Dr Lopez Tijuana MX Gastric Sleeve Surgery - questions!! Mexico weight loss surgery?

Hello,

I currently have surgery scheduled with Dr.Lopez at Vida hospital in Tijuana. I reside in Alberta. I am very nervous about going abroad for surgery. Has anyone ever gone to Meixco for bariatric surgery? The reviews I have read seem more focussed on the safety and stability of Tijuana itself. This makes me even more nervous. Has anyone travelled to TJ for Weight loss surgery? Did you travel alone? What was your experience like? Would you go back? What surgery did you have done?

I had a slim band at one point but ran into complications as it was not a Long term solution.

Safery is is a primary concern for me. My family is not supportive of my decision and feel I am acting irresponsibly given I am in health care.

I have research and everything I've found is positive. Please tell me about your experience. What were the facilities like? Did you feel safe? Was the hospital clean?

I'm from BC and I went to Tijuana in January for VSG surgery and I had a great experience; I didn't feel unsafe in Tijuana at all. I went with my Mom and while I was in hospital she went out and did a little shopping with another lady and they had a great time. I can't comment on Vida or Dr. Lopez because I had my surgery with Dr. Fernando Garcia at CER but my clinic was extremely clean and the care I received was comparable if not better than the care I've received at hospitals here in Canada. I would definitely go back and probably will if I need plastic surgery. If you have any more questions feel free to PM me.

I had my surgery done in Tijuana and can't say enough great things about the whole experience.

Which Dr Lopez is doing your surgery? Dr Jesus Martin Lopez did mine and I can't say enough nice things. His manner is so warm and friendly makes you feel right at home. His staff all speak English.

I traveled with a girlfriend who also had surgery. We traveled from the east coast of the the US making two changes of planes on the way and did fine. Even the trip home was non problem. I would recommend a small rolling piece of luggage. You won't want to be lifting things on teh way home.

I would go back to Mexico in a heart beat. I believe the care I got there was better than I would have got here and at an affordable price. The pain control without narcotics was extremely effective. The facilities were immaculate and there was a Dr on staff 24/7.

Thoroughly enjoyed walking round Tijuana. Very different to here , old and perhaps poor in some sections but I felt perfectly safe.

If I can be of any help just ask and good luck.

I had 3 surgeries in Mexico (WLS in Ensenada and 2 rounds of plastics in Tijuana) all were great (well as great as surgery can be) experiences.

I felt safe. Many of the programs that cater to medical tourism have drivers that pick you up at the San Diego airport, drive you straight to the hospital or clinic, after you are "released" and depending on services you select drive you to recovery houses or local hotels, will pick you back up and shuttle you for check-ups, and ultimately back to the airport for your journey home. I traveled alone but had a private nurse visit me 4 times in my hotel post release (arranged through my Dr) to check drains, vitals, etc.

I'm pretty close to home (just above San Diego) which was comforting... obviously, it more ideal to be close to home for follow-up care... be sure to find that locally (labs, dietitian, therapist, support groups, after-care is SUPER IMPORTANT!) It worked out for me, thankfully. Good & bad Dr's and programs in every country, research is key, there is a Mexico forum here on OH (drop down screen above.) 

Best wishes I hope you have a smooth time of it,

Thank you for the response. My mother us not supportive with my decision to go south for WLS. I am decided and certain this is what I want and need.  I feel it is the best option for me. 

May I ask what hotel you stayed at? Was it a safe area? 

I am scheduled to stay at the Marriott. Did you'll safe? Were you alone during the travels? I also heard and read in MX they do not give you a lot for post op pain which makes me nervous.

thank you 

Well I suppose programs vary so ask yours but pain management while in the hospital was typical IV administered post release... not so much tramadol is generally given... not my first few days choice but fine after day 2. I have a pretty high pain tolerance (kidney stones and migraines have made me a tough cookie) but maybe chat with your Dr at home about options, patches, script for 2 days or so, to bring with. US is getting very regulated with pain meds so I hope you have an easier time obtaining some in Canada. Not sure it would be as easy nowadays... it's been several years now for me.

I stayed at at Hotel Lucerna http://www.hoteleslucerna.com/tijuana/ loved it, they are used to medical tourism patients... Starbucks and a Pharmacy is right across the street too LOL nice. 

Which Dr. Lopez are you seeing?  Here is the link to the Mexico surgeon list. Click the name of the surgeon you are seeing and read the reviews.  Let us know if we can do anything else to assist you.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/find/bariatric-surgeon/MEXICO/

Regards,

Kathy

http://www.obesityhelp.com/profiles/bariatric-surgeon/alejan dro-lopez-ortega/

I did read reviews

I have decided to pursue WLS in Mexico, as well. I reached a breaking point when I found that my local surgeon wants $25,000 and not a single penny is covered by my insurance... which is hilarious because my employer IS an insurance company. It's really maddening. 

I would be very interested to see how your process is progressing, as I hope to do similar in the next 1-2 years.