If you had surgery in Mexico, how did you handle your follow-up?

[christina420 3]

Just curious about those who traveled a distance to have their surgery in Mexico. .. How did you handle follow-up on the procedure?

Did anyone NOT have follow-up by a doctor?

Did anyone have to try and "find" a VSG friendly doctor when you got back home?

I am never sick and rarely go to the doctor. In the past 5 years I have gone once a year for a regular check-up. Last year I had mentioned "lap band" to my PCP and he was dead set against it. So IF I a go proceed, I will probably have to find a new doctor.

Has anyone ever been turned down by a doctor for having VSG?

[christina420 3]

I know someone that got sleeved in mexico and had follow up with a nurse practitioner. I myself am getting sleeved by dr almanza in a few weeks and then making an appoitment after im back. When I call to make my appointment I'm gping to tell them I just sleeved out of state and now I need appt closer to home ( not going to mention Mexico). They will just think I moved to the area. Then during the appt. I will tell doctor about Mexico. What's he gonna do, kick me out?!? If he's a jerk about it I'll have to do it all over again with a new doctor.

[KathyM 14]

I had my surgery with Dr. Almanza in Mexico. There was insurance available to purchase in case you had any complications. I decided not to purchase it and I didn't need it. There really isn't any follow up, I did tell my family doctor AFTER I did it, I figured if he got mad and fired me, then I would just find a new doctor, because like you I don't really go to the doctor much anyways. He had alot of questions, and by the time I saw him it was about 4 months postop and I had already lost 60lbs so he was really happy for me. He checks some lab on me every 6 months. Vitamin B12, Vitamin D levels, BUN, Creatinine for kidney function as well as looking at hemoglobin and hematocrit for anemia and also liver enzymes. Just had lab done on the 25th of May and everything on it was normal. I take a Vitamin D supplement but no other Vitamins, just try to eat well and it seems to be working.

Kathy

[cali1212 2]

There is defintly follow up. I went to Dr. Aceves and his list is an upper GI to look at the esophagus, pharynx, stomach, and first part of the small intestines. It is done under floroscopy with a barium and a full panel of bloodwork at 3 months post op. My PCP recommended the surgery but was shocked when I saw her 1 week post and told her I went to Mexico. She was very accomodating and gave me some liquid pain meds and a rx for prilosec (works better for me than nexium). She is on board and has been great! If your primary doesn't see the medical benefits of having it done (regardless of who did the op) then look for another Dr. That does!!!

[cali1212 2]

I also called my health insurance before I went to Mexico and they (united) will cover any emergency treatment due to complication and post op work (ie..blood work and GI).