QOTD: Has Anyone Here Had Their Surgery Performed Far Far Away???

I was just wondering after reading the positive feedback from a website that was advertised here (www.drjoya.com) had anyone ever considered or actually had their surgery performed by a doctor that wasn't in the states? There is a considerable difference in pricing and I usually wouldn't even consider this myself, but again there is great feedback given and wonderful before and after pictures. What are your thoughts? Jamille

I actually did a lot of research on Dr. Joya before figuring out I could get my insurance to pay.  I have lots of opinions, but since they are based on what I've read and not on direct experience, it probably wouldn't be fair to share it. You might check out the South of the Border forum for more info from people who've had surgery in Mexico or Central America

Opinions are definitely welcomed.

Hi there, My experience there was great for the most part. The first night was the worst and from there on out it was much easier. I would say the only difference is that in the states most of the time they put you on that machine the you click the button for pain relief. They don't do that there. They try to use more of the non-narcotic pain relievers. That being said when the nurses saw I was wired after the surgery and could not get comfortable one of them came in with a needle for my IV and I asked what that was...it was morphine. So after that I was able to rest and the next day was 10x better. I also want to add that the drs are so very caring. As far as going to PV for the surgery...a total plus. It was so beautiful and warm and just awesome being there. I was in the hospital from Monday night to Wed morning...than off to the resort which is so nice. Spent Wed to Sat there. They sent a dr to check on me everyday while I was there but the truth be told--I only saw him on Thursday and that was when I was walking on the paths around the place. The drs do things in Mexico time and when he said he would be there at 9 he did not show up and it was an hour later I took off and went outside to walk and enjoy that day. I really didn't need to be seen after they turned me loose. I felt pretty ok for just having surgery and did not have many complaints. The only other thing I would say was hard about being there is there is a language barrier with the nurses. Most of them do not know any english and some no a few words. That was a bit difficult. All the drs spoke great english though. Good luck to you figuring out which way you want to go. The only other things we had to pay extra on was my dh's airline ticket and the bill for eating at the resort. For us it came to a whooping $28 for the three days. Dh ate the continental breakfast there everyday plus their is this thing called the Crab Shack and the fellow that runs that does it on tips...it is like an orderve(sp) thing with beer and pop. So he only ate one big meal a day. There is a Walmart that is very close to that area(we got all bottled water there)...my dh would walk there from the hospital to get what he needed. It is also close to the resort too. Oh we did have to buy some supplies for taking care of my incisions after we went to the resort. Got some gauze and tape and some bigger bandaids. But you could pack that stuff and take it with you. They have wonderful chicken broth at the dining place that is by the beach. Also up front in check in is a vendor that sells the best ever tasting mexican fruit popsicles. If you have any more questions at all please feel free to email me. Anything at all. I wish you good luck on this wonderful journey your about to go on. I can't believe I am three months out and almost 80lbs lighter. I can only imagine were I will be a yr from now. Well like I said anymore questions at all feel free! Cathy

Hijack - WOW Cathy! You are doing great - CONGRATULATIONS on the great loss!

Hi Kelly Jo.... I see your date is moving on up...bet your getting excited and nervous. I thank you so much for the compliments and soon you will be receiving yours! It is very exciting and to think that in a yr I maybe at a normal weight.. or close that that...unbelievable. thanks again...your a sweetie! Cathy

Cathy, I know on a past question of the day there was a tube mentioned that needed to be placed in your nose to go to your stomach after certain surgeries. It terrified me to think about it and even gives me goose bumps typing about it. Was this something that you had to experience? Jamille

Hi there Jamille, Well I had the Gastric Sleeve and not RNY...so I don't really know. They did place a tube down me when I was out for the operation though..it is called a bougie. They used that as a guide for stapling my stomach after they removed 80% of it. But I was never aware of it and it was out before I woke up. Someone here that had RNY might be able to answer that question way better than me. I don't know what kind of surgery your looking into. But if you want to know more about Gastric Sleeve...I know quite a bit about that one. I did have a drain tube after surgery. It was no biggie though. It was hanging out of one of my incisions and was taken out before I left the hospital. I had one on my last c-section too. So I knew a bit about it before this one. Thank you for your nice pm by the way! Hugs to you and have a very nice weekend..enjoy those kiddos, my boys are due home from school here soon! Cathy 

Thanks again Cathy, I am interested in the Lap Band procedure.  First I need to come up with the mula then I will contact Dr. Joya and find out, but I'm thinking the tube might not be necessary for a lapband procedure.  I'm sure when I get to that point he'll give me all the info I need. Jamille Hope you and your family have a great weekend as well!