Hello, to all my bariatric clients! Today, let’s dive into the world of meal planning and prepping—a game-changer for your post-surgery journey. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, fear not! I’m here to guide you through the process with enthusiasm and support.

 

Embrace the Advantages

I want to kick things off by highlighting the numerous benefits of meal planning and prepping. First and foremost, it’s a fantastic way to save money. By creating a weekly meal plan and shopping list, you’ll be less likely to make impulse purchases or dine out frequently, ultimately helping you stick to your budget.

 

But the benefits don’t stop there. Planning and prepping your meals also allows you to eat in a more healthy fashion. With a well-thought-out menu, you can ensure that your meals are balanced, nutritious, and tailored to your specific dietary needs post-surgery. Plus, having healthy options readily available can help you resist the temptation of reaching for less nutritious snacks.

 

Organize for Digestive Success

Did you know that being more organized with your meals can actually benefit your digestive system? It’s true! Establishing a routine with meal planning and prepping can help regulate your eating patterns, making it easier for your body to digest and absorb nutrients effectively. Say goodbye to erratic eating habits and hello to a happier, healthier digestive system.

 

Simplify Your Life

Let’s talk about the beauty of simplicity. Meal planning and prepping take the guesswork out of food preparation, freeing up valuable time and mental energy. Instead of stressing about what to eat for your next meal, you can relax knowing that everything is already taken care of. It’s a wonderful feeling to have a plan in place, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life with ease.

 

Get in Touch with Your Food and Your Kitchen

Lastly, meal planning and prepping offers you the opportunity to reconnect with your food and your kitchen. Take the time to explore new recipes, experiment with fresh ingredients, and unleash your culinary creativity. Cooking can be a therapeutic and empowering experience, and it’s a fantastic way to nourish both your body and your soul.

 

Your Recipe for Success

So, how do you get started with meal planning and prepping? It’s simpler than you might think! Begin by setting aside some time each week to plan your meals and create a shopping list. Choose recipes that align with your dietary goals and preferences, and don’t be afraid to mix things up to keep it interesting. 

(I always browse online to see what supermarkets are offering the best deals. This is where I start. If chicken is on sale, then I am meal planning around “chicken recipes”).

 

Once you have your plan in place, head to the grocery store and stock up on everything you need for the week ahead. When you return home, dedicate some time to prep your ingredients and assemble your meals. Consider batch-cooking certain items to save time during the week, and don’t forget to portion out your meals for easy grab-and-go access.

 

Meal planning and prepping are invaluable tools on your bariatric journey. Not only do they save you time, money, and stress, but they also empower you to take control of your health and well-being. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite apron, and let’s get cooking! Your body, your taste buds, and your wallet will thank you.

 

And here’s an extra tip for you: for a treasure trove of FREE meal plans designed specifically for bariatric patients post-surgery, be sure to download the “Bariatric Expert” app. With a variety of nutritious and delicious meal options at your fingertips, you’ll never run out of inspiration for your culinary adventures!

 

Here’s to delicious meals, happy tummies, and a lifetime of wellness!

Healthy Hugs, 

Your Bariatric Nutritionist,

Sheri Burke

 

Healthy Hugs,

 

About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens and cooking up a nutritional storm in the kitchen.

For bariatric patients Bariatric Expert Amazon Line

Time for a “bariatric expert” multivitamin?  Here is a perfect way for bariatric patients to get it now on Amazon:  Bariatric Expert MultiVitamins.

Eat Like a Bariatric Expert with our Nutrition Plans.

Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group. I would love to connect with you.

 

Click on the picture 

🏥 2025 Price Check: What Patients Actually Pay in Mexico

Author: Sheri Burke  |  Nutritionist & Medical Tourism Concierge

Publisher: International Patient Facilitators (IPF)

November 11, 2025

Medical travel to Mexico keeps rising in 2025 thanks to faster access, stronger safety standards,
and predictable pricing. Below are realistic, line-by-line ranges from IPF’s vetted partner clinics, based on
15+ years of case data—so you can budget with confidence.

