Dr. Ponce / Dr. Frayre, Tijuana

[MrsPenguin 103]

I had sleeve surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Frayre from Ponce Bariatrics on December 5th. Like anyone, I was nervous about going over the border for this and my family was pretty freaked out about that, although they supported me in making this decision.

I had the single port surgery through my belly button ($6,000), and for an additional $700, they took out my gal bladder as well through the same hole. My starting weight was 210 lbs, 34 BMI, and 5'6" tall.

I had a friend who had gone through Dr. Ponce and had a great experience, so that is why I chose them. Dr. Frayre is another surgeon who works with Dr. Ponce and I was told that they always do surgeries together, even though I can't verify that, as I never saw or met Dr. Ponce.

I won't lie, the first couple of days were rough, and it was my first major surgery, so I have nothing to compare to, but I do believe I received excellent care. I am a total sissy when it comes to pain and I really think I have a lower than normal tolerance for it. I was in a sort of tiny hospital called "INT clinic"...only about 12 or 14 rooms total and I had a room to myself with bathroom and walk in shower. The nurses were great and so responsive, even though they spoke little to no English.

My single port incision is about an inch long, and located not so much IN my belly button, but at the top of it which was different from what I thought. I have a very deep and narrow belly button, and they have to get all their instruments through that hole, so maybe that is why. I also had a very small drain incision. From my experience, I wouldn't say my recovery was faster with this surgery, but if you want less scars, this may be what you want to choose. You could save $1,000 and just go with the regular surgery and have 4 or 5 tiny incisions.

But I am healing well after 10 days and no issues. I do believe Dr. Frayre and Dr. Ponce are accomplished surgeons. I was told Dr. Frayre had the sleeve surgery himself.

This is long, but I hope this info is helpful.

Sent from my SM-N910G using the BariatricPal App

[SweetPeaGracie 30]

Why did you have gall bladder removed at the same time?

[Shereseed 24]

Thank you for posting this. I am having the sleeve surgery on 7/12 at Ponce Bariatrics. I am super nervous! This eased some of my concern.