Travelmego

The idea of just automatically crossing surgery off the list because its not in the USA I don't buy into. I am a fairly seasoned traveler who has lived a lot in Africa. I know perfectly well that there are good medical centers to be found outside of the USA/Europe. By the way, Mexico is not considered '3rd world' rather it is considered a 'developing country'. Heck, half of the doctors in the USA were trained in foreign medical schools (including in the 3rd world) and then came here for their residencies. That said, one definitely needs to do research above and beyond before deciding on any surgeon. When one is considering a place like Mexico, one should take into factors like corruption, sanitation, etc. One should be skeptical of internet forums because we know damn well there are coordinators posting as patients. That doesn't mean that one can't get a good surgeon with due diligence though. I reject blanket condemnations of Mexican surgeons as much as I reject blanket praises of them.

Terrible news. My condolences to his family, friends and patients.

OK thanks for the information. I am going to go ahead and schedule mine.

Wow your doctor is very strict. I don't think I could do 4 weeks. Hats off to you, for sure. I am cringing over 1 week.

This is what I have for my pre-op diet. It is for 1 week with Dr. Illan. Any suggestions along these guidelines for yummy stuff? - Broth: low sodium - Soup: tomato, strained cream Soups, strained soups, - Tea: decaf, fake sugar - Coffee: decaf, fake sugar - Jello: sugar free - Popsicles: sugar free - Pudding: sugar free - Fudgesicles: sugar free - Juice: Fruit > crystal light, sugar free, - Juice: Vegetable > diet v-8 splash, - Milk: skim 1% (limit 2 cups per day), almond milk (no limit) - Yogurt: Greek, fat free, no fruit pieces, low sugar - Protein shakes: sugar free, almond milk, few pieces of fruit or sugar free syrup, fake sugar

Rodriguez is supposed to be good. Pompa is supposed to be good.

Titanium staples don't cost that much in Mexico. That said, I considered Pompa but she was a bit too expensive for me. She is supposed to be fabulous and her center is a Center of Excellence. Congrats on your surgery!

Yea, I just wanted clarification on that one point because in the post earlier it had seemed she didn't know there would be a charge. So, now that that is clarified, I would call him and ask about the lap band removal issue - just for your own peace of mind. It could be he simply misspoke after having seen so many patients in a day. Not cool but it can happen.

I'm interested in knowing what it is like to get an endoscopy?

Annsue, So you did know that there was a charge for the hernia? So you don't have a complaint about that? Just asking for clarification.

No ruder than them asking you to do something for free. I am sure the ones taking the pictures are getting paid, right? Just ask it cheerfully ...."Oh, that sounds like fun! Do I get a discount?" Even better, "Do I get it in exchange for the cost of my surgery?"

I wondered about this too!

@@ncgirl77 I asked some people and they said that Dr. Illan doesn't do the single incision. Hope that helps.

Kayleena, Out of curiosity - how do you know he doesn't charge extra? Did the office tell you that? And how do we reconcile that with the report earlier in this thread that he did charge someone $500 extra?

No problem chubtastic. Hopefully your insurance will cover it. Um, just wake up a few times during the test and choke a little lol. Ok, just kidding on that.

Just tell them you are getting hernia surgery. It's close enough and will also explain the special diet you have to be on post surgery.

Sosola - I think you will like Dr. Illan. The coordinator is superb like everyone keeps raving about. I was on the Team Illan FB group saying how I wanted more information about the post surgery diet and he actually saw the FB post and called me while we were all still discussing it in the thread. He then sent out the information I had wanted and it was exactly what I was looking for. Impressive customer service. Thanks Sherry and Rocky!

How many surgeries does Dr. Lopez do a day? I would be SO mad if the doctor fixed something without asking me in advance if that is ok and letting me know there would be an extra charge if it did get fixed. That puts a patient in a real bind. If you don't have the extra 500, then what will they do? Put you out on the street?

Agree with those that say you need to go to the doctor and get examined including a cardio test. Passing out is not normal and you definitely need to be cleared by a physician before going back.

I advise getting some travel insurance in case you have to make any changes. It isn't very expensive.

You are not going to die but follow your doctors orders. They are there for a reason.

You should ask in the facebook group where there is a list of surgeries scheduled. You can add your own date.

@@MichiganChic You are right about not being properly equipped to evaluate. We are just trying to do the best we can and figure out what is what. I was mostly just curious about the procedure itself. Knowledge is power!

Hi hi,@@blondiebabs - ok I found that part ty @@Alex Brecher did edit it under my surgeon but it isn't showing up. Also, suggestion - under 'insurance outcomes' add 'not covered' as an option?

I hope you feel better soon!