Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

WOW!! Just had lapband surgery in Tijuana, Mexico 10 days ago!!



Recommended Posts

Okay, okay, I know there are a million skeptics out there..but while going to college in San Diego I couldn't afford American insurance and so I would get medical treatment in Mexico instead. I did this because, frankly, I couldn't afford American medical insurance or care AND because anything I needed as a young adult (common colds, dental work, flu, checkups, etc..) could be taken care of quite easily, quickly, and with better service than I typically received in the U.S.

So fast forward 10 years, I'm a professional now that works with computers and have gained about 80 pounds of excess weight. My American insurance denied my lapband procedure although my doctor thinks its a great idea to get it...I make enough money to pay for the procedure but thought, why not save some money and get the procedure done in Mexico...after about 6 months of research, saving money, and working up enough courage, I finally made the jump and had the procedure done in Mexico at Jeruselem Hospital by Dr. Mario Almana Reyes.

The result?? Well, I still have my liver!! Ha-ha, actually, I am extremely pleased with the service I got there...they were extremely professional and seemed to do a great job! Now don't get me wrong, it's only been 10 days and so far I've only lost 9 pounds...was hoping I'd lose a little more by this point but I haven't even had my first fill yet so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. But I will say that before the procedure they took lab work (blood), had a cardiologist run an EKG on me (not an RN or medical assistant...a real cardiologist), the primary physician, and an anesthesiologist...after surgury I spent two days at a guest house where doctors, nurses, and maids kept the house safe and checked up on me.

Before leaving I was given a barium x-ray to make sure the Allergen product was working correctly, Allergen documents and serial number card so I can authenticate that the Allergen lapband was made and purchased in America (the only authorized dealer of lapbands), and all the medications I needed including pain medication and antibiotics.

All in all, I was nervous, hell, who wouldn't be when going under the knife? But I was impressed, they did a very good job. Oh, and the price?? You couldn't beat the price...seriously.........$4,250 with lifetime free fills.

So if your considering this procedure and Mexico, think of this facility, I'd vouch for them.:smile2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That is wonderful! I too went to Mexico for surgery. Insurance wouldn't pay (specific exclusion for ANY type of WLSurgery) blah, blah, blah. I saw Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana and I LOVED HIM! His entire practice was awesome. I know how it is when you say you're going to Mexico for surgery, people look at you like you are on fire. Thankfully, we both did great. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm in central Ohio and we have alot of self pays who go to Michigan. Apparently there's a surgeon up there that does cash for about $6000. Glad it all went in Mexico.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am going to Tijuana in Sept. I am from central canada. This is a big trip. I am nervous about the long flight back. I have to make two stops to get home. I was wondering about the pain with flying?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to Mexico too and had a great experience. I went to Cancun and went several days early so that I could have a great vacation. I have no complaints about the surgery there and the hospital room was like a 5 Star hotel.

I too got my box and documentation along with serial # of my Allergan band and have registered it with them and gotten the WLS Card with no issues.

My fill doctor has twice complimented the placement of both my band and port and even asked for the contact info for my Mexican doctor to pass on to patients who cannot afford to pay for it in the US

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Does anyone know if they use FDA approved bands at Mt.Zion in Tijuana?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No, but that is a question I would be asking.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is a glaringly-obvious planted post -- a commercial.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×