I've heard that it is very uncommon, but has anyone on here had one? If so, what did you do for follow up care, and did your insurance cover it?

I've heard that it is very uncommon' date=' but has anyone on here had one? If so, what did you do for follow up care, and did your insurance cover it?[/quote']

Search for username Jen Jen or Dr. Almanza or Dr. Kelly. The reason I remember her because I had planned on using Dr. Ramos-Kelly until I read her story. It came down to the ethics of the matter for me. Read to understand. There has been others but none I remember by poster name. Most came from Obesity Help website. You may have to go back a few yrs to find but some are there.

I think in the Mexico forum on Obesity Help, you'll find the stories you're looking for.

Dr. Kelly is my doctor and I could not have gotten better care through ANY other doctor or hospital.

4 months out, almost to goal, not one complication and still have terrific follow up by Dr. Kelly. Be wary of what you read on these forums as there are a lot of lies and back stabbing. Contact individual patients if you can.

I quit using Obesity Help because it was nothing but a bunch of gossip that made a hard decision even harder. Make an informed decision for sure.

Hi there!

I don't post very much, just randomly, but I lurk and read, research, lurk and read some more. I have booked my surgery in Mexico for January 11th.

These are my thoughts on this particular subject. (Leaks in Mexico)

You are going to find leaks can be from any particular surgeon. In reading these forums, I actually read where there are more leaks/complications from U.S. based surgeons. That does not mean I have read every single post on these forums.

I will also say that you can type "leak" in the search box up there and really freak yourself out. But, it is good to be informed of both sides and know that all of these things are possible. Yes, I've done it and still do. My heart aches for these people, but I have to be an informed patient, and know it can happen to myself also.

Make the decision that is best for you. Stick to your pre-op diet and follow it to a "T" - it's there for a reason.

Ironically, I was trying to find somewhere to post my opinion of what I've noticed from reading the forum. To me, and someone please do correct abetterme4.2 and me, but it seems the majority of complication arise from domestic drs here in the states.

I can only guess as to why. Lack of experience due to insurance co. denial or self pay cost for the patients and/ or gov't regulations on the procedure? Anyone else notice this trend?

I'm sure that experience has a lot to do with it. My local bariatric surgeon has done 450 sleeves and had one leak. It seems that the surgeons in Mexico do a lot more because there are so many of us that can't get the surgery covered by insurance. They also seem to double and triple check for leaks because they know that we are all flying back to wherever we came from.

I know that leaks can happen no matter who does the surgery. And I agree that I have to do MY part in making sure that doesn't happen. Follow the plan and not try to eat a cheeseburger as soon as I get back home.

Thanks so much for all of your responses.

My surgeon (Dr. Horgan at UCSD) said that he often fixes leaks from patients getting sleeved in Mexico. What doctors in Mexico? I don't know. Also, I'm in San Diego, so maybe more people around here travel to Mexico for the surgery. Regardless, there are plenty of leaks occurring if you look hard enough. Is it more or less than in the US? It's difficult to say without hard data and I don't want to speculate. It is a complication that can happen even with a great surgeon, no matter where they are located. For myself, I would have worried about a complication after leaving Mexico and having to pay to fix it. Just my opinion, as I was lucky enough to have my insurance cover the surgery.

My cheeseburger comment was meant as a joke, btw. I would never eat a cheeseburger. Even without having the surgery.

Seems to me that would be a natural thing for a US dr to say.

Besides, if we're self pay we still have to pay for complication care regardless of where we get our surgery. I KNOW FOR A FACT!

Seems to me that would be a natural thing for a US dr to say.

Besides' date=' if we're self pay we still have to pay for complication care regardless of where we get our surgery. I KNOW FOR A FACT![/quote']

True, a US doctor (by the way, he's from Argentina) that fixes a lot of leaks would say that. Why would he care telling me since my insurance covered it? Not every surgeon is dishonest! My husband is a surgeon (not bariatric) as well as he's about as honest as they come.

You missed the point though about complications.....I wasn't speaking about cost. I just meant if you have a serious complication you may not have a choice where you get treated if it is an emergency. I would prefer my treatment to include my own surgeon. Just my own opinion for myself, no need to attack.

Look at the number of bariatric doctors in the US and the number in Mexico. I believe the leak ratio is due to the enormous amount of bariatric drs in the US.

I could be wrong. Just a thought.

No, no... Trust me I wasn't attacking at all. I have been treated by three very excellent bariatric drs up here and they have no problems treating complications if they arise. They treated me several times and don't care where the surgery was done. I believe 99.9% of drs are honest and their main goal is to help.

The only worry I have about complications is having to pay for it. It sucks paying over $500.00 a month for insurance premiums ( not including what employer contributes) and they not only will not cover WLS .. They WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE cover complication due to WLS even if your're taking your last breath.

Heh.. Ok done venting ;D

I think leaks happen everywhere (although my surgeon says he has never had a leak). They happen for a variety of reasons - some of which we will never know why.

I called my insurance before I decided to have surgery. My insurance covered complications (but not transport). I would just check out your insurance options before you worry too much.

I am a critical care nurse and see complications very frequently. I have seen horror stories from Mexico but have also seen poor work from American physicians. It can be difficult choosing a physician to provide you with care. Look at as many sites as possible and see how people rate the doctor before you make a decision. I just have to pray that my research has led me to the right physician. Guess I will see on October 25th.

Thanks, Brennie. May I ask the name of your surgeon?