Tests before VSG/Speaking with PCP

[RellaBelle 29]

I have two questions... with planning to have a VSG in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta to be specific, how does the pre testing differ than if you were to go through a US bariatric surgeon? I'm assuming your PCP still had to clear you? What tests were done? Are there some tests that aren't needed since I'm going to MX, like a psych eval? I don't have any medical issues other than the usual aches and pains that come from being overweight.

Also, how did you approach your PCP about it? I'm asking because my husband and I have been in Houston for 4 months and I have not met my PCP yet. I will be upfront about what I would like to do but have no idea about how to even begin that conversation, aside from blurting out "HEY! I'd like to go to Mexico to have a VSG done! Whadaya think!?"

I'm making calls on Monday to both potential surgeons, my PCP and my HSA account but I'm a little anxious about getting information beforehand. I'm just impatient like that >.<

[Travelmego 235]

I don't think the docs in Mexico require nearly as much as they do in the USA. When I asked my pcp for referrals for the same tests that a bariatric surgeon in the usa asks for, he was happy to provide them but said that most of it is cover your rear testing. That's fine with me! So, I am getting a sleep apnea test, echo-cardiogram, ekg, pulmonary test, ultra sound of liver, and gastroectomy. I also want to have these tests so I can compare before and after.

What is a pre-op vascular exam? I will see about adding that. What is the exact name I should ask for?

[RellaBelle 29]

Ok, so it seems I may need to speak with the bariatric surgeon I plan on going to first and find out what type of tests they would like done on future patients. Then I could combine that with what my PCP says they would like for me to have before proceeding.

[Kindle 8,667]

Ask your surgeon what he requires. Everyone and every situation is different. Self pay in the US has different requirements than insurance, even with the same surgeon. In my case, I submitted an extensive questionnaire to my Mexico surgeon and any required preop testing was based on that. Since I had no known comorbidities or other health problems, all I had done was bloodwork, a work up with their cardiopulmonary specialist, and a brief meeting with the nutritionist. No sleep study, no endoscopy, no psych eval, no doctor supervised diet, etc.

Of course, you can get all these tests done on your own before heading down, but it's not something I felt was necessary for myself. As for post op, I just called my PCP and told him what tests my surgeon wants run and he wrote the orders for the lab. My OB/Gyn also volunteered to run them if I needed her to.

Good luck!

[home3253 27]

Ok, so it seems I may need to speak with the bariatric surgeon I plan on going to first and find out what type of tests they would like done on future patients. Then I could combine that with what my PCP says they would like for me to have before proceeding.

what surgeon are you planning on going to in puerto vallarta? I'm currently in puerto vallarta and I had my surgery with dr. Joya. You can PM if you have any questions about him. I was sleeved July 1st and I am well pleased. I am AA and live in Louisiana.

[RellaBelle 29]

I was going to use Dr. Lopez in Puerto Vallarta but have since switched to going through Tijuana. Found out I could shave off $700+ by going there instead.

I just moved from Baton Rouge to Houston this past Feb. Congrats on your procedure! How are you feeling @@home3253?

[home3253 27]

I was going to use Dr. Lopez in Puerto Vallarta but have since switched to going through Tijuana. Found out I could shave off $700+ by going there instead. I just moved from Baton Rouge to Houston this past Feb. Congrats on your procedure! How are you feeling @@home3253?

I am feeling awesome. Dr. Joya is great! Staff is great. Hospital is state of art better than a hotel. I had no complications what so ever. I considered Lopez in the very beginning of my search but as I continued to search, I decided to go to PV and have JOYA. I live in BTR.