So i found a place to have surgery in Tijuana. It is very inexpensive and from what i have found online seems to be clean and very qualified. Has anyone had the surgery there or do you know anything negative about it? Would like to hear the info and stories.

There's a section here about docs and hospitals, and also I think an area on how to research a surgeon in Mexico (or something like that) Just remember you need an electron microscope to see viruses and a microscope to see bacteria so "seems to be clean" doesn't mean zip.

Just do your research; don't go on price alone. AND most important...make sure you have aftercare lined up before you go.

My stepdad had the gastric sleeve in Tijuana a few months ago. It went well though he didnt like the environment. He has no regrets but will not go back. He said one of his nurses was about 15 years old and that freaked him out but she did a good job and was trained by the doctor.

I was banded in Tijuana on July 2nd. Dr. Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center did my procedure and everything there was top-notch. Great staff, facility, surgeon and team were great as well. Only thing is I had to find a Dr. here in DFW to do the follow-up and fill. I picked him based on my friend going there. I trusted her opinion and she seems to be thriving.

Hi!

I was also banded in TJ by Dr. Ortiz/Martinez. I did do my research for a couple of months before deciding to go to TJ and to the OCC. There are several doctors who perform in TJ, and in other Mexico cities, however the OCC was right for me. I did not go on price, could have gotten it cheaper with other docs. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez is the best in my opinion, you might have seen him on Opra or the Doctors, he has been on both. The facility and the treatment are cleaner than most Hopitals that I have been to in the states. You are going to hear alot of bad things about Mexico, but if you have not been there and or had dealings, I dont know how you can go on that. You need to research the doctor of your choice, no different from the states. Most of the US doctors were taught by Mexico Doctors anway, as a matter of fact my fill doctor did her internship in TJ at the OCC with Dr. Ortiz and Martinez. You do need to make sure you have aftercare lined up. There are several Doctors that will not see you or who want to charge you an outrangous price just because you went to Mexico. I feel that doctors should want to help, just because insurance wont pay and you dont have 16000+ for surgery, they punish you for getting it done at a rate that you cant afford. The OCC staff picked me and the family who went with me up at the airport, was there waiting on me, took me to the facility, to the hotel the next day and back to the airport. I never had to travel by taxi, unless I wanted to do shopping etc...I stayed at the Lucerna and it was AMAZING, I had everything but a red carpet layed out for me there. If I had to do it again, I would do it in a heart beat! As far as being treated different ohhh yeah way different than the states. One more thing to add, Im not sure about anyone else just speaking from my experience, but in the states I was going to be banded and sent home the same day. In Mexico you stay overnight for observation,whether you are ok or you have or not. I dont do anthesia well and I did get sick from it. They check on me the entire night and the next morning took me and checked my band before I left to make sure everything was being that I was sick from the anthesia. Im not saying that would not have been the case here. I just wish some people would do there research before speaking. I know ALOT of people that have been banded here and are just as happy as I am with my results! Good luck to you, sorry this was so long!

Carrie

Hi Carrie,

Thought your article was interesting. I am checking into all options as my insurance does not cover the surgery. What was the cost of your surgery?? I think TJ sounds like a great option. Thanks, Dianne

I was banded on Thursday with Ortiz and Martinez. My experience was exactly the same as Carries, but I'd like to add that even the rooms felt like a day spa! I joked with them that all they need is a manicurist... =)

Oh, and also I asked to go back to the hotel the same night (because I felt bad that my husband couldn't stay with me), but I was the first surgery of the day so I was alert and walking around.

You can call them to get prices, I think it varies on location (because they also have a center in Cancun) and day of week and method of payment. Lori is who helped me with scheduling and paperwork over the phone and email.

I don't know if we are allowed to post prices or web links ( I haven't read the rules very carefully and am a newbie on the boards) so if you want to send a private message I'll tell you what I paid.

Dr. Ortiz is awesome! both my mom and I were banded by him. Carolyn was my patient care coordinator. They'll help you out.

I heart the OCC!

awesome place & staff + knowledable, effective, and HOT Dr.s! what else can you ask for?!

You can go to the OCC web site, and fill out a form and they will send you all of the information such as pricing directly to your email! Lori is extremely helpful! I got my surgery date yesterday and I am SOOOOO excited!