Hello!

I am new to this forum and have recently considered going to Mexico for the gastric sleeve surgery. My current BMI is in between 36-37. I have no other issues other than a high BMI. I scheduled an appointment here in the states, but the doctor wouldn't even see me because I did "not qualify". I have struggled with weight my entire life, but it seems to be getting harder the older I get. I would like to control it before it gets out of control.

My main concern is traveling to another country to get this procedure done. It scares me to think of it even in the states. But I know if I continue to gain weight, my body will slowly break down. I already have knee issues and slight arthritis in my hip. I am about 5'7, 232 pounds. Through brief research, I've come to the conclusion that Dr. Illan may be the way to go. Can anyone give me their experience traveling, fear, etc. I would love to hear others journey's! Thanks!!!

I had surgery with Dr Illan on 2/8 and so far everything is going well. I traveled to MX alone and felt comfortable and well taken care of. They checked on me every hour or two, seeing how I was, checking vitals, etc.

The only negative was I asked the staff to call my husband when I was out of surgery. No one called him. I had talked to my husband right before I went in and he knew he should be getting a call in about 60-90 minutes. 4 hours later when I checked my phone I had missed calls from my husband and some frantic texts.

I have 4 incisions, normal pain and discomfort, and looking forward to the rest of my life and shedding a few comorbidities along with my weight.

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Please think of aftercare. Who will monitor you if you have complications once your back home?

I ditto this remark. I moved to florida and was having no problems but needed my yearly lab work done. when I contacted the local bariatric clinic ( the only one in town) I was told they would not see my unless I had proof that my surgery was done in the usa. I am 13 years out and the hospital in ky only keeps records for 10 years. I finally found some old material I had that they accepted. it is great that it was routine care I needed and not an emergency. just be sure to verify that they will treat you and get it in writing as one person can say one thing and someone else interpreted it another. best of luck

My PCP is doing all my follow-up. I have complication insurance and I was nervous about going to MX. However, Dr Illan sent me home with my surgery video, labs, chest xray and leak test video, so my Dr has everything and Dr Illan will share his case notes to the Dr.

My PCP is doing all my follow-up. I have complication insurance and I was nervous about going to MX. However, Dr Illan sent me home with my surgery video, labs, chest xray and leak test video, so my Dr has everything and Dr Illan will share his case notes to the Dr.

Can I ask which company you got your "complication insurance" through? I was thinking about getting something long these lines, but I was told I wouldn't need it. I've seen several posts where people had it, so now I'm questioning the advice I received.

Can I ask which company you got your "complication insurance" through? I was thinking about getting something long these lines, but I was told I wouldn't need it. I've seen several posts where people had it, so now I'm questioning the advice I received.

I was told I wouldn't need it. But for peace of mind, I got it. There are a couple companies out there, but this covered me once back in the states.

https://www.globalprotectivesolutions.com

I'm going to OCC in Mexico, next month for a Gastric Sleeve. The Doctor there was on Dr.Oz and other TV shows. I didn't go on that, but it drew me to the clinic in my research. I was going elsewhere until I found OCC, they charge about 2-3G's more, but I liked what I found out and a lot of people from Canada go there.

On February 22, 2017 at 7:16 PM, VDH said:

That's great to hear!!! Has anyone had any experience with Dr. Ortiz?! OCC I believe. His name came up during some of my research and people seemed to have a lot of good comments to say about him.

I'm going there next month, my dates March 23rd. We have 2 kids & No family around, so my husband will take care of the kids and I'm going it alone, I'm excited and I'm really not too nervous, as I really think I'm in good hands going to the OCC.

I'm going to OCC in June for my surgery. I am new to this forum and I can't wait to hear of others experiences with WLS, especially at OCC or in Mexico. Thank you so very much.

I am 13 years out and want to remind everyone considering Mexico to do your research FIRST> you will need to go to a bariatric dr for any future concerns as many dr do not understand the bariatric patient and will prescribe medication that will not work for you or understand the special after surgery issues that often arise ( ie gall bladder issues and dental issues as well as bone health in later life.) additionally you will need special blood work done yearly and the regular drs don't know what to test for. I moved to florida and went to the local bariatric clinic and they demanded proof that my original surgery was done in the usa. they would not see me until I got my records from ky so glad it was a routine visit I needed and not an emergency . just check out your local clinic FIRST so make sure they will do your follow up. hopefully you will never need it but just in case you don't want to get medical care refused.

I told my doctor that I was having surgery in Mexico it was paid for and if she wanted to stay my doctor she could do the follow-up work. It was just that simple. She agreed and has been very supportive I find it very confusing that someone would turn you away for having surgery someplace else. I mean I'm sure it happens but I just think it's terrible. Some people can't afford to go to a place in the states the surgery the difference is crazy.

10 hours ago, AnneElliot said:

Please think of aftercare. Who will monitor you if you have complications once your back home?

I spoke with my PCP prior to surgery and she was more than happy to provide my aftercare. Frankly she was a lot angrier at my piss poor insurance company than me about going to Mexico for surgery that she felt I needed. Please remember we would all love to have surgery in our hometown, we are being forced to find a reasonable alternative by our insurance companies and greedy American health care providers. If your Dr refuses care because you didn't line there pockets for surgery then you should find another Dr. I'm pretty sure they take an oath to help people.

Yes , I'm Canadain and told my family Dr. Already.

20 hours ago, CanucKnucklehead said:

I'm glad to hear this...I am booked with Dr Illan on March 13th so it's great to hear about other people's positive experiences!

Oh my! That's MY date with him, too!! See you there!!!

@fatgirlfreed that's awesome!! Feel free to message me anytime and I look forward to meeting (and recovering with) you!!

I am scheduled for march 16th with Dr. Illan, hoping to find someone that will be there with me too!