Question:
I am seriously considering going to Mexico for surgery has anyone done that?
I am new here and I have been wanting this surgery for years but my former insurance companies excluded anything dealing with obesity. — Sweetazzhoney35 (posted on August 14, 2008)
August 14, 2008
I hve heard of many people going to Mexico for their surgery and for their
plastics. They are far cheaper. Do A LOT of research and pick a reputable
sureon and clinic or hospital. You might check out some of the boards and
see where others have gone in Mexico...I've heard rave reviews! Can't think
of anyone specific to guide you to talk to. Check out all the OH
commuities and you'll find a good lead.
— .Anita R.
August 14, 2008
I wouldn't. Everyone I know that has gone that route has ended up, with
little or no after-care support. This site helps alot there, but doesn't
replace, a good local doctor to follow you. And I have found alot of
family docs know very little about taking care of a post wls patient. I
have to constantly remind my PC, that I can no longer take this or that due
to wls. This is a permanent thing. You could end up with complications
and be there stranded. Take care, and good luck!
— lesleigh07
August 14, 2008
I went to a surgeon in Matamoros, Tamalipas, Mexico. I have had a GREAT
relationship with him INCLUDING aftercare. I will say, that I DO live
about 40 miles from the office. It was one of the reasons that my wife,
and I CHOSE this surgeon. The only problem that I have had has been with
schedule changes at the last minute in my appointments. Since I am a stay
at home dad, this has not been a big issue. It probably would not be an
issue for someone's surgery. I don't know that anyone would be WILLING to
come long distance for a follow up appointment ANYWAY. My surgeon's rates
were COMPERABLE to those that we found online, and we did not have to
TRAVEL to get the operation performed. WE also had the benefit of getting
the aftercare. Depending on what type of procedure that you are getting,
the after care can be pretty important. For Lap Band, Gastric Bypass, and
Duodenal Switch patients, it is quite important to get the follow up care.
It is not quite so critical, in MY opinion (although I am NOT a medical
expert) for the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy patients to get the follow up
care by the Weight Loss Surgeon. It IS important that they DO get checked
out by a qualified physician! A PHONE call to the surgeon regularly may do
in place of the actual office visit. If there are COMPLICATIONS, it is
important to know if your surgeon will support you in those situations, so
ASK him before you have him perform any work. The cost of MY surgery was
MUCH LESS than the standard rate in the US. I do not recall off hand what
we paid for the surgery, but we paid in cash. My wife paid for the
operation with money that she had gotten as a bonus from her work and with
money that she had borrowed to help cover the extra cost when we switched
from the Lap Band to the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I hope this helps.
Contact me if you have any questions. Hugh
— hubarlow
August 14, 2008
I went to Mexico for my surgery 5 years ago. I would recommend it, if you
have support you can turn to here in the states. My physician was great for
my follow-up and very supportive. I had a great surgeon in Mx. You need to
do research and obviously not pick just anyone. If you are very needy on a
Dr. I wouldn't suggest it. It is not for everyone. For me, it was the best!
You can read my profile and learn more about my experience and I will be
happy to answer any questions. I went to Ensenada Mx and my surgeon was Dr.
Alejandro Aguirre.
— rjh729
August 14, 2008
I did not have mine in Mexico, but thought I'd suggest another alternative.
I had mine in Brussels, Belgium 2 years ago. I have heard of people
having it in Mexico and having great experiences, and I had a wonderful dr
in Belgium. The cost was the USD equivalent of about $15,000...and the dr
has a 'package' for patients who come from the U.S. to have it done in
Portugal. I don't recall how much that package was (I was living in
Belgium at the time), but just wanted to suggest another alternative for
you to research. My dr spoke excellent English.
Good luck.
— Hollywog
August 14, 2008
There is a special forum for Mexico pt's you can join & ask questions
I went to Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey. As a hospital surveyor for the US
(Indiana) I can say I had & have no qualms about his ability or the
hospital. He does both bypass & banding (has a band himself)
— Donna O.
August 14, 2008
Many people on the VSG forum have gone to Mexico for their VSG or band
revision and are very happy with the care.
The VSG needs no follow up care other than normal treatment from your PCP.
Come on over to the forum and do some research-
— Kristin B.
August 15, 2008
I went to Tj. Mexico for my lapband surgery at Hospital Angeles with Dr
covala. It was great and i would do it again in a heartbeat. There is more
on my profile about it and pics of the hospital. I get my aftercare done at
NW Fill Management in Arlington WA.
— Kristi H.
August 15, 2008
Like Donna above me, I went to Monterrey, Mexico and had my RNY performed
by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut. I had a stellar experience and would recommend it
to anyone. Feel free to contact me if you would like any additional
information. I think the total cost of the surgery (not including plane
ticket and hotel nights) was $14,800. My surgery was April 18, 2007.
— AmyTrix
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