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Surgery in Mexico

robs_vsg_journey

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robs_vsg_journey    12

robs_vsg_journey
Posted

Hello,

My name is Rob and I live in FL. I am looking into surgeons in Mexico to have the gastric sleeve procedure done. Does anyone have experience with this? And if so can you please share any advice you may have? Of course I would love to have surgery here in the states but my insurance doesn't cover me even if my doctor deems it medically necessary, which she has. Mexico is the most affordable option for me right now. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

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JamieLogical    8,727

JamieLogical
Posted

First off, I just want to say that there are MANY excellent surgeons and facilities in Mexico and you shouldn't let the naysayers and urban legends deter you. As long as you do your research, there is no reason why you can't have a safe and positive experience with surgery in Mexico.

I've been to Tijuana for surgery twice. Once for plastics and once for my VSG. Both times I received excellent care and support and felt 100% safe at all times.

When it comes to choosing a surgeon, there are a few things you need to think about. Not everyone has the same criteria or priorities, so not everyone would choose the same surgeon as you or vice versa. Here are a couple of things to think about and then you can begin your research and eliminating surgeons based on your specific requirements.

  • Budget: There are a wide range of costs associated with VSG, even if you go to Mexico, where it's cheaper overall. You will likely pay between $3500 and $6500. If you have a tight budget, that might eliminate some of the pricier surgeons.
  • Facility: Some surgeons only work out of surgical centers, some only work out of hospitals, some work out of both. There are pros and cons to both. The higher tier hospitals (Hostpital Angeles for instance) have Emergency and ICU services on site. In the case of a life threatening complication, that could prove valuable. However, infection rates in hospitals are much higher than in surgical centers, because you will obviously be exposed to more germs in a facility that houses hundreds of patients with various illnesses, versus a facility with only a handful of patients, none of whom are actually sick.
  • Reputation: There are world-renowned surgeons in Mexico who are on the cutting edge of Bariatric Medicine, are cited in articles and TV shows, etc. But those usually come with a higher price tag. So you need to think about whether the fact that those surgeons rely VERY heavily on their impeccable reputations and therefor may be more meticulous and less inclined to make mistakes is worth the extra money.
  • Surgical Team: Some surgeon's offices offer a full cast of characters to support you in your journey both pre and post-op. Office coordinators who provide information and set appointments. Travel coordinators who help you with your travel arrangements and hotel reservations. Additional doctors, such as cardiologist and radiologist who might do pre and post-op testing or answer concerns about medications and such. Nutritionists who will provide you with pre and post-op diet information. How many people are on staff, what their roles are, and how responsive they are can be as important in choosing a surgeon as the surgeon themselves.
  • Follow-up: Some surgeons provide more follow-up care than others. Some give you a few guidelines about what to eat post-op and send you on your way to fend for yourself. Some have staff that will check in with you regularly and answer your calls 24/7 for years post-op. It's important to find out how much and what sort of follow-up care the surgeons you are considering offer.
  • Patient Experiences: I highly recommend you try to get in touch with multiple past patients of the surgeons you are seriously considering so you can get a very clear and accurate idea of what your experience might be like. Ask questions. Express concerns. Get as much info out of them as they are willing to give. Reading reviews and forum posts only gets you so far. If you can get in touch with some past patients for an open dialog, that is ideal.

Hopefully that's a good jumping off point to get you started!

PS: Be sure to check out the Mexico & Self-Pay forum!

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TT in NC    1

TT in NC
Posted

I had surgery with Dr. Ariel Ortiz @ The Obesity Control Center in Tijuana on 7/19.

The whole process was smooth and I felt I had great care from the entire staff.

I would highly recommend him.

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cbonet    336

cbonet
Posted

Please put in for an appeal with your insurance. I did and it worked. Good luck

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MsLstuart45    8

MsLstuart45
Posted

Thank you so much for all information posted, I am looking into SILS for VSG.

Current weight 206 BMI 32. Height 5'7"

I dont qualify per my insurance, but everything Im trying is not working either.

So my husband and I are opting for self pay either in Mexico or Dominican Republic.

We are looking for November 2016.

the information provided gives me a good foundation to start my journey to healthier lifestyle

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JamieLogical    8,727

JamieLogical
Posted

I had surgery with Dr. Ariel Ortiz @ The Obesity Control Center in Tijuana on 7/19.

The whole process was smooth and I felt I had great care from the entire staff.

I would highly recommend him.

I also had surgery with Dr Ortiz on July 11th and have no regrets!! Awesome surgeon and staff!!

Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

I had mine with Ariel Ortiz in September 2014. Almost two years out now and maintaining below goal. So worth it!

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MsLstuart45    8

MsLstuart45
Posted

Im self pay too I thought about Mexico. Im sure it's fine but I'm having it in Florida after all.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Which facility/surgical center allows for self pay in Florida? If available, can you send me the name of Dr and facility?

I hoping for November but don't want to make decision without checking out all of my options

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LowBMISleever    381

LowBMISleever
Posted (edited)

Have to chime in for Dr. Ortiz too! Sleeved 7/22/16 and I'm from West Palm Beach!

Dr. Ortiz is incredible, the facility is great, transportation easy, hotel is nice and surgery is a breeze! My surgery was 15 minutes!!

My mom qualifies for surgery in the states through medicare and other insurance, and she's STILL going to Mexico to pay to have Dr. Ortiz!

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Edited by LowBMISleever

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Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

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    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

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