Get a Surgeon-Reviewed Quote

Download the Clinic Vetting Scorecard (Free)

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💰 Average 2025 Procedure Costs (USD)

Procedure	Typical US/CA Price	Average Mexico Price (IPF Network)	Typical Savings
Dental Implant (single)	$3,000 – $4,500	$950 – $1,300 per tooth	≈ 65%
Full Arch (All-on-4/6)	$22,000 – $28,000	$9,500 – $13,500	≈ 55%
Bariatric Sleeve Gastrectomy	$18,000 – $24,000	$4,500 – $6,200	≈ 70%
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)	$22,000 – $30,000	$6,500 – $8,000	≈ 68%
Knee Replacement (Total)	$42,000 – $55,000	$13,500 – $17,000	≈ 65%
Hip Replacement (Total)	$40,000 – $52,000	$13,000 – $16,000	≈ 65%

✈️ Hidden Costs Most Patients Forget

Even with substantial savings, plan for the full journey:

Category	Typical Range	Notes
Flights	$350 – $750 RT	Varies by season & city (Mexico City, Cancún, Tijuana, etc.)
Hotel / Recovery House	$60 – $150 per night	IPF-approved housing ≈ $100 avg; often includes meals
Meds & Supplements	$80 – $200	Depends on procedure & Sheri’s protocol bundle
Lab Work / Imaging	$100 – $250	Pre-op blood panel & ECG frequently done locally
Follow-Up Teleconsults	Included (90 days)	IPF handles scheduling & secure records sharing

🧩 How IPF Builds Transparent Quotes

1. Patient Profile → Records Review — no one-size-fits-all packages.
2. Surgeon Validation → Fixed Line-Item Quote — every charge documented.
3. Nutrition & Recovery Plan — included from Sheri Burke.
4. Aftercare Support — 30–90 days of structured virtual check-ins.

Get My Personalized Cost Breakdown

🥗 Sheri Burke’s Pro Tip: Budget for Nutrition

“Patients focus on flights and hotel—but your nutrition recovery kit (protein, hydration, micronutrients) is the cheapest
insurance you’ll buy.”

Pre- and post-op planning accelerates healing and reduces complications. Every IPF bariatric and orthopedic case includes
a customized meal guide and supplement checklist from Sheri.

Ask Sheri about your recovery plan

📅 Realistic Timeline for Planning

Step	Estimated Time
Initial Consult → Surgeon Match	3–5 days
Records Review + Quote Approval	5–7 days
Pre-Op Labs & Flight Booking	1–2 weeks
Procedure & Recovery in Mexico	7–14 days (varies by surgery)
Virtual Follow-Ups	30–90 days post-op

🧾 What to Ask Before You Book

• Is the clinic accredited nationally or internationally?
• What are the surgeon’s case volumes & success rates for my procedure?
• Which implants/materials are used (brand + warranty)?
• How is aftercare handled once I fly home?
• Can I talk with Sheri Burke before traveling for nutrition & coverage pairing?

📞 Next Steps

Phone: +1 (208) 258-90111
WhatsApp: +1(819)230-9763
Email: s.burke@ipf-mail.com

→ Plan My Trip Now (Free 15-Minute Consult)

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I wear a few hats — but they all come from the same heart. Whether I’m helping someone board a plane for bariatric surgery in Tijuana, answering panicked calls from expats in Mexico who suddenly need an MRI, or reminding post-op patients to please take their vitamins, my work is built on one thing: caring for people who need guidance, clarity, and peace of mind in a health system that feels foreign and overwhelming.

I like to call it the Sheri Approach. And it applies to two communities I love deeply: medical travelers through International Patient Facilitators (IPF) and expats through Mexico Medical Members (MMM).

Let’s unpack what that means — and why it matters for you.

Compassion. Clarity. Care.

I built both IPF and MMM around these three words. They aren’t just a tagline — they’re how I work with every single person who reaches out to me.

• Compassion → Because if you’re contacting me, chances are you’re worried. Worried about your weight, your health, your aging parent, or that little “what if” voice that keeps you up at night. You need someone who listens first, and talks second.
• Clarity → Because the Mexican healthcare system is incredible… but it’s not always easy to navigate. Which hospital? Which surgeon? How much should it cost? Am I getting ripped off? Is this legit? These are real questions, and I believe in straight answers.
• Care → Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about booking a surgery or selling a membership. It’s about real people and real outcomes. I want you healthy, safe, and supported. Always.

