Seriously considering Mexico for sleeve

I cannot get insurance coverage thanks to City of Houston insurance.  I am considering out of pocket in Mexico.  Many in my life are fearful I will be hacked up and cannot recover. I wonder how much is stigma and how much is truth.

What have others who know from experience got to share with me?

Thanks,

Blue Dragon

Your caution is valid, but there along with the hacks, there are some high quality surgeons in MX.  Seek out lots of references, though.  There is even a board dedicated to wls Mexico here, so definitely post out there.  

I can tell you from Duodenal Switch world - my group talks very highly about Dr. Gilberto Ungson out of Hermisillo.

Thank you Valerie,

I didn't know there was a Mexico board. I appreciate the recommendation. I just joined today. 

BD

There are absolutely some surgeons and clinics you should avoid in MX. I cannot name them right here, as that often seems to get my posts pulled, but I can say that one of the most highly recommended in ANY country is Dr Ungson in MX. 

I can only speak about my own experience. In 2005 I had a lap band procedure performed by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. He is a leader in bariatric surgery and even proctored doctors in the USA once the procedure was approved to be done here. His office is in Tijuana. I was fairly skeptical, especially as a Registered Nurse, but his staff goes above and beyond to make you feel safe and comfortable because they have to in order to beat the preconceived notions about this area of the world. I'm no longer physically able to make a long trip by plane like that anymore or I'd be considering Dr. Ortiz for a revision to a sleeve. The lap band did not work for me and has instead caused some significant problems with my stomach, but I don't consider that to be his fault. It is just one of those things that happens with bands and I knew the risk going into it. Dr. Ortiz has an impressive resume. He speaks perfect English. He has a website that is very informative and even shows clips of live surgeries if you are interested, at ObesityControl.com. Good luck.

Great sales pitch  for Dr Ortiz - your first and only post ...

I didn't have bariatric surgery there, but did have other surgeries in MX. Definitely do your research and talk to many people here and on other sites. My experiences were great, the equipment was often older but still in good shape. Always had attentive nurses, I couldn't always understand them, but we managed with the help of a translator on my computer. I even had a couple nurses waving and trying to talk to my dad while I skyped with him. I would without a doubt have ZERO reservations about having surgery there again.