Has anyone had VSG in Mexico? Of course my insurance won't pay so I am just paying out of pocket. Wanted to know if anyone else went out of the country?

Hi...I was all set to go to Mexico( Piedras Negras-Dr. G. Alvarez) however, I decided to find an American surgeon instead. I reviewed his CV and his training and credentials and decided that he waas not the person for me to have the surgery done. If you are able to find a well trained bariatric surgeon in the USA-someone who has many years of training as well as a post graduate Fellowship and good credentials--that would be the best way to go. Do you have insurance ? It took me

ten months to get the approval from my insurance carrier.......I will be having the procedure this summer in New York City. Make sure that whomever you choose, look into the medical training,post graduate training,(that takes several years and not afew weekends in many places) and that the person has had a fine and reputable education and post graduate education with years of experience...I wish you every success and lots of luck in good health....all the best..... R

Dr. Alvarez has an excellent reputation and has an excellent surgical record. One of the best surgeons in MX and had done more surgeons then most of you US surgeons. Search his name here and read his patients reviews. He also has a YouTube page and you can watch his videos and submit questions which he will personally answer. He has a weekly radio show which you can do the same. And as for other doctors in MX there are many very qualified doctors in Mexico. So research here ask questions and you will find many happy VSG patients of docs in MX. To list a few docs that have great reputations.

Dr. Alvarez

Dr. Aceves

Dr. Lopez

Dr. Garcia

Dr. Kelly

And there are many more just the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Of course as in any country there are some not so great surgeons also. So check them out of course. Ppl here are very willing to share their experience of surgery in MX.

I had my surgery with Dr. Garcia there just shy of two months ago. My surgery was perfect, I had no pain and a pretty easy recovery overall. He is so easy to contact at any time with questions. I would highly recommend him! I'm down a total of 55lbs including pre-op and couldn't be happier!!

I had my surgery with Dr. Aceves. He is wonderful and my experience was amazing!

I am wondering if anyone out there has an experience to share about Dr Verboonen?

On June 26 both my husband and I had surgery in Juarez with doctor Rodriquez. It was absolutely a wonderful experience. We would of never been able to afford it in the US. We were with BeLite weight

As I mentioned, I was to have chosen a Dr. G.Alvarez in Piedras Negras,Mexico and I was all set to go there many months ago .however, after researching his bio and credentials and training,I decided not to have him do the VSG. I am in the forensic

legal profession and I had to do due diligence-after reviewing his cv,I understood that this particular surgeon has clearly NOT had a Postgraduate Fellowship in bariatric surgery--and only, lists CME certificates given after three to four days at medical meetings at hotels sponsored by a variety of American and International organizations----attending a conference at lovely hotels for afew days and obtaining some CME credits are NOT the same as an actual Three Year Post Graduate Fellowship in Bariatric Surgical Training....as it is, there are so many things that can go wrong .even in the best surgeons hands....anywhere in the world....and yes ofcourse, even here in the USA.....should something go wrong...there clearly, is no recourse.and whom do you address ? Each country should have their own safeguards and unfortunately, Mexico does NOT....For those individuals who choose to go abroad...please check out the surgeon and the training and the facility.....there are no guarantees .....anywhere one chooses to have this procedure......making an informed and an educated decision is the way to approach this surgery....wishing you all every success for good health and a happy and easy recovery.......all the best.....to all......R

Holy Guacamole..... Phantompouch, I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr. Alvarez on August 1st. I thought I had researched him thoroughly, but after reading your post, I'm concerned. Hopefully, his experience in the VSG will make up for his lack of Post-Graduate Fellowship Training in Bariatric Surgery. I'm a Certified Psych RN with 38 years experience. I've got the ANCC Certification, but not a BSN. My experience more then makes up for the degree, and I'm an excellent Nurse. Dr. A has done over 3000 surgeries, and I've yet to find a Patient that's given him a bad review. At this point, there's no turning back for me. All I can do is hope and pray that I made the right decision, and hopefully I'll be back to post my own positive review.

You have made the right decision and will be very happy with your experience and care you receive with dr. Alvarez. I personally know many patients that have used him. No one I know of or on VST has a bad thing to say about him. Go knowing you are in good hands.

I am using Dr. Jose Rodriguez at the Star Medica Hospital in Juarez, Mexico on August 5, 2013.

Travelbug you are going to absolutely love it at Star Medica. I just got back from taking my best friend so I was there twice in a month and both experiences were great. One tip is if you have someone with you there is a frigerator in the room. So they can bring bottled water and other snacks if you want. We didn't know thst the 1st time. I'm doing great. 30 pounds down in one month. I have been lucky and no food has bothered me. You have made a great life choice.

On June 26 both my husband and I had surgery in Juarez with doctor Rodriquez. It was absolutely a wonderful experience. We would of never been able to afford it in the US. We were with BeLite weight

If you don't mind me asking, what was the price? I sent them a request and the sent back an email saying someone would be calling me. I would rather they just email me the price as I am not ready to talk arrangements just yet

I think you missed a huge factor. I personally researched for a dr who had more experience in the procedure than just education. A framed document of education and fellowship in bariatrics doesn't mean he's well qualified and experienced in VSG. It means he's maybe had loads of education and a lot of lapbands and RNYs under his experience, but very few US surgeons have the vast actually experience that some of the MX surgeons have with VSG. I don't want a surgeon who simply has paper work to show he can perform the VSG

2btrim it was $6800 plus your travel expenses. We also had to pay $50 at the hospital for medication to take home with us. My facilitator is Jessica and her number is 503-539-3023. Give her a call and she will answer any question you have. Also tell her Joyce recommended you. If you have any questions just let me know and I will answer you. I will be 8 weeks out tomorrow and I have lost 42 and my husband has lost 45. The best decision I have made for my life!

AmyinOrlando, can u give an update on your experience with Dr.Alvarez??