Question

[Gina.marie 12]

Hi there. New here. Have a ton of questions... Just thinking about doing WLS. My main question is, here in the states they do extensive testing before surgery. Is it the same when you're doing it in Mexico I've been talking to OCCand so far seem great. But it doesn't seem to be too much testing before. Any insight anyone has is appreciated.

[crusso 21]

Hi there. New here. Have a ton of questions... Just thinking about doing WLS. My main question is, here in the states they do extensive testing before surgery. Is it the same when you're doing it in Mexico I've been talking to OCCand so far seem great. But it doesn't seem to be too much testing before. Any insight anyone has is appreciated.

There's is a pre-op health questionnaire that Bariatric Pal surgeons do and will address concerns based off the questionnaire. I looked into OCC as well. I would strongly recommend skyping or sending a private message to Dr. Altamirano if for nothing else but information. He is very accessible and responds quickly. There's no cost or commitment needed to talk to him.

[AvaFern 3,516]

All of the pre-op tests are mandated by your insurance and really aren't neccessary for your actual surgery. I was self-pay in the United States...I had a single CBC blood panel done and they made me meet with a nutritionist once...2 weeks after my initial consult, I was in the OR. So, if Mexico doesn't have as many tests it is simply because insurance isn't dictating what needs to be done and really self-pay in the US isn't all that much different.

[OKCPirate 5,323]

This is my opinion based on my observations of testimonials and stories of WLS patients that I read prior to getting my surgery - most of the hoops that third party payers (people with insurance) are forced to jump through are ways of weeding out those who are not motivated to properly use the tool. Part of the testing is CYA stuff that we do in the US to prevent lawsuits.

While this is an observation, it is obviously not universally true...there are some highly motivated people on this site who jumped through the insurance companies hoops to have their surgery, and they did so quickly to get the show on the road. But if you were motivated enough to put your own money into WLS and go down to Mexico, odds are you are highly compliant and ready to make the change.

So which ever route you take, self-pay or insurance, those who make it through the initial process, eh, already have skin in the game. The people who are not disciplined enough to get through all the steps, are probably not good candidates, and those who have someone else do all their work for them, or were pressured into surgery are often the biggest whiners that "it doesn't work."

It's just a tool, you still have to do the work.

[JamieLogical 8,684]

I had to do day-of pre-op testing at OCC. They did an EKG and blood work. They gave me the results of both to show to my PCP once I was back home. I had also met with my PCP prior to surgery just to make sure she didn't have any concerns.

[Gina.marie 12]

I had to do day-of pre-op testing at OCC. They did an EKG and blood work. They gave me the results of both to show to my PCP once I was back home. I had also met with my PCP prior to surgery just to make sure she didn't have any concerns.

Thank you! And you were happy with OCC?

[JamieLogical 8,684]

I had to do day-of pre-op testing at OCC. They did an EKG and blood work. They gave me the results of both to show to my PCP once I was back home. I had also met with my PCP prior to surgery just to make sure she didn't have any concerns.

Thank you! And you were happy with OCC?

No complaints. I was given all the info I asked for pre-op, treated well while there, and the follow up care has been really good.