Hi there, I am considering going to Mexico for the gastric sleeve. How many days does it take to travel and recover before you can return to the States?

Also, are there requirements regarding BMI and health factors, such as insurance requires to qualify for the surgery? I am at a BMI of 39.3 or something to that extent. I do not have major medical issues -yet-, but I am headed down that road it seems. Thanks in advance for your input!

Hi Lisa,

I am going to Mexico to be sleeved on November 16th. Super excited!! I think most surgeons down there require that you stay for at least 3 days. So you would have surgery day, 3 days after that to heal, and then leave the day after that. I think they do some blood tests and an EKG the morning of your surgery, but otherwise you don't have to do all the tests they require in the U.S. The surgeons in Mexico have one all inclusive price which includes a ride from the airport in San Diego, your hotel stay, meds after surgery, etc. I don't think your BMI is too high. My BMI is 42.5 and my surgeon's office is having me do a 2 week pre-op diet to lose 5-10% of my weight. It consists of protein shakes and dark leafy greens. Not great, but I've already dropped some weight! Are you thinking of going to Mexico for your surgery? Research is key when going down there. There are a lot of surgeons in Tijuana and you definitely want to do your research to find a good one. ????

Edited November 6, 201510 yr by Boogirl6

I flew in on a Friday, surgery Friday evening and went home on Tuesday. Back to work on Wednesday.

I'm having the sleeve with Dr. Elias Ortiz in Tijuana on December 21st. Fly in the 20th and out on the 25th.

Am I the only one who thinks it's weird that a doctor is trolling this website looking for new patients and trying to drum up business? I'm pretty sure my doctor wouldn't do that because he's too busy actually working. Seems a little desperate to me. Just saying!!

Hi Dr. A. I have joined the group and am likely going with you as my surgeon for the gastric sleeve. Does your office use or reccomend a specific financing company? I would like to have the surgery done sooner than later. Thank you!

Am I the only one who thinks it's weird that a doctor is trolling this website looking for new patients and trying to drum up business? I'm pretty sure my doctor wouldn't do that because he's too busy actually working. Seems a little desperate to me. Just saying!!

I'm so sorry you think that way, maybe, he likes to help his patients, and he can do that by performing only 3 surgeries per day and not 10 or more, which is pretty unprofessional, and maybe that's the reason he can have time for his patients..just saying, don't hate, just learn. You are also welcome to join our support groups, to see how we really care about our patients health, the service we offer, and is not all about having hundreds of patients in one week, we offer quality service and an excellent - qualified - certified surgeons, I invite you to make your research on them.

Best regards,

Ana Téllez

This website was created for weight loss surgery patients to share information and stories. It's not free advertising for a doctor who can't get patients any other way than to fish for them on a patient support website. I understand that you're getting paid to say what you have to say, so whatever. I just think it's desperate and honestly really annoying. It's like reading something you're actually interested in and then having an advertisement pop up. Annoying.

Hey Boogirl, I think I can understand where you are coming from, or at least see how it could be off-putting. However, bariatric pal itself has a vested interest in selling their surgical packages not only for profit, but also for the convenience and safety of the patients. My first experiience with a bariatric surgeon was locally at a seminar. He seemed to have a great program. Unfortunately, he was a little on the aloof side, and gave the impression that he couldn't care less if you went to him for surgery; I didn't care for that. But in reality, he could have many satisfied patients that thought his program was great despite what I thought. The proof of patient satisfaction with Dr. Altimirano is easily found online, and this is why I am going with him. Best regards!

The difference between other people advertising on this site and the way you guys do it, is that you prey on people. You look for people who post using the key word "Mexico". I guarantee it. How else would you find these people?? Are you really honestly going to tell me that you don't search these people out? I would hope that people do some research before going with the first doctor that jumps in their face, but whatever. That's up to them!

I had mine done at Angeles Health in Tijuana! It came with a 2 night hospital stay included in the price. Since I was living in San Diego at the time it was pretty easy for me to travel home after, but I think they offer transportation to the airport if you fly.