Ok, I'll try this... Best Mexican doctor?

So... here's my thoughts. You can feel free to ignore them. I don't have experience with Mexico, but... I did consider it. At the end of the day, it had nothing to do with borders or feeling safe, but about support.

I 100% need that accountability to follow up. I needed the surgeon's office and their support staff. Yes, I spent double or more than what I would have after travel and everything, but I'd really look closely at yourself and what you need. The surgery is easy. It's all the **** that comes after that is so hard.

BUT you know yourself better than anyone. I knew that I wouldn't be as successful without the local guy. I was right. NO WAY would I have done as well as I have without it.

I think a lot of people go to Mexico because they simply cannot afford US prices.  It is either travel for surgery (even if within the US) or have no surgery at all.

Very true. For me, it was worth going into debt. My husband and I talked about it at length and decided to delay a few other expenditures to be able to afford the monthly payment. We struggle sometimes to pay it, but we pay it. It's really about you and what you know you can do. I really did need that local support. Others can do it on their own. You know yourself best, of course!

This is a great point.

For me, Mexico was really my only option. I went into debt just to go there. Weighing 280 lbs and having so many problems was simply not acceptable to me, and I was going to do whatever I could to change things. Now of course I didn't go to just any surgeon in Mexico. I researched a lot and decided on the best one for me.

I just told someone via PM that to have surgery in Mexico, you have to be confident in your ability to go it alone. There are no support groups or follow-ups with your surgeon. I have email access and have had any questions I had answered quickly, but for some people that may not be enough. I seem to do well at that (years ago I did Weigh****chers online - meetings terrified me...not that it worked out well in the end, haha). I'm kind of a loner - always have been - so I know I can do this.

And then you went and lost 225 pounds.  Money well spent!!!!  I feel for folks who do not have insurance to cover this- I think that is abhorrent that the wealthiest nation on the planet cannot manage to figure out how to provide reasonably priced healthcare.  

But I digress.  There are three surgeons... The three "A's".  Aceves is one of them.  Do a search on the three A's and you should be able to pull up threads about them.

Personally, I would travel to Mexico if it was my only choice.  I would also be sure to locate a support group locally, a nutritionist locally, and a doctor that can run labs for you periodically to ensure you are not having issues with deficiencies.  Not that the sleeve is a malabsorption issue... just that you eat a lot less so you have to be mindful.  

So, Mexico sleeve is better than no sleeve.  Local practice with a great program is best though, because it is more than just the surgery.  I still go to support meetings regularly and now sometimes twice a week.  It just helps.  

Not everyone has a great surgeon living in their backyard.  I had to travel no mater what.  The bariatric surgeons in my area just aren't that great.  

VERY true. I'm lucky to live in a big metro area with some amazing surgeons. With my back surgery coming up, I had my choice of a few of the best in the country. When I lived in rural South Carolina, it was hard sometimes to find a good doctor, we had to travel at least an hour to a decent hospital, etc.

You can visit my instagram and see my experience with Dr. Valenzuela. You can google Mexico Bariatric Center and she is on there. I was very pleased! Only a week out. There are MANY good surgeons in Mexico and with all of us who have gone, you cant REALLY go wrong. You just need to know what you are willing to pay and who you feel comfortable with. 

I just had surgery a couple of weeks ago with Dr. ELMO ARAMBURO in Juarez.  I could NOT have been more happy.  He is Dr. Rodriguez's assistant, and did the surgery as Dr. Rodriguez was at a conference.  LOVED LOVED LOVED every aspect of it.  From being picked up at the airport, to being delivered back to the airport after the surgery, it was the best hospital experience I've ever had, by far.

Jane

I went to TJ and had a great experience. Went with Dr Ponce de Leon.  I used a coordinator and didn't feel unsafe at all.

The female surgeon that has large sleeves and hourglass shaped ones , Often uses me**** is Dr Pompa. Avoid her.

Dr Aceves is pretty much the best. I suspect better then most surgeons in the USA.

There are a lot of hacks out there to avoid.  I narrowed it to DR Ponce, dr Aceves, DR Alverez, Dr Joya, and considered Dr Kelly but there was too much drama surrounding him at the time.