rny or vsg

So just finished talking to my doctor about going out of country to PV mexico to get the vsg or rny and he pretty much said that it is along way back if I have any  complications, so I should really re- consider having out of country surgery. Anyone else had these issues of their doctor saying that they will not deal with things associated with the wl surgery.

I have heard alot of people say that they have a hard time finding a local doctor who will take over when they had their surgery with someone else.  I would say that if you do go out of the country for the surgery, first find a Bariatric Specialist locally who will take you afterward.  Even if you have no complications at all, you need to have followups with a Bariatric Specialist, not a PCP.  Are you looking outside of your area because there aren't any good surgeons or to save money?  This is one surgery that I wouldn't cut any corners on.  Whatever surgeon you choose, make sure that they have done that particular surgery successfully many times before they get to you.  It is also important to find a nutritionist who is educated in nutrition for WLS patients and a support group in your area too.  Good luck with it.

I do not follow up with a bariatric anything -- my PCP orders my labs, and I can read them from there.

If your PCP isn't willing to help you, honestly, it's time for a new PCP.


I agree that you need to consider what will happen if you have complications -- we all need to think about these things.  But if your doc is not willing to support you, then you need to think about finding a new doc.

I, like Andrea, have my PCP do all my followup which is basically my routine labs. It is covered under my health plan and he is happy to do it.
I DID have my sugery in Mexico and had no problems post op.
The sleeve is at less risk for complications than some of the other procedures but I felt confident that if I had a routine problem my PCP could handle it. If I had an emergency problem I would head to the emergency room.
Yes complications can occur and that is something to take in to consideration but not just with having surgery outside of the US.
In many cases you can have the same issues if the you have problems even with a surgeon in the US and other surgeon not wanting to take over treatment.
Many many folks have had WLS in MX and very few have had any major problems AFTER they left the hospital.
You may want to consider posting this on the sleeve board and the RNY board and talk with folks that have "been there and done that"

On January 18, 2010 at 11:46 AM Pacific Time, Andrea U. wrote: I do not follow up with a bariatric anything -- my PCP orders my labs, and I can read them from there.

If your PCP isn't willing to help you, honestly, it's time for a new PCP.


Ditto - on both accounts.

I wonder where in Canada you are, I have a friend who wishes she would have gone to the US or Mexico for surgery, she had a lapband done in Edmonton.

I was lucky enough to have RNY done 45 minutes from home in Red Deer, and I had absolutely no complications, however aftercare is very important so I would urge you to make sure you have someone here that will look after you if you do run into trouble.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Joann

Hi, I'm going to Puerto Vallarta for a VSG. Dr. Joya has a complications fund $500 usd that takes care of any problems associated with the surgery. I know somwone else that has gone there and she had great care and she is an RN. I'm paying $10,000 usd and it includes a lot. Visit Dr. Joya.com. All the best! Carla

as you know I had my RNY in PV Mexico and I was lucky enough to have a PCP back in Tx that will follow my after care, before you make any choices talk to other PCP 's and see who is willing if you went to Mexico you might be surprised when you tell them you will be doing this and you hope they will help with after care and let them know if there now well there is alot more Dr's out there that will. beside only after care you might need is to mave your blood tested to make sure you are getting enough nutrion.  Bottom line is what you want to do.
Hope that helps your in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs, Lisa