Support Requested for Surgery in Brazil

I had surgery with Dr. Marchesini five years ago next week (Sept 15, 2005), and I have never regretted it. 

Be aware that the hospital that you would be going to is funded by the many wealthy American patients (ie - you and me) they serve.   It is not at the mercy of being a government-run hospital, so they have NO reason to short-change you on your medical care.     Because they are not at the mercy of your insurance company, they are able to budget their resources because they already know your services are paid for before you arrive.   

There is NO nursing shortage in Brazil, and you will receive better care than you've EVER received in the U.S.   I had several nurses around me regularly.   I had a private room.   I had a private nurse.   I had granite tile, two-ply toilet paper in the bathroom, a 9' by 9' patio/balcony, and a fold-out couch where someone could sleep in my room. 

Here are a couple of posts I made live from Brazil back in 2005 describing what I experienced:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/92456/Story-Time/
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/92502/A-few-other-tidbi ts-from-Brazil-and-surgery/
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/92535/Taking-it-easy-in -Brazil/
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/92580/More-Tales-From-B razil/
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/09-2005/694016/Im-back-in- the-US-now/ 


I have lost and maintained 101lbs Excess Weight Loss for five years.    My post-op issues have consisted of:

* a mild seroma (my incision leaked for the first month but required no special treatment)
* About three years post-op, I developed hypoglycemia and have to watch my blood sugar
* iron deficiency (required one set of iron infusions in 2008 - has been normal ever since)
* low vitamin D (which required increasing my intake to 100,000 Units daily)

All in all, I've done very well, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.   I love, love, love Dr. Marchesini, and his staff - I've recommended him to my best friend, so I would certain recommend him to you as well.

--BT