Question:
I am considering having a gastric sleeve peformed in Mexio
I am considering having a gastric sleeve done in Mexico and wonder what others have done about "after care" upon returning to the United States. — Diva2 (posted on October 11, 2010)
October 11, 2010
Marie,
There really isn't much "after care" needed with a sleeve, which
is one of the many reasons I opted for it. I had mine done by Dr. Aceves
in Mexico and I cannot say enough wonderful things about him and my entire
experience. He and his staff are wonderful, caring, compassionate people;
he is an outstanding surgeon with a terrific record of successful
surgeries, and the hospital was beautiful and amazingly clean. Plus my
after-surgery care was done IN THE HOSPITAL and not in some hotel.
Now that I'm back in the states, my primary care physician can order my
blood work to check my vitamin levels. I haven't needed anything else.
I'm 3+ months out now and I've lost 53% of my excess weight! I feel great.
My feet and knees no longer hurt. I can walk my dogs. I can cross my
legs again! I can get down on the floor AND back up again. I can paint my
toenails without losing my breath. I am off of 2 of my previous meds due
to the weight loss AND I am shopping in the misses section instead of the
women's section of the store!
My ONLY regret is that I didn't do this sooner...
Cheryl*
— boernecheryl
October 11, 2010
I have a dear friend who had a lap band implanted in Mexico. It turned out
to be the worst decision she has ever made. Her sisters paid for the
initial surgery and follow-up, but no American doctor will not do
adjustments for it and it has become cost prohibitive to travel to Mexico.
So it just sits there. Please don't go to Mexico for the procedure.
Barbara
— Barbara P.
October 11, 2010
I agree Mexico can be a wonderful experience and so much cheaper than the
states. I feel so guilty I spent over $23,000 for my RNY here in the
states jan.08. After reading so much about the sleeve and following the OH
boards I soon realized I could have had the procedure done for half the
price. My hubby had the sleeve last September with Dr. Alvarez. Last year
the violence was not as bad as it is now. At this point I would really
follow and see what is going on. Dr. Alvarez is close to the border, we
flew into San Antoinio and was picked up and spent the night in Eagle Pass
Texas. The next morning we were picked up and taken across the border and
he had his surgery. His procedure was under $10,000. Again with the
sleeve there is not much of a follow up as there is no malabsorption issues
like my RNY. I also had plastic surgery in April in Mexico and had
wonderful experience and I was there for 2 weeks (I went by myself). Any
doctor you are considering just do your homework it can be really good
option. Remember in Mexico they do not take your medical insurance and
there is no malpractice so you MUST pick your doctor wisely. If you are
severely obese like over a BMI of 50 I'm not sure I would consider Mexico
but if your closer to the 40 BMI then I say go for it. Just because of
travel issues and of course there is a higher rate of complications the
larger you are. Good luck and let me know is you have any other questions.
Toni
— ToniLee
October 12, 2010
I would be so scared to go to Mexico. I know my best friend did it. But it
is just not for me. I am the kind of person if it can go wrong it will go
wrong. What if you get an infection. What if something happens and someone
has to go in and revise it? What if I need help here in the states and
there is no doctor to help me?? Those would be my main concerns.
— That_816_Princess
October 12, 2010
I had my VSG done on 6-28-2010 by Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez. He is a great
Dr. and has over 15 years experience vs half that of most US Drs. I have
had no problems whatsoever, and have lost 100.6 lbs as of 10-08-2010. I
still have a long way to go though as I started out at 526 at my pre-op
diet startup. I went though a place called Belight Bariatric and they
helped set everything up. They even helped with financing some. I paid
6950 for the surgery and hospital stay. Another 1500 for airplane, 2 seats
for me and one for my roomate who went with me. The hospital was excellent
too. I agree with what other said about the troubles down there, but felt
really safe once I got there. The hospital is very close to the US
Consulate and there were armed guards outside. The whole time I was there
I stayed in the hospital, but my roomate ventured out to eat and shop, and
he said he felt safe. Good Luck with whatever you decide to do.
— JoelConner
October 12, 2010
I personally would not consider going to Mexico for treatment. #1, most US
doctors will not do follow up care for a surgery performed in Mexico. #2,
and maybe the most important thing, watch the news! People are getting
killed by the dozens down there by the drug cartels! Just across the border
they're dumping the bodies. Think about your safety in many ways before
making this decision. Best of luck.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 23, 2010
I also had my gastric sleeve done by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. I went by
myself. My family was very upset. If I did it here in Florida, I would
have to jump through lots of hoops, answering stupid questions and exams.
Also the wait 6 to 9 months to have the surgery. After that, then all the
different bills would come. Everything is billed separately in America.
You would be sent directly home to fend for yourself. In Mexico, one price
covered everything. I even got it on sale. 3 days in the hospital, hotel
the night before, transport, etc. The care, facilities and cleanliness was
outstanding in this private hospital. With the suggestions from this site,
I knew what little to pack. This made travel easy. I used handicap service
for all my flights. All my after care questions have been answered
promptly via e-mail. I could call if I have a question. The team treated
each patient as an individual. They adjusted the care to what each person
needed. I could not be more pleased. My surgery was Oct. 8.
— kuiltdiva
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