Would You Consider Surgery Abroad?

[Alex Brecher 10,494]

What would you do if you could not afford weight loss surgery in the U.S., What if your health insurance company made you jump through too many hoops before promising to reimburse your surgery, or you did not like the surgeon you would be assigned to if you got surgery through your health insurance?

Thousands of weight loss surgery patients a year are choosing to go abroad for their weight loss surgeries, with many of them going to Mexico. Would you go?

It sounds scary at first, starting with the language barrier and an unfamiliar hospital. You may be confused about getting your passport in order, and about arranging ground transportation. And what about aftercare once you are back home?

Still, there are a lot of potential benefits! The cost can be a fraction the cost in the U.S., with promises of care as good as you would get in the U.S. You can also choose to have your surgery done at a Center of Excellence as designated by the Surgical Review Center.

What, if anything, could convince you to get your surgery done in another country? A promise of English-speaking staff? An aftercare plan that includes providers near your home? A positive video chat with your potential surgeon? The ability to get your surgery as part of a package offered by an American company that coordinates everything from surgery to ground transportation to paperwork?

Share your thoughts about surgery abroad here!

[Newme17 3,444]

I have thought of it, but the hubby said no. ? so that's that. It's more of the unknown of what could potentially happen. So, I'm jumping hoops and waiting. It's all good though. I really do think there's better preparation to having it in the states. My opinion, of course.

[Andrea F 48]

I wouldn't. I live in Canada and our healthcare system pays for this treatment for obesity. Also, the news here are quick to point out the people who have come back with complications.

Now, our healthcare system does pay... but I had to wait 2 years. It's a first come first serve system. Waiting can be anywhere from 6 months to 7 years + depending on where you live in our country.

[2-Liter 364]

If you asked me 6 months ago I would have said NO but after finding out that the $4.25 per hour self-pay plan Insurance that I have refused to pay for Bariatrics I changed my mind. I did the research spoke to 20 or more patients of the Dr. I chose. Followed him on Facebook and watched his surgeries on You Tube. I set the date and immediately started eating like I had already had the surgery. Feb 24th came and I boarded the plane for the trip that would change my Life forever. From the moment we landed everything was taken care of, I have NEVER been treated so well in my Life. The facility was Awesome and exactly as the pictures on the website had shown. The Staff was caring, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable. Every time they explained what they were doing before they did it. My Surgeon was able to answer all my questions and put me at ease. My companion had 24hr access to a Valet that was nothing short of Perfect. She was waited on like Royalty. After the Surgery and leak test on the third day we were moved to a excellent Hotel and Casino and were treated to unlimited access to Tijuana and all its neat sites. I never felt scared or in Danger. US with Insurance $24,000 Self-Pay $18,000 Bariatric Pal $4,400 plus $500 because I had a high BMI. That was total unlike here in the states when you would get 3 or 4 more bills for everyone else service. I can't tell you how pleased I am with Dr. Illan and the life saving surgery he performed. Bill Yanez and Stacy and the whole Bariatric-Pal team are so efficient and Awesome that now I have a whole new Perspective on Mexico and all of the Wonderful People That Call it Home.

[summerset 5,261]

If insurance won't pay for plastics I'm definitely going to consider doing plastics abroad though only if everything seems to be organized well enough (e. g. the hospital being used to foreign patients and staff speaking English all the way through, maybe even some German).

[RJrocks 69]

Yes I would. Had I known now how long the process would take and how affordable it can be done in Mexico I would have opted for it. Only 2 more months of wait to go but it's been a long 15 month wait for me

[AK_Bookworm 116]

Prior to last year I would have never even thought about weight loss surgery let alone abroad. My best friend told me about her dad's journey last year and I started my research... then she also went and that's when I was like ok WLS isn't the stereotypes that I thought before (I was the one who thought it was the "easy way out") I said ok. I looked into my insurance and what do you know they cover weight loss surgery... but all the hoops, not having an in network provider here (I'm in Alaska so driving to another state isn't an option), and most likely paying more out of pocket than going to Mexico lead me to go with Mexico instead. I'm going in May and I am completely relaxed and ready because of all the stories, videos, and research I've done, watched and read. I already know I'll be getting plastics out of the country as well when I am that point in my journey. When I tell people I'm going to Mexico they have the same reaction I would have had before so I'm just trying to do a lot of education and I can't wait to share my experience after surgery in order to help even just one person decide it's not anything like what many misconceive surgery abroad to be.

[maggieO 33]

This is my plan... I have heard really good things about the surgeon I have chosen.

[1poundatatime 174]

I could have had it done in Canada for free (well, paid for by tax payers), but the wait lists are very long. I looked at private pay in both Canada and the US and made the decision to go to Mexico.

I'm 2 weeks post-op and am very pleased with my experience. I would definitely recommend it to others with the caveat of always doing lots of research first to ensure you find a reputable doctor and facility.