Hi, I have considered having a gastric sleeve multiple times and have recently decided to go forward with it.

I do have insurance but I don't have time to wait to find out if I will even be approved for surgery and I would like to pay out of pocket, therefore I am looking to have the surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. However, I would need help with financing the surgery. I know there are a few options to do so but I am curious if there are options from the various Doctors who perform the surgery or if they are all through third parties such United Medical Credit and E-Financing Solution?

If you use one of these two financial services does it cover medical only or does it cover flights as well?

For those who have used this site would you recommend Dr. J. Lopez or Dr. Zavalza?

Is it only certain doctors who will hold a Skype session with potential patients?

How quickly does it take to get approved for financial assistance and to schedule a surgery date?

For those who have had gastric sleeve surgery how long after surgery until you went back to work?

Do you need to bring your medical records with you?

I know many people have been in this situation or one similar, what was your experience?

All replies would be greatly appreciated.

I have a similar story. I have insurance also and have spent the last year fighting with them to get my surgery approved. I was denied just this week for the last time. I decided to have my sleeve in Mexico. I have clinicals that I'm doing this summer for school, so I have to put my surgery off until August or September. I have been looking into Dr. Jaime Ponce De Leon in Tijuana. I have just started looking into the Doctor and trying to find out as much info as I can. Glad I'm not the only one with so many questions. Good luck and I'll share any info I find.

I didn't do any financing but after doing a large amount of research I decided to get my sleeve through Dr.Zavalza and his team. The main reasons I chose Dr. Zavalza was because he has a two year follow up with his nutritionist Dr. Luna.

Dr.Zavalza is very transparent about his experience and his degrees, you can view all of his information, he posted it himself, some other Drs. I had a very hard time finding proof of education, that's a red flag for me! I was on the fence between Dr.Zavalza and another Dr., but the fact that he would put all if his information out there, really impressed me.

Dr. Zavalza was the only Dr. to Skype with you BEFORE you even pay. There is a support group for Dr.Zavalza and Dr.Luna patients on Facebook that is constantly monitored by both doth Drs. And they come in and answer questions, talk to you like friends and if he sees a post that might need a more urgent answer, he's Messaging you ASAP. I once asked a very innocent question in the support group about pain reliever and he instantly messaged me wanting to know if I was ok, what's wrong, are you in pain? I said I had a sore back but I was fine, he told me not to scare him like that! Lolol! I've Skyped twice now with Dr. Luna and he has been a huge help with any post op questions and nutrition. It's such a relief to know you have your surgeon and your nutritionist available to you at a moments notice. Dr.Zavalza even invites people who were sleeved by other Drs. That don't have post op support to join his group, so he can help them. Dr.Z and Dr. Luna gave me my life back, I was out for a week and went back to work no problem. I'm one month out and I've lost 25lbs.
I can't say enough about Dr.Z! ❤️

This is just my opinion, but if I were you I would simply save up the money for the procedure. That way you will pay less and give you time to collect what you need and to lose weight before your surgery.

I financed my surgery by borrowing against my retirement account. If you have a 401k or something similar, you should look into whether that is an option for you by contacting the brokerage company. The great thing about it is that you aren't actually withdrawing the money from the account, so you don't have to pay any taxes or fees and then you are essentially paying yourself back with interest.

did a Lil bit of research, then I finally found this group, got in contact with my coordinator, since I live close to Tijuana, I had the opportunity to visit all doctors Bariatric pal work with…Dr. J. Lopez filled my expectations, he treated me like a friend, also Skype with me before surgery, I don't know if he's the best, but he did a great job to me, I didn't get financial aid, I had my savings. I dropped more than 55 pounds already, no complications, I didn't need to bring my medical records, he did ask for my medical history, and they did all kinds of pre-op tests, EKG, X-rays.. etc.….I stayed at the hospital 2 nights, then another 2 extra days at the recuperation condo, went back home, and after a week, went back to work.

I just payed 3899 and they included everything, medical and surgical fees, 2 days at the hospital, two days at the recovery house, I heard a lot of people only stays 1 night at the recovery, I chose to stay 2 just to make sure I was doing ok.

Once they approve your financial aid, you can scheduled your surgery as quickly doctors are available, could be a week.

Overall, it was a great experience for me, my life quality has improve incredibly.

I WISH U LUCK!! and I say you should stayed with bariatric pal, I know they worked with experienced doctors.