Hey nurses: HELP!

Hello to all you wonderful, brilliant nurses! I'm considering having my surgery in Mexico. I was all ready to surgery here in Tampa, but my insurance is UHC for a company of 20 or less---they don't offer WLS--even though it's offered to companies with over 20 employees. It sucks, but I need to move on. I looked into Dr. Aguilla in Mexico and have heard from previous patients of his that he is quite competent, and a member of the American Academy of Bariatric--and the Mexican version of the same. Anyway--my question is: Would any of you go to Mexico to have this surgery done?? I'm no dummy. I have a BSN and have been a nurse since 1995---but I'm finding that in the states, I simply cannot afford to have surgery because I'm now self pay. If any of you have a free moment, you can look on the top of this page under "communities"--scan to the bottom of the page to "south of the boarder"--and look up this doc. I checked in with post-ops who have had wonderful success with him. And I looked up his name on the website for the Academy of Bariatric Surgeons and found his name there. Do any of you think I'm missing some pertinent piece of information that sends up red flags to you? I'm almost 300 pounds and have been battling this weight for the vast majority of my life. My family history is littered with co-morbidities, and I have HTN and DDD in my lower back. Any thoughts?? Thank you, Jessica

Jessica, I am so desperate to have this surgery that I, too, would probably consider going south. I have no real information on this subject, but I do want to give you some moral support. Sounds like you are doing the homework, and that is important. Bless you in your search for info. Hugs, Sherri

Will he disclose his M&M and infection reports? That's the only other thing I would ask about. Mexico has also had problems with oral antibiotics not being up to par. Some companies will cut the doseage strength to cut down costs i.e. Amoxil 500 only has 375mg in it. Good Luck! Pat

Hi Jessica, I had my adjustable gastric band put in in Mexico. The hospital was ultramodern, sparkling clean and the staff very competent. I would say "go for it". Just check to make sure you have a doc that will follow you where you live for emergencies. I did that and had a great experience.