Gastric Sleeve in Mexico

[Angelina1210 49]

Hello, I’m scheduled for the gastric sleeve on December 10th in Mexico. My insurance does not cover this procedure and the only way that I am able to afford it is by going to Mexico. Has anyone had the surgery in Mexico? Did everything go well? Is anyone scheduled to have the sleeve done in Mexico?

[David97 1]

I got mine done in Oct with Dr Almanzar in Tijuana and it was good. $4100 for whole procedure.

[buttermint 5]

I'm going to Pompeii with Dr. Quinoñes due on Dec 3rd

[summerseeker 2,318]

If you scroll down the forums, there is a special one just for Mexico

[Northfilly17 5]

I am scheduled for Dec 17th for a gastric plication to gastric sleeve. I had my plication done at the OCC ( obesity control center) in Tijuana Mexico. I would not just go to anyone! Dr. Oritz at the OCC center is the best. I am still nervous, any surgery is nerve racking...

[TheRealPennyD 12]

My surgery date is 12/2 with Dr. Perez with Renew Bariatrics. I'm on their FB group. Seems like FB is the place to go for a lot of these groups.

[Northfilly17 5]

I have heard FB is popular for this kind of chat, but I don't have FB. OCC cost a bit more but they are very worth it! I am not sure about the boarder crossing requirements... Ugg.... I have been reading everything I can find about it but it changes SO much from month to month.

[Sleeve_Me_Alone 656]

I had VSG at HopsitalBC in Tijuana, Mx. by Dr. Illan. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the Medical Tourism route and have been very happy with that decision.

These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area.

The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs.

[Northfilly17 5]

Agreed!!

[Maisey 260]

5 hours ago, Northfilly17 said:

I have heard FB is popular for this kind of chat, but I don't have FB. OCC cost a bit more but they are very worth it! I am not sure about the boarder crossing requirements... Ugg.... I have been reading everything I can find about it but it changes SO much from month to month.

Proceed with caution on any FB bariatric groups. I drop in and out of several groups and have found them to be full of misinformation.

[Northfilly17 5]

Misinformation? How so? I am always looking for anything I can learn about these surgeries so I'm curious what might be out there that is incorrect.

[Sleeve_Me_Alone 656]

Misinformation? How so? I am always looking for anything I can learn about these surgeries so I'm curious what might be out there that is incorrect.

I think any forum full of internet warriors is risky, including this one. Personal experiences can be extremely helpful but its important to remember that they are just that, experiences, and NOT medical advice. That being said, the surgeon I used does have a FB group of future, current, and former patients. The surgeon, dietitian, and patient coordinator are all active in the group to help keep wayward advice from well meaning but misinformed patients to a minimum, and I've noticed that they do not censor. Though the occurrences of complaints are extremely rare, I'm happy to see them because it means that the hospital is not moderating in such a way as to make themselves look better, which is usually the case with those types of groups.
When looking for a surgeon, you want as much information from as many sources as you can find. Look at their credentials, professional associations & accreditations, their success and SSI rates, patient testimonies, etc. Then make a decision based on the totality of the information.

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