Hi All,

I am starting my investigation/research on whether to head on down to TJ (Dr. Kuri or Dr. Ortiz) or try to find someone near me in Cali (Inland Empire).

The reason I had considered Mexico was for 2 reasons:

1. I have met 2 clients, one of each Dr. in Mexico, who both HIGHLY recommend their Dr. Their experiences were GREAT and they have NO regrets!

2. COST!! For obvious reasons.

My insurance WILL not cover any kind of weight loss surgery. Per them, I don't qualify.

So due to that, I am left to pay cash. I have financial backing of up to 10k. But I don't know if that would be sufficient here in California.

So I ask you fellow bandsters....... do you have any recommendations, suggestions, stories to tell??

I am trying to gather as much information as possible so I can make the best decision.

Congrats to you all and I look foward to being one of your 'peeps' someday soon!

It is my opinion, that all self-pay people should seriously consider the gastric sleeve. Less chance of complications down the road that aren't covered, and less maintenance expense.

A lot of people think it is the real future of WLS. I'm one of them.

People with insurance coverage don't consider it because it usually isn't covered like the band or the full GB.

I agree about the sleeve. I'd also avoid TJ and Juarez as the violence there seems to escalate every day. There are plenty of good surgeons in other parts of Mexcio.

When I was researching, I ended up Dr. Rumblaut and Dr. Aceves on my short list, for example. Great reputations for both of them.

I ended up staying in CA though. I paid $17,000 for my sleeve (my program charges about 14000-15000 for the band) and it was worth it to me to get the most experienced sleeve surgeon in the US and to stay local to myself.

Edited March 29, 200917 yr by MacMadame

I'm sure you've thought of this, or been told, but don't forget to research aftercare and fills in your planning. Sometimes it is hard to find a doctor who will treat/fill you if they didn't do the surgery. If you are close enough to go back to Mexico for your aftercare, or if you have doctors nearby who will treat you, then it isn't a problem. Also, wherever you decide to have your surgery, see if aftercare and fills are included in the cost. I was self pay and paid $12,900, which included the surgery, aftercare, and fills for 2 years. Good luck to you!!! Becky