I just went to get my card yesterday and I should get it within 2-3 weeks. It was MUCH more than $30 though! Of course I expedited it, but the total cost was $135 for the card. If I got the pass book it would have been about $210. Some kind of processing fee jacked up the cost.

(Mini vent) I don't understand processing fee's! The cost of the freaking thing should be a processing fee.... I mean you can't get the darn thing without processing it... so why even have a "fee". That should only be a "fee" if you have the option to do something else! Ok, vent over.

I am going alone too! Let us know how everything goes! I hope you have a great recovery and have the chance to enjoy your trip. I am nervous about going alone but it has been FOREVER since I have been able to travel by myself. I am a bit excited. My husband was going to go with me originally but with his schedule he probably couldn't make it. I came to terms with it and then he offered to try to get out of things again to come with me, but I declined. Scary to go alone, yes. But important for me and my journey. I don't want him as a crutch. Some of my best memories were adventures done completely on my own. I don't think this will be any different.

Keep us posted! I look forward to seeing your results!

I asked my coordinator if Dr. Kelly would  supply my information and she didn't think he would have a problem with it. I think it's important to be up front before you get the surgery and let them know that that is something you want to take home with you. I imagine it could be kinda frustrating trying to get out it after you come home (with all of the hoops you might have to jump through with HIPAA regs).

I used Dr. Lopez, surgery date was May 23, almost a month!

Very happy they were great, Mexico was great!

Down 32.6 in 4 weeks......

Ivan is 5 weeks post op today. Has lost 26lbs. He is not finding his  energy level to be what he would like. But - it will come back. He has an ER nurse for a wife - me. I told him before we went to Mexico that he probably was not going to like me for the next few months as I would be in nurse mode - and possibly *****y nurse mode if need be. He has no choice but the follow the plan. He is getting tired of the mashed/mushy food. I don't blame him. I did make a big casserole of cod au gratin - mashed the fish REALLY well first.  And he also has had Sheppards Pie a fair bit. He is not a smoothie kind of guy - and has not found any protein drinks he really likes. He will have an occasional low sugar Carnation Instant Breakfast. He likes skim milk and non fat yogurt. I have allowed him to havelow fat string cheese the last week or so. He is learning to eat in a new way. He always used to have water or juice with a meal and ate rather fast.

 

I did not find the meals at the hotel restaurant to be overly priced - just average. There is no gift shop or sundry shop or even a vending machine in the Hotel. I found that a bit odd. As I said I walked out to the pharmacy on the corner a few times - and after surgery I went on my own. And to the liquor store as well - just across from the pharmacy. I didn't feel unsafe at all. Of course I went in the day time - strolling around after dark on ones own is probably not a good idea wherever you are. If you are going on your own - I would suggest you get your prescription filled at the pharmacy in the lobby of the hospital before you go back to the hotel. Just to make things easier. My best friends daughter went down on her own = she was 22 at the time - no problems. We also met a lady from Saskatchewan who was down on her own as well.

 

I was just looking at my bank statement yesterday - I think I had around $5 in charges from using my credit/debit card while we were gone. But I expect it all depends what bank you deal with - so it would'nt hurt to check with your bank before you go. The hotel/resort is very quiet and peaceful and lovely. If any one has any more questions - feel free to ask!

Mary

 

Hey there I just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I am currently down here in TJ and will be sleeved by Dr Kelly on wed the 19th. I came down by myself for the first few days (I have someone coming down today) and so far I have not felt unsafe at all. The whole team down here does their best to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. I know that for me I was very nervous about coming down here as you don't really know what to think about going to Mexico for surgery, and it seems like nearly everyone has a opinion regarding the whole Mexico thing.

When I first got off the plane and picked up I was a little worried about my decision and a little scared. When I picked up my bags it hit me that there were actually a bunch of people being picked up for some form of WLS by different companies and such. Not sure why but I found that very relaxing. When I got into the van there was also a couple that had had surgeries done and I was able to see them up and walking around with no issues and that helped a lot to. I am a nurse and was impressed with the team so far from the hospital staff to the Dr's involved. You do receive proper care as you would back home. If you are wanting all your pre/post op information for your Dr's back home don't forget to ask for that right away.

The one thing that I did not bring that I should have was a pillow. Its funny the things you miss when you are stuck in the hospital lol. The hospital does have internet so that helps pass the time, but I would also bring a book or something to keep your mind busy. I spent one night in the hotel and totally loved it !!! I can not wait till I am out of the hospital and able to sit pool side and soak up some beautiful sun rays. 

If you have any questions please ask 

I'm considering surgery with Dr. Alvarez.  It won't be till August though.  Looking forward to hearing about your experience with him and the surgical center.  Good Luck !!!

Hello All,
I'm trying to make a decision between three surgeons for my VSG surgery.
My first choice is Dr. Pompa in Tijuana. Her service sounds similar to to all other Mexican surgeons and I'm especially impressed that both she and her clinic facilities are accredited by agencies based in the USA. However, her fees seem to be thousands of dollars more than almost almost anyone else.
Dr. Diaz in Guadalajara (Mexico Bariatric Surgery) seems very experienced and the facilities look good. Also, Guadalajara is beautiful! But he is educated and accredited only in Mexico so I have no objective rating of his practices and performance.
Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta offers an excellent package also, and also seems to be an experienced surgeon with an excellent success rate. But he too, is educated and accredited only in Mexico.
For some reason, my stupid Ipad is covering up the 'search' function for Obesityhelp and so I can't check out what other people have written in the past. If you've had experience with any of these surgeons, would you please post about it - good or bad.
Guess my main question is "Is there a good reason to pay thousands of dollars more for Dr. Pompa?
Thanks to all of you.

Can anyone tell me about their experiences with Mexican surgeons post-op? How easy was the surgeon/staff to get hold of to answer questions? Did they cooperate with your PCP in providing records, x-rays, etc. once you were back stateside?

The only negative thing I've read about Dr. Kelly is that patients were not able to attain their surgical records and this makes me very nervous. If there were post-op complications, having surgical records and other information could be a matter of life or death. Any of Dr. Kelly's patients who would be willing to share their post-op experiences?

Hello there.

Just got back from TJ yesterday and know Dr. Kelly quite well. I have been to TJ half a dozen times. If you want me to have Doc. Kelly and Lara call you directly I can make that arrangement for you. Just pm me and I can make it happen.

On another note... fyi... booking direct and booking through a company that subcontracts to a surgeon are two different packages. Be aware of this. There are DIFFERENCES!!! KNOW THE DIFFERENCES!

Having surgery myself and escorting a few others I have seen it all.

Not going to post it here but if you want info I will be more than happy to call you.

And in closing... you have decided on a great Dr. and team. Now to get the right hospital and coordinator. And no... I am not a coordinator, just a patient with alot of research behind him.

Good luck and hope I hear from you.