abandoned by US Dr.s, going to Mexico! :-@

Well, the uncertainty of where and how I was going to get my RNY has finally been resolved. I am a registered nurse and a long time working tax payer and the united states health care system has turned it's back on me. I cannot find a surgeon who charges less than $20,000 for a RNY (for their cash clients that is). However, several of them will accept the $13,000 that medicare reimburses.....they just won't let me pay that amount. The wonderful hospital that I work for jumped on the cash "cow" of bariatric surgery and quickly implemented a surgery program to reap the financial rewards of this lucrative surgery, however....they wrote into their own insurance policy an exclusion for any WLS for their own employees.....nice, huh? Other hospital in my town has done the exact same thing. I have tried to barter with two physicians on providing me the surgery for the negotiated price that they provide their other patients (insurance, medicare/medicaid)...but no such luck. So.....after much tears and heartache, I am going to Mexico. For geographical ease, I have chosen Monterrey and am leaning heavily toward a Dr. Roberto Rumbault who is reportedly world renowned. I have been emailing some of his clients through OH and reading their testimonies and so far, I've heard great things. My PCP will be finding out soon that I am going and I believe that no matter how he feels about the surgery, that he will be supportive and will take care of me. He is a good christian man who believes in the oath he took. I also am priveledged to work with a great gastroenterologist that I will hopefully follow up with if I have any problems. I am still resentful and angry that I have worked so hard for the US Healthcare system and it has failed me! I am seriously considering contacting local media about my plight after I have surgery to let the public know that they DO have options. I would love any info about post op diet, surgeons in Mexico, and Monterrey Mexico. My husband is a big tough hick with a horrid fear of flying so we will be going by ground. It's sounding like a wretched pain in the patootie to drive your own car into Mexico, so I am looking into various ground travel and leaning heavily toward driving to San Antonio and taking Americanos bus into Monterrey. I've emailed a few surgeons there for more info but am leaning very heavily to Dr. Roberto Rumbault. Thanks for listening. Hope to see everyone in January at Springfield support group. I'm needing any advice anyone can give right now.......feeling a little bummed. thanks! victoria

did you check Dr. hornbostel office. they are wonderful to work with. he charges $3,700.00 for his services, and the hospital will work with you sure of it. why dont you try that. Good Luck God Bless Melodie

Yes, Dr. Hornbostel is very good, my grandfather had a Lap Band done by him. Mexico?? I thought you wanted to LIVE??!?!?!?!? Hee.

I just returned from Mexico for my DS and it was fantastic. The hospital looked like any I would walk into here in St. Louis County and the care was wonderful. I did a LOT of research and was thrilled with my surgeon - he had more experience with the procedure than most US surgeons.