I am on track to have gastric sleeve surgery run through my insurance and approved. Earliest would be february, could be as late as May. I live in San Diego and Tijuana is 30 minutes away. I am feeling very tempted to go there and have the surgery in the much nearer future. Any thoughts from other experiences?

I had my surgery 2 weeks ago in Tijuana. The process was quick, I had the money and what took longest for me was the research. The overall booking and process with the location I went with was about a week then was able to schedule my surgery date a month out. I was nervous at first but was relieved when I arrived and met other people from all over the US getting their surgery on the same day as mine. We recovered together and was very comforting to know that I was not alone.

I doesn't hurt to look into it if you are curious. That's what I did and now I am 2 weeks post op and down 20 lbs from surgery day, and 30 from pre op weight. ????

This is not a reflection on any surgeon or clinic, but keep in mind that while the surgeon and his skill are of utmost importance, the other resources available are just as important for long term success. If you have the opportunity to select a clinic that offers a solid support system including a good nutritionist, psychologist, support groups and resources for needed follow-up care and questions that would be worth a lot.

I was lucky enough to go through a program that offers all of these and it has been very helpful. It seems like many people on here feel like they are alone without these resources to assist them. Many seem like they are lost, having to ask simple questions that were thoroughly explained and managed by the clinic I went through.

Cost and timing are important. Surgeon skill is very important. In addition the quality of the post-surgery support system is just as important.