Mexico Surgery Question

[Photo925 100]

So, I am currently in San Diego's Kaiser program, which in San Diego is a 6 month class that you go to weekly. I'm about six weeks in, and a friend came to me with an opportunity to see a Dr client of her's in Mexico for surgery instead of going through the class. They are offering me discounted rates and and payment plan I would need as a favor for my friend (who is the doctors personal trainer)

I'm torn about this because I looked up the Doctor in the forums and people have had great experiences with him. I don't want to miss out on the opportunity if I could get the surgery quicker (it won't happen till after June if I stick with Kaiser), but Im just not sure. My initial thought is that since they want to help me, that I stick with Kaiser for the sleeve and since their office in Mexico also does full body lifts, that I ask for the deal on that later down the road.

I don't know what to do...I guess Im just looking for thoughts or suggestions?? They were going to send me a quote for the surgery and lift after the fact....I suppose I just wait until I see what that is and go from there

Thanks for reading my venting !!!!

[nursekimberly89 50]

How much sooner could you get the sleeve done if you went to Mexico? To me, that would play a big key in the decision.

[Tropical.Lover 24]

I'd PICK Mexico . Over kaiser ANY DAY !

I vote Mexico lol ))

Wish you the best

[No game 14,437]

So, I am currently in San Diego's Kaiser program, which in San Diego is a 6 month class that you go to weekly. I'm about six weeks in, and a friend came to me with an opportunity to see a Dr client of her's in Mexico for surgery instead of going through the class. They are offering me discounted rates and and payment plan I would need as a favor for my friend (who is the doctors personal trainer) I'm torn about this because I looked up the Doctor in the forums and people have had great experiences with him. I don't want to miss out on the opportunity if I could get the surgery quicker (it won't happen till after June if I stick with Kaiser), but Im just not sure. My initial thought is that since they want to help me, that I stick with Kaiser for the sleeve and since their office in Mexico also does full body lifts, that I ask for the deal on that later down the road. I don't know what to do...I guess Im just looking for thoughts or suggestions?? They were going to send me a quote for the surgery and lift after the fact....I suppose I just wait until I see what that is and go from there Thanks for reading my venting !!!!

Just because you can get it done quickly doesn't mean it's the best thing for you..

I know it's part of our American, instant gratification fast food nation mentality of I want it now! Now! NOW!!

I vote go through your classes..

I see people here increasingly getting this done not knowing anything about what they are getting into. Blinded by "girl I want to rock those skinny jeans"

Take the time learn, adjust your lifestyle and know that you will be truly prepared for every up and down that comes with this major surgery..

[gamergirl 4,610]

Although I got my sleeve in Mexico as did my husband, we did that because our insurance didn't cover it. If it had covered it, I would have gone through the 6 month process, attended the meetings with the NUT the PSYCH and learned from it had I been given the opportunity.

There's nothing wrong with choosing a good doctor who just happens to be in Mexico if you think s/he is better than your local docs, that you will get better care etc. I certainly felt that way and I live in Dallas which is Sleeve City. But I think a 6-month prep time is actually a good way to get educated and prepped.

I spent the 45 days I had reading voraciously, hanging out on the forum and otherwise educating myself. My doc also have very specific instructions for post-op, so I knew even better than some of the people here who were sleeved in the US what to do.

But if his office had a 6 month program to get ready? I would have followed it.

just my 2 cents. In the long run, as you look back on your life, 6 months is nothing. But being prepared and walking into life-changing surgery with your eyes wide open?

Priceless.

[SeaGirl 193]

I, too, had my surgery in Mexico. I went after interviewing surgeons locally and trying to get it done locally. The docs said I was a good candidate, the NUTs and Psychs agreed, and the insurance company is still in the dark ages. Knowing all this, doing my research, put me at ease that I would have success moving forward.

I went to a surgeon in Mexico because it made sense financially. I got a good recommendation from a friend who had success and it felt right. I had a good experience and feel like it's been very successful for me. I was fully prepared and very ready.

Best wishes to you in your decision. I know I would have stayed stateside if I could have gone the insurance route.

[Mel1071 149]

If my insurance covered the surgery I would have *gladly* jumped through hoops. I agree with Laura - the I want it now mentality really does not mesh well with weight loss surgery. Give yourself time to put yourself in a good spot - especially if that means insurance will cover it.

[Under1star 19]

Better to take the classes and learn as much as possible to be successful in the long term.... Glad I had my surgery in Mexico but this important part of the puzzle was missing. Now I'm paying through insurance a specialist in Bariatric nutritionist. I do understand the excitement but only try to take this route if your insurance doesn't cover it! Then start savings for your body lift you want in the future ;0)

[account closed 20]

I am sure that there are people who disagree, but for me personally, I would never have risked having my surgery done in Mexico just because it was cheaper or because I could get it done faster. I would also never encourage a loved one to have their surgery done there either. Sure it put me in debt (being a self-pay patient), but I had a tremendous piece of mind in knowing that I would be under the care of one of the best and most experienced surgeons in the U.S. and have access to the best healthcare should something go wrong. I am a Canadian but I had my surgery just south of the border in the WA (only a 1/2 hr drive for me from home). Even post surgery, it's a tremendous relief for me knowing that my surgeon is only a short distance away and that the center has a lot of experience coordinating post-surgical treatment/interventions (if required), with Canadian hospitals. I am sure that there are people who have had positive experiences in Mexico, but I've read too many testimonies about things that have gone horribly wrong. In the event that something did go wrong, it's just a regret I didn't want to have, and a risk I didn't want to take.

If you have the opportunity to get the surgery done in the U.S., and the only barrier is having to go through 6 months of classes, I would go for it.