For the Medical Traveler: IPF

Through International Patient Facilitators (IPF), I’ve been helping people access safe, affordable bariatric surgery and other procedures in Mexico since 2007. Thousands of patients later, I can tell you that medical tourism isn’t just about saving money — it’s about finding the right surgeon, the right facility, and the right aftercare.

The Sheri Approach here means:

• Matching patients with surgeons I’ve personally vetted.
• Making sure you understand exactly what to expect before you step on the plane.
• Standing by your side (literally) when you arrive in Mexico, so you never feel alone.

I know firsthand how scary surgery can feel — and how confusing cross-border medicine is. That’s why IPF patients don’t just get logistics. They get a human connection and a guide who’s done this countless times before.

For the Expat: MMM

Now let’s talk about Mexico Medical Members (MMM).

If IPF is about coming to Mexico for care, MMM is about living in Mexico with peace of mind. Expat life is beautiful — sunshine, tacos, adventure — but let’s be honest: it also comes with the nagging question, “What if something happens?”

That’s where MMM steps in.

With a membership card in your pocket, you’re not Googling “nearest hospital” at midnight in Spanish. You’re calling me. And I’m connecting you to trusted doctors, arranging imaging, walking you through insurance forms, and making sure you get the right care without the runaround.

Think of it like this: IPF helps people become patients in Mexico. MMM helps expats stay healthy in Mexico. And both are built on the same Sheri Approach.

The Overlap: People, Not Labels

What I’ve noticed over the years is how often these worlds overlap.

• A woman who came through IPF for bariatric surgery is now living happily in San Miguel de Allende… and she’s an MMM member for her day-to-day health needs.
• An expat who joined MMM for “what if” coverage later asked me about her husband’s hernia repair options… and IPF helped them navigate the surgery.

Life doesn’t fit neatly into categories, and neither do people. That’s why my work bridges both spaces.

And Let’s Not Forget Nutrition

You know I couldn’t write a blog without talking about nutrition, right?

Whether you’re a bariatric patient or an expat looking to thrive in Mexico, nutrition is the foundation of your health. That’s why I started Bariatric Food Expert — to give my community access to supplements designed for your unique needs.

For my bariatric patients: vitamins are not optional. They’re as essential as the surgery itself. And for my expats: a strong nutrition game means fewer doctor visits and more energy to enjoy the Mexico life you dreamed of.

I like to think of Bariatric Food Expert as the third pillar of my work. Surgery. Membership. Nutrition. It’s all connected.

Why the Sheri Approach Matters

At the end of the day, it’s not about fancy words or clever branding. It’s about trust.

• Trust that your surgeon is who they say they are.
• Trust that when something happens in Mexico, you’re not on your own.
• Trust that the advice you’re getting comes from someone who’s been here, done this, and still answers the phone herself.

That’s what I mean by the Sheri Approach.

So whether you’re packing your suitcase for bariatric surgery, sipping margaritas in your new condo in Playa del Carmen, or shopping online for your next bottle of chewable multivitamins — know this: I’m here, my team is here, and you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Final Thoughts

Medical tourism and expat life in Mexico are exciting, rewarding, and sometimes overwhelming. But with the right support, you can experience the best of what Mexico offers without the stress of the unknown.

If you’re curious about surgery, visit International Patient Facilitators.
If you’re an expat ready for peace of mind, check out Mexico Medical Members.
And if you want to keep your health strong with the right supplements, visit Bariatric Food Expert.

This is the Sheri Approach: Compassion. Clarity. Care.
For patients. For expats. For you.

Healthy Hugs,

Sheri Burke – RHN and surgery coordinator/ medical facilitator

1 208 258 9011

s.burke@ipf-mail.com

Your Mexico Expat Plan: From “What If?” to “I’m Covered”

Let’s be honest: we didn’t move to Mexico to memorize hospital maps. We came for sunshine, freedom, and a simpler life. But real life still happens. I’m Sheri, and through Mexico Medical Members (MMM) and International Patient Facilitators (IPF) I help expats turn that nagging “What if something happens?” into a calm, confident “I’ve got this.”You don’t need a binder full of jargon—you need a simple, usable plan you can lean on at 2 a.m. That’s exactly what we’ve built: clear steps, real people, and friendly expat insurance options that fit life here.

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Accidents Happen (Even on the Best Days)

No one wakes up planning to sprain an ankle on cobblestones or meet their appendix on a Tuesday. But life doesn’t ask for permission. A fall. A sudden infection. A fender-bender. A child’s fever that turns into something more. When you’re outside the system you grew up with—and navigating a new language—minutes feel longer and choices feel heavier.

A plan changes everything. It turns panic into steps:

Who to call.

Where to go.

How to pay—without stress.

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What MMM + IPF Bring to the Table

Think of MMM as your medical concierge: we show you where to go, who to see, and how to move quickly through the system. We advocate for you, translate when needed, and help you understand your options.

Think of IPF as your surgery and specialty-care coordinator: if you need deeper care—pre-op to post-op—we make it seamless with vetted teams, nutrition guidance, and aftercare support.

Together, MMM + IPF give you the human side of healthcare in Mexico. And because the financial side matters too, we connect you with expat insurance that actually fits life here.

👉 Ready to explore coverage? Register here:
https://mexicomedicalmembers.com.mx/expat-insurance/

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Why We Recommend Regency Expat Insurance (in plain English)

We’ve had great experiences referring expats to Regency Expat Insurance because it feels exactly right for our community: clear, flexible, and built for real life abroad. Think:

“Coverage without the confusion.”

“Plans for expats, not just tourists.”

“Pay for what you need, not what you don’t.”

“Simple onboarding, fast support.”

“Peace of mind you can actually use.”

Those aren’t corporate slogans; that’s how it feels when you’re the person in the clinic needing a straight answer right now. We’ll help you compare options and choose what fits your situation—no scare tactics, no pressure. Just clarity.

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So… Do I Really Need Insurance and a Concierge?

Short version: ideally, yes. Here’s why.

Insurance keeps a bad day from becoming a bad year. When the unexpected bill arrives, it’s not a financial earthquake.

Concierge turns a maze into a map. We handle the logistics—the “who/where/when”—and the paperwork that usually wears you out.

Some people start with one and add the other later. That’s okay. The point is to start. Even basic emergency coverage plus an MMM plan can be the difference between “I’m overwhelmed” and “I know exactly what to do.”

👉 Take the first step here: https://mexicomedicalmembers.com.mx/expat-insurance/

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Real Situations We See (and Solve)

The midnight “uh-oh.” You’re in pain and Google isn’t helping. You already have your plan in place. We’ve discussed the right facility (not every ER is equal), and—if you have insurance—make sure you understand what’s covered before you sign anything.

The “I need a specialist.” We line up the appointment, prep your questions in plain English, and make sure follow-ups don’t fall through the cracks.

The “I’m fine, but I want a plan.” Perfect. We build your personal emergency roadmap: preferred hospitals near you, quick contacts, insurance details, meds list, and a who-to-call script. It’s calm-in-a-file.

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Common Questions (You Might Be Thinking These)

Will I be forced into an expensive plan?
No. We’re big on right-sized coverage. You’ll see options; you choose.

Can I get help even if I don’t have insurance yet?
Yes. MMM is your human support now, and we’ll help you set up coverage for the next time.

What if I live outside a major city in Mexico?
We work nationwide. We’ll map the best local options and create a plan that fits your area.

Do you handle renewals and questions later?
Absolutely. From sign-up to renewal reminders and the “Is this covered?” messages—we’re your team.

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The “Sheri Plan” (a 20-Minute Starter)

Register for expat insurance options so we can match you with a plan that fits:
https://mexicomedicalmembers.com.mx/expat-insurance/

Join MMM (if you haven’t already) so you have real people to call when something happens.

Save our contact in your phone and send me a message that says “PLAN.” We’ll set up your personal emergency roadmap—fast.

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I want you to love your life in Mexico without that low-level worry humming in the background. You don’t have to carry that. Put a simple, realistic plan in place—concierge, insurance, or both—and get back to sunsets, friends, and tacos.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I know I should do this,” that’s your sign. Start here, and I’ll help you the whole way:
https://mexicomedicalmembers.com.mx/expat-insurance/

—Sheri
Mexico Medical Members (MMM) & International Patient Facilitators (IPF) 

1 208 258 9011 or 1 819 230 9763 info@mexicomedicalmembers.com