Is It Worth It?!

[misseducated 3]

Hi All!

I was 'sleeved' on August 23, 2012 and although I did a lot of research there was a lot I still had/have to learn!

I've struggled with my weight my whole life. A few years ago I seriously considered getting the lap band but didn't go beyond researching options. My weight has steadily crept up and these last couple of years have been depressing; I could not lose the weight. Most recently I tried adipex, lost weight temporarily, and then gained it all back.

My health insurance does not cover weight loss surgery so I knew I would have to pay for the procedure my self. I considered lap band, and then gastric plication, and then through research decided on gastric sleeve.

I researched doctors in the US and Mexico, cost, expertise, etc. I choose (verified) a doctor in Mexico that is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery; and the surgical center is designated as an International Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. I felt comfortable with my choice, as the credentials of the doctor and surgical center in Mexico are the same as in the US. I considered purchasing 'catastrophic/complications' insurance but figured that I'm healthy and need to save money for the procedure and follow up back in the US. (NOTE--This was just one of my misjudgments,)

I was to arrive in Mexico, have the procedure that same day, stay two nights at the surgical center, two nights at a hotel, and return to the US on the fifth day.

I went to Tijuana, Mexico, by myself, for the procedure. (NOTE--I do not speak Spanish.) I arrived on Thursday around 11 am and was picked up by the surgical center at the airport as planned. I had the procedure early that evening and the doctor said all went well (good surgery, no enlarged liver, etc.). The next day (Friday) I was informed that during the night when I was moving around I must have pulled stitches loose (or something) because there was abnormal/excessive bleeding from my drain; the doctor would need to go back in to resolve the problem; the doctor cauterized all the surgical sites and said all went well. Saturday, the doctor said there was still bleeding and needed to go back in to see/resolve the cause. At this point I was SCARED! I had to have blood transfusions, plasma, etc. Saturday evening the doctor informed me that they would be transferring me by ambulance to a US hospital in response to several serious complications that had developed: liquid in lungs, breathing, etc. The doctor called my sister in the US and told her to come to the hospital where I would be transferred. (I found out later that the doctor had my sister pay $2500 additional for surgeries, blood transfusions, etc.) Saturday evening I was transported by ambulance to the Mexico/US Border, met by a US hospital ambulance, and transported to a US hospital emergency room.

(I have to admit at some point I thought that the ambulance would stop, roll me into an alley, and leave me. Moreover, I thought, "I'm so out of it, I can't even run to save my life". )

I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on Saturday evening. I had every test imaginable and I was seen by every type of specialist: cardiologist, pulmonologist, internist, infectious disease, surgeon, etc. I remained in ICU for three days while they resolved my complications (pneumonia, pulmonary, etc). The specialist 'cleared' my sleeve and indicated that all digestive processes were fine. (That was relief!) I stayed in the hospital two more days and was released on Thursday to go home (with the recommendation not to fly). We flew back to the Midwest and I’ve been adjusting to the sleeve ever since.

I don’t regret the surgery, or even going to Mexico; I would however recommend taking a friend/companion and having a plan for complications/transfer to a US hospital if one ever wants to engage in any type of Medical Tourism. I wish the doctor would have sent me to a US hospital sooner, I don’t think I would have been in such a critical condition, I could have received acute care, and had potential for insurance (or indigent) pay.

I’ve lost about 23 pounds since my surgery. Initially I felt somewhat discouraged but then I read postings on the message boards indicating that 20-25 pounds is an average weight loss for the first month.

I’m hoping my medical bills and follow up care is covered by insurance and that I continue to lose weight and get to my goal of 140 pounds!

Did I mention that I have a $5000 health insurance deductible? After all is said and done it may have been less expensive to have stayed and had the procedure in the US!

[Ready4success 380]

Hi All!

I was 'sleeved' on August 23' date=' 2012 and although I did a lot of research there was a lot I still had/have to learn!

I've struggled with my weight my whole life. A few years ago I seriously considered getting the lap band but didn't go beyond researching options. My weight has steadily crept up and these last couple of years have been depressing; I could not lose the weight. Most recently I tried adipex, lost weight temporarily, and then gained it all back.

My health insurance does not cover weight loss surgery so I knew I would have to pay for the procedure my self. I considered lap band, and then gastric plication, and then through research decided on gastric sleeve.

I researched doctors in the US and Mexico, cost, expertise, etc. I choose (verified) a doctor in Mexico that is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery; and the surgical center is designated as an International Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. I felt comfortable with my choice, as the credentials of the doctor and surgical center in Mexico are the same as in the US. I considered purchasing 'catastrophic/complications' insurance but figured that I'm healthy and need to save money for the procedure and follow up back in the US. (NOTE--This was just one of my misjudgments,)

I was to arrive in Mexico, have the procedure that same day, stay two nights at the surgical center, two nights at a hotel, and return to the US on the fifth day.

