Super Low Complication Rates Red Flag?

[almosthome 91]

Hi! I am new to the forums. My sister and I are in the process of gathering information from various reputable surgeons in Tijuana, including many discussed at this website. I've read that even with an experienced sleeve surgeon, serious complication rates are generally around 3%. But so far the *highest* rate any clinic has admitted is .05%. Should I be overly concerned about this disparity? Or is there something magical in Tijuana's Water? Thanks in advance!

[kortolano 100]

I am going to mexico feb 8th for surgery and i am very confident in my choice of doctors. I am getting sleeved by Dr. Lopez. I read that the reson the complication rate is so low in mexico is for two reasons: first is that the doctors in Mexico basicly just do the the weight loss surgery for example a doctor in mexico may have done 2500 in a year compaired to a US doctor that may only do 800 a year. Also the Mexcio weight loss is a service industry; if they get a bad name no one will go and they will not make money. The second reason is that other than leaks that occur at the time of surgery or while you are in mexico complication are not reported once back in the US.

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,146]

Hi! I am new to the forums. My sister and I are in the process of gathering information from various reputable surgeons in Tijuana' date=' including many discussed at this website. I've read that even with an experienced sleeve surgeon, serious complication rates are generally around 3%. But so far the *highest* rate any clinic has admitted is .05%. Should I be overly concerned about this disparity? Or is there something magical in Tijuana's Water? <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Thanks in advance![/quote']

I'm cautious by nature and a worrier. I'm still preop and I was also surprised by the impressive stats. Most Mx vets explain it as this is, often, the only thing these surgeons do. And that they've done it longer.

I truly hope all the data and stats we unearth are exactly as they are presented. I know that was kind of a non-answer. Considering we are stepping out of the country for surgery all we can base it on is stats provided by the coordinators and surgeons and former patient experiences.

Research. Research. Research.

Amanda Rae

[almosthome 91]

Thanks, both of you! That all makes sense. It sounds like ultimately we should base our decision on the best information we can find but remain mindful of the most common complications.

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,146]

Thanks' date=' both of you! That all makes sense. It sounds like ultimately we should base our decision on the best information we can find but remain mindful of the most common complications.[/quote']

Exactly!

Amanda Rae

[Jniniffer 2]

Red flag? not at all. LIMARP where I'm going--in 2012 had a 0% major complication rate due to the very strict pre and post of guides. Am I paying a lot more then most? Yes I am, but I want the best good luck and like Amanda said research, research research!!

[iggychic 1,405]

The reporting guidelines in Mexico are nil. Word of mouth is reliable. Physicians stats...not so much.

[las2geg 1]

I just had my sleeve done Friday by dr Rodriguez and dr Elmo and I couldn't be happier! They both were very very nice, spoke English well and made me feel comfortable. I would recommend them hands down. The hospital that you have the surgery at is more like an out-patient facility in the states and it is older but the staff is very tentative and they keep everything very clean. Good luck making your decision and like everyone has said research research research!

[las2geg 1]

Sorry u should have also said that we were in Tijuana. The hospital in Juarez is much newer and nicer. U just can't go wrong with dr rod!

[erp 2,016]

I agree with Iggy here. It is anyone's guess as to how complication statistics in MX are reported and what accuracy they have. Even in the US, hospital reporting is inaccurate. I know someone who died from complications due to a gastric bypass but that was not the listed cause of death. However, there are hundreds of MX sleevers who are very happy with their outcomes.

[iggychic 1,405]

I SHOULD HAVE ADDED THAT I TOTALLY GET WHY PEOPLE GO TO MX AND HAVE NO ISSUES WITH THAT, BUT THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION IS THAT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT WHAT THEY ARE IN OTHER COUNTRIES (SOME ARE WORSE AND SOME ARE BETTER). SO THAT DATA IS JUST NOT VIABLE. IT'S LITERALLY WHATEVER THE DOC WANTS TO SAY! I PERSONALLY WOULDN'T BELIEVE A DOC WHO SAID THEY HAD A 100% COMPLICATION FREE RECORD BECAUSE THERE ARE COMPLICATIONS THAT ARE NATURAL AND OUT OF THEIR CONTROL THAT JUST HAVE TO HAPPEN EVENTUALLY. THAT WOULD BE A DOC I WOULD AVOID FRANKLY BECAUSE THEY OBVIOUSLY ARE LYING AND IN THAT CASE YOU DON'T KNOW IF THEY'RE LYING A LITTLE OR A LOT!

BTW...MY KEYPAD SEEMS TO BE BROKEN AND I CAN'T GET THE DANGED CAPS OFF! I'M TRAVELING SO I'LL FIX AT HOME, BUT I WANTED TO LET YA KNOW I WASN'T "SHOUTING" VIA CAPS LOL

[iggychic 1,405]

Testing....

OK Wait fixed it LOL Sorry folks!

[zoekids 120]

I know I have mentioned this before that my brother, who is Dr., had his VSG done in Mexico. He had complications (leak) post-surgery. IMO and his wife's too, he probably caused it because he lifted his carry on bags and put them in the overhead without thinking on his way home. Yes, we all know that is a big no no. But, I doubt he participated on a forum like this before hand. Anyhow, he said that after his surgery, his hospital looked in offering some blanket rate on these types of surgeries. What he found is that the complication rates (even in the US) are lower than reality as they only use the stats for a set time limit. I think he said a month post surgery. But, that with this surgery complications really should be evaluated at a 6 month period. He said at the 6 month period it is more like a 90% success rate without complications.

Two plus years out he is glad he did it, even though he went through hell for about 6-8 weeks after the surgery. He is healthier than he has been in years. And, he did not discourage me at all from doing it. He just gave me a broader more accurate set of facts for which I could base my decision.

Mary