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

Recommended Posts

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?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 :unsure: I'll be back to post my own positive review.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

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

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 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

    ×