Looking for buddies in Tucson. I am 64 and 5 1/2 months out. Had my Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana.

I live in Benson. May I ask you about your experience in Tijuana? Who was your surgeon? What facility did you go to? Did it go smoothly? And do you see your regular doctor for aftercare or did you have to go to someone new? Did you even talk to your regular doctor about it before going down for the surgery?

I don't know who to go to or what to do about physician aftercare once I return home. Did you end up finding a weight loss buddy?

My doctor was Dr Sergio Verboonen.

Dr Pounce assisted. They do gastric sleeves together. Dr. Rios arranged everything. He is a general surgeon also in practice with them at Obesity Goodbye Clinic in Tijuana. I had my procedure in a small private hospital. I spent 2 nights there and one night in a hotel. Dr Rios arranges transportation from the San Diego Airport and to other places you need to go. You can also have your surgery at the clinic. They have two rooms for patients and a surgery facility. You go from the airport to the clinic for pre-op tests and then to the hospital for surgery or stay at the clinic for surgery.

The care at the hospital was better than any care I have had in the states. I usually have horrible bruises from IV's etc. I literally had no bruises. They were very caring and did not rush,

My husband went with me and stayed at the hospital with me. They have a bench in the room to sleep on or couches at the end of the hall.

I did go to a bariatric seminar at Northwest Hospital and discussed going to Mexico with my primary. She said she would back me up as insurance wouldn't cover surgery. This clinic was given to me by another doctor who went there with her girlfriend who had her surgery in the hospital too.

I have been to my primary twice since surgery. She is very pleased with my progress.

I haven't found a weight loss buddy. My husband goes with me to the gym as much as possible.

Thank you!!