Hi everyone! Newbie here. Been researching WLS in Mexico. I like what I've seen so far from Dr Illan. I have two questions:

Were there any unexpected costs? We would be driving to Mexico so we would not need taxi/uber.

How was your pain controlled? I read about a physician who wanted $1k extra for a pain pump and wouldn't give any narcotics (even while inpatient) to control post-op pain

Thanks in advance for your replies!!

There were no unexpected costs. You may want to bring some extra money to tip the valets, buy medications at the pharmacy, and buy stuff to take home.

We are given pain meds at the hospital and given a prescription for more, as well as for omeprazole.

They put pain meds in the IV at the hospital, and sent pills along to the hotel. I never took any of the pain pills.

You'll need money for food/tips/souvenirs. A few hundred will be plenty.

I hope you are comfortable with driving there. (I wouldn't be!) People walk right out in front of the cars all the time! Eek! The taxis didn't cost much.

I would park at the Airport and get a ride over the Border with a BariatricPal driver for several reasons mostly because it allows your Companion to have a worry free trip and focus on helping you. Also on the trip back the time saved on going through the medical lane alone would be worth it. I would also like to add you will Extremely Surprised at how well you will be treated. It is like a Vacation with a Surgery thrown in.

I agree with 2 liter! Let them do the driving!

Hi everyone! Newbie here. Been researching WLS in Mexico. I like what I've seen so far from Dr Illan. I have two questions:
Were there any unexpected costs? We would be driving to Mexico so we would not need taxi/uber.
How was your pain controlled? I read about a physician who wanted $1k extra for a pain pump and wouldn't give any narcotics (even while inpatient) to control post-op pain
Thanks in advance for your replies!!

Hi, you will be on two pain killer regimen medications and narcotics if needed. Our patients safety and confort is top priority!

Sent from my SM-G935F using BariatricPal mobile app

I never really took anything for pain once I left the hospital except Tylenol.

There were no extra costs like everyone else said. It was a great experience and the valets will take good care of you.

No extra costs at all. and let them do the driving

Thank you all for your replies. It is helpful to hear that pain management is a priority! As for the driving, my husband and I drive to TJ/Rosarito several times a year so driving in Mexico isn't an issue for us [emoji4]

No extras except tips, food for companion and spending money. I was never really in any pain (except for a few dry heaving episodes). There is no pain med pump but the nurses monitor your meds closely. I can't believe they would charge extra for that. Craziness.

You will be in excellent hands with Dr. Illan and the staff at Oasis of Hope. Not to mention the BariatricPal team who are amazing.

I'm here now with dr illan...it was a great experience...the hospital staff and dr illan will provide all u need...they r amazing at managing pain!!

I have not had surgery yet (still researching) but was told that in the event a Haital hernia is found there would be an extra charge. Seeing this appears to be very common and something that should be repaired I would think you should plan for this cost. I'm just not sure what form a payment is accepted as I don't plan on bringing a large amount of cash with me to have to worry about ( I will be going alone). Not sure if anyone can comment on this or has had experience with how it was handled.

It was my understanding that they would need $500 to do the repair. It's kinda tricky since you don't want to bring a lot of cash, but you don't know whether you'll need the repair or not. You could bring a cashier's check, then if you don't get the procedure, you bring the cashier's check back home with you and redeposit it. Talk with your coordinator about it, and I'm sure there is a good solution...