Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Question on Mexico Docs



Recommended Posts

:help: Hello everyone!

I am new to this message board and have been lurking for quite some time. I have read a TON of posts about Mexico doctors and will be going down there to have surgery done since I am self-pay. The number of docs in Mexico is amazing and I have even resorted to making an excel spreadsheet to try and pick the best one for me. Cost is a big part of it because of self-pay. I know you shouldn't pick one because of cost, but, I firmly believe that you don't have to buy a $800 purse when a $15 purse is just a good and lasts just as long! :D

What I need help with is how to narrow it down. Do all of the Mexico docs offer care for complications? Will they work on you if there are problems with no additional charge? I can find someone to do fills for me up where I live, but am worried about who pays for it if there are problems.

Also, has anyone ever USED Dr. Cantu? I found a website about him and would like to hear from someone who actually went to him and doesn't just work for him. :D

Any help or advice or even your experience would be helpful!

Thanks!

Amy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've never heard of Dr. Cantu. Is he new??! I would be a little leary about using that one!! Just MHO. I researched lots of MX doctors before my surgery & have been around here a long time & thought I'd heard every Mexico doctor there was. Never a mention of a Dr. Cantu.

Dr. Kuri & Dr. Ortiz are two doctors you hear a lot who have great reputations. Check them out & do your research. :D GOOD LUCK!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't know about other mexico doctors. But the one I chose is Doctor Sanchez in Monterrey Mexico. He works out of an american hospital and I have been told that he will in fact take care of you if there are any complications afterwards like erosion or slippage. His cost covers the plane ticket, a few nights stay in his guest house, the surgery and a nights stay in an american owned hospital, and the surgery and band, plus all the psych and nutritional help, and free fills by him in MX.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hi i wish u luck i am going to get my lapband on 4-23-2006 with doctor javier de la garza hospital oca in mexico have u heard of him also could u tell me your doctor web site thank u lynette

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had Dr. Sanchez!!! I heard nothing but good about either one, just chose Sanchez because I talked to 2 of his patients. When I was researching I kept seeing Dr. Rumbaut and Dr. Sanchez as top Mexico surgeons. Sanchez is a pioneer in the field though, I think he even trained Dr. Rumbaut. If you go to Monterrey they have top notch facilities, nicer than most of our hospitals. The Santa Engracia, where Sanchez operates IS American owned and the CEO is banded by Sanchez. The website for Dr. Sanchez is readyforachange.com. You can call me if you want more info.....PM and I will give you my number.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Where do you live, Amy? Mexico is a pretty big place and, unless money is no object...it could make a difference.

Oh, THAT Cantú! He is someone who has sent some "marketer" (who is not MO and who does not have a band) here to hang around and be friendly and drum up business and for that reason alone, I think I'd find me another doctor.

If you want a hospital on a par with those you find stateside (and I don't mean how nice it looks, but how much state-of-the-art stuff it has and how many physicians, in how many specialties, are available in case of any problems), you will find those most of those facilities in Mexico City and in Monterrey. The border towns--Tijuana, Ciudad Acuña and Reynosa--have smaller, sometimes two-or-three-doctor hospitals, that seem to be able to handle most of what they take on...but where I would not voluntarily have surgery.

Interestingly enough...in Monterrey and Mexico City, the doctors who charge the same as those in the border towns actually POCKET less money themselves, because the hospitals are far more expensive. For example, a few years back, the hospital in Monterrey where I had my band place charged about $2000, for the whole package. A hospital in Tijuana, where I went with another banded person, charged $47/night...plus the fees for the OR. Big difference. HUGE difference...both in the cost and the facilities.

I'm all about saving money...but, for me, there are only so many corners I'm willing to cut.

Sue

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the info. I was concerned that no one had heard of Cantu other than the person who works for him! I have heard of De La Garza and both he and Kuri sound good. I will keep reading more and see what I can find. Thanks!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My cousin, and a friend and her husband all had lap band surgery ( which prompted my own interest!) by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. They have all done wonderfully. My friend and her husband run their own business, and have been back at work very soon after. My sister in law and I have scheduled with him and will be banded on the 24th. After seeing his past "work" and how his patient advocates have been so attentive, I am not worried in the least. Good luck to you!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Never heard of Cantu..I had my surgery in MX and he was never a name I came across during my research on MX docs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No one in my family knows I am having it done. I don't think they would understand. I am a healthy eater, but have had some hip and knee problems and can't get my weight down! I am a little nervous, but ready...what is it like post operatively? Do you really think I can go home and resume a normal activity level within a few days? :uwelcome:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

:help: Hello everyone!

I am new to this message board and have been lurking for quite some time. I have read a TON of posts about Mexico doctors and will be going down there to have surgery done since I am self-pay. The number of docs in Mexico is amazing and I have even resorted to making an excel spreadsheet to try and pick the best one for me. Cost is a big part of it because of self-pay. I know you shouldn't pick one because of cost, but, I firmly believe that you don't have to buy a $800 purse when a $15 purse is just a good and lasts just as long! :)

What I need help with is how to narrow it down. Do all of the Mexico docs offer care for complications? Will they work on you if there are problems with no additional charge? I can find someone to do fills for me up where I live, but am worried about who pays for it if there are problems.

Also, has anyone ever USED Dr. Cantu? I found a website about him and would like to hear from someone who actually went to him and doesn't just work for him. :eek:

Any help or advice or even your experience would be helpful!

Thanks!

Amy[/qu

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello

well I got my surgery in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Huacuz and the experience was great I would recommend him in a heart beat the hospital and the during and after care were very good I would even say better than here in the states . Good luck in making your choice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I used Dr. Daniel Huacuz in Tijuana, Mexico. He charged me $6500, this included everthing but airfare which I got on bestfares.com for about $200 from Texas. I had about an hour long psyche eval, EKG and assessment by the internist, before and after session with the nutritionist, assessment by the anesthesiologist before the surgery, blood work and of course the doctor met with me before the surgery. He also stayed and walked with me after my surgery as well as took me the next day to have my barium swallow, took me to my hotel and visited me later that evening in my hotel as did the nutritionist. If I have a question, they are right there for me or get back with me immediately. I had esophagitis (my fault for eating the wrong things too soon) and I got calls from the patient coordinator, the nutritionist and the doctor checking on me daily. I have had the best care and cannot complain at all. I am an RN and just wish the doctors here showed as much interest, concern and most of all follow up with their patients. I can tell you, these Mexican docs will spoil you, they are so caring. I have heard good things about all the docs, so I think you'll be well taken care of whoever you choose, just do your homework, talk to some past patients and feel good with your choice. If your interested in checking our Dr. Huacuz his website is www.huacuz.com. Good luck with whoever you go with and feel free to email with any questions! I just had my surgery 2/27/06 so am still pretty much new to this but got my second fill and finally starting to lose weight and am so excited! Best wishes to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×