WLS Abroad

Hi all!  Im wondering if anyone has had WLS outside of the US for financial reasons?  I am seriously considering but need advice.

I went to India, and am very happy with my DS, although if I were to do it again today, I'd go to Ungson in MX, or MAYBE to a US surgeon with a good enough cash pay price. There are some top notch surgeons everywhere in the world, but I think the US hospitals suck compared to other countries I've been in. 

Research your surgeon regardless of where you go - US or otherwise. When you go outside the US to a place that often caters to medical tourists, the accommodations can be quite luxurious which is nice, but don't neglect to check things like their infection rates. That's one of my biggest fears when it comes to staying in medical facilities now.

I think there is a forum for people who had surgery in Mexico. You can also do a search (Little magnifying glass on upper right) and find posts about this.

Ok.  Wonderful!  thank you, NYMom222:)

You'll want to be highly selective when selecting a surgeon abroad.  There are some truly talented surgeons outside of the US, but their numbers are matched by some real butchers who will promise you the world for pennies on the dollar and you end up with something totally different.  Just this week, one patient is in an induced coma while another discovered she got an experimental procedure instead of the procedure she asked for.  Go for real-live recommendations from real people instead of a good web site and price.  I also heard there is special insurance you can purchase that may cover any complications - as a self pay inside or outside of the US, this is a good idea, since I'm sure you're not in a position to afford hundreds of thousands of dollars.

For Mexico, I'd recommend Dr. Gilberto Ungson over any other.

For Brazil, Dr. Jao Marchanesi

For Spain, Dr. Baltazar

I am an American living in Belgium.  I had both my original and revision surgery done here by the Professeur Guy-Bernard Cadiere who is a world famous bariatric surgeon and I can't recommend him and hie weight loss clinic enough.  Definitely worth looking elsewhere if you can't find what you need at home.

Here are some helpful links for the surgeons that Valerie gave to you and the Mexico MB:

Mexico Message Board
Dr. Ungson
Dr. Jao Marchanesi 
Dr. Balthazar

I have insurance, but I decided to self-pay abroad. It would take up to 9 months to receive my surgery through my insurer.

I had my VSG on 01/19 with Dr. Lopez in Tijuana, MX at Vida hospital. It was the best medical experience I've ever had, and I do intend to return to Mexico for any plastics I may need after I reach goal.

I am not sure where in the country/world you are located but you need to take a big consideration into mind - will a local WLS doc take over your care after you have had surgery abroad. I live in the heartland of the US and my doc in suburban Chi-town will not take on a patient that has had surgery in another country.

Thank you Christine, I haven't asked...