Hi Everyone,

Been lurking for a little while. Actually joined some time back but rarely post.

I am looking for any and all folks who have had surgery in Mexico to weigh in and help me out. Here's a little background: I am 48 yo, 6', 365 with a high of 380. My health is deteriorating, particularly knees, hips and ankles. I had a knee replacement 1 year ago and have not healed properly due to weight. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure and variable high everything else. If I am "good" for a while, my numbers fall into line, but they quickly swing the other way when I am not. I am always short of breath, can not run, jog and have difficulty with stairs. I can not climb or descend stairs without a handrail.

My insurance specifically precludes ANY type of weight loss surgery, drugs or treatment. I am at wits end and desperately want to be able to hike, canoe and ride a bike again. I want my kids to look at me like a regular person and not be embarrassed (they are 16 and 13). I want to feel good. So, I am looking at self pay for VSG here in the states, or in Mexico with Dr. A. (Good Dr. A).

Here are my biggest concerns:

1-Complications. How are they handled and what about follow up care. If I have issues after coming home (like infection, bleeding, dumping, severe reflux, etc.) how do I receive the care I'll need if my insurance will not cover it. Has anyone had problems? How were they addressed?

2-Was the experience clean and safe? Did anyone have problems due to lack of sanitation or lack of follow up care?

3-How did you convince your family to support you even though they are aghast at going to Mexico for surgery?

4-generally looking for detailed experiences both good and bad.

Please help guide a scared and deperate newbie.

Thanks!

6 minutes ago, SKhan said:

For people flying back home with 3 hours or more flight -- how did you do it?

I mean did you get yourselves a wheelchair for the airport?

Did you walk around in the plane often? I am concerned about all the fatigue, the pain, I will be and how I will survive my fly back home

I am going with BeLite Wight scheduled for 2/16 in Juarez with Dr. Jose Rodriguez Villarreal and Dr. Elmo Aramburo

Anyone have any experience with them??

I had to fly from San Diego to Miami and then to St Thomas. After the 4th day you are pretty good actually. No problems walking around. Definitely don't need anything like a wheelchair. For me the pain was about 4 /10 and I also had my gall bladder removed at the same time which was apparently a more painful recovery than the straight sleeve surgery. Just be careful and go slow! Take a walk up and down the aisle every 30 mins or 1 hour on the plane just to keep the blood pumping. Good luck!

Thanks for your response @Rainstorm77

:)

12 hours ago, SKhan said:

For people flying back home with 3 hours or more flight -- how did you do it?

I mean did you get yourselves a wheelchair for the airport?

Did you walk around in the plane often? I am concerned about all the fatigue, the pain, I will be and how I will survive my fly back home

I am going with BeLite Wight scheduled for 2/16 in Juarez with Dr. Jose Rodriguez Villarreal and Dr. Elmo Aramburo

Anyone have any experience with them??

You should be fine. I flew into San Diego on Wednesday morning and had surgery that afternoon. I flew home on the 3rd day (Friday afternoon). At hospital Guadalajara they stayed on top of the pain meds. I never had to ask. They also gave me stockings to ensure no blood clots.

I came home to toddlers and did not need to take any meds for pain.

You will not need a wheel chair. Just pack light and take it easy!

I had gastric bypass. My flight was 3 1/2 hours plus 2 hour wait on runway when we got home due to ice. Get a wheelchair you will be tired. I was afraid to walk in the plane did not want to fall, but used had the hose on from the hospital and exercised ( moved my legs often)