General question about going to Mexico

sleepyjean · September 27, 2005

I know a lot of people have had the procedure done in Mexico because they were denied by their health insurer here, or because they had to self-pay and it’s significantly less expensive down there.

Forgive me if the answer is here and I just haven’t found it, but do you have to go through a process to be eligible for the procedure in Mexico? What is involved? I’ve been skimming some of the information here and it seems like you just tell them you want it, they give you a physical, and then they just schedule the surgery. Is there more to it?

I’m researching this as an option as I am a borderline case and may be denied by healthnet. Also, I live in Los Angeles and Mexico is just a hop skip and a jump away, so I’d be able to go back for fills.

For people who don’t go back, how do you find someone else to do the fills? I don’t think my insurer would cover fills for a procedure they didn’t cover…?

Thanks

SJ

mercedes · September 27, 2005

Hi,

That's about it. I didn't have to do anything except those things. I was low BMI and so I knew that they would not do it for me here in the states. I was afraid that even they (Mex) may turn me down, so I tried to gain a few lbs, stupid I know, but I was bent on having this done before I spiralled even further down that obesity road!

They would have done it w/o the extra 4 lbs I was able to put on! For such a simple procedure, it's ridiculous not to. Boob jobs are just as risky, so why do people get to have that done in the US and not the band???

I do believe that (almost) anyone will get it if they want it. There's nothing wrong with that either.

After researching, I was happy to know that Mexico has some of the finest MD's doing the procedure. I just picked the best one I could find. Honestly, I trust Dr. Ortiz and Martinez so much that I really am set on going back for at least my first fill. It's going to be extremely inconvenient for a slew of reasons right now, BUT I know it will be done right.

It's more expesive for me to do it that way because of the flight out and the hotel, but I really trust them the most. I will get the rest of the fills done here, but the first one, I want them to do.

the best me · September 27, 2005

When I filled out the online form for Dr Kuri I wondered if I was eligible. My BMI was 37 or 38 so I thought I might be...come to find out I'm eligible in the US with co-morbidities. So it wasn't much of a problem for me. I think in MX most docs will do it no problem for BMI's over 30. Got money? Get Band. They WILL turn you down, though, if you don't pass the pre-op testing. So, it looks as though you would be eligible, even there, where you can go and get your band before you get obesity-related illnesses and health problems. If you are a "take charge of my own health" type of person, you should do well.

Research your doc of choice well. I'm a happy Kuri patient. www.Beliteweight.com if you want to research. Good luck!

CaliQueenBee · September 28, 2005

I too went with Ortiz & Martinez in TJ and have no regrets. They're very experienced and from all the research I did, one of the best. I live close to SD, so it was a quick drive down and totally worth it. They do send you a long health questionnaire you have to complete and send in but nothing like the US. You schedule your appt, some consult with the nutritionist and you come down. They do blood work, test your lungs, ekg, consult with the nutritionist and whatever else they feel is necessary to make sure you can handle surgery. It took me about an hour after I got there to have everything done, surgery the next am and the following morning released. Very simple and almost painless!

La_madam · September 29, 2005

I too went with Ortiz & Martinez in TJ and have no regrets. They're very experienced and from all the research I did, one of the best. I

I too went with Dr. Ortiz & Martinez in TJ and have no regrets either. I did not have to be approved as long as my pre op tests came back good I was good to go.

RTWISDALE · October 17, 2005

I also went to Mexico my Doctor was Dr. Lopez you will here good things and bad things about all Doctors just do you research and alll will work out. I did have a hard time finding a Doctor near me to do my fills but I have finally found one and my first fill is Nov. 3 yea!!!!!!!!. You will not have a problem (if you got the money honey they got the time).....I wasn't to happy about the followup care that they said they would give. Phone monthly noway haven't heard from them at all. My Sister also had her surgery done she finally called them and they called her back. They were to call the following week to give us a list of Doctors in our area for fills no call........... Make sure you also check on followup care. I know I chose not to got back for fills but give me some bedside manner please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Surgery went great I and my Sister are doing well and losing weight not as fast as we would like but losing...... Good luck