Hey group, I was sleeved in the USA a year ago and I had to go through the arduous pre-surgery process of medical tests and nutritional counseling etc. My mom went to Mexico, to the Jerusalem Hospital and was sleeved with Dr. Almanza. She didn't have to have all the pre surgery tests that I did. Her surgery went very well and her recovery was uneventful until she moved into the regular diet phase. She had terrible reflux, and even went to the hospital thinking she was having a heart attack. She is still getting tests run but she may have some serious problems that could have been exacerbated by the sleeve surgery. If there is a problem with the pyloric sphincter valve, it could have been found prior to surgery, and fixed during surgery. It may be cancer though. We will know more later of course. I'm writing to let anyone know, who may be considering the Mexico option, that although they don't require all the tests such as the Upper GI, it would be in your best interest to get tests and discuss the surgery with a gastrologist prior to going to Mexico for surgery. My mom loved her experience at the Jerusalem Hospital in Tijuana, and would recommend this hospital to everyone! We would both recommend that you do the pre-surgery tests first, however!

Yes, I whole heartedly agree. I went through EXACTLY the same surgery at the same place as your mom Be sure you know what you're getting in to.

I had a LOT of reflux too and got an a PPI - Omiprozol which is generic Prilosec and it cleared up fine. I also ate a few crackers morning and afternoon to soak up excess acid. Mine cleared up totally and I now have no issues. It is not that uncommon for ANY sleever, the stomach is internally swollen for quite some time and makes the acid that the few proton pumps that are left overwhelm the small area. The swelling goes down and the room vs. acid ratio improves.

This is one thing that people need to be aware of pre-surgery. Not only do you have no legal recourse if things go wrong you often are abandoned by your insurance without coverage for something that may or may not be directly related to your surgery. I've heard horror stories of people getting denied coverage for stuff like sinus issues or throat problems that happen to occur post op. The insurance company says the surgery caused it and it was NOT COVERED. It's a risk I took and have not had major issues.

We all wish your mom the best and hope she gets things straightened around quickly.

Healing prayers sent to your mom...

I went the same route, same doctor as both of you.

I had ALL the tests done here in the US just because it wasn't required in Mexico. My doctor wanted to be sure before he sent me away.

Although I was self-pay, my insurance company did pay for the tests here and my doctor fully supported me going to Mexico to save my life. Oh, and nothing wrong here :-)

Oh man you just made me really happy with my decision to have my surgeon scope me before surgery. I just want to make sure there are no surprises.

Yes, I also went to Mexico. I had my primary do my EKG, labs, dvt testing, and I work for gastroenterologist and had an endoscopy as well. My dr is now my post op Bariatric dr. He is wonderful. I have had the worst reflux and indigestion and am now on two meds. I hear it's suppose to resolve after 6 months!

If your surgeon is in mexico I still highly recommend you obtain a gastroenterologist locally where you live. There is alot they can help with.

I went the same route' date=' same doctor as both of you.

I had ALL the tests done here in the US just because it wasn't required in Mexico. My doctor wanted to be sure before he sent me away.

Although I was self-pay, my insurance company did pay for the tests here and my doctor fully supported me going to Mexico to save my life. Oh, and nothing wrong here :-)[/quote']

My doc was similar. I think having a supportive PCP in the US is key. Since she was ordering all my tests, they were covered by insurance. And she knows what Dr Aceves wants for future blood tests/etc. She also has his info (and he was more than willing to speak to my US dr at any point) so that if something happens that can be in communication.

I also found a therapist and nutritionist before I left...both of whom are covered by insurance. If you're going to Mexico, it doesn't have to mean you don't have a local team. You may just have to assemble it yourself...but the upside is you can pick the best instead of beig stuck with a package deal of people at a local surgery center.

Made me more comfortable with my decision!

So Cam, what is the outcome? Did they find out what the problem is?

I'm sorry for your mother. I'm having surgery on the 30th in Mexico but my PCP has ordered me a ecocardiogram and a upper gi and all blood test psychology evaluation and 2 visits with a nutritionist prior to me going to Mexico he is also in contact with the dr in Mexico and faxed all my info to dr aceves & my PCP had surgery himself with dr aceves. I do have insurance blue shield of California but I have a very high out of pocket so that's why I choose Mexico. But my PCP said if I have any problem without those prior test here in US my insurance would not cover complications otherwise everything is covered thru blue shield. My prayers go out to your mother that she will get better soon.

May I ask where you are in CA? I need a good PCP! Mine doesn't support this at all.

Thanks for all the kind words and well wishes! My mom is still having tests done but the endoscopy ( upper GI) showed that there are some indications of linitis plastica which is a form of stomach cancer. Pretty scary, yes! An upper GI prior to surgery could have found it, but at least it is being looked at now. We're hoping, if it is cancer, it has been caught in the early stages. Interestingly enough, this type of cancer doesn't even have many symptoms until it is in late stages, because of the sleeve, they looked now. Please keep her in your prayers!

Wow hopefully a blessing in disguise!!! I hope everything turns out OK!

@ finding myself I am in northern California closer to the Oregon boarder.

Thanks for all the kind words and well wishes! My mom is still having tests done but the endoscopy ( upper GI) showed that there are some indications of linitis plastica which is a form of stomach cancer. Pretty scary, yes! An upper GI prior to surgery could have found it, but at least it is being looked at now. We're hoping, if it is cancer, it has been caught in the early stages. Interestingly enough, this type of cancer doesn't even have many symptoms until it is in late stages, because of the sleeve, they looked now. Please keep her in your prayers!

So it was actually a good thing she had the sleeve and had a couple of problems? They might not have seen this until it was too late. She is in my prayers. I wish her a speedy recovery.

Just an update! My mom DOES NOT have cancer! Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement!

Wonderful news!!!!!