Ok so I have a friend whose insurance does not cover Gastric Sleeve.

I told him about mine and he has tried everything to lose weight- i'll spare you the story we all have.

He is diabetic but not on any meds because he did lose 70 pounds and since has gained 20 back. He did the medical weight loss 700 calorie a day shake thing. Yeah......

Anyway- he is self employed so I believe he is on Obama care and can not get surgery- his insurance told him it is cosmetic. I told him how great everyone is here!!!

Personally i don't feel he is all that big but I know how it feels to be overweight and desperate for a solution. He knows where he is headed back to and fast. Surgery is his way out. I have informed of all the changes he will have. We have had long talks about what it means to have surgery.

He is 6'2" and I believe somewhere around 280-290. I am not for sure.

Anyway- I see the lists of surgeons. My questions are:

1. Where does he start?

2. Success stories from Mexico?

3. How soon after surgery can he fly?

We will be coming from Indy.

4. Can I stay with him? Being in the medical field I know how important it is to have a pt advocate there with you.

1. Research surgeons and sites. Find one you feel comfortable with.

2. I'm a success story@ Lol. I was sleeved in Tijuana back in May and have lost 148 lbs so far.

3. Usually you will go home about 2 days after surgery. However, if you want to stay longer you can but will usually have to pay for any additional hotel stay.

4. Yes. Most places allow the patient to bring one guest.

P.S. If he has his gall bladder you might talk to him about getting it removed at the same time to avoid gall stones down the line. I got my removed for just an additional $800 at the time of the sleeve. The only other advice I would recommend is to try to fly first class if possible. Try direct flights if available. Good Luck!

Because of my schedule working as a paramedic and nursing school- i won't be able to see him till Saturday. i will be sure to let him know about the forum. He is a little on the fence about going out of the country. i understand his apprehension, but i am sure your facility is more than adequate.

What infection control standards do you follow? APIC or AORN? I am not sure if that travels outside of the country but I am sure you have infection control standards. Do you have many cases of C-Diff or MERSA?

I will be along with him because he has never really had surgery and I don't want him doing this alone. I know how important a support system is during this process.

Hello and welcome to our forum. In this case his BMI It's 37.2 and he's diabetic, so he's an excellent candidate for this procedures.

Tijuana is the World's capital of bariatric surgery and we have a lot of experience with great results. Please ask him to join my group on Facebook Dr Carlos Altamirano Bariatricpal Support Group and ask about our services in this forum. We can have a free skype/FaceTime also so I can explain the good, the bad and the ugly, I'm at your service!