Anyone Ever Had Gastric Sleeve Surgery In Mexico?

[Sweetybabs 13]

I am confussed...why is so many people getting the surgery done in Mexico? I am just curious what the difference is! My surgery is Nov. 2nd in the grand state of OKLAHOMA! Just a few miles from where I live and where my friends and family members are!

[Rootman 1,101]

I am confussed...why is so many people getting the surgery done in Mexico? I am just curious what the difference is! My surgery is Nov. 2nd in the grand state of OKLAHOMA! Just a few miles from where I live and where my friends and family members are!

The main reason is cost, and for many with no insurance it is the only option. The total cost can be as low as $5000, most times in the States the cost can be $20,000 or more. While I have insurance I did not want to wait, many from my company have waited for up to a year for approval, quite frankly I think I would be dead in another year if I had waited.

[itscometothis 12]

I can only speak for myself... I went to Mexico for a few reasons... 1. I didn't qualify for the surgery in Canada or the US with a BMI of less than 35 but I wanted it done. 2. I wanted to have it done so bad that I was willing to go to Mexico to have it done! 3. The surgeons in Mexico have done this for a long time and many of them are more experienced than US/Canadian surgeons. 4. I had the money and was willing to pay to have it done. I would do it all over again because I researched like crazy and after doing so found that Mexico wasn't this horribly scary place to have surgery. Medical Tourism is huge. People go to Brazil, Thailand, Mexico, etc to have surgery. I am forever grateful for finding out about Mexico as it gave me an option

I am confussed...why is so many people getting the surgery done in Mexico? I am just curious what the difference is! My surgery is Nov. 2nd in the grand state of OKLAHOMA! Just a few miles from where I live and where my friends and family members are!

[Sleeve2B 11]

Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez, Mx. My cost was $8750. Fantastic experience, excellent staff and very beautiful people. Extremely nice.

[pascale22 0]

Hi, I'm gald to hear that. Im from Quebec in Canada and as you know..I was'nt fat enough....So I should get my surgery on january 5 2012 by dr Rodriguez in Star Medica.

Pascale

Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez, Mx. My cost was $8750. Fantastic experience, excellent staff and very beautiful people. Extremely nice.

[Sleeve2B 11]

Hi, I'm gald to hear that. Im from Quebec in Canada and as you know..I was'nt fat enough....So I should get my surgery on january 5 2012 by dr Rodriguez in Star Medica.

Pascale

Good Luck to you Pascale -- I belive you will enjoy the experience. The beauty for me....only 3 days in the hospital and then I was on my way back home. (No hotels, etc..and the staff was watching me like a clock to make sure I regained my health!)

[AnneAC 5]

I am confussed...why is so many people getting the surgery done in Mexico? I am just curious what the difference is! My surgery is Nov. 2nd in the grand state of OKLAHOMA! Just a few miles from where I live and where my friends and family members are!

My insurance does not cover any form of bariatric surgery even if there are comorbidities (I had none anyway). Self pay is VERY expensive in the states and most of the doctors do not have anywhere near the experience doing sleeves as many doctors in Mexico. It was a great experience.

[Suzannesh 376]

Hi,

You have asked the questions about going to Mexico, and I have read through so many of these posts. I noticed that a great many of them have been or are going to Dr. Aceves. I also went to Dr. Aceves. I am older than most of you so I really took a lot of time to research Dr. Aceves and his hospital. I have to tell you he is top rated and his entire staff are the very best you could find any place. They treat you so much better than any US Hospital. Here is a little information that I have learned along the way.

The difference in where you have your surgery

I have been doing a little information gathering in the past few days. I live in the state of Oregon and in the city of Eugene. I have discovered that they do NOT have anyone in my city to do WLS. I spoke with someone who was going to have to drive to a smaller city than we live in to have her sleeve WLS. Then I was shocked when she said they are doing it as DAY SURGERY and the doctor wants her to go stay in a hotel close to the hospital once they release her from Day Surgery—just in case something goes wrong she can return to the hospital quickly. The doctors have only asked her to say in a hotel for one (1) night then she can come back home—about 60 miles away from where she had the surgery. I was SHOCKED to hear that she is going to receive so little care from the doctor or hospital.

This just reaffirms why I went to Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico. I was cared for so differently. I spent part of one day getting all my tests done—which I am sure in the US they do the same thing. I had the opportunity to see the hospital and I also saw how often and how much they cleaned just being there for 3 hours for the tests. I was given paper work to fill out the night before surgery (which they must have you do in Oregon). I met with a doctor the night before (he comes to the Hotel you are staying in) the doctor who explained the surgery and how it is done went into great detail and asked if I had any questions and then spent more time answering my questions.

In the morning, I was assigned my very own nurse who was taking care of me—she got me ready for the surgery. That morning I saw the two surgeons, and the anesthesiologist, who again answered ALL my questions that I forgot to ask the night before. They explain exactly what they were going to do and what I would feel like when I woke up. They would have NEVER sent me to a hotel to recover. I spent 4 days and nights in the complete fully equipped hospital seeing two doctors 3 times a day. I was given a battery of test before they would consider sending me home. On the 5^th day, I was driven to the San Diego Airport and I flew home. This is the kind of care you should EXPECT AND DEMAND if you are having this kind of surgery. You need to be doing your recovery in a HOSPITAL.

So the next time someone makes the comment to me about why would I go outside of the US for this kind of surgery this is EXACTLY WHY. When you want the best you do your research and find the best. That is just what I did.

No I can’t speak for other doctors in the US or other hospitals, only what I learned while doing a bit of research here in Eugene, OR

If you are having WLS PLEASE ask the doctors, the hospital and those involved what their care is like, and what they will be providing you during your WLS. YOU have the right to have the best care possible. You NEED to be your own advocate when it comes to your Health Care. NEVER SETTLE for anything less than the best when it comes to your health.

[CoffeeBean 4]

I went through "A Lighter Me" and my surgeon was Dr. Kelly. Cost was $5560 plus airfare. Best thing I ever did for myself.

Post surgery has been a breeze for me. Sometimes I miss the large quantities of food I used to eat, but I then look at all the size 20 pants I no longer fit into and smile. It feels so good to "not be hungry". I have had a hard time keeping up my daily calorie count. It takes work to get the calories up to 600-700. I know I should be having around 1000 but just can't squeeze it in yet.

I love my sleeve!

[Suzannesh 376]

Hi,

I remember when I was thinking about having sleeve surgery, I sat back and read all these posts, until I felt comfortable enough to join in and ask my million questions. I had such great support and wonderful people who helped me along my weight loss journey. I always promised I would pay it forward. So I am here 3 years after my "sleeve" surgery. I had the most amazing experience. I am now 66 years old and thought that maybe I was too old to do this. Boy, was I wrong. I picked Dr. Aceves to do my surgery. That was the best choice I could have ever made.

I happend to work with a good friend who had Dr. Aceves for her doctor and had WLS with him. She made me do lots of research and take some time to make up my mind. It took me 6 months to make this choice. What an amazing journey I have had. I started out at 225 pounds and lost a total of 105 pounds. I now weight 120 lbs and have maintained that weight loss. I now know I will always be able to maintain it. I am never on a diet, but made a life style change that will last forever.

My goal is to help and support people who are just not qutie sure if they want this surgery, or if they have questions and are scared to ask anyone. I am here to listen to you, talk about your fears and help and support you in any way I can help you. You deserve to have it ALL, and there really is a way. If diet and exercise were all it took, and it worked then some of us would not need to have WLS. Most of us have lost it and gained it back many time in our lives. I believe it took more strength to have this surgery than anything I had ever done. But, I knew it had to be ALL about me and NO one else. I had earned the right to do this for myself. Life is wonderful, and I have NO regrets what so ever. My husband fell in love with me when I was fat and so now he loves me just as much when I am healthy and thin. He has even lost weight because of how we both eat--healthy. I have had great support from him all the way though my weight loss journey.

So if you are just sitting there and reading this and not sure what you want to do talk to me. I will be honest and tell you the good and the bad side of all this. It takes work on your part and effort. This is NO mircle cure and you have to have your head in the right place and want this more than you want anything else in life. This is your tool to get to the goal you want. It takes making good food choices, and some exercise on your part too. I used to be the person who "hated" exercise....now I honestly look forward to it 5 or 6 days a week. My choice of exercise is pretty easy, I walk. So please feel free to ask questions, say what you are thinking. There isn't anything that we can't talk about.

Take care,

Suzanne

Sleeved 10/21/2008 Dr. Aceves

[cooper3600 3]

Hi Suzanne

I have a couple of questions. I haven't received many responses to posts I've made. I was just kinda wondering if you could help me with a few questions/concerns that I have. I have been researching WLS for about a year now. I do have insurance but they told me that they will pay NOTHING toward WLS. So I took my research elsewhere. All of the Hosp. in my area, if you are self pay the cheapest is $18,500(up front) There is noway I can afford that. After much research, I have decided to have my surgery in Tj with Dr. Lopez. The Doc is great. I have already talked several times with one of the Docs. That isn't a concern, at all.

My issues started last a week ago, when I started to get extremely depressed. Then all of these horrible things started going through my head and stealing all the happy thoughts and excitement I have been having... :-( My fears are being the .01% that has a fatality and my family will have to suffer from a decision that I made. I am also going alone, wasn't supposed to happen that way But money reasons, my hubby can't go. Did you have pre-op depression? Are there any inspirational thoughts or suggestions that you could give me. Including Pre-Op diet... Your experience... Day of surgery... Awakening after surgery.. Ect.. Anything would be greatful to me... Thanks so much for listening...

[Sleeve2B 11]

Hello Cooper3600,

I am sure many people will chime in on this once they are back from their vacations...lol (Holidays - Y'know)

For me, I went to Mexicali, MX by myself. I saw Dr. Rodriguez. He and his staff are fantastic at their job.

I too was slightly worried only because when you speak to local people around you -- you find that you get all negative input about Mexico. But, honestly I think those are people who have never been. Like any city there is good\bad!

I stepped out on faith. I told myself how much I "needed" this surgery. No matter what diet I tried, I only lost inches or a couple of lbs here\there. Or, the weight just wouldn't come off. I wanted a better life, and better health! This surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made for my life!

I was extremely surprised at how "nice" there people were in that portion of Mexico. And how accommidating there were to my needs. Heck, to be honest I was tired of seeing the staff..lol There was someone in my room every 30mins to the hour for 3 days!

My ride\stay was literally 10mins from the airport.

All I can tell you is pray on the situation. Once it is over, you will probably tell yourself that you were extra excited for no reason -- but thankful that the surgery\travel is over.

Good Luck to you!

Sleeve2B

[Suzannesh 376]

Hi Suzanne

I have a couple of questions. I haven't received many responses to posts I've made. I was just kinda wondering if you could help me with a few questions/concerns that I have. I have been researching WLS for about a year now. I do have insurance but they told me that they will pay NOTHING toward WLS. So I took my research elsewhere. All of the Hosp. in my area, if you are self pay the cheapest is $18,500(up front) There is noway I can afford that. After much research, I have decided to have my surgery in Tj with Dr. Lopez. The Doc is great. I have already talked several times with one of the Docs. That isn't a concern, at all.

My issues started last a week ago, when I started to get extremely depressed. Then all of these horrible things started going through my head and stealing all the happy thoughts and excitement I have been having... :-( My fears are being the .01% that has a fatality and my family will have to suffer from a decision that I made. I am also going alone, wasn't supposed to happen that way But money reasons, my hubby can't go. Did you have pre-op depression? Are there any inspirational thoughts or suggestions that you could give me. Including Pre-Op diet... Your experience... Day of surgery... Awakening after surgery.. Ect.. Anything would be grateful to me... Thanks so much for listening...

Hi,

ALL the feeling and emotions that you are having are VERY NORMAL. I have had all of them. I was scared, excited, want to have the surgery, asked myself a 100 times was I doing the right thing. So depression, excitement and anything else you are feeling is really very normal.

I did the Adkins Pre-op diet and that worked best for me. Do the best you can, don't make it a big thing. What is important is that you are going to have the surgery. The day of surgery I was very clam, because I had the opportunity to see everything and I felt very safe. It is the unknown that is driving you nuts. I woke up just fine, and about 2 hours after my surgery, I was up and walking around. I had very little pain. I went alone and it was really good. I could sleep when Wanted and I could get up and walk around if I couldn't sleep. You will be fine. I don't know much about your doctor, since I had Dr. Aceves and loved him.

I hope that helps you some. I am always out here if you have more questions.

Hugs, Suzanne

[cooper3600 3]

Hello Cooper3600,

I am sure many people will chime in on this once they are back from their vacations...lol (Holidays - Y'know)

For me, I went to Mexicali, MX by myself. I saw Dr. Rodriguez. He and his staff are fantastic at their job.

I too was slightly worried only because when you speak to local people around you -- you find that you get all negative input about Mexico. But, honestly I think those are people who have never been. Like any city there is good\bad!

I stepped out on faith. I told myself how much I "needed" this surgery. No matter what diet I tried, I only lost inches or a couple of lbs here\there. Or, the weight just wouldn't come off. I wanted a better life, and better health! This surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made for my life!

I was extremely surprised at how "nice" there people were in that portion of Mexico. And how accommidating there were to my needs. Heck, to be honest I was tired of seeing the staff..lol There was someone in my room every 30mins to the hour for 3 days!

My ride\stay was literally 10mins from the airport.

All I can tell you is pray on the situation. Once it is over, you will probably tell yourself that you were extra excited for no reason -- but thankful that the surgery\travel is over.

Good Luck to you!

Sleeve2B

Sleeve2B

Thanks for your kind words. I told my husband that I can't wait till next Wednesday (The day after surgery). If I can get through to that day I will be great. I have done very well with the liqued pre-op diet. Just more tired than normal. I have prayed so much about everything leading to the surgery. For my family, as well as myself, to make it through this procedure. I pray that life after, will be all that I dream that it will be and I can finally be happy and my inside and outside will match. I can't seem to stay focused on anything else except this surgery and life after.. I feel guilty for using money that I could spend on my family, on myself.. :'( I never spend on me.. and it doesn't feel good when I do. I can't wait to get it done but sad at the same time? I guess this is my way of dealing with the wait. After all I am OCD..

I will keep praying... I'm sure all will be okay, then I can focus on the new life...