I went to Tijuana, Mexico, by myself, for the procedure. (NOTE--I do not speak Spanish.) I arrived on Thursday around 11 am and was picked up by the surgical center at the airport as planned. I had the procedure early that evening and the doctor said all went well (good surgery, no enlarged liver, etc.). The next day (Friday) I was informed that during the night when I was moving around I must have pulled stitches loose (or something) because there was abnormal/excessive bleeding from my drain; the doctor would need to go back in to resolve the problem; the doctor cauterized all the surgical sites and said all went well. Saturday, the doctor said there was still bleeding and needed to go back in to see/resolve the cause. At this point I was SCARED! I had to have blood transfusions, plasma, etc. Saturday evening the doctor informed me that they would be transferring me by ambulance to a US hospital in response to several serious complications that had developed: liquid in lungs, breathing, etc. The doctor called my sister in the US and told her to come to the hospital where I would be transferred. (I found out later that the doctor had my sister pay 2500 additional for surgeries, blood transfusions, etc.) Saturday evening I was transported by ambulance to the Mexico/US Border, met by a US hospital ambulance, and transported to a US hospital emergency room.

(I have to admit at some point I thought that the ambulance would stop, roll me into an alley, and leave me. Moreover, I thought, "I'm so out of it, I can't even run to save my life". )

I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on Saturday evening. I had every test imaginable and I was seen by every type of specialist: cardiologist, pulmonologist, internist, infectious disease, surgeon, etc. I remained in ICU for three days while they resolved my complications (pneumonia, pulmonary, etc). The specialist 'cleared' my sleeve and indicated that all digestive processes were fine. (That was relief!) I stayed in the hospital two more days and was released on Thursday to go home (with the recommendation not to fly). We flew back to the Midwest and I’ve been adjusting to the sleeve ever since.

I don’t regret the surgery, or even going to Mexico; I would however recommend taking a friend/companion and having a plan for complications/transfer to a US hospital if one ever wants to engage in any type of Medical Tourism. I wish the doctor would have sent me to a US hospital sooner, I don’t think I would have been in such a critical condition, I could have received acute care, and had potential for insurance (or indigent) pay.

I’ve lost about 23 pounds since my surgery. Initially I felt somewhat discouraged but then I read postings on the message boards indicating that 20-25 pounds is an average weight loss for the first month.

I’m hoping my medical bills and follow up care is covered by insurance and that I continue to lose weight and get to my goal of 140 pounds!

Did I mention that I have a 5000 health insurance deductible? After all is said and done it may have been less expensive to have stayed and had the procedure in the US! [/quote']

I'm sorry to hear about everything you went through. I've helped pay some of my family's medical bills, and I always talked with someone in the finance office, and was usually able to get some portions discounted for self pay/indigent health care. I'm not sure if this is an option for you since you have insurance, but I would still try. Some help is better than none. God Bless you and I hope you continue to recover well.

[Angelmom 30]

My surgery was exactly 28 days ago, and my care at Geisinger hospital in Danville, Pennsylvania was less than stellar! I thought I was going to die between the poor care, being left in supine position in the hallways for hours with semi-collapsed lungs, and the massive overwhelming pain that could not be controlled. My situation was so bad.....I still cry when I think about it, and I am in the process of writing a scathing letter to the hospital nursing coordinator...and maybe seeing a lawyer. I am still in pain and coughing crap up from that procedure...and the lack of care I got afterward. But...when I read your story, I feel fortunate. Personally, I would never go to Mexico to have any procedure...Mexico and Hispanics are tearing our country apart, and I would never want to give them money to continue to do so, or whatever else...and those are my feelings and beliefs on the situation regarding Mexico...but...I am going to have to agree with you 1000% about having someone with you at ALL times in case of poor care, as in my case, and as in the case of complications like you had. My daughter had to tell the nurses what to do, and she's just a child. I could go on and on about it...but you are so right!

Is it worth it? I have lost 35 pounds in 28 days....and 34 of them were in about 20 days. The 35th pound fell today. Ask me in one year if it's worth it. At this point, even 35 pounds is NOT worth it. This procedure should be an absolute LAST resort.

God bless and keep you, and all of us, as you/we recover.

[misseducated 3]

Thanks @ Ready4Success for the well wishes and suggestion. I hope to work out payment arrangements for the medical/hospital bills and pray that works out! AND, congrats on your weight loss!

@ cindimca4, I'm so sorry to hear about your experience! I have to say that the surgical center where I had the procedure performed was BEAUTIFUL, like a spa; but one of the things the US hospital made clear was that the equipment and processes for complications and emergencies are VERY limited in Mexico. And, I don't completely fault the doctor, I think the doctor thought the situation could be remedied and continued attempts when I probably should have been transferred to a US hospital. I ended up in a GREAT hospital back in the US and the nurses and doctors took really good care of me. I am so blessed to be alive and not have any on-going medical issues. Having only lost around 20 pounds, I totally identify with the question of 'is it worth it'...I hope that very soon the both of us can firmly say "YES IT IS"!

[Angelmom 30]

I understand. I heard about those places that are like a spa. I saw something about a woman who had some form of cancer who went to Pakistan or somewhere like that, and the place was like a vacation....unlike the treatment I got after my procedure. One of the rounds doctors tried to send me home the next day. I refused, and ended up there for four nights, and should have been there longer...or they were going to put me in a nursing home. Even if that was to be the case...I would never want to risk problems in another country no matter how spa-like it is. You're braver than me!...but wouldn't super nice treatment after surgery in this country be sweet!

