This is my first post. I will try not to write a book. If this is in the wrong forum I apologize.

I have been researching the gastric sleeve surgery for a while now. At my last doctor appointment in December, with my endocrinologist, he suggested that it could be an option for me because I have uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. To be honest I dismissed it right away because I was embarrassed that I would even qualify for weight loss surgery. At that time I weighed 248 BMI 36.5 and my A!C was 11.2. Since then I have been doing my best to eat low carb and get my diabetes under control. I also have hashimotos thyroid and this makes losing weight even harder. I have managed to lose 22 pounds in the past 4 months and have hit a wall. I always hit a wall and I am tired of being frustrated. I have lost and gained the same 25-30 pounds for the past 6 years and added dealing with type 2 diabetes 3 years ago. I am already taking metformin and Victoza and my doctor said if I can't get my A1c down insulin is my nest step. My ideal weight is 145 and I feel like I will never get there on my own.

Am I crazy to be thinking about going to Mexico to have gastric sleeve surgery? My current BMI is 32 with the 22 pounds I lost so my insurance won't cover the surgery. They said I have to have at least 35 BMI and then with my type 2 they would approve me. I am not going to gain weight just to qualify for surgery. I have made some progress on my own, but I really want the help that this surgery could give me as well as the likely-hood that my diabetes would improve greatly.

I am looking for advice from anyone in a similar situation that chose surgery. Are you happy with your decision?

Thank you.

Mexico is a great choice. I'm living witness. You get better hospital care, longer stay, the doctors, nurses, and staff are more attentive and they make sure you are doing well.

Going to Mexico to have my surgery was one of the best choices I have ever made. You are in wonderful hands!!

8 hours ago, GBLady41 said:

Mexico is a great choice. I'm living witness. You get better hospital care, longer stay, the doctors, nurses, and staff are more attentive and they make sure you are doing well.

Going to Mexico to have my surgery was one of the best choices I have ever made. You are in wonderful hands!!

Thank you so much for affirming my decision. I will be on a plane this time tomorrow headed to San Diego for surgery Monday morning. I will update this thread with my experiences as I am able.

Edited May 13, 20179 yr by Apple1

Good luck Apple 1!!! You'll do great! Im going next month for surgery!

On 5/13/2017 at 10:01 AM, Apple1 said:

Thank you so much for affirming my decision. I will be on a plane this time tomorrow headed to San Diego for surgery Monday morning. I will update this thread with my experiences as I am able.

Good luck! I am planning to go early July. Can't wait to hear your view on your stay and progress.

I had a GREAT experience with WLS in Tijuana. I definitely got better care than in a US hospital and my surgeon (Dr Ramos Kelly) visited me twice a day in the hospital and once a day in the hotel where I went to recuperate for a couple more days after being discharged. I've also kept in contact with him since I've returned home and he continues to answer questions and provide guidance.

My insurance would not cover surgery for me and the cost for self-pay in the US was astronomical so that was not an option. Medical Tourism is very important to Mexico so the assumption by folks that it is unsafe is unfounded and shows your lack of current and accurate knowledge of the industry. On this website, if 1 person shares a complication, many immediately blame all medicine in Mexico. And yet the majority of complications we read about are happening to patients who have surgery in the US - so that same mindset should make people afraid of surgery in the US. Crazy how your bias can skew your perception of reality?! My point is Mexico can be a very safe and affordable option for people who aren't lucky enough to have the right insurance.

Thank you @MarinaGirl for sharing your experience. I am in Mexico now relaxing in my hotel room with my husband. Everyone with Bariactric Pal team Mx has been very nice so far. our valet Luis is bringing me so homemade broth and a traditional Mexican meal for my husband. We will take a nap and he will come back later and take us for a little tour of Tijuna.

I will try and update tomorrow evening after my surgery.

@Apple1: Good luck with surgery tomorrow!!

I loved the chicken broth at Hotel Lucerna, where I stayed after surgery. I squeezed fresh lime juice in it, which made it even yummier! I also went on a tour of TJ the afternoon before surgery and that was a good distraction. All the best!!

Edited May 14, 20179 yr by MarinaGirl

I know your feelings..I am going to the Prado center in tj mexico. I can't afford the other prices, I am tired all the time I have brain fog every day while trying to work and I find myself not even eating most days and I am getting fatter and fatter. I am so desperate the doctors here tell me...go to the gym eat right oh there is nothing wrong with you...I know something is wrong, I can't get too much heavier I will not be able to do my job. Uggh

Thank you so much for affirming my decision. I will be on a plane this time tomorrow headed to San Diego for surgery Monday morning. I will update this thread with my experiences as I am able.

I'm excited for you!! [emoji2]

Today is the day. I will be leaving for the Oasis of Hope hospital at 8:30. I have been awake since 5:00. I am surprisingly calm right now. I am ready to start this journey to reclaiming my health. See you all on the losers bench!!

Today is the day. I will be leaving for the Oasis of Hope hospital at 8:30. I have been awake since 5:00. I am surprisingly calm right now. I am ready to start this journey to reclaiming my health. See you all on the losers bench!!

You will do amazing!!!
Hugs & prayers!
FYI - 10 days!!!

Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Today I am three days post op and I wanted to come back to this thread , my first on this sight, and answer my own question. No I was not crazy for considering surgery and having it done in Mexico with Bariactric Pal.

My experience thus far has been amazing. Everyone has been very nice and has taken such good care of my husband and I. I am feeling better everyday and I know I made the best decision. I have not taken any of my medication for type 2 diabetes and my bs has been completely normal so far.

I'm so happy for you!!!

On 3/13/2017 at 7:51 AM, SweetPeaGracie said:

I had my surgery in Mexico 3 weeks ago and had a awesome experience. No complications and I am down 22 lbs so far. I paid 4395.00 for the gastric sleeve.

Who did you use for your surgery?