Starting the journey!

[Juliebythec]

Hi all, I am just beginning my sleeve experience. I've spoken to a few out-of-the-US Doctors offices but have decided this is for me. Has anyone had their surgery done in Mexico. It seems very inexpensive only $4500.00 for everything excluding the airfare and hotels. You stay a week total a couple days in the hospital and 3 more days in a local hotel. My husband will be accompanying me on this trip so I will have support. I have about 70 pounds to lose, it may not be much compared to others but it has been such a long time putting the weight on and I want it off NOW! I am 61 years young and have too much life left to feel like the biggest person in a group.
Any comments or info will certainly be appreciated.
Thanks!

[RAEINTEXAS]

Hi Julie, I haven't had my sleeve surgery yet, but I am going to Mexico for surgery in September with Dr. Alvarez. He is across the border in Texas at Piedras Negras, Mexico. He charges more than the doctors in Tiajuana. I have been unable to find any complaints about him, and I have met several people on the forums that had wonderful experiences with him. I am 62 years old, but young at heart and want this change for my health as well as my weight. Good luck on your decision.

[Juliebythec]

I am hoping to do my surgery on or about Sept 15-16. Havent decided who to use yet. Dr Castaneda in Guadalajara or Dr Alamenda in Tijuana. I am confused. Both are about the same price but that is not my main objective. I want to get through it safe and healthy!

[Taminski]

Welcome. I am scheduled to have surgery on 9/16 with Dr. Ramos-Kelly in Tijuana. I don't qualify through my insurance so I knew if I wanted to do this I was on my own. For me, although price was important, I wanted someone that I felt had the experience, low complication rate, good reviews and made me comfortable. I haven't talked to Dr. Ramos-Kelly but I have talked to his assistant Lora several times and she is a doll and I have read numerous reviews on Dr. Ramos-Kelly and how kind and compassionate he is. I think you just have to go with what you feel comfortable with.

I wish you the best of luck as you make your decision and get going on this process.

[Juliebythec]

Thanks I am so excited about this!

[RAEINTEXAS]

I was a little nervous at first considering Mexico....but I feel totally confident in my decision to go through this surgery at my age. I even told my local physician what my plan was and surprisingly enough, he thinks it's more important for me to get the sleeve surgery to help my diabetes, than squabble over doctors. He said known me a long time, so he knows I have researched to the point of obsession. Of course he will do follow-ups that I need locally.

[thenewmetoday]

Welcome. I had my surg. in MX (almanza) in 2012.I was 70 and decided this was the best thing I could do for me. My MX experience went very well. I reached goal and still losing. Will let my body decide. I have great health, all co morbidity gone. Diabetes, bp, chol. Best decision I have e er made for me. Good luck to you. PS The surg. conditions were very clean, the nurses exceptional. Check out the possibilities and make your choice. Best to you. PS I am 71 now, feel 40. Wonderful feeling. I have no real foosd issues.

[Juliebythec]

I have been confirmed for surgery, I really had no doubt I would be, now to decide on a Doctor. De Jose Castaneda in Guadalajara or Dr Almanza in Tijuana. Although I have excellent insurance they will not pay so I am self pay. IF anyone has any suggestions on either of these 2 doctors please, please reply. Dr Castaneda is referred by a company Medical Tourism, any comments? The $$ difference is nothing big. Looking for a full service hospital, just in case.....
I am not scared or nervous at all. I'm ready! I have been informed that I do not have to do the 14 day diet but am doing it anyway. It's sort of a modified Akins without all the fat and although I could not stay on Atkins before this time I am having no problems . Actually going to the beach today I feel so good. Just 24 days to go and I feel like a giant weight has already been lifted off of me.

[RAEINTEXAS]

From what I have read in the forums, I believe that Dr. Almanza performs surgery in a clinic, and you spend most of your time recouperating in the hotel. I am sure he is a good doctor, but I understand that he performs lots of sleeve surgeries in a day. I prefer someone that only schedules two or three per day, and checks on his patients in the hospital several times a day, and spend two nights in the hospital. Best of luck.

[Juliebythec]

I to am concerned about those who do 5-6 a day. I know this surgery is quite popular and lots of people want it but my highest concern is safety. I am leaning towards Dr Castaneda in Guadalajara.
Have you had surgery yet?

[RAEINTEXAS]

I am having surgery Sept. 23rd with Dr. Guillermo Alvarez. I also plan to do the pre-op diet for a week before, even though my Dr. said I don't need to. My BMI is just under 35 and I want to loose 65-70 lbs. Dr. Alvarez charges $8700 for Sleeve surgery. I figure you get what you pay for. I have a friend who had surgery by him last year.

[Juliebythec]

My Doctor here in Fort Lauderdale wants $14,000 for the surgery since I am self pay I am off to Mexico on Sept 15th will decide this weekend what Doctor I am using.
Thanks and Good Luck!!

[RAEINTEXAS]

That is about the same here in Texas and then if they require a bunch of tests and other stuff, my insurance isn't going to cover it if it is related to me having the sleeve surgery. People I have talked to around here said they ended up paying around $18,000 + so the lower self pay price was like "bait" to get them to sign up. When I saw a bariatric Dr. here they told me gain 20 lbs. and maintain it for two years and my insurance would pay. I thought he was crazy. No way....I rather self pay and go to Mexico and get it done. I look at it like an investment in myself for a healthier and better future. I am curios to see which Dr. you go with.