[Earwood 136]

Personally, I would never go to Mexico to have any procedure...Mexico and Hispanics are tearing our country apart, and I would never want to give them money to continue to do so, or whatever else...and those are my feelings and beliefs on the situation regarding Mexico...

God bless and keep you, and all of us, as you/we recover.

Well, I have to say that was not a very Christian statement. To redeem our sister in the faith let me offer some scriptures for guidance:

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

1 John 2:9

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

James 2:9

But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Also, I have to say going to Mexico to get my sleeve was my first trip to that country and although I was nervous crossing the border, I had a great experience and found the Mexican people to be some of the nicest and friendliest I've ever met. I don't regret my decision and hope one day I can go back on leisure to enjoy the beauty of the land and the people.

God Bless all God's people

[Angelmom 30]

I'm not your sister, and you are wrong. I don't need your redeeming, and as I told you in the personal email I sent back to you in response to your scathingly inappropriately assumption filled message to me. The versuses you site are not relevant, and you need to keep it related to the topic.

[Earwood 136]

You brought it up and put it out there on a public forum and I have the right to respond. You have your opinion and I have mine. You either believe in the bible or you don't. My opinion is a bigoted Christian is an oxymoron. If you feel different maybe you should seek advice from your pastor.

[germen 40]

My surgery was exactly 28 days ago' date=' and my care at Geisinger hospital in Danville, Pennsylvania was less than stellar! I thought I was going to die between the poor care, being left in supine position in the hallways for hours with semi-collapsed lungs, and the massive overwhelming pain that could not be controlled. My situation was so bad.....I still cry when I think about it, and I am in the process of writing a scathing letter to the hospital nursing coordinator...and maybe seeing a lawyer. I am still in pain and coughing crap up from that procedure...and the lack of care I got afterward. But...when I read your story, I feel fortunate. Personally, I would never go to Mexico to have any procedure...Mexico and Hispanics are tearing our country apart, and I would never want to give them money to continue to do so, or whatever else...and those are my feelings and beliefs on the situation regarding Mexico...but...I am going to have to agree with you 1000% about having someone with you at ALL times in case of poor care, as in my case, and as in the case of complications like you had. My daughter had to tell the nurses what to do, and she's just a child. I could go on and on about it...but you are so right!

Is it worth it? I have lost 35 pounds in 28 days....and 34 of them were in about 20 days. The 35th pound fell today. Ask me in one year if it's worth it. At this point, even 35 pounds is NOT worth it. This procedure should be an absolute LAST resort.

God bless and keep you, and all of us, as you/we recover.[/quote']

Im sorry for all your problems. But i must respond in behalf of the Hispanics who live in this country. I arrived 8 years ago and work 16 hours x 6 days a week just for pay my nursing education. No loans,no help for the government nothing. Im not here tearing MY country (with lots of sacrifices im a proud citizen of USA) apart. My story repeats everyday in thousands of hispanics like me who are fighting for a better future. Please be more judgmental about how you are refering to us Hispanics in the future. Honestly you made a very innapropiate comment.

[misseducated 3]

@ german, I appreciate your response but if you review my posting thread you will notice that I did not make any disrespectful remarks/comments; you may be referencing a reply comment. It is not my intent, nor will I engage in postings that are negative, antagonist, hostile, etc. I want my experience on GST to be positive and expect all of my interactions to be such.

[iggychic 1,405]

We had the surgery the same day with similar complications except I just got out of hospital yesterday. So first I just want to send a mental hug out to you. I've been down your road though my own lasted much longer and it was sheer hell. Pain and suffering that this tough chick literally broke down from. Tubes in my ribs, drains through my back....it's all too fresh and makes me cry just thinking of it.

But I had my surgery in the US so don't think it couldn't happen to you here. I was at "one of the best" docs here and he nearly killed me. And yes an advocate is entirely necessary, in mex or anywhere you go for medical care.

By the way....absolutely not, in my instance I don't think it was worth it.

[alex&zsmom 33]

Stating , "Mexico and Hispanics are tearing this country apart," is hostile and negative! Seriously this is not a forum for stating racist sentiments.

[mcwestfam 123]

Stating ' date=' "Mexico and Hispanics are tearing this country apart," is hostile and negative! Seriously this is not a forum for stating racist sentiments.[/quote']

Amen!

[Spatters3 315]

@mis: germen quoted cindimca4's comment about hispanics; she wasn't responding to your original post.

That being said, what a horrible experience you had! You poor thing! I am so glad you're doing ok now.

[NDN_RN 527]

As a yankee doodle patriotic Federal employee of the VA system AND Native American/Latina, I Find the comments made about Mexican and hispanics hateful and ignorant. I have the luxury of good insurance and had my sleeve done at a US hospital in CT. i was treated like a queen. my surgeon a well respected Gold Coast CT surgeon said that the Mexican wls surgeons were all capable and competent. I wish the OP a speedy recovery and great success.

Done Did It!