Mexico and WLS

Asking all that have gone to Mexico for surgery. Is there certain requirements that you have to do before surgery? Do you pay for it before you leave home or when you get there? How long do you have to stay in the hospital? Was anyone nervous about going there for surgery since it is another country? How comfortable were you on the way home? In my case it would be a 4 to 5 hour flight unless we drive? Which doctor do you think is the best one to use there? I looked at some last night and found 3 doctors and out of them only one had 9 YRS. experience that isn't very long. Any way just looking for advice I guess. I'm still going to try to get approved here in the states but have to do a 6 month supervised thing and not sure I want to wait that long? If I have WLS in the states then I am considering going to Mexico for PL. I don't want to have to pay for both WLS and PL since I am disabled and my husband is retired.  

Click on this link Mexico  and post this on the Mexico forum - there's a ton of knowledgeable people there who will be able to give you the answers you need.

Good luck!

Hello,

Well I got my surgery in Tijuana Mexico, at first I was a little bit nervous, but they really take care of me. I spoke with Cece Dr. Kelly's wife she's a doll. She doesnt speak english very well, but Alina (Dr. Kelly's assistant) does, so we get along really well.

I got my WLS with Dr. Ramos Kelly, I totally recomend him, hes a talented surgeon, I think he has like 15 years of experience, or something like that. He's a really nice person. The day we arrive to the Hotel after surgery, we had dinner with Dr. Kelly and Cec  at the Hote(I have chicken broth :p)l, wich is really nice, Lucerna was the name i think. But I trully recomend him to anyone. My experience was awesome, I lost around 106 pounds now, and Im going back next year to have my plastic surgery. Im really happy with my decision. Oh and yes the waiting on the plane is nerve racking but totally worth it. 

Hopefully it has been helpful.

Mary

CAN YOU GIVE APPX COST ETC INVOLVED AND IF YOU'VE LOST ALL YOU WANTED TO IN WHAT PERIOD OF TIME?

Thanks for the information. I'm hoping I can stay home and have this done depends on my insurance and my patience. If I have to go to Mexico I will so again thanks. But I hoping to save that for PL after I loose what I need to.

I ALSO AM DISABLED, FOR 10 YRS NOW....AND I AM ALONE AND SINGLE......CAN NOT GET ON MEDICAID OR GET FOOD STAMPS AND MY NET DEPOSIT IS BELOW POVERTY DON'T KNOW WHY OBAMA CARE IS HURTING ME........BUT I CAN'T GET THE BEST RATES FOR MY SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE AND MY COPAYS ARE NOT FREE NOR ARE MY DRUGS..;..ON WINDSOR NOW.....ALWAYS HAD HUMANA AND OUR ONLY HOSPITAL STOPPED TAKING HUMANA SO WE ALL HAD TO CHANGE.....HELP

Why can't you get medicaid if you're disabled?  I know not all states expanded it, but even before the affordable care act passed, disabled adults were eligible.  The income limits for food stamps and medicaid are determined state by state, not by the federal government, so if you're being told you don't qualify, it's your state's fault.  I know it's extreme, but have you thought about moving?

I had surgery with Dr. Alvarez in Piedras Negras, which is one mile south of the Texas border.  I had to pay $1000 deposit to hold my place, then the rest when I arrived.  Total cost was $8700, whi*****luded everything but airfare.  I was in the hospital for two nights, and I had the option for a night in a hotel after discharge. 

My trip home was uneventful.  I used the tummy pillow he provided for support so my incisions didn't get jostled or rubbed by the seat belt.  I also had wheelchair assistance at the airport so I didn't have to carry my own bags or try to walk all over.  Dr. Alvarez does require a pre-op diet, the length varies based on BMI.  My BMI was 46.8, so I had to follow it for two weeks.  They ask you for a health history before they accept you, and they do the standard pre-op blood work at the hospital, but there is no psych assessment, sleep study, cardiac work-up, etc like you have for insurance.  They do provide a post-op food plan, and you get all your post-op meds before you leave--no need to find a pharmacy in Mexico. 

I had my surgery at Star Medica in Juarez Mexico, Dr Jose Rodriguez was my surgeon,I had a $500.00 deposit and I paid mine in full before I arrived. If you are fling in they have a driver that picks you up from the airport in El Paso,Texas. I Checked in on a Monday ,they did a chest xray,ekg,and basic blood work. I went through www.beliteweight.com . I had my surgery on March 25,2014 and I was very impressed they put my mind at ease . They took very good care of me and my husband who was able to stay in the hospital with. I liked that it was a full service hospital and super clean. I was on a pre-op diet for two weeks before  and they ask if you have had/or do hae serious heart problems. I don't have insurence so everything I had to pay out of pocket and they total was $6800.00. They also sent me home with post -op orders,meds,and diet. I drove home to Louisiana was a long trip but I did great. If I would have had the surgery in the states it would have cost me double . I am starting week 3 post-op and I am down 25 pounds(including pre-op) If you use belite they are awesome... Hopes this helps Good luck on your journey.. 

This is good to hear and see. Thank you for sharing!