Hi All -- I have been looking into lower impact WLS and after consulting with a doctor, I think that the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty would be the best choice for me. However, my insurance does not cover the procedure and of course cost is a concern. I know that bariatric surgery is a big component of Medical Tourism, so I'm wondering if there are any clinics outside the US that offer it at a lower cost than stateside? I would prefer Mexico but would consider India or other such options. Thanks. [Cross posted from the ESG forum.]

Yes, you can get the surgery for lower cost outside the US. But if there are complications (like what happened to my friend who got her bypass in Mexico) you are left without support and can end up costing way more. My friend got an infection and ended up in ICU and needing more surgery. She was basically sent home after surgery and left to fend for herself. I am sure not all cases end like this, but it seems like taking more of a risk than necessary. JMHO.

Have you checked out Nordbariatric in Lithuania? Well spoken English and goes into doctors background and team. If you prefer Mexico, my cousin had hers done at mexicali bariatric center.

I am going to Mexico on 9/30 for sleeve surgery on 10/1. I did a lot of research and my final decision was to go with Bariatric Pal Hospital in Tijuana. You can find lots of WLS centers in Mexico, just do your research. Oh, and btw, before you go check to see about follow up with you pcp/med insurance. Mine will not cover visits for that specific issue, however, I have spoken with my pcp and I think I have found a way around it.

If not, I will be going to another clinic and just pay for the visits out of pocket.

Would you mind telling me the way around the insurance covering visits with PCP, I have insurance, under my husbands policy at work, they will cover him for bariatric surgery, but not me, and we pay to have me covered. Insurance is a rip off!

My insurance will not pay for any visits that might be related to my sleeve surgery, since wls isn’t covered to begin with. However, my pcp might be willing to code it differently for billing purposes.