I shouldn't be eating. Its awkward for your friends and family....for you to sit there and not eat....just tell them its weird for them not you...they also tend to question if your "allowed" to eat things. Wow this has just been one big run on sentence/email.

I hope all this has been helpful. I wish someone had written me a novel with step by step instructions. Please do not hesitate to call me or email me with anything you need. Support is very important in this. I'm gonna attempt to attach some photos for you. The heavy one is not even my heaviest...I wouldn't let people take my pic so I don't have one at my heaviest. Hope all this helps...sorry its so long!!

Sincerely,

Kriste

One More!

My VSG was amazing I talked with Joanne made my deposit online.. was supposed to have surgery on 2/19 because I didn't have my bc.. but on 2/18 found my bc, called Jamie and headed down i'm 4 hrs away. They weren't able m to get me across the border at 1030 at night traffic was bad so we stayed at the border in motel 6 very clean & friendly. Joanne met us at border station parking at 8 am went straight across got to hospital with 5 mins literally. She dropped us at front & went to park she signed me in and right away lab tech called me back to changing room, I changed into gown from waist up and immediately they did x-ray, was released to change back and go to lab waiting room wasn't there 2 mins and name was called to get blood drawn.painless and clean, went back to admissions desk, signed admittance paperwork and up the elevator to our room with private bath..translator came in explained how they all wear uniforms if we need anything but most staff speak basic English I gowned up and Dr Rodriquez and Dr Elmo came in, they were both so easy going... Dr Rodriquez held my hand said u have questions or concerns I looked him in the eye n told him take good care of me I have little ones to get home to. He squeezed my hand and said don't worry sweetie you'll be fine turned shook my husbands hand asked if he had any questions and I was off to the elevator. Was in pre-op for about 15 mins seemed like 4 ever every damn scenario was going through my head.. then it was go time. They put me to the or table anesthesiologist came by introduced her self asked me some questions.. explained her part in procedure.. docs came in Dr. Rodriquez said prayer with my consent. Next thing I knew I was in recovery it was easy .. had some mild discomfort in shoulders they explained it was from gas.. and gave me meds through iv. 1/2 hr later I was back in room with hubby.. it was comfortable, hospital is bright n clean. Not at all like some of the clinics claiming to be hospitals.. day of surgery I was up walking halls within 3 hrs of getting back to room, nurses were in every 45 min to an hr checking on me , vitals or meds.. doc Rodriquez and Dr. Elmo came in that evening .. he said surgery took him 25 mins everything was very simple and i should expect great results..they also gave me my certificate of staples with operative report at that time. Next morning I had leak test all came back great, I was cleared for ice chips jello juice tea.. I was in heaven that evening I got broth. They took out drain and iv that afternoon and I was begging to go home I left my 2 yr old disabled daughter for the 1 st time since she was born, I was feeling great n wanted to be home with her. Joanne and Dr Rodriquez discharged me and I was on my way. Hospital staff were beyond amazing and Alberto the driver got us back over the border before the medical lane closed. He was a great conversationist. We got home around 3 am Wednesday morning, I have received numerous calls from Joanne and Jamie and even a text from Alberto saying if i would return to tj he would be my driver.overall i'm glad i paid my couple grand more to be in a true hospital with reqular follow up care, you'll get your med pack your copy of leak test and x-rays all before leaving, I work in a US hospital and hubby is medical professional in the army and Angeles Hospital and Beliteweight.com exceeded our expectations and then some with not just surgery but overall experience. Medical tourism to Tijuana is highly relevant when u cross the border, but I have to say I felt I was in the best hands possible in a secure facility. I wish you the best....

Well, I am sitting in the El Paso airport waiting for my flight home. Everything went great. The doctors and staff are very nice. Everyone was very accommodating. Dr. Rod was helpful and eager to answer all of my questions. I am sore now 2 days post surgery but nothing unbearable. The doctor came in to take my drain out and asked me if I was ready to cry. I became worried. He asked me if I wanted to hold my moms hand. As I grabbed her hand he started to take his gloves off. He was done! He was funny. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I can't wait to start seeing results. Good luck to everyone.

Well, I am sitting in the El Paso airport waiting for my flight home. Everything went great. The doctors and staff are very nice. Everyone was very accommodating. Dr. Rod was helpful and eager to answer all of my questions. I am sore now 2 days post surgery but nothing unbearable. The doctor came in to take my drain out and asked me if I was ready to cry. I became worried. He asked me if I wanted to hold my moms hand. As I grabbed her hand he started to take his gloves off. He was done! He was funny. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I can't wait to start seeing results. Good luck to everyone.

I am glad everything went well. Keep us posted with you recovery!

Wonderful news!

Hi. I love what you have done here. I am having my surgery in 3 weeks with Dr. Rod and was starting to get nervous. So this helped a lot. Thank you!

Hi. I love what you have done here. I am having my surgery in 3 weeks with Dr. Rod and was starting to get nervous. So this helped a lot. Thank you!

Thank you. I have about 2 more that I need to post. I hope that I get to it today. Please keep us posted on your progress after surgery

My wife and I are having surgery May 20th in Tijuana, thank you everyone for all of your comments it has been encouraging and helpful!

Does any one has any advice on how to kick start the pre-op diet? I plan to keep it simple by doing 2 protein shake and a light salad for dinner with meat as a protein source. I am starting pre-op diet after July 4th weekend. My surgery is July 24th.

Definately a positive for me too. I am on day 4 of the pre-op diet and doing great. Just one more week. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. I'm ready for this new chapter in my life.

How are you doing now Lilly. I just wanted to get some feedback form your experience since my date is closely approaching. July 24th.

RoseFlourish - thank you for your research!! I've just sent in my deposit and should have surgery Sept 24. If I read the posts correctly you are scheduled tomorrow. Good luck and God bless. Can't wait to hear the good, the bad and the ugly!!

Toni

Good luck!!!

rose, how are you doing? I'm hoping everything went ok!