Considering Mexico

Hello all -

I'm still quite new here but haven't been around in awhile... last time I was here I think was before Christmas, and had just gotten notice of my rejection because I was a smoker. I'm now proud to say that I am now a non-smoker as of Nov. 12, 2012!  Just waiting until May when my Dr. will re-refer me for a gastric bypass consult.

However, after talking with my husband, I'm really quite interested in knowing more about the surgeries done in Mexico - more specfically, people's experiences there....

Please, anyone who had their surgery there, would you please share what your experience was like, what type of surgery it was and how much it cost (if that's not too personal). I would really appreciate it, as it would help me make my decision to wait or to go!

Thanks!

Hello 

I had surgery (a vertical sleeve gastrecctomy) in Tijuana, Mexico at Obesity Control Centre by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. I had an excellent experience. No issues whatsoever with anything, before, during or after.

The cost was approximately $7000 U.S. plus my flight. That included all the surgeon & hospital fees, pick-up and drop off at the San Diego airport, 3 nights in the Tijuana Marriott hotel, whi*****luded the night for my sis-in-law when I was in the hospital. I would do it again in a minute. There is no waiting period, no jumping through hoops. I had to do a 2-week preop liquid diet (any protein powder or premixed protein drink of your choosing, low carb) but was allowed to have as many green veggies as I wanted and 4 oz of chicken or fish for an evening meal. It's far less restrictive than the diet required by Winnipeg which allows only Boost.

There are others here who went to different facilities and also had good experiences. If there's anyone locally who has had a bad experience with a surgeon in Mexico, we haven't heard about it. They have tons of experience there and perform several  surgeries every week. I had my surgery just over a year ago. If I had waited to have it here, I would probably still be many months away from having it done. It was definitely worth the trip (LOL) for me.

Hi there, I also went to Tijauana for my surgery.  I had the duodenal switch done.  cost was 8500.00 all inclusive.  I never paid for anything extra .  I cant recommend my coordinator though, She didn't show up.  Thank god for the other coordinator that works for Dr. Ponce she helped me out and booked everything that wasn't booked and checked in on me.  I stayed in the best hotel in Tijauana, the Lucerna it is beautiful.  The hospital and nurses, doctors everyone is awesome.  I had better care there than I would have had here.  no pain at all, just a little discomfort from the gas used during surgery.  The price now for duodenal switch is 7000 but that does not include flights.  Investigate which type of surgery would be best for you before you decide.  The duodenal switch costs between 25,000 - 30,000 in the united states.  It is very expensive here too.  some doctors that do that surgery in ontario do it in 2 surgeries a year apart. (totally unnecessary)   If you decide to have the ds.  check out this website.  dsfacts.com  there is also a ds forum on this web site.  Barb.  

Barb a quick question who pays for your blood work and how often do you get them done?

evelyn

Manitoba medical pays for mine.  I get it done every 3 months.   

I guess Ontario govt will pay. Ponce gave me a list of lab work to use

I went to Dr Ponce de Leon in Tijuana ( read my blog post on my profile )

It was a wonderful experience . My sister came with me and then decided to get a sleeve done as well 2 months later , so I went with her!

There are a few Dr's I wouldn't recommend . The ones I would personally we Alverez , Aceves, Joya and Dr Ponce.  I've read some concerning things about Almanza and Pompa that scare me.  I didn't do too much research on Oritz.

Feel free to pm me.

I also have tons of pictures on

www.photobucket.com/wlstijuana

Thank you for your input!

I will have to look into DS as I'm not familiar with it - so far I have been considering VSG vs. RNY .... but that is a whole other post! haha

I'm suprised at the price difference between some surgeons... Do any of you know about Mexico Bariatric Centre in Tijuana? Their surgeons are Dr. Diaz, Dr. Garcia and Dr.Valenzuela (husband and wife team).  Their price is $4750-5200 for the sleeve depending on the surgeon, while Dr. Aceves is $8700! ($11k for RNY) Both offer the same medical package (hotel stay, transportation, etc)  I believe I also say Dr. Joya advertising around the $4700 mark as well.

First, I know I need to decide which surgery would be best suited for me. Second, deciding where to go... that's a toughie. Part of me says to not be impatient and just wait for the RNY in manitoba, the other part of me says don't be cheap, spend the money it's well worth it!  Obviously I don't want to pick a less than desirable place, but I also would like to find the most afforadable option.

Decisions decisions!

Dr Ponce is pretty reasonable at 5500 ( last year not sure if his prices have gone up ) Do not choose solely on price though

Trish is AWESOME you can find her on fb at wls4betterlife.....