Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana, Mexico

After I got married at 21 years old and started having kids, I started packing on the pounds. I was comfortable and lazy. Married 16 years, 3 children. I have eaten my way to 300lbs.

I was unable to play with my kids. Depression was getting worse and worse. I never left the house, unless I had to. My son was starting to pack on the pounds. Last was the last straw. I am setting the worst example!!! Things had to change.
I finally decided on the gastric sleeve after lots and lots of research. So I look into my husband's insurance. Nope, they don't cover weight-loss surgery. DAMN! Gastric sleeve around my area costs more than $20,000. Ouch!
So now I do research on surgery in Mexico. I never thought in a million years I would ever have surgery in a different country. But at this point, I had no choice. RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH

I guess I was like most people, thinking Mexico was a third world country and no place for surgery. My family was horrified at the idea. I knew I had no choice, so I started e-mailing different surgeons after lots of research. After I e-mailed Dr. Illan, Omar, his coordinator, called me. We spoke for an hour, at least. He was wonderful. He answered every question I had. I knew Dr. Ilan was right for me.

So after getting my passport card and airline ticket I was ready to go. First, I needed to do a pre-op diet. One full week of sugar free liquids, including sugar free jello and popsicles. I had one protein shake a day and lots of broth. It went well and I lost 10 lbs. That will work.

So I was never nervous about going to Mexico alone or having the surgery, only about flying. I hate flying, but I do what I have to do. So 6 hours later I arrive at the San Diego airport. I called Omar and let him know I arrived. One of the drivers, Arely, came to pick me up, very sweet young lady. We headed across the border with no issues. It was very busy at the border. I was in the Navy so traveling to different countries is not a problem for me. There are nice and not-so-nice places in all countries, including ours. Hello Chicago and Detroit, to name a few.
Arely, took me to the hospital where I met the famous Omar. He was just as wonderful in person and he was on the phone. From that point he got me registered into the hospital and then took me out for my last meal. A nice bowl of, you guessed it, broth! So sweet! Next, I got my hospital room. Florence Hospital is a very nice hospital. Older but very nice and clean. I think it was built in the 60's. Most all the nurses and doctors speak English and are all very attentive. Time to get my room situated and relax. I was getting a little nervous so I watched some t.v. They have several American channels and have free WiFi.