The dubious nature of having gastric sleeve in Mexico. Complaints about Ready4achange.com?

[JKennedy]

I'm considering very much to undergo the sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. I've watched horror stories of Americans travelling to another country where the poor standards and other aspects cause massive disfigurements. Now instead of watching 20/20, I'm reading the stories online.

The cost savings in Tijuana are too good not to consider. I've looked at reviews of surgeons but the companies that represent them seem a little dubious. Ready4achange has a particular doctor that I might want to book in October with, but after some quick reviews there are a lot of things going on:
complaintsboard.com/complaints/ready4achange-clinica-victoria-dr-rafael-velasco-marin-c591242.html

Another alarming page - WRONGFUL DEATH - dockets.justia.com/docket/louisiana/lawdce/2:2012cv00991/122791/

Saving 15k is not worth the potential of death. Is there anybody that has had similar worries and/or a possible solution to still saving money.

[suegirl]

Most of the Mexico surgeries, as best as I can tell, we done with this doctor at Jerusalem Hospital in Tiajuana Dr. Mario Almanza | Leading Baratric Weight Loss Surgeon In The World

[CuirousGeorge]

I did not go to Mexico. I went to Las Vegas. As a self pay my surgery was just under 16K.....don't know if that is comparable to your area or not. I am so happy I had my surgeon and worked with a Bariatric Center of Excellence. Yes, it's the price of a car, but my body is worth it. I received excellent care and follow up !

[Mushaboomer]

I had a fantastic experience in Mexico. I dealt directly with Dr. Ortiz's office to book my surgery. The big difference was I had complete control over my flights and any questions I had were answered by him or his staff. I looked into doctors who had companies doing this, but I actually saved money comparing the two. I absolutely wanted Dr Ortiz and I couldn't be happier. Mind you, I'm Canadian, so I probably have a much different perspective on health care.

[Phoenixrise]

I had a great experience as well. Also we always have our news based on San DIego and Mexico and now is about the safest time to travel to Mexico or Tijuana. What they don't tell you all in your news is violence in TJ is due to the drug cartel feuding with one another. Crime in TJ is down 30% and all I can say is if all those stories you read or true then more than half of my friends that are going wouldn't come back. I can be brutally honest and tell you I had one bad experience myself in TJ i didn't go back for like 4 years because i was so scared but if I told you why you would laugh. As long as you are not doing something you have no business then you will be fine. Plus EVERYONE KNOWS TJ has the worlds most crooked police they will tell you if you pay them they will leave you alone. I am laughing writing this because I know how TJ is but trust I had friends who lived there and know people who live there. It is not as bad as it seems I guess it is like putting LOS ANGELES in TIJUANA same amount of crime etc. I try to tell everyone there is nothing to worry about. No one is really thinking about YOU PARTICULARLY, GET WHAT I AM SAYING? I try to tell everyone that there are so many American's living in TJ you just don't know. All I can say is for many who want this surgery and can't afford it TJ is our main option. It was mine. I paid 3800 and I couldn't have gotten that in the US. I had great service and more. I am very happy and please with my surgeon and the results I am having. Do your research and choose someone you know you want to do your surgery. Check out the groups. I don't think anyone here has had a bad experience in TJ itself.

[itsmytime]

I went to Tijuana and I won't lie--I was a little scared. I'd never traveled out of the country. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I was always with the drivers when I was out of the hospital and never felt scared. I actually felt pretty secure! I wondered what I was so scared of. I've heard of stories about tourists that are out at the clubs at night but if you are going for surgery--you probably won't be wanting to hit the clubs lol. There are also some 5 star hotels in Tijuana. Hotel Pueblo Amigo--Hotel Ticuan--and there are more.

If you DO want to stay in the U.S.--you should consider Texas. I would have honestly considered having surgery here in my home state but I was in a situation where I couldn't wait to save up more money. I had to get surgery ASAP to help bring my blood sugars down.

There are some gastric sleeve surgeons in Dallas--Ft. Worth---Houston that are charging under 10,000$ for surgery for self-pay

[Indiangivr]

I went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Beautiful place, excellent hospital, happy with the outcome. Cost - $7000.

[SECRETSLEEVE]

wow thanks for that post. That man was told by plastic surgeons here he should do it in 3 stages but he wanted to do it all at once so he took a huge risk by going under for over 8 hours. I used Ready4change, not that booking lady or doctor and had a great expierence also had it done in cancun at that same place, i was under for about 40 min and I was doing exactly what was recommended to do in jackson memorial hospital, who of the best hospitals in the US, along with other surgeons around where I live. This man went against the advice of all the doctors he consulted in his hometown, so that was him playing with his own life.

[Enfury8me]

My Hubby is from Mexico and I am American, You believe all the stories that you hear??? Don't! They have some of the best surgeons in the world in Mexico!!! I am going there and I am not one bit afraid!!!

[barrbdoll]

I also went to Mexico and it was the best decision I have ever made! I chose the wonderful Dr. Ariel Ortiz who practices in an "International Center of Excellence" . Dr. Ortiz has been featured on Oprah, Dr. Oz and The Doctors and has also been voted one of the TOP Bariatric surgeons by Newsweek Magazine. I come from a medical family and my mother was very impressed with the whole process, the facility, etc.. The price that I paid ($7000) included 4 nights at the Marriott in Tijuana for my mother and she was very well taken care of. I had my surgery on a Monday and was discharged Tuesday around lunchtime. The surgery took about 45 minutes and I had no gas, no nausea and just a mild discomfort/soreness in my abdomen. I am soon to be 38 years old and this was my first surgery ever so I really didn't know what to expect. There are A LOT of us that have had our surgeries performed in Mexico and for the most part we are all pretty protective of our surgeons. Are there horror stories?? YES!! But, just do your due diligence and research and choose your surgeon based on overall experience, awards, facility honors, etc.. I had been researching for YEARS and could find not one single amount of "dirt" on Dr. Ortiz. There were definitely a lot more negative reviews for the other Mexican surgeons. Plus, I dealt directly with their office and coordinator and not through some booking agency. All you need to to is book your airfare to San Diego and the rest is all taken care of for you! Piece of cake!!

If you would like more info his website is World-Class Pioneer & Center For Excellence In Weight Loss Surgery or feel free to private message me!

Good Luck!

[AngelEyesInNJ81]

Hello,
After doing much research myself, I am scheduled for 11/7 with Dr.Garcia.I had chosen him because of all of the positive feedback I had read, he also lists his credentials and license numbers not only that he works out of a hospital with an ER and cardiac center so I feel very comfortable. I am going through Ready4aChange and Alma is my coordinator, she is very helpful and pleasant. I am more than excited to get this done. My thinking also is, the doctors in Mexico are performing this surgery so much and they are experienced.

I know there are many great surgeons in Mexico so I suggest just doing your research, chat with some people and make the decision that is best for you and what you feel comfortable with.

Best of luck with your choice!!

[dogs&cats]

I also went to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico and had excellent care. Had no complications after surgery, only required 2 days of pain medications, had very little gas pain after and I have done very well since. I would reccommend him to anyone considering the surgery.

[JKennedy]

Thanks for the input. I'm seeing that Dr. Garica and Dr. Ortiz are two of the safest surgeons in mexico.

[itsmytime]

Yes, Dr Ortiz is an excellent surgeon for the gastric sleeve. I noticed he does the plication a LOT but please don't get talked into the gastric plication surgery :-). The results are just not as good as the sleeve.

[workinprogress40]

I went to Dr. Almanza and I felt very comfortable and safe they take very good care of you,my best friend went to Dr. Garcia and had a very good experience. You just have to pick the Dr you feel the most comfortable with. Dr. Almanza,Dr Garcia,and Dr Ortiz or very very good Doctors in Mexico I don't think you could go wrong with either one.