Travel Expectations: Revision Surgery with Dr. Ponce de Leon

Good evening, 

I am looking into having revision surgery from Lapband to Sleeve in Mexico with Dr. Jaime Ponce de Leon at the Florence Hospital.

I will be flying from Florida to San Diego, and would like to know what advice you have for traveling. When should I arrive, how long does it take to get to and from the airport. Has anyone stayed at the Lucerna Hotel? What was your impression? 

Did you take only US Dollars or convert any cash to Pesos. 

Did you run into issues with international phone and/or data charges on your phone, or get a temporary plan while you were traveling?

What did you not take or consider that you wish you would have after having gone through the trip and surgery?

 

And, any other helpful hints that you can think to share. 

 

Thanks so much!!!

Samantha 

I do not know about WLS in Mexico but anytime I have traveled to Mexico, I have used American dollars without any problem. Good luck.

Thanks so much for the information. Hopefully, I will be posting the outcome soon! Have a wonderful day!

I had my surgery at Florence hospital, although with a different doctor.  I would suggest you converting a little money to pesos before going.  I always do it with my bank prior to going (I go to Mexico usually once a year, for vacation).  I wouldn't do too much as you will mostly be in the hospital and at the hotel recovering.  I would suggest that you pack as light as possible as my doctor told me not to lift anything above 10 lbs for a month after surgery.  The hospital has Wifi and I would suggest you use that to contact family/friends rather than international phone call because it's free.  Good luck on your upcoming surgery. 

That's all great information! Thank you! I am hoping to be able to lock down a date for sure today or tomorrow, then the nervous waiting will begin. If you don't mind, which doctor did you use? Also, how did you find the Florence Hospital to be? Clean, helpful, etc. Thanks!

Dr Ponce did my VSG (not a revision) and just in case you have any doubts about his abilities, I understand that he is not only one of the top surgeons in MX, but he's also the 'go to guy' for many other Mexican surgeons who have difficult cases, including revisions. All the best to you!  

I have heard that he is very skilled in difficult revision cases. I did have a concern today when I learned that NONE of the doctors who I have been researching are certified as a bariatric surgeon, nor are the hospitals designated as a bariatric center. Did you find this concerning, or feel that it could have gone better with an "official" bariatric specialist? 

Thank you!

I'm not sure those designations apply in Mexico. 

I read a post that listed these designations for surgeons and hospitals in MX. i will try to find it, and post, although, I JUST booked my flight and confirmed surgery with Dr. Ponce de Leon for January 25th!!!!! OMG. 

A surgery date!  That's so exciting!  

Regarding certification, I've heard of a handful of Mexican surgeons completing the American certification process, but have never heard of a Mexican hospital being certified.  Mind you, if American health insurers are looking at utilizing some of the skilled surgeons in Mexico to save costs, the hospitals could indeed be moving toward certification of some type.  I'd love to see that post if you can find it :-)