What makes one doc in Mx charge 6800 for all inclusive sleeve surgery meanwhile many others do same thing for 4800 and less? All have drivers come get you from airport. You and a guest have accommodations etc, what's the difference? This is the only thing that scares me about Mx.

Same thing here in the States, There are some surgeons in Texas $7200 - there are some $18,000. Same sleeve surgery. Guy in NY charging $20k, another in Nevada $16k - Kansas City $12K -

The skill. You get what you pay for.

The skill. You get what you pay for.

Not necessarily. The surgeons in Mexico are performing these procedures at a prolific level so experience is not lacking. But unlike the United States, their extraneous costs are considerably lower. As far as why surgeons in Mexico vary by a couple of thousand dollars, I cannot really say.

Not necessarily. The surgeons in Mexico are performing these procedures at a prolific level so experience is not lacking. But unlike the United States, their extraneous costs are considerably lower. As far as why surgeons in Mexico vary by a couple of thousand dollars, I cannot really say.

Really?? So you're saying that because they do a lot of surgerys they are "experienced"? Just because a builder builds a thousands homes...doesn't mean they are always built safe. Just my opinion...that's it.

Yep, that's what I'm saying

One main difference is that some of the cheaper ones use a "clinic" instead of a hospital and you do most of your recovery in a hotel. I went to one of the more "expensive" doctors, and I think I definitely paid for his experience, but even more so for three days in the hospital for recovery. For me it made all the difference. It was a very modern, clean hospital and I felt like I was in very good hands. That's my story, and that's why I paid more.

I was thinking about going to Mexico.....however, after doing due diligence and lots of research....I decided NOT to go in that direction...and have the VSG done in NYC at Mount Sinai Hospital......I have already lost 53 pounds---surgery was on July 24th.....

Should you choose a surgeon..make sure that the doctor has post graduate training and a fellowship in bariatric surgery with years of certified training....and NOT,,,take 2 or 3 days seminars at a hotel vacation spot in the USA or other places around the world....that clearly is not proper surgical training....CME credits are given for attending these weekend meetings.....a doctor pays a fee and attends some lectures.....oftenm they go to play a round of golf instead....so, be careful....and make sure that the surgeon has the proper credentials......and ofcourse, training.....all the best...for good health.....and success.... R

What makes one doc in Mx charge 6800 for all inclusive sleeve surgery meanwhile many others do same thing for 4800 and less? All have drivers come get you from airport. You and a guest have accommodations etc' date=' what's the difference? This is the only thing that scares me about Mx.[/quote']

The Dr I have charges 4200 its a special for the month of sept and Oct. You just pay airfair. 5 days and you go home. Great deal!

Sometimes the cost difference is in reference to your BMI. The higher the BMI the more the cost.

I liken it to a variety of things

Location in Mx being a biggie. We have 5 Walmart stores within a 15 mile radius. Prices on the same thing at each Walmart due to the poverty level in the location.

Think border towns (TJ) VS resort towns (Cancun) in Mx. Same as here.

Also, experience and skill. A new(er) surgeon needs to build a reputation compared to a well established surgeon. Same goes here.

And competition. Again think Walmart. Price matching anyone?

And venue. A full service hospital (Hospital Angeles) VS and a specialty hospital-esque clinic (Mi Doctor). Same goes here.

Sometimes the cost difference is in reference to your BMI. The higher the BMI the more the cost.

Cost difference for BMI is usually only about $500.

Research does show that experience matters and that Drs who have done more sleeves usually have fewer complications. So that is one difference. Some surgeons in Mexico are "Bariatric Surgeons of excellence." They can charge more. Also, some keep you in a full service hospital for 2 or 3 days while others only 1 day. Some operate out of clinics etc. In the US it is the same. Some do outpatient sleeves while others do a few days in hospital. Some work in clinics and some in hospitals. As it was pointed out, location matters too. As does the age and overall look of the hospital. I don't think the price difference in Mexico is greater than in the US. In fact, the US is crazy - some self pay prices are 30 000 and some are as low as 8-10 000... where as in mexico it is around 4300 to 8750 so far less of a price difference (and in both the US and Mexico price does not always equal quality - just in case my message seemed to indicate otherwise!!)

One main difference is that some of the cheaper ones use a "clinic" instead of a hospital and you do most of your recovery in a hotel. I went to one of the more "expensive" doctors, and I think I definitely paid for his experience, but even more so for three days in the hospital for recovery. For me it made all the difference. It was a very modern, clean hospital and I felt like I was in very good hands. That's my story, and that's why I paid more.

Exactly. My surgeon in the US does his surgeries outpatient to keep the self-pay price low. The hospital cost really adds up fast!

My question to you is...do you have a dr. here in the states that is willing to take over your care once you are done??? From what I have heard, they have a terrible time getting your records from MX. Just be careful.

My question to you is...do you have a dr. here in the states that is willing to take over your care once you are done??? From what I have heard, they have a terrible time getting your records from MX. Just be careful.

Not always the case. My doctor sent me home with a folder full of information to give my doctor in the US. It included my pre-op test results, and the surgeon's description and notes of my surgery. Everything that was done to me, and it was all in English. My US doctor actually commented on how thorough it was.