Post-Op care following surgery in Mexico

[mona832 20]

Is there anyone here that had there surgery in Mexico and was able to do follow up visits in the states? Are there any doctors in Houston that anyone knows of that is willing to take on patient post care?

[IdahoGirl32 89]

I had surgery in Mexico on Nov 25 and my regular family doctor is doing my follow-up. I had an appointment with her about a week after surgery and she checked my incisions and took a look at all the info I brought back from Mexico. I'm going to go see her every 4 months for labs. This is in Idaho, not in Texas, but I bet you can find just a regular general doctor to do follow up. If you ended up with complications, then you'd need to find an actual bariatric practice, so you might just want to have that contact info taped up on the fridge or something, just in case!

[Maccurdyerica 15]

What doctor did you guys go to in Mexico

[nursekimberly89 50]

My mom's co-worker had lapband surgery in Mexico 7 years ago. For her follow up care, she contacted a local bariatric clinic in our area. It worked out pretty well for her. Maybe you should call some local ones in your area and see if they will work with you after you have your surgery.

[gamergirl 4,610]

We had surgery in Mexico. I asked my PCP to do the follow-up, and at first she said no. Then I brought her a list of what needed to be done: General wound care, blood tests to monitor Vitamins, Iron, etc., and reduction in medication. THAT she had no trouble agreeing to. I think the more specific you can be with what is needed, vs. saying "Will you do my follow-up care?" the better the response. They worry about being liable in case of serious issues. Now of course, she insists on seeing us all the time, she's totally diligent about following up with us, and her entire office wants to see pictures of us, and it's one big celebration when we walk in there

She and I agreed that if I had a serious wound issue, a leak etc., the ER was the best place for me anyway and I told her that was my back up plan. Also in that case, I would have contacted my surgeon, Dr. Alvarez, and based on what I've heard of him from others, I knew he would have taken care of me so I wasn't worried. Once she realized I had a plan that didn't have me relying just on her to "clean up" after someone else's mistake, she was very helpful.

I hope that works for you as well.