Considering Surgery Abroad. Anyone With Experience?

[MMB 0]

Hello all,

So, here is my dilema. I do not have insurance but I completely meet the requirements for lap-band surgery. I mentioned in an earlier post that I was having trouble finding a fill doctor in the Louisville, KY area, but I have pretty much solved that problem. I am going to have to drive a bit, but not anything terribly unreasonable.

My question is if any of you have had experience with a procedure done abroad, particularly in Mexico. I have a friend who has a Medical Tourism business who wants me to come to Guadalajara to have the procedure. The doctor is very very qualified, the head of the bariatric department at hospital Mexico-Americano, and JCI accredited international hospital. The entire trip, including surgery and recovery time is only going to cost me about 6,500 dollars. This is a huge savings for me compared to the prices I have been given in the United States. The hospital looks magnificent and I trust my friend when he tells me this doctor is one of the best around.

Any Thoughts?

[Holly Dolly 575]

There was a earlier post that I read today about someone who had their surgery in Mexico and can't find someone to do her fills. Well, she had someone who she didn't like and was considering doing her own fills! There are a lot of people on here who had their surgery in Mexico and are happy with that. I was self paid as well, $13,900. But in that fee included the nutrionist and pyschologist appts for the first 6 months, 3 months of fills and the ongoing weekly support meetings that the office offers and I fully take advantage of.

For me, the ongoing support is a huge part of my success with the lapband. If I ever have a problem, I know they are close and always available. I had an emergency one time while camping. My physician asst. came into the office that night at 9:30 for me. For those reasons, I would reconsider having your surgery close to home. You don't just get the band and it does it thing! I am almost a year out and still waiting for my sweet spot. I have had many fills, on the other hand my brother had 2 fills in the very beginning and he has been good since. You just never know how the band will work for you. Everyone is different. But why take the chance?

[Miss Meow 12]

I just had my surgery Thursday in Tijuana. So far so good aside from the expected pain from recovery. The facility was beautiful and very sterile. Aside from the language barrier with the recovery nurse I had a positive experience.

[LisaBC 10]

I had my surgery on Thursday in Tijuana as well. I am experiencing the recovery pain as well but I feel I made a wonderful decision in going to OCC and having Dr. Ortiz perform my surgery.

Top notch all the way!! my experience was very positive and I am glad I went there. I saved $12,000 having it done in Mexico and I do have several fill doctors available back here in Canada for my fills.

good luck with your decision!

[ccsweetss 8]

I was banded in tj, Mexico on June 4 2012. I had a great experience and have my fill doctor and nutritionist here in Calgary alberta Canada.