UNAWAYNE

Worst case scenario is he will be stopped at the border and not allowed back in. You need a passport or passport card to re-enter the US, and with 54 days you have time to get that (especially expedited). I bet you could even get his birth certificate from England in time, if you go online to order it and pay for the expedited shipping. If I were you, I wouldn't risk going over the border without the passport or passport card to get back.

Lib,
Has your surgeon prescribed a PPI such as Nexium or Prilosec? If not, and if you have reflux (GERD), you can get a stricture from constant acid in your esophagus. It causes a feeling of something stuck in the throat. You may need a modified barium swallow to see how your esophagus works when you swallow. Talk with your surgeon.
Don't let your concerns be disregarded...Don't let yourself become invisible and try to just "grin and bear it"...that 's what many of us do as obese persons, because we feel "less than" our thin counterparts. You had the courage to turn the corner and choose a new life for yourself, so keep moving forward. Assert your right to get good follow-up medical care for your complications. You deserve it. I know you will succeed and soon be feeling better!

I just have to say that no matter where your surgery is, U.S., Mexico, or anywhere in the world, and no matter who your doctor is, or how highly trained they are, one of the risks of surgery is death. We are all told this, and we all make a choice if we are going to take the chance in going through with the surgery. I am so sorry for the family of this woman who passed, but this is the reality of VSG. There are risks, and sometimes the worst case scenario happens, and it happens to all surgeons all over the world.

As long as you add some Protein Powder, it should all be good, right?

Well **** I have a drs appt.
Someone hold my popcorn
Be back soon

And even white ones, hispanic ones, asian ones...

Most of my problem with American providers is with the attitude of the surgeon & the staff
In Mexico, any little discomfort is taken seriously, examined, and addressed. Quite the opposite in American hospitals.
In Mexico they want to identify any possible issue before it becomes a problem, whereas whereas American facilities have repeatedly written off complaints as patients just being whiners.
And when there is a problem, American doctors first response seems to be to avoid litigation, whereas in Mexico the first response is to serve the patient.
I don't really blame the surgeons for this as much as I do society. They are practicing medicine in an environment that is continually seeking an opportunity to rake them over the coals. Whereas in Mexico a patients recourse is to ruin the surgeons future career, but it won't be to the financial benefit of the patient.

This was a major concern of mine. I did a ton of research and other than Blis ( which my doctor doesn't participate) I could find nothing. I found several sites offering "medical tourism" insurance but I contacted several by email and never got a response. I was not leaving the country so that might be why. I was self pay and am completely uninsured, so we ended up taking a leap of faith. I am 12 days post-op and so far so good. Very grateful. Good luck and let us know if you find anything.

I'm 63 YO, started at 423#. ALL went well with surgery and recovery. I'm as happy as a pig in mud.

Pffft... there she goes again, being all rational and stuff.

To whom it may concern:
Surgery is scary. Leaving the country can be scary. Leaving the country to have surgery?Terrifying.
Coordinators:
We don't need bogus reviews, paid reviews, vague reports of tragedy, and referral kickbacks out there amongst us muddying the waters. We need you to answer our questions... Honestly. We need you to hold our hands in spirit and in person whenever possible. We need you to represent your company and the surgeons who contract through said company with integrity and dignity. If you struggle defining those words or relating to them I suggest a career change.
Medical Tourists:
We need some solidarity. We are all, or have been, in the same boat. For whatever reason surgery at home isn't happening. We've made the bold decision to reclaim control over our obesity and we've kicked it up a notch.
All VST members:
We come from all walks of life. Various roads and life experiences have brought us all to this point. WLS. Many of us, if not all if us, have been criticized or teased regarding our weight issues. Many have felt "less than" because we are "more than". Why on earth are we attacking each other? What are we gaining from it?
Take a long look in the mirror. Tell yourself you are going to try and be the best *you* that you can be. And then... Live it. Own it.
“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pulmonary embolism is a risk of surgery regardless of who the physician is or where the procedure was done. So sad to hear this.

ChaoticBliss, I will post if I find anything definite. As long as it's not against any rules

Anyone heard of this or had any experience with it? My insurance will not cover any complications if I am self-pay. This is the only thing keeping me from scheduling surgery.

Im going to answer this a bit differet.
Tip for good or extrordinary service.
Tip the same as you would in USA or Canada.
Dont worry what the wage in MX is... tip accordingly.
As one poster said... she tipped a kid a Walmart a buck.
Did it break her... probably not.
Was it more than usual... yup
But you wouldnt get a kid in North America to bag your groceries and accept a 10 cent tip. Your tires would be slashed b4 you got to your car. lol
Tip what you can afford. Tip what you are accustomed to.
Thats my answer.
And if anyone wants to tip me for my thoughts... I will send you a link to my PayPal account. hahaha