Tijuana Bound

[Robbino 32]

Hi everyone! I'm just begining my journey. I found out yesterday that my insurance won't cover my surgery, so I'm heading to Mexico. I've been reading the boards for a couple weeks and have learned sooooo much from you guys!

I've decided to go with Dr. Garcia in Tijuana. I sent an inquiry and filled out the health history form through Ready4Achange and am waiting to hear from them. I have noticed several have gone through alighterme. Is there one that stands out or are they all about the same?

I was also wondering about aftercare. Who do you see after surgery? Your primary care physician? A Bariatric specialist?

[5DogMa 62]

For my daughters surgery we used Alma at Ready 4 a Change. She was fantastic! We also used Dr. Garcia and his staff at Hospital MI Doctor and can tell you from our experience they are also fantastic. Follow-up is with you PCP and they (Dr. Garcia's group) give you all the paperwork about your surgery and a CD with a video of your leak test to share with your PCP.

[~Donna~ 33]

I am scheduled with Dr. Almanza on July 9th. I have heard good things about both Dr.s.

I talked with my primary care dr and she said she backs me and will take care of me after surgery. You might talk to your dr and just see what he/she says.

[NJsharon 119]

Definitely talk with your regular dr to see he/she will see you when you get back. You will need routine follow ups, like bloodwork done. I told my regular Dr & she freaked out putting MX down & saying she could not offter me the support needed when I got back. So I changed Drs!

I am now very happy with my regular Dr & she will do my bloodwork, check my incisions at the same time etc.

I was sleeved by Dr Kelly & had nothing but a fantastic time with my surgery itself & my experience in Mexico. Dr Garcia is very good too, he was my 2nd choice.

[shangefan 193]

I am revising from a band to a sleeve in Mexico with Dr. Almanza in July. My PCP is on board. But the local bariatric group I have been seeing also is supportive. I actually received the band before I moved here. When I moved her, I started going to this group. They have been great and actually suggested the revision. My insurance did not pay and they charge $18K for cash pay, so they were very supportive when I told them I have scheduled for Mexico. They said they are invested in my success and and want me to do whatever I feel is necessary. They also asked me to make an appointment with them upon my return so they can check stitches, discuss my diet and generally make sure I am OK. I feel very fortunate.

[massindex 346]

I discussed with my PCP before I went with Dr. Almanza last year and he was 100% on board. I gave him all the contact information and Dr. Almanza and his group gave me all the paperwork to give back to my doctor. It worked well.

[nalasmom 14]

you guys think medical insurance will pay for surgery in mexico?

[Robbino 32]

Good to know. My PCP was on board when I wanted to do the surgery in the States, let's hope she will support my decision to go to Mexico, otherwise I too may be changing Drs.

Thanks everyone!

[NJsharon 119]

No medical insurance will not pay for surgery out of the states.

But it is cheaper than having it done in the states. Mine cost $5500 plus airfare.

[BeautyVGSJourney 99]

I had surgery with dr. Ponce de leon in Tijuana, my PCP was supportive after I explained to her the amount of research I did in selecting my surgeon and my reasons for choosing him and going to Mexico to do it. She will do my blood work when needed. I go to free monthly support groups at local hospitals, they are often open to everyone. I also keep in touch with my coordinator in Mexico and my surgeon and his staff. I just had surgery last week and I have not had to see anyone yet. Good luck!

[NORCALRN 60]

I will be at jeruselum hosp. 7-24-12. self pay as kaiser states that i do not meet criteria (need to lose 65-70 lbs, no hypertension or other health related issues except ankle, knee pain.)I have researched this for months. Preventative medicine in priceless. i am very excited - this site is very helpful. i wish everyone good health and those who have been sleeved,....please keep us informed on your journey thanks!

[thetruedream 54]

I will also be sleeved on Aug10 by doctor Almanza. I still need to talk to my doctor about when I come back visits.