Why Are So Many People Going To Mexico For Their Sleeve?

[Meljp 36]

I understand some people may not have insurance, or insurance that does not cover the surgery. What is the main reason folks are traveling to Mexico? Thanks

[KellyL 173]

If they don't have insurance and have to self-pay, the cost of surgery in MX is half or less than the US cost of getting the Sleeve. That is what first peaked my interest, but the training, skill, and experience was what helped seal the deal for me.

[eylish 23]

I live in Canada and to qualify for VSG here you need to not only be morbidly obese but also must have many co-morbidities. If you aren't "lucky" enough to have the trifecta then you can go on a waiting list for 10 years.

[Rootman 1,101]

I HAVE insurance and was morbidly obese, pre-diabetic and high blood pressure. I was in the emergency room twice in 2010 and had to walk with a cane for a while due to leg weakness. I also had to have physical therapy for nerve problems.

EVERYTHING hinged on my great weight. If I lost weight all my problems would ease up. I could apply for insurance, wait it out and jump through hopps for 6-10 months OR I could go to Mexico and do self pay and have it done in less than 30 days. I don't know if I could of made it waiting another 6-10 months, I was certainly FEELING like I was going to die. Getting up and going potty made me short of breath. I was emoitionally, if not physically DYING.

I went, had it done and lost over 100 pounds before I even would of gotten a surgery date had I waited on insurance. I was lucky, I had the money.

[2BThinAlways 17]

I live in Canada and to qualify for VSG here you need to not only be morbidly obese but also must have many co-morbidities. If you aren't "lucky" enough to have the trifecta then you can go on a waiting list for 10 years.

Exactly my reason as well.

[eylish 23]

2BThinAlways - we are neighbors, I am going for my surgery on Mar 20, you will be right behind me.

[IowaAndy 95]

I went because my insurance denied the removal of my lapband and would not pay for the sleeve. The cost here would have been over $40,000 and I had the same thing done in Mexico for around $6000.

[2BThinAlways 17]

2BThinAlways - we are neighbors, I am going for my surgery on Mar 20, you will be right behind me.

That's so cool!

[circa 333]

I have health insurance. The health insurance that my husband's company offers does not cover WLS. Kaiser Permanente isn't always the best insurance in the world, even though people rave about it. They have AMAZING plans, but that's not the one that my husband's employer chose...Anyway, I could have paid cash here in the states, but I didn't want to spend more money than I had to for quality care. Just because something is more expensive doesn't mean its better. I found exactly what I needed in Mexico.

[Sleeved&Hopeful 182]

Wow, I'm an average American and I have no insurance because my hubby and I are self employed. We have an average income. Definitely couldn't afford U.S. prices. Lucky enough I could even afford Mexico prices to be honest as 4500$ plus airfare is a big chunk of change for me! I only did it to help with weight that never seems to want to go away and diabetes that has been scaring the crap out of me!

[Afro_Cyster 74]

1. I needed surgery

2. My insurance wouldn't cover it

3. Found a good doctor that was cheap

4. I'm cheap

[massindex 346]

1. I needed surgery

2. My insurance wouldn't cover it

3. Found a good doctor that was cheap

4. I'm cheap

Ditto...

[Meljp 36]

It's pretty sad....this country that we live in can't/won't give us the medical attention we need... Thanks everyone for sharing your reason's with me....our insurance does cover the sleeve....but time will tell what kind of answer we get from them once St. Joe's files the paper work....I had several pre-op tests this past Monday and it should take about a week for the results...as soon as the office receives them, they will file with the Insurance Co.

[KellyL 173]

Good luck to you on everything! Let us know when you get a date.

[circa 333]

I live in Canada and to qualify for VSG here you need to not only be morbidly obese but also must have many co-morbidities. If you aren't "lucky" enough to have the trifecta then you can go on a waiting list for 10 years.

Its funny (not humorous) how so many people think that Canada's healthcare system is so easy and carefree. You just walk into a hospital and get what ever you want!