In need to recommendations

Hello, I am new here and for the past while I have been thinking about getting Weight Loss Surgery. Based on all the research my husband and I have done (my husband is a huge fan of research so he has been all over it) I have decided that the Sleeve is my best option. Now I live in Calgary, AB (Canada) and I spoke to my doctor about having surgery and she thinks it is a really good option however, because I have no serious health concerns due to being overweight and I am young I will be put to the bottom of the list and she estimates that I would be waiting for a very long time (like 5-10 years). I am not interested in waiting that long, I want to live my life! More then that I want to enjoy and be involved in my life. So, I am looking south of the border for surgery options (aka MEXICO!). However, I am very concerned about having surgery down there, with the many horror stories I've heard of and I don't know I guess a cultural thing. Basically any grown up influence in my life has said that this is a bad idea. I have contacted a company out of Saskatoon that facilitates and organizes surgery down in Mexico in a Canadian owned hospital. For some reason this seems a lot safer and puts my mind at ease but the cost is very high (like 16,000+). To sum all of this up, basically I am looking for recommendations and experiences for a surgeon/facility. I am trying to weigh the options of cost and experience/reputation of the surgeon/facility. Any help or advice I can get is great, I really value personal experiences and opinions in these matters as I think that says a lot about what you can expect! Thanks for the help in advance!

Use the "SEARCH" button and type in Mexico -- you'll find lots of posts regarding surgery in Mexico.  From what I've read here, most people have been very pleased with their outcomes.

Also, use the "FIND a Bariatric Surgeon Near MEXICO" feature, and you'll get information on the doctors there.

Good luck on your research.

I'm going with my sister for her surgery in February with Dr. Alvarez. He was highly recommended from several on this board. The cost for the VSG is $8700. That is all I know for now.

I actually was just looking into Dr. Alvarez and was about to request more information from his site! :) How has the initial communication and processing like with him?

They responded in less than 24 hours for additional information. They responded to all questions, and like I said there are several people on this board that responded for my post about this very topic. I IM them and two answered that they be glad to communicate. I've had a few questions for them, but since I've already had the VSG I know what it is like for me any way. They too make the companion feel comfortable which is great since I'm going with her. I will stay in her hospital room, with a refrigerator and I'll buy some food. Which I still don't eat very much so this is easy. I know apprehension of going to Mexico but this isn't a back street clinic it is a hospital. I've also started following Dr. Alvarez's FB and "radio" blog as he gives a lot of information. I'll try to post while I'm there on how it is all going. Please feel free to keep in touch. I hope this helps...

Thanks, so much it is a great help! Please keep me updated!!

Hey there,

I am Canadian as well and just traveled to Mexico for surgery. I had VSG surgery on the 4/1/14. Dr Aceves preformed the operation. I have nothing but good things to say about the entire event. I could not have asked for better care. In fact my husband got sick while we were there and they also took excellent care of him too. Our flights were delayed and then canceled because of the big snow storm on the east coast, I worried I would not be able to have the surgery because I could not get there in time. The staff was so accommodating that they actually hired a driver to come get us for when we could manage to get our flights rebooked to San Diego. The hospital was spotlessly clean and the staff so very nice. All of my recovery days were spent in a hospital, with qualified people taking care of me.

If there is anything else you would like to know PM me and I will try to answer your questions!! :)

Thanks so much! I sent you a PM!

I've heard really good things about the surgeons in Mexico!  My only caution is that there seems to be a lack of follow-up care once you go home.  So in addition to researching surgeons in Mexico, start looking for a good support team in Canada.  Some suggestions might be a therapist, nutritionist, trainer, and support group like Overeaters Anonymous.  You'll also want to have a good relationship with your PCP, which it sounds like you do - they'll want to keep on top of your bloodwork, etc.

I'd also suggest if you haven't already done it, to ask for a sleep study.  Sleep Apnea might just be the co-morbidity you need! 

This is the main thing I have been concerned about, the support after the surgery. I know I will have my Dr. but I feel like I may need something more. To keep my on track and honest.