I thought Mexico was for street tacos and reposada, not bariatric surgery

If you go to a foreign country for the surgery, I'm sure you don't go back there for follow up appointments, right? where are your follow up appointments done?

My ins requires a BMI of >35 with comorbidities before they cover the procedure. If I choose to have the surgery done overseas and self pay, what are the BMI and comorbidity requirements?

Can anyone with nothing other then being willing to pay just walk in and say, hey I want to get this surgery?

I would expect similar requirements to get this procedure done elsewhere, too.  These requirements are not unreasonable at all, and it can be downright dangerous to do it on someone who is smaller, because of how powerful the results are.

I had my DS in Nashville, TN---and six months later, my surgeon retired. Since then, my PCP has done all my labs, etc. It's just important to educate yourself about what labs you need, and how to interpret your results. Few PCPs understand the DS, and you really need one that's willing to learn. I tell my PCP what I need, and she orders it.

Docs in other countries have standards too.  Just like docs here.

Since you are self-pay, you may have more flexibility than if you have to deal with insurance.

Most people do follow-up with their doc in the states.  The surgeon is a cutter.  After you are cut and healed there are many options for post-op care.

I had my done by  Dr. Ungson based on the recommendation on this site and I could not be happier.  I use my failed lap band doctor for follow up although since I live in AZ if I had to I could drive 3 hours and have my labs drawn and my original doctor would assist me.  Cost was a big issue for me.  Plus my lap band doc was suggesting an MD in Mexico for a procedure which was not as good as the DS.  I figured if an MD was recommending someone I should at the very least consider what the vets had to say on this board.  I reached out to Dr Ungson and after several emails and a phone call and him reviewing my medical file I had to commit to ten days in Mexico or he would not do it as he insists on good post op care.  It took a lot of arranging to leave my life and go there for ten days as I work and I have a child but it was important enough to me to make the necessary arrangements and I am thrilled I did. 

There is a lot of talent outside the borders of the US.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of hacks that prey on the desperate, too.  It pays to do a lot of research, get real American testimonials and be highly selective.

Just had my surgery with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali.  I received excellent care for 1/6 the cost of the surgery in the states.  My insurance completely excludes wls.  I have found a nutritionist locally who works with post-op bariatric patients and she is going to help me with labs, etc.  I am welcome to return to Dr. A for follow up in person and must do do in writing and on the phone for at least a year.   The staff is extremely responsive and helpful  I have never had such good care in the US and I spend $18,000 a year for insurance.