Gastric bypass in Mexico?

[Okiebon 61]

My employer's health insurance coverage has a restriction against any type of bariatric surgery. So even though my PCP recommends it for health reasons, I'm going to be a self-pay patient.

I'm probably going to have to go to Mexico for the procedure if I want to have it done in the next few years, since it'll take me that long to save up for surgery here in the US. I'm interested in hearing from those who have had their surgery in Mexico, or those that considered it.

Are you happy with your decision and why? If you had surgery in Mexico, who was your surgeon and how did you choose him? Which hospital were you in? How long was your stay in Mexico (hospital and/or hotel)? What was it like traveling back home? What have your results been like?

I would also appreciate anything more you can tell me about your experiences in Mexico, every little detail you can remember.

I'm interested in hearing from everyone, even those with bad results or negative opinions. Please share and help me in my decisions.

Please let me know if I posted this in the wrong place.

Thank you

[angb1982 29]

Hi there!!

I had my surgery in Mexico (Tijuana) by Dr Garcia on Oct 3 and it was amazing!!! I have nothing but rave reviews for the florence Health Systems Hospital and their staff. Brief timeline:

Oct 2, arrived in Tijuana (flew to San Diego and was picked up at airport) and stayed night in hotel

Oct 3, went to hospital and had surgery this day

Oct 4-5, in hospital

Oct 6, released from hospital to hotel

Oct 7, in hotel

Oct 8, flew home

It was such an easy process. I've done great since... 16lbs lost presurgery and 36 since.

I had a complication upon returning home of pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lungs) that kicked my ass. PE is a chance you take with any surgery and I had an extremely long travel journey home which didn't help matters but I don't regret it one bit. If you have any other questions feel free to give me a shout.

[Janice1968 92]

I also went to Tijuana for my surgery but my surgeon was Dr Sergio verboonen. I also flew into San Diego I spent 2 nights in surgery center and one night in hotel. Best thing I have done

[Okiebon 61]

Hi there!!

I had my surgery in Mexico (Tijuana) by Dr Garcia on Oct 3 and it was amazing!!! I have nothing but rave reviews for the florence Health Systems Hospital and their staff. Brief timeline:

Oct 2, arrived in Tijuana (flew to San Diego and was picked up at airport) and stayed night in hotel

Oct 3, went to hospital and had surgery this day

Oct 4-5, in hospital

Oct 6, released from hospital to hotel

Oct 7, in hotel

Oct 8, flew home

It was such an easy process. I've done great since... 16lbs lost presurgery and 36 since.

I had a complication upon returning home of pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lungs) that kicked my ass. PE is a chance you take with any surgery and I had an extremely long travel journey home which didn't help matters but I don't regret it one bit. If you have any other questions feel free to give me a shout.

Thank you for the information!

I worry about PE and DVT as well. Did your doctor put you on blood thinners after surgery? I've read that some do and some don't. How long was your flight? Mine should be about 5 hours.

[Okiebon 61]

I also went to Tijuana for my surgery but my surgeon was Dr Sergio verboonen. I also flew into San Diego I spent 2 nights in surgery center and one night in hotel. Best thing I have done

I'm so happy to hear that everything is going well for you! Did you have much pain, or difficulty during recovery? How was your trip home?

[angb1982 29]

Thank you for the information!

I worry about PE and DVT as well. Did your doctor put you on blood thinners after surgery? I've read that some do and some don't. How long was your flight? Mine should be about 5 hours.

They did not put me on blood thinners to the best of my knowledge but I also didn't have a full list so maybe ask your Dr ahead of time. I would recommend picking up a pair of compression stockings for your journey home and if you can, get an aisle seat so you can get up and stretch and walk around a bit every hour or so. When you are seated you can do foot exercises that keeps the circulation moving to help prevent DVT. Tilt your toes up to your knees then point them back down and then rotate your foot in a circle.

My total flying time was just under 6hrs (2 flights) but then after arriving at airport I had a 5 hour drive home. I didn't have stockings and I didn't get up and move as much as I should.

I've learned a lot of this after the fact.

All the best!

[Okiebon 61]

I'll definitely be doing all of that - thank you!

[Janice1968 92]

I'm so happy to hear that everything is going well for you! Did you have much pain, or difficulty during recovery? How was your trip home?

My trip home was fine, the hardest part of this process has been having no one close to turn to when I have questions. I have been very fortunate that I have not had any complications.