So what was the process like once you decided to go to Mexico for surgery? What's the red tape? Was it simple or difficult? Are you happy you did it or do you wish you'd stayed near home?

No red tape. I used Dr. Guillermo Alvarez (www.endobariatric.com) and have had a great experience! I started my pre-op diet 4/27 and was sleeved 5/19. As of this morning I'm down 30.4 lbs and feel great! No complications at all, I haven't even thrown up once. You stay at a hotel in Eagle Pass, TX the night before & then the shuttle picks you up & takes you to the hospital the next morning. Literally only a few blocks over the border! I would recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone.

The research finding the right surgeon was the hardest part. I researched on various forums, searched records, verified credentials, called doctor's offices and coordinators and asked tons of questions. Took almost 6 months before I was ready to commit. Once I decided to go with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez at Obesity Control Center, the rest was easy. I booked my date, sent a deposit, and they emailed several information packets including a health survey to complete, pre and post op diet plans and a preop checklist to make sure all the details were clear and taken care of. I spoke with the cardiologist and the nutritionist before going down. I had the option to talk to or even skype with the surgeon but I didn't feel that I needed to.

I already had a passport, but that's something you should figure into your logistics if you don't. I booked my flights based on their recommended time schedules. My sister was flying in from somewhere else, so she did the same. If you are looking at going to Tijuana, you will be picked up at the San Diego airport and shuttled to your hospital or hotel. I had massive flight delays/cancellations, so I ended up getting into San Diego at 1am instead of 3pm the day before. I was in contact with Gloria from OCC during my traveling fiasco and she was great about making arrangements to accommodate my forever changing ETA. If you are looking at other Mexico destinations, I'm not sure how the transportation is done.

Once there, everything went incredibly smooth. The OCC and Marriott staff took care of everything. It was actually a fun mini vacation for my sister and I. I certainly didn't want to leave to come home. If it weren't for the crappy weather that affected my travel plans, there would have been nothing negative to report.