Okay, let the wild rumpus start!

[Kindle 8,667]

@@Hetera I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez at OCC 15 months ago. Unless one of them is on vacation, they both do the surgeries together and I would be confident having either one of them operate alone. I had a Wonderful experience, was well cared for by the entire staff, had no complications and a nearly pain free recovery. Currently 10 pounds below goal and maintaining easily. I chose OCC for many reasons including their fully dedicated bariatric staff, the facility (I preferred a surgical center over a hospital), and both Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez's credentials, experience and low complication rate.

I have also discovered since surgery just how great their postop followup is as well. They have a staff dietician available for consult before and after your surgery. I haven't utilized this service, but I know some other OCCers keep in constant touch with her. As for other postop communication, Dr. So and Dr. Martinez have both been great in answering any and all questions I have had. They always return emails and phone calls within 24-48 hours, even on weekends.

If you haven't already, check out the "Dr. Ortiz and OCC" thread on the Mexico and self pay subforum. Over 2000 posts from dozens of OCC patients. Or PM me if you'd like more info. Good luck with your decision!

[Kindle 8,667]

I am curious, why do so many people go to Mexico to have gastric sleeve/lap band surgeries. I am

always reading posts about surgery in Mexico. Why not have it done in the states?

In my case, my insurance doesn't cover WLS so I was self pay. I researched all bariatric surgeons within 200 miles of me as well as several in Mexico for 6 months. I ended up going with the surgeon with the best credentials, most experience, and lowest complication rates. Just so happened to be Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana. He is has taught laparoscopic surgical technique both in the US and Mexico, he is a world renown bariatric surgeon, his facility is an an International Center of Excellence, he has performed more VSGs than the 4 US surgeons I looked at combined, and his complication rate is 1/100th that of the the U.S. average for WLS. And at under $7000 it was an easy choice.

[momfromjersey22 403]

I am curious, why do so many people go to Mexico to have gastric sleeve/lap band surgeries. I am

always reading posts about surgery in Mexico. Why not have it done in the states?

I was wondering that myself.

[Kindle 8,667]

I am curious, why do so many people go to Mexico to have gastric sleeve/lap band surgeries. I am

always reading posts about surgery in Mexico. Why not have it done in the states?

I was wondering that myself.

Read my post above for at least one reason. I know some people also go to Mexico because their BMI isn't high enough to qualify for surgery in the US. A lot of people from Canada go to Mexico because the wait list is 3-5 years up there. (Which is what will happen here in the not to far off future thanks to Obamacare). But I would be willing to guess the major reason is similar to my scenario....not everyone has insurance that covers WLS and they don't have $20,000 burning a hole in their pocket. Fortunately Mexico offers a good choice of affordable, quality health care for people that need it.

[Rachel Jacobson 8]

I had my surgery in Tijuana April 2nd by Dr. Fernando Garcia, he is with Tijuana Bariatric. He has done around 5000 of these surgery's. He has moved to a brand new hospital my care was excellent. On the hour every hour someone was checking my vitals. I am down 12Lbs in one week. I went to Mexico because my insurance would not pay even though I suffer from degenerative arthritis and a torn meniscus. If you have any questions let me know I am here to chat.

Hi everyone, I've been lurking on and off for a long time, and now that I'm getting thisclose to pulling the trigger on have sleeve surgery (in Mexico! (gulp!)), I thought I'd better come out into the open and introduce myself. I've been considering this surgery for YEARS.

This board is kind of complicated, and it's easy to get lost in here, like a huge house with lots of different parties going on... lots of mingling.

So, here's the deal. I'm trying to decide between Dr. Kelly and Dr. Ariel Ortiz. Dr. Kelly sounds superb, so does Dr. Ortiz. The difference is about $1100, as far as I can tell (that includes Dr. Kelly fixing a hernia), with Dr. Ortiz being the higher priced surgeon. Dr. Ortiz works out of his own clinic. Dr. Kelly works out of either a hospital (Angeles for $7,000+) or out of Clinica San Juan ($4700).

The reviews for both are very good. Dr. Kelly has 17 years surgical experience plus experience in a trauma center in the US. He's done over 12,000 bariatric surgeries.

Dr. Ortiz's clinic is an "International Center for Excellence," which means they have met all this accreditation criteria set by international committee. This is a good thing as it means certain standards are always in place.

Dr. Oritz was a lap-band specialist, but has been doing sleeves for a number a years now.

Dr. Ortiz has never had a "leak."
Dr. Kelly sutures over the staples.

The staples they use are not from China.

Dr. Oritz - 1 night in clinic, 2 nights post-op in hotel.

Dr. Kelly - 2 nights in clinic, 1 night in post-op hotel

It's really hard to choose!

I'm looking to hear from those of you who have had surgery with either of these fine doctors.

Help! I'd really appreciate your input.

PS, I weigh 280, 5'9", 55 years old.

Thanks!

[kerioki 11]

I live in british columbia canada the wait is 3-5 years.so I went to Tijuana after alot of research with the company - a lighter me.

[samuelsmom 670]

I had always wondered about the Why Mexico question myself. I knew it was cheaper but never knew just how much!

Fortunately I have insurance but my hospital bill was $29,000! and the surgeon's bill was $3,000!

This included the surgery and a one night stay. There were no complications (fortunately) so nothing else that would have increased the bill.

Also, this does not include any of the outpatient tests or doctor visits.

Talk about sticker shock!

[jaylejenkins@yahoo.com 0]

I have heard (from my dr) that once u have the surgery in Mexico (which I never considered) and U have ANY problems at all NO and he said NO Drs in the US will treat U.

I would reconsider. Not worth the chance!!!

Good luck!!

[Rachel Jacobson 8]

Well funny your DR is speaking for ALL DR's because I had surgery in Mexico and I have a general practitioner and an orthopedic that are all giving me care. So that is why it is best to get more opinions than one. They don't want their work outsourced which I understand but I also couldn't afford 23k and I wanted to get enjoy my life pain free... And believe me I don't think anyone who goes to Mexico after one phone call I had months and months of research my care was too notch and I would recommend it in a heart beat!

I have heard (from my dr) that once u have the surgery in Mexico (which I never considered) and U have ANY problems at all NO and he said NO Drs in the US will treat U.

I would reconsider. Not worth the chance!!!

Good luck!!

[Kindle 8,667]

Well funny your DR is speaking for ALL DR's because I had surgery in Mexico and I have a general practitioner and an orthopedic that are all giving me care. So that is why it is best to get more opinions than one. They don't want their work outsourced which I understand but I also couldn't afford 23k and I wanted to get enjoy my life pain free... And believe me I don't think anyone who goes to Mexico after one phone call I had months and months of research my care was too notch and I would recommend it in a heart beat!

I have heard (from my dr) that once u have the surgery in Mexico (which I never considered) and U have ANY problems at all NO and he said NO Drs in the US will treat U.

I would reconsider. Not worth the chance!!!

Good luck!!

Ditto. My PCP, OB/Gyn and gastroenterologist have all supported my decision and have provided any and all postop care I've needed. My OB/Gyn even got my surgeon's contact info to pass on to other clients. Not only that, but my Mexico surgeon's office is always readily available via phone or email and is involved in my postop medical needs, even those not directly related to VSG. They even return calls on weekends...try getting a US surgeon to do that!

[bella7984 2]

My dr had a 10k all inclusive in willowbrook special but got my insurance to cover some got it down to about 6k care credit covering the rest I'll pay it off over 18 months

[Hetera 44]

It's really interesting hearing everyone's input. I'm pretty sure that if something went wrong down the line, my US gastroenterologist would treat me. I'm insured for any complications, just not for the actual surgery.

Thanks everybody.

[Kindle 8,667]

I have heard (from my dr) that once u have the surgery in Mexico (which I never considered) and U have ANY problems at all NO and he said NO Drs in the US will treat U.

I would reconsider. Not worth the chance!!!

Good luck!!

Your doctor sounds like an arrogant, bigoted ass.

[Edavidson 84]

I am sorry that some people have to go out of the U.S. for weight loss surgery. If someone is

morbidly obese most of them have complications because of it. An obese adult is going to cost the

insurance companies a lot more in the care of obesity than the surgery will cost to get them

healthy. I don't believe that I would have lived another five years without the surgery. I had so

many problems afterwards that it would have been very hard for me to get the care I needed as

well as two more surgeries just two months after my sleeve. I get so angry at the insurance

companies who tell us what we can and can't do to get healthy. I wish all of you the very best

that have to go to Mexico or the U.S. Take good care of yourself after your surgeries and do

exactly what the Doctor tells you to do. After four months I am finally getting to where I can eat

a little more solid food. Keeping my food down has been a very dramatic experience and the problem

with not being able to have a B.M. for four months. I am getting better everyday now and I don't

regret what I did. I guess I am concerned that others may have the severe problems that I had and

will need good medical care months after the surgery. I hope no one thinks that I am ungrateful

or that I am causing doubts about getting the procedure done. I just know that there are a few of us that didn't have a good experience after surgery. I want those that are waiting to enter into

this with some caution. No matter how you feel afterwards, eventually you will see the fruits of

your labor and will be very happy with yourself.

[Chanel22 19]

My doctor is in the US, he's American.. But was partially trained in Mexico & as far as I know even did surgeries there. So far I've had zero complications-I'm 3 weeks out. I'd definitely go there if insurance didn't cover it & they were well known.

Btw-I had staples, then glue & strips.. Outwardly I healed in like under 2 weeks (I'm also a diabetic, but my numbers went normal immediately-so healing was a dream) as far as I know I'm still healing inwardly..