Hey folks. Kinda looking for confirmation one way or the other on the validity of the "Medical Tourism" model to mexico for a revision of my RNY from 2004. 

A little about myself (and sorry for length)-

I am 45 years old and at my heaviest was pushing 500lbs. The first surgery was done at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr Rosenthal, and he was awesome. I dropped to just under 300 lbs but now, 12 years later, I am up to 365 lbs. When he did the bypass, he stated very clearly "I went very conservative due to your age and you can always return for a revision if necessary."

Well, that's all fine and dandy IF insurance would pay for it. 

So, I have looked for options. I just simply cannot afford surgery in the US. I wish I could. It would make so much more sense to stay close to home, in my own support mechanisms and area. But it just is NOT possible financially. And Physically, I feel like I am tipping over again.

I have looked into, researched as much as the internet allows, two options. Dr. Quionnes(sp?) and Belite. Both claim to be able to finance me....even though only Dr. Q's has actually put the numbers together for me. Both seem to be affordable for me.  But obviously, look at the title of my post and you will see the reaction SO far.

My questions are both simple and complex: 

• Is it safe? As in SAFE to travel to and from? 
• Are the practices on par with what we expect in the US?
• What if there are complications....after surgery and after returning home?
• Will US doctors touch me if I have this procedure in Mexico?
• What Insurance issues will I run into in the US in any follow up care necessities? 
• In anyones opinion, who should i stay away from? Who would you trust with your life again? 

All in all, I am ready to revise my 2004 surgery. I am healthy enough to truly expect a very good result, but pain in my joints, back and fatigue due to not being able ro sleep means I have little if any REAL energy to accomplish the effort needed without this help. 

Any and all insight is appreciated. 

Bumping this up!!!

Yes!  Congrats!

 I have lost forty lbs can not believe it looking good pic will come in time. 

I can only tell you about the doctor that I ended up having my sleeve done with, Dr. Fernando Garcia of Tijuana Bariatrics.  I am 18 months out, 111 lbs lighter, my scars are tiny and I am healthy.  Given these things, I think he did an excellent job.  Choosing a surgeon is very difficult and I ran into a lot of pitfalls when choosing mine.  I would definitely think of a long list of questions to ask each coordinator and see who answers them the best.  I can probably come up with my list of questions that I used, if you would like.  It was extremely important to me to have the procedure done at a hospital with an ER and ICU, and not a clinic, but other things may be more important to you.  Of course, I also advocate doing what you are already doing, which is trying to find anything negative about the potential surgeon.  Good luck to you, whomever